LEST WE FORGET 183 JAPP, Arthur Wood Russell WWI Russell was born on July 25, 1897 or 1898 (his service record states that the correct birthdate was 1899) in Lambton, Ontario to Arthur Cossar and Susan Jane (Marquet) Japp. The family had nine children. Arthur came west with his family and they lived in Saskatchewan and in Alberta. He was working as a messenger for the City of Edmonton when he tried enlisting on December 6, 1915 but was turned down (underage). He enlisted on April 21, 1916 in Edmonton with the 66th Battalion (although he was still underage). He transferred to the 49th on June 4, 1916 to go to France. His form states “not to be sent overseas until nineteen years of age” but he was only seventeen when he arrived in France on June 8, 1916. He was wounded on September 24, 1916 at Poziers when a shell exploded near him and his left leg was jammed and injured. He spent time in the hospital at Camiers and convalesced for two months at hospitals in Bromley and Clapton in England. He was transferred to CCAC duty and the 9th Reserve, Russell returned to Canada and was discharged in Edmonton on March 23, 1919. He married Victoria Elizabeth Zuvicha. Russell tried to enlist in World War II in Vancouver several times but was declared physically unfit. He died on February 14, 1966, at the age of 67, and is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver. Both Russell and his father are listed as “Men of the 49th Battalion CEF.” JASPER, Joseph John WWII Joseph was born in Drinkwater, Saskatchewan on June 9, 1907. He served in the Army as a driver, mechanic and fitter with the RCOC in Italy, France, England and Holland from April 7, 1941 to January 30, 1946. While serving overseas during World War II, Joe attended a comedy at a theatre. Joe had a very distinctive laugh. When the movie ended, Joe walked out of the theatre, and standing there was Archie Minelli, a neighbour from home. Archie said, “I knew that had to be you, Joe, as I could hear your laugh, and sure enough it was you.” Archie Minelli was also serving his country.
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