The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 89 EDWARDS, James Francis “Stocky” WWII Stocky was born on June 5, 1921 in Nokomis, Saskatchewan. He served in the Air Force from 1940 to 1972. He had an impressive military career. He served with the 94 Squadron, 260 Squadron, 417 Squadron, 92 Squadron and 274 Squadron. During the Second World War, he made a name as one of Canada’s best aces. While flying in Europe and the North African Campaign he was credited with nineteen victories, two shared, six and a half probable, seventeen damaged and twelve destroyed ground units. It is said in all reality that it is much higher by those that flew with him. He has flown many different aircraft including a R40, Spitfire XVI and Sabres. After the war he stayed with the Canadian Forces making his way to Lt. Col. Helping to train new pilots. In 1983 a book called “Kittyhawk pilot: Wing Commander J.F. (Stocky) Edwards” was published about his wartime experiences. His decoration include: Distinguished Flying Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Canadian Forces Decoration and two Clasps, Order of Canada, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and Canada Aviation Hall of Fame. EDWARDS, William James “Jim” WWII Jim was born on March 4, 1924 on the family farm near LeBret, Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the Army at Regina, SK on June 1, 1942 and served with the 83rd Company Tank Brigade in Europe and Italy until the end of the Second World War. Upon returning home, Jim joined The Royal Canadian Legion and remained a member there for 65 years. He married in 1953 and farmed in LeBret until hail forced him to find employment elsewhere. Jim worked for the Department of Highways at Fort Qu’Appelle and Assiniboia. In 1972, they moved to Calgary where Jim worked building roof trusses. When he retired they moved back to Moose Jaw and then Assiniboia to be near family for their remaining years. Jim passed away in June 2013. ELLERT, Peter Jacob “Pete” WWII Pete was born in Tompkins, Saskatchewan in 1919. He took three months basic training in Regina and then joined the Royal Canadian Artillery in March 1941. He then took basic artillery training in Brandon and Shilo, Manitoba. They went to Debert, Nova Scotia. In April 1942, they went overseas to England. Pete served in France, Belgium, Germany and Holland during the Second World War. He met and married his Scottish bride, Helen Murray, in April 1944. Following the war, Pete stayed in England and attended Khaki University to complete his grade twelve. He then returned to Canada in June 1946 and was discharged from depot in Regina with the rank of Lance Sergeant. Pete and Helen raised nine children while farming in Vantage, SK and later moved into Assiniboia, SK to the home they would retire in. Pete has been a member of the Assiniboia Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17 for 48 years.
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