May, Albert William (A. W.) Photo
Rank Able Seaman
Service # V55305
Unit # R.C.N.V.R.
Resident R. R. #4 Chatham
Books Of Rememberance Page Available

Born in Welland, ON in 1924 the son of Mr. James and Mrs. Annie (nee Dabald) May of Wallaceburg, ON.  The brother of George WO. R197156CDN 19/10/44 and Jean (Warwick).  Husband of Lillian Doris (nee Burnham) for 57 years. The father of Rick, Doug and Lynda (Leno). Albert had just been discharged from the Navy when he married Lillian.

Albert served in WWII in the RCNVR serving at sea aboard the mine sweeper HMCS Vegreville (J257) RCN. The CDN 19/10/44 reported that Albert was on furlough to visit with his family.

Albert enlisted in the Navy 13/04/1943. Albert would spend two years in the Navy. Albert served in WWII in the RCNVR serving at sea aboard the mine sweeper HMCS Vegreville (J257) RCN after his training.  He was involved in the dangerous prelude to the D-Day landing on 6 June, 1944 on a Navy minesweeper clearing paths to the beach for the invasion forces.

After the war Albert returned to Ridgetown driving a steak truck and he worked for many years at KSR until retirement. He played the steel guitar with a country & western band the “Melody Aces”.

Like many veterans of the war he had never claimed his medal. With some urging of his children Albert applied for and received his medals including the 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star with Atlantic Bar; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal 1939-45 and the War Medal. He received these medals in 2002. RIN 6/11/2002 (P).

Albert passed away 11 September, 2017 at Chatham, ON. age 93 years CDN 12/09/17 (P).

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources IODE(P), VR, CDN (9/09/45, 27/09/45), RIN-Obit (wife) (22/10/14.), WN, SGOP
Birthplace Welland
Religion United Church
When Enlisted April 13th, 1943
Next of Kin Parents- Mr. & Mrs. James May

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