| Rank | Private, Corporal |
| Service # | A470526 |
| Unit # | R.C.A.F. |
| Resident | Wallaceburg |
Appears on the “Muster Roll” of the 2nd Bn., Kent Regiment (MG), N.P.A.N. (date unknown). Ken was from Wallaceburg, ON. Son of William H. Colwell of Wallaceburg. Before his enlistment he was employed at the Wallaceburg News. He was also a well known athlete in the Wallaceburg area playing rugby, soft ball, basketball and hockey. Ken was very interested in sports before enlisting in particular basketball and was a star on the Knox Presbyterian team that won two championships. Kenneth later transferred to the RCAF as a Sgt.
The WN 5/12/40 reported that Ken had been an active member in 2nd N.P.A.M battalion, Kent Regt.
In November of 1940 Ken reported the the RCAF Manning Pool – Toronto and from there he began his traing in the RCAF.
Kenneth was reported in the RCAF stationed at RCAF-Mountianview when the WN 10/07/41 reported he was home at Clay Creek on a weekend leave. Still at Mountainview he was on a weeks leave in October. WN 2/10/41 In November of 1941 he was reported with the rank of LAC and on a ten day leave. WN 20/11/41 Kenneth was transferred to England on active service with the RCAF.
He enlisted shortly after the start of the war joining the RCAF. After receiving his training in Canada he took additional training as a Sergeant Armourer in England and then went on active service with the RCAF.
The WN 4/02/43 reported that a “spot of a re-union” took place while Air craftsman Kenneth along with his bride were taking their wedding trip happened to be visited by two airmen from Wallaceburg in the persons of Captain Floyd Harrington and AC. ‘Ernie’ Norman. According to Kennerh “Tuffy” Harrington proved to be a real host taking the party out for dinner, followed by a theatre party. A good time was had by all. Capt. Harrington was serving in the Canadian Legion Services in London, England.
He took additional training as a Sergeant Armourer in England and then went on active service with the RCAF. After D-Day he went to France and later to Belgium. Ken appeared in a photograph in the WN 2/03/44 along with another Armourer from Toronto installing a 50 Cal. Machine-gun in a Mustang fighter.
After D-Day he went to France and later to Belgium.
While in England he married. Sgt. Colwell was welcomed back to Canada and Wallaceburg in February of 1945 after being away for four years. It was expected that his wife would soon follow him to Wallaceburg. CDN 13-14/02/45. The CDN 13/02/45 reported that Cpl. Colwell was expected to be coming to Canada as soon as possible.
The CDN 14/02/45 reported that Sgt. Colwell and his father W.H. Colwell were the guest speakers at the Wallaceburg Kinsman Club. Not surprisingly Sgt. Colwell was glad to be home after four years service. He was pleased to see all of the growth and development in Wallaceburg. He praised the Kinsman “Milk for Britain” effort. He also reported that some of the milk was being sent to Holland now that it had been liberated. Together the Kinsman clubs had raised $250.00 from each club (Wallaceburg had raised $700.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | CDN (13-02-1945), CDN (14-02-1945), 2KRMR, W-RH, WHSSC, WHS-RH |
| Birthplace | Wallaceburg, Ontario |
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