177 www.on.legion.ca HARPER, Stanley James “Stan” Stanley was born on October 10, 1914, in Berkshire, England. The Harpers immigrated to Canada shortly after Stan was born, settling on a 100-acre farm near Ostic, not far from Guelph. He raised his family in Ostic and Speedside, later relocating to Guelph. During World War II, Stan joined the military in July 1941 with the Army (Regular Force) entering the 69th Light Anti-Aircraft (12th Field Battery) 4th Regiment. Recruits gathered in Brantford initially before completing “Battle Ready” training in England. The regiment was active in Normandy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Post war, Stan was repatriated aboard the Queen Elizabeth II via New York, arriving home in Guelph on December 29, 1945. He trained as a carpenter, eventually receiving a 50-year commendation as a member of Local 785 Carpenter’s Union. Stan and his wife Dorothy travelled to Holland as part of the historic fifty-year commemoration of the Liberation of the Netherlands. Along with fellow veterans, they were billeted and honoured by grateful citizens creating warm and lasting memories. Stan passed away on December 17, 2003 in Guelph, Ontario. HARRIS, Robert James “Bob” Robert James Harris was born in Toronto, the only son of Matthew and “Nellie” (Herbison) on September 21, 1923. Bob enlisted with the RCAF (Regular Force) on August 21, 1942 and began his bombing missions over Germany in 1944. Bob completed his required flights and reenlisted, remaining in active service until September 18, 1945 when he was discharged. He spoke often of his war service, remembering the relationships, the camaraderie and the young men who were lost. He was loud, and his laughter, as he looked for the good in the war would fill a room. He would gather his children and nieces and nephews and act out bombing raids with his hands. Upon his return to Toronto, he used his larger-than-life personality and became a successful salesperson, marrying Ruth Ryan in 1948. Ruth was a legend in World War II appearing in many photo ops for those who worked in the munitions factory. Ruth and Bob had three daughters, Gail, Karin and Debbie. Bob earned his final wings, passing on March 30, 1992, at the age of 68. Ruth died in 2013 at the age of 95. HARRIS, Walter Walter Harris was born on May 4, 1889, in Leamington, England and came to Canada with his wife Amy May Race in September 1913. He had been in the Active Militia with the 12th York Rangers. He enlisted in the Army (Regular Force) with the 127th Battalion, C.E.F., in Aurora on December 20, 1915. Two men sailed with the 127th to Liverpool aboard the S.S. Olympic on August 24, 1916. Walter remained stationed with the 127th and arrived in France on January 13, 1917. His unit was re-designated as the 2nd Canadian Railway Troops, tasked with the construction and maintenance of several grades of track across the battle zone. Walter’s rank was changed to Sapper. On April 18, 1917, Walter was with a work party at Velu Station, east of Lebucquière, France, when explosives planted in an underground tunnel by the Germans exploded, killing and wounding several men. Walter Harris was among the wounded, severely injured with a compound fracture to the base of his skull. Two days later, on April 20, 1917, he died at the No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station at Grévillers. Walter was 27 years old. He was buried nearby at the Grévillers British Cemetery in Bapaume, France. We Will Remember Them Ontario Command
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