Born 23/02/1920  in Merlin or Petrolia, ON., Son of Joseph (3130209 1^st WOR. WWI.) and Edith (nee Evans) Gillespie or R.R.#3 Merlin; brother of Gordon and James E., sister Dorothy (Authier), Fern, Verna, Betty Lou, Vernon, Ken.  He grew up in and was educated in Port Alma, Kent co., ON.

Pte. Joe Gillespie was reported being at No.12 Basic Training Centre at Chatham in October of 1941. The Merlin Standard 30/10/41 reported that Joe was at his parents on a week-end leave. He was again reported on leave from No. 12 BTC 20/11/41 for a weekend leave. His transfer to the RCNVR would have happened after that leave.  

Joe enlisted in the RCNVR 3/12/1941 at HMCS Hunter at Windsor, ON. He trained at HMCS Cornwallis from 14 July – 4 September 1942 He served aboard HMCS Kenogami (Avalon) for two years on convoy duty on the ‘Newfie Run’ from Newfoundland to Great Britain and at times to Gibraltar.

It was reported in the Merlin Standard (1944 date unknown) that Seaman Gillespie and a Seaman Noble Dware (Montreal) spent a week-end in Merlin with his parents.    

The Merlin Standard 27/07/44 reported that AB Seaman was returning to the east coast after spending a 28 day furlough at his home in Merlin.

He did shore duty in Montreal, Victoria and Prince Rupert, BC. He was discharged from the Navy at Windsor, ON. on 31/08/1945.

Married Myra (nee Walker) and they had a daughter Myra Lynn.

Joseph passed away 10 March, 1984 and is buried at Ouvry Cemetery.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

PA/GWI, MD-RH, NB(P), J. Currie - Notes, MS

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