437 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND STEWART, Melville George “Mel” Mel was born in Dixie, Ontario on July 12, 1920. He chose to voluntarily enlist on May 9, 1941 into the RCAF. He trained as a Radar Mechanic at McMaster University, Hamilton, before being posted overseas in October 1941 where he was sent to an RAF station on the Isle of Wight. Throughout the war, Mel served in England, France and Germany, earning the rank of Sergeant. Upon his discharge in September 1945, Mel received the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp. He returned home to the Port Credit area, where he lived, established a business, had a family and retired, enjoying travelling and sailing until he passed away on June 25, 1996. STRICKLAND, John Henry John was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland on June 9, 1945. He enlisted in the Army on April 15, 1961 with the Royal Regiment of Canada Fort York Armouries Toronto and served in Canada. As one of the student reservist, he trained five days a week in the summer of 1961. In the second year he transferred to the Regimental Band. He flew to Winnipeg with the band to parade in five cities in Saskatchewan for the 100th Anniversary of the Regiment. As they were in Cold War, John wanted to serve as his father John Henry Strickland had in World War II as a merchant marine. He was discharged on October 17, 1963. John has been a member of the Legion Branch 05 and Legion Branch 524 for a total of eighteen years. STRATH, John William “Jack” Jack was born on October 30, 1923 in Toronto, Ontario. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force on April 28, 1942 to become a Flying Officer. After his training, he was posted to the Royal Air Force 166 (Bulldog) Squadron in England. Jack was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on December 1, 1944 for his courage under fire and skillful airmanship as the aircraft Captain. He literally flew his heavily damaged Lancaster aircraft back to England landing it safely at Woodbridge. Jack completed thirty sorties on heavily defended targets in Germany and occupied territory and logged in approximately 148 operational flying hours. Jack was considered a magnificent and reliable pilot who always remained clam in the face of danger. His medals include the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and the War Medal 1939-1945. Jack was honourably discharged on August 31, 1945 at the rank of Captain and passed away on August 19, 2013.
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