521 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND VAN DER LAAN, Melchior Franciscus “Van” “Mels” Mels was born in Haarlem Hospital, The Netherlands on July 27, 1936, the son of Jan and Adrienne, youngest of five. He witnessed the surrender of Germany in May 1945 after five years of war and he saw Canadian soldiers marching down the Heerwnweg of Lisse. In December 1955, Mels immigrated to Canada. He enlisted at Qualicum Beach, British Columbia in April 1961 with the Canadian Forces joining the Provosts and transferring the same year to the RCE. He served in Canada in Chilliwack, British Columbia while completing a mechanical course. He was posted to 2wks coy, Toronto then Europe NATO. Next Sydney, Nova Scotia and the Dew Line; Armstrong, Ontario; Prince George, British Columbia; Shilo, Manitoba and Air Command Winnipeg, where his team made sure the radar systems was operating. He went to training system in Trenton, Ontario. Van was posted to Cyprus UN in 1973 and with 27 years plus seven with DND, he retired to CFB London. He was discharged in July 1988. He is a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Victory Branch 317 for the past 37 years and farms in Middlesex Centre. WALLER, William Lister William was born on June 21, 1894 in Thedford, Ontario and resided there until 1920. On June 14, 1918, he enlisted in the Army with the 1st Depot Battalion Regiment. He served in England and France during World War I. William was discharged on January 21, 1919 and his name is on the Veteran’s List at the United Church. William farmed near Thedford, Ontario. VOLWAY, Joseph James Joseph was born on February 6, 1899 in Petrolia, Ontario, the son of Joseph and Catherine Volway. Joseph enlisted in the Army on February 14, 1916 in Arkona, Ontario joining the 149th Battalion, B. Coy. His unit sailed on the SS Southland to England. Joseph trained and served in England, transferring to the Canadian Machine Gun Brigade. He served in France in April 1918. Joseph was killed in action in France on August 8, 1918. He is buried at Hangard Wood British Cemetery Somme, France. His mother received the Memorial Cross and Plaque and Scroll in 1920.
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