The son of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Babcock of St. George Street, Dresden, ON. He had been in service on convoy duty, and despite the stormy weather, he and his shipmates enjoyed their life in the Navy.

Lester was on leave in February at home in Dresden before returning to sea duty. CDN 28/02/42.

The DT 9/04/42 reported that Lester, stationed at Kitchener, had moved to Canadian Active Service. 

The DT 17/06/43 reported “Dresden Boy Injured While at Sea.” 

Lester was aboard a ship at 0400 in the morning just coming off an evening watch in a heavy sea. He fell from the upper deck of the ship, landing on the lower deck, breaking his left arm. He also suffered a severe cut to his right hand. There being no doctor aboard this ship, his arm was not put in a cast for four days. Without doubt, this was troubling to his parents, but his last letter indicated that he was already back at sea. The news article finished “Canadians should be more than proud of our Navy – they delived the goods.” 

Alec Pattison of Dresden reported that Les Babcock, Jim Bedell, Charlie Breaton, Harry Kyle, Gordon Tricker, Lewis Wilmott, and Clifford Whitson had somehow gotten together for a Dresden Boys “Get Together” in Italy in February 1944. 

The DT 16/11/44 reported that Stoc. Petty Officer had spent a weekend at his parents home. 

Discharged October 19th, 1945.

Lester passed away 28 December, 2004 at the age of 84 years.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	C.V.S.M. with Clasp
Sources	KCFA, IODE-CM(P), GOHS, CDN

Age	21
Birthplace	Born- November 9th, 1920
When Enlisted	June 2nd, 1941
Next of Kin	Parents- Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Babcock

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