171 www.on.legion.ca GUEST, Rex Rex was born on a farm in Big Bay Point, Innisfil, Ontario on September 22, 1902. He left the family farm in his twenties to manage the nearby Sherbrooke Farm prior to moving to Barrie to work as a mechanic in the 1930s. Having considered joining the Royal Canadian Air Force for some time, Rex enlisted in Toronto on November 8, 1940. Following postings in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, Rex was assigned his first post overseas in Scotland in February 1943. Rex served as an aero-engine mechanic for the 427 Bomber Squadron also known as the Lion Squadron nicknamed by MGM Studios. MGM presented the Squadron with a bronze lion statue. Prime Minister Winston Churchill also presented the squadron with a real lion cub named Mareth to serve as their mascot. While overseas, Rex was stationed at several places including Derby, East Moor, Leeming, Bristol, and London and received a commendation for “distinguished service” in June 1945. Following VE Day in Europe, Rex returned to Halifax, Canada on June 28, 1945. Then, just a week after the official end of World War II, he was discharged from the RCAF on September 9, 1945. Rex returned to Ontario and made his home in Toronto. He passed away on October 19, 1957. GUNN, Archibald Maythorn Archibald was born on May 25, 1890, in Devon Sound, Ontario, to Angus and Elisabeth (Foster) Gunn. He was a labourer by trade on December 30, 1915, when he enrolled in the Army (Regular Force) with the 119th Overseas Battalion in Marksville, St. Joseph Island, east of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He had previous Militia service when he enrolled. Archibald sailed for England on August 8, 1916 and after landing there he caught the mumps. He was attached to the 58th Battalion and served in France. He was discharged on March 23, 1919 and returned to Canada and married his wife Beatrice. By 1936, he was living in Midland, Michigan. Archibald passed away on July 1, 1976 in Inglis, Florida. HADDEN, William Lawrence William was born August 31, 1884, in St. Joseph Township on St. Joseph Island, east of Sault Ste. Marie, to George and Dinah (Porter) Hadden. His attestation document listed him as a farmer living in Richards Landing, a village on St. Joseph Island. He enrolled in the Army (Regular Force) with the 119th Overseas Battalion on January 3, 1916, and was later transferred to the 52nd Battalion CEF. William sailed for England from Halifax on August 8, 1916. While on duty in France he received gunshot wounds to his left hand and right hip. William was discharged to Canada on December 31, 1918, and discharged from the army as “unfit for duty” on April 18, 1919. He returned to St. Joseph Island and passed away on November 27, 1979, and is buried in St. Joseph Township Cemetery. We Will Remember Them Ontario Command
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