447 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND THOMSON, Esplen W. Esplen was born in 1895 in Sullivan Township, Grey County, ON. Esplen was a farmer prior to and after the war. He enlisted in the Army in January 1916 with the 43rd N.W.R. Bty. He was a teamster during World War I and served in Canada, England and France. He was injured and had a plate in his head. After his discharge on June 8, 1919 he married Josephine Wilson and they had four children – two boys and two girls. He was a member of the Tara Legion Branch 383. Esplen passed away in 1978. TINNEY, Manly A. Manly was born in Coe Hill, Ontario on September 5, 1921. At the age of eighteen he volunteered for military duty in September 1939. He was assigned to the Infantry and sent to The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment at CF Base Camp Borden for training. He accompanied the regiment to the UK for further training. He eventually landed in the Central Mediterranean. He was wounded in July 1943. He was released from the service in June 1945 as he was now physically unable to meet rigorous military standards. He served during World War II in Canada, the United Kingdom and Central Mediterranean. On release he was married in 1945 and resided and worked in many locations in Ontario and eventually returned to Coe Hill. He raised a family of four daughters and one son with his wife Bessie. He was a member of the Legion Branch 581 Coe Hill. Manly passed away on September 19, 1974. THOMSON, George Graham “Gray” George was born in London, Ontario on October 13, 1916. Gray joined the Royal Canadian Regiment on January 23, 1940 at Wolseley Barracks in London, ON during World War II. He trained at Camp Borden and left for Greenwich, Scotland on a ship called Monarch of Bermuda. He was stationed in England, North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium and Holland. He was in Apeldoorn, Holland when the war ended. He drove truck and also guarded airplanes that were shot down, both English and German. He stayed some time at Lady Davenport’s estate in London, England. Gray was shot in the legs and also fought Malaria and jaundice. He spent hospital time in Italy and England. Gray came home aboard the ship Duchess of Bedford and was discharged on October 23, 1945. Gray married Audrey Setterington on March 11, 1947. Gray was an active member of the Pt. Burwell Legion Branch 524. Gray was Sergeant at Arms and led many Remembrance Day and Christmas parades. Gray spoke of his experiences in the war after his grandchildren showed an interest. He then spoke at school events and did interviews. George passed away on January 13, 2014.
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