487 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND VENCLIK, Jan Jan was born in Hlucin, Czechoslovakia on March 3, 1925. He joined the 1st Czech Independent Armoured Brigade on August 22, 1944 in England. He served in England, France and Czechoslovakia during World War II. He was soon sent to France to join the Normandy campaign, and then lay siege to the energetic 15,500-man German garrison at Dunkirk, where he remained for most of the war. As a Gunner in a Cromwell tank, Jan spent much time attacking and being attacked by the besieged Germans until their surrender in May of 1945. Jan then marched to Prague, reaching the city on May 18, 1945, eight days after the arrival of Soviet-sponsored Czechoslovak troops. Here he was under the command of George Patton’s Army and faced off against the Sovietbacked Czech Army for over six months. He was discharged in April of 1946. Jan was decorated three times. He received the Commemorative Medal of the Czechoslovak Army Abroad, the Czechoslovak medal for Gallantry in the face of the enemy, and The Czech Presidential Decoration from Dr. Edvard Beneš. Jan has been a member of the Fred Gies Legion Branch 50 for 36 years. VERNON, Robert F. Robert was born in the Reach Township in Ontario, Canada on December 29, 1915. He enlisted in the Army on April 27, 1944 with the HQ 2 Cdn Army Group Royal Artillery. He served as a Gunner in Canada, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. His regiment number was B161104 and his badge number, 946585 #2DD. He received the France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp and the War Medal 1939-1945. Robert was discharged on May 30, 1946. He returned to his wife Elma and son and joined his father-in-law’s Reesor Fuel and Lumber business in Port Perry. He was the father of three boys, Robert, John and Peter and one Daughter, Marianne. Robert had been a member of the Port Perry Legion Branch 419 for 41 years before he passed away on September 3, 1987. VENNING, Charles Gilbert “Charlie” Charles was born in Blackstock, Ontario on September 26, 1896. He enlisted in the Army on January 21, 1916, joining the 136th Battalion; this Battalion later joined the 75th. He served in England and in France. At Vimy Ridge, his unit attacked German trenches during a gas attack. A young private and Charlie were wounded. Both Canadians “played dead” as German soldiers argued about shooting the Canadians. A German officer ordered them taken prisoner. Records show him as a wounded Prisoner of War at Munster on June 4, 1917, spending two years at Munster and Senelag. Toronto Star reported, when Armistice was signed, Charlie refused to work any longer for the Germans. He was thrown in jail for two weeks while the others were released. He was discharged on April 2, 1919 as a member of the 75th Battalion. During World War II, Charlie trained troops. He and Ella raised five children. He worked as a carpenter and Postmaster at Blackstock Post Office. Charlie passed away on April 7, 1962.
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