477 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND RIDGE, William “Sammy” Sammy was born in Sarnia, Ontario on October 27, 1921. He was nicknamed “Sammy” for Sampson, a 1930’s ball-player known for strength and accuracy. Enlisting in the Army at the beginning of the Second World War, on October 16, 1939, “Sam” was 18, from Millbrook, Ontario; a mature 23 when the war finally ended. During the war, he advanced from Private to Major as one of the youngest commanding officers. During one encounter, William, leaping from tank to tank to reach an exterior phone, guided the attack on a “pillbox”, thus enabling its destruction; for this, Sam received the Oak Leaf. He led his men through England, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and Holland until wars’ end. William was listed in 3 separate dispatches for Gallant and Distinguished service. In Arnhem (Holland), Sam was pronounced Mayor for a day, as the Perth’s were the first Canadians to arrive in the liberation of the town. He was discharged on January 16, 1946. Post war, He became an active member of the Irish Regiment. He worked 34 years at Yellow Pages TeleDirect; serving the remaining 20 as District Sales Manager. He was devoted husband to Bea for 56 years, loving father, proud Papa and Great-Grandpa. Those knowing William “Sammy” Ridge always looked upon him, in battle and post war years, as a man with warm heart, keen mind and integrity; never sacrificing his men for personal gain and glory. He was a member of Toronto Legion Branch 210 for a few years. Sammy passed away on March 19, 2003. RIVERS, Lawrence Louis Lawrence was born in Massey, Ontario on October 30, 1895. He was the son of Hannah and James Rivers. He enlisted in the Army on November 25, 1915 and served in the 23rd Battalion, Canadian Infantry, Canadian Expeditionary Force, formerly 87 Battalion Grenadier Guards during World War I. Lawrence died at a UK Hospital on June 19, 1918 and is buried in Orpington (all Saints) Churchyard Extension: Kent, United Kingdom, Grave E. 14. RIVERS, James Robert James was born on the River Road in the town of Massey, Ontario on January 13, 1885. He married Eva Rose Darby and they lived on Rivers Lake for a few years, and had two sons there. They moved to farm in Harrow Township, on Brohart Road. They had a total of twelve children. James served in the 119th Battalion in France and England during World War I and World War II. He was active company of the Veteran’s Guard, now called Domtar. He had three sons who were also in the armed forces. They were Melvin, Frank and Henry. James passed away in January 1968.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==