| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Service # | A21889 |
| Unit # | Essex Scottish Regiment |
Son of Mr. Nelson and Mrs. Mary Jane Labonte of Canal St., Tilbury, ON.
Prior to his enlistment he was employed as a delivery boy. He had four brothers and four sisters, his brother Leo was enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the Kent Regt. (Reserve)
He enlisted in 1940 at the age of 19 with the Essex Scottish. In letter to his parents Eugene remarked, “Over here they call me the Tilbury Flash”. He went overseas in 1941 and on 19 August, 1942, Eugene was listed as MIA, later he officially became a POW at Dieppe. CDN 16/09/42(P) He was released after 3 ½ years captivity in May of 1945 and was taken to England.CDN 17/07/45 (P). Reported returning from overseas duty aboard the vessel Queen Mary docking at New York City. CDN 11/07/45.
He married Betty (Lewis) Pierce, wife of Doug Pierce who was KIA in France. They had two children Bob and Bonnie and Betty’s son Ron Stephen.
Gene passed away 20 January, 1999 at the age of 78 years old.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | CDN (17-07-1945), CDN (11-07-1945) |
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