Born 17/08/1919 in Chatham, On., the son of Mr. Thomas and Hazel Harris of 749 Queen St., Chatham, ON. Attended public school in Chatham and graduated from grade XII from the Chatham Vocational School in 1937, specialized in electricity. Prior to enlisting Thomas was employed as an electrician working for O. J. Boyer, electrical contractor in Chatham 1937 – 38. He gained his ‘Journeyman Electrician’ at the Boyer Electrical in Chatham paid $40.00/week.

Thomas married Miss Jenny Karel at the Baptist Church by Rev. E. C. Wood 30 Nov., 1940.  She was his next of kin.  In attendance L/Cpl. Gerald Lenover and Pte. Howard BeeCroft (in marriage photo).  

Thomas enlisted 14/08/1940 in Chatham with the First Kent Regt. as a Private with mobilization.  He served 52 months in service in Canada. Serving as a regimental NCO until 29 April 1943. In August of 1942 he was training at Vernon, BC. A photo of Thomas along with other Kent Regt. soldiers are in a photo of “No.3 Platoon, C.B/O.T.S (A-31). 

He reached the rank of Sergeant when he was recommended for a commission by Col. Codlin.  He took his officers training course at Calgary. The CDN 10/03/44 reported that Bedford was a commissioned Lieutenant  at Victoria, BC. 14/02/1942. At the time of his commission he and wife Jenny were living at 84 Adelaide St., Chatham, ON.

Served with the Kent Regiment until January 1945.  Went overseas and was attached to the 3rd. Wing Canadian Training School. He disembarked in the UK. 9/01/45. He served in the UK. For three months and 5 months in North West Europe  overseas with the Perth Regt.  Thomas returned to Canada 29 October, 1945.    Was promoted several times and held the rank of Lieutenant when discharged. Saw action in Holland.

Discharged December 7th, 1945.

Thomas had daughters Karen Diane (26/07/41), Janet Marie (10/07/45) and sons Thomas William (3/03/49) and Timothy John) 16/07/57) and Patti Ann (22/09/59) 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

IODE(P), CDN (10/07/41, 10/03/44, 26/10/45, 1/11/45), KCFA, T. Harris

Birthplace	Chatham, Ontario
Religion	Baptist
Marital Status	Married
When Enlisted	August 14th, 1940
Next of Kin	Wife- Mrs. Jenny Harris

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