143 www.on.legion.ca FENTON, Gordon Thomas “Gord” Gordon Thomas Fenton was born on December 3, 1921, in North Cobalt, Ontario, and as an infant survived the devastating 1922 Northern Ontario fire, during which residents sheltered on the lake for hours as the town burned around them. When World War II began in September 1939, Gord was eager to enlist, but the minimum age was raised to 19 shortly before his birthday. Determined to serve, he altered his birthdate and successfully enlisted on July 31, 1941, in Haileybury, Ontario, joining The Algonquin Regiment, CASF at 18½ years old. He completed initial training at Camp Borden and Port Arthur, later transferring to Shilo Camp, Manitoba, where he received Advanced Infantry Rifle Training, machine–gun instruction, and qualified as a Class III Half–Track Driver. In 1942, he was posted to Newfoundland for 18 months, supporting coastal defence operations alongside the RCAF and RCN by driving transport vehicles and performing general duties. He also served briefly in Nova Scotia before being transferred overseas in June 1943. Gord landed at Juno Beach, Normandy, in July 1944. His regiment took part in Operation Totalizer, intended to link with Worthington Force and advance toward Hill 195. Due to navigational error, the force reached Hill 140 instead, south of Caen, where they came under intense enemy fire without resupply. During the battle, Gord was wounded when an artillery mortar exploded near his Bren Gun Carrier, causing shrapnel injuries that affected him for the rest of his life. He was moved to a nearby woodlot until nightfall, when evacuation became possible. The engagement resulted in 85 killed, 121 wounded, 34 captured, and 47 armoured vehicles lost. Gord was hospitalized in England, then repatriated to Canada in September 1944. After extended treatment, he was discharged from hospital in May 1945 and honourably discharged from the Army in June 1945. His medals include the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, War Medal 1939-1945, and General Service Badge. Gord married in August 1945 and raised seven children. He later served in the Essex Scottish Regiment (Reserves) from 19511953 and was a long–time member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255. Gord passed away on January 12, 2015. FIELD, Cyril George Cyril was born in Cooks Harbour, Newfoundland on March 25, 1932. He enlisted in the Royal CanadianAir Force (Regular Force) on November 17, 1951 and served in France, Germany, and Canada until his release in 1964. Cyril is an eighteenyear member of The Royal Canadian Legion Wallaceburg Branch 18. He has been residing in Chatham/Kent since 1964. We Will Remember Them Ontario Command
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