The son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Heyninck of 192 Forest St., Chatham, ON. Brother of Remie Joseph  (A23397).  CDN 26/01/45.

Served as a bugler with the Second Kents.

Leo enlisted 2 July 1942 giving his birthdate as 26 October, 1923 actually his year of birth was 1924, actually his year of birth was 1924 and therefor he was only 17 ½ years old. He also lived at 196 Forest St., not at his parents and his occupation a “sheet metal worker”.

He had also reported to have served with the 2^nd Kent Battalion from June 1941 to June of 1942. Curator’s Note: He does not appear on the undated ‘Muster Roll’ of the 2^nd Kent Regt. on file, though there are some under aged on the roll.  

After his enlistment he was assigned to the 30^th Recce Regt (aka: Essex Regt. – Tank). He spent four days in the London Military Hospital before leaving for Dundum, SK. 8 June, 43. He trained there as a Trooper and rated Driver – Tracked and Wheeled. He was shipped out to England 29/06/43 

 Leo had been overseas for 2 ½ years seeing action in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany with a tank regiment. Leo arrived in Canada 19 November, 1945 aboard the Queen Elizabeth. CDN 20/11/45(P)

Remained in Canada one year before going overseas in August 1943. Served in Germany, Holland, France and England. Took part in the Battles of Falaise, Leopold Canal, and Hochwauld Forest. Won the 1939 to 1945 Star, the Defence Medal, the France and Germany Star, C.V.S.M. Ribbon was slightly wounded in one eye but had no permanent disability.

Discharged January 15th, 1946.

 

Curators Note: It is extremely unusual for a family member to put the time and effort to memorialize a soldier’s story from enlistment in July of 1942 to his discharge 14 January,1946. In total some 18 pages tell a very good story of an under aged enlistments experiences in WWII.

Many thanks to Joe Heyninck for sharing it with Gathering Our Heroes.       

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	1939-1945 Star, Defence Medal, France & Germany Star
Sources	CFF-FD44, IODE(P), CDN,, BSWV, “A Young Man In War’ - L.F. Heyninck

Birthplace	Chatham, Ontario
Religion	Roman Catholic
When Enlisted	June 1942
Next of Kin	Mother- Mrs. Adelaide

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