From Merlin, Kent Co., ON. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Hoy the brother of Angela (Kerr) It was reported that Vincent had arrived safely in the United Kingdom in September of 1943 and was serving with the Signals Corps at that time.

The following is a letter from Sgmn. Hoy to his family, original published in “Mainly For Seniors Chatham-Kent” dated 27/05/2005 reported by Susanne Drew.

Sgmn. Hoy, V. J.

A.Sec. No. 1 Corp.,

1 Cdn Div Sigs.,

Cdn Army Overseas

 

Rotterdam,

Sunday, 13 May, 1945

 

Dear Family;

You may have seen an account of the tremendous welcome First Division received on entering this city. For miles along the road crowds of cheering happy left room only for our vehicles to creep through. I was driving with one hand and waving and shaking hands with the other. A boil on my right wrist was bruised and broken from incessant hand slapping but I couldn’t resist. The masses who cheered us through the streets of Rotterdam, past the totally destroyed center, to our parking area all crowded our lines until well past mid-night for two days.

Everywhere we go we are a sensation. I have been invited to dozens of homes had everything from beer to pre-war scotch, have attended parties, dances, made speeches, signed hundreds of autographs etc. etc. etc. All this while working regularly every day (15 hours one day and 9 the next).

There has been much hunger here but now planes and ships are bringing in food and we are trying to help with our rations so we hope that soon there will be no more starvation cases, at last. There have been no cigarettes or tobacco here for months and everyone is crazy for a cigarette. I passed out hundreds and soon we will all be non-smokers

I have read the whole plan for our demobilization. According to the point system no extra credit is given for length of time in action. 2 points for Canada and 3 points for overseas, simply.  Therefore I have about 81 points in the system where the range is from 20 to 240 averages.

The Doctor whom I visited and whose son I met at the party has invited me o stay with them. When we are through with the present rush I may move into the room they have for me. Everyone would like to have a Canadian in their house and they’re not enough to go around, nearby. Right now I have my bedroll on the lawn near the truck where I sleep when I have the opportunity.

We had a large church parade this morning – all ranks not on duty went. We (RC’s) went to a large church near here. We have a new Senior Chaplain, Fr. Ryan having returned to Canada – and he asks us to offer the Mass for three intentions: Thanksgiving; for the repose of the souls of those who died; and for strength to successfully come through the difficult period from the present until we are home again. I also included an intention for Mother, this being Mother’s Day and Dad’s soul and prayed for you all. Dad would be happy about all this.

About twelve of us are to be entertained by about 15 nurses at a private dance tomorrow night. We are going to try to rake up a little food for a lunch and supply a few cigarettes for those who like them. Nearly all women smoke here.

The Dr’s son was just here and I am to go there at 6 pm for a bath. He said the maid would have it ready whenever I wanted to go. What a lovely life.

I must say good-bye for this one and write another. Max Marshall’s cigs arrived yesterday and I have written him. The cigs as a rule have not been coming in the last two months.

Lots of love to all and God bless you.

 

-Vince –

TT 30/09/43, RCLM. MD-RH, BFL-Bio.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

TT (30-09-1943), RCLM, MD-RH, BFL

---

Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.