Joined the Merchant Marine in 1943, sent to Prescott, Marine Engineering School for training and then to Halifax where he joined the crew of HSS Allen Park,(one of the ‘Park’ fleet of cargo carries built for the war). John signed off that ship in December 1943, returning to Chatham. In 1944 he signed on the HSS LaFontaine Park this time cruising to India signing off later that year returning to Chatham for Christmas. In January1945 he signed on a ship originally sailing for the West Indies but was rerouted to Newport News for a load of coal, a month later he signed on the Allen Park this time sailing for Manchester, England. He spent three weeks in a Manchester hospital with appendicitis. He would return to Montreal with $20 in his pocket enough to get a train ticket to Chatham. Raymond settled in Chatham, working for 38 years at Ontario Steel Products. CDN 30/04/10.

The husband of Iva (nee Arnold), the father of Rosemary, Bonnie (Deline), Howard, Wayne and Arnold. After the war he worked at Ontario Steel (Arvin Meritor). A member of the Royal Canadian Naval Assoc. and the Canadian Naval Assocciation, as well a member of Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion.

John passed away 4 September, 2013 at the age of 92 “John served his country under the Old Red Duster Flag of the Merchant Navy” ; so read his obituary in the CDN 6/09/13. Interned in the Arnold Cemetery, Louisville, ON.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Supplemental Information

Born in Harwich Twsp.,the son of Howard and Florence (nee Wooding), the brother of Glenn, June and Bertha.

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