The son of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Merilees of 67 Murray Street, Chatham, ON., the brother of Stewart William also in the RCAF.

Robert enlisted in 1941 with the RCAF.

The CDN 9/03/43 reported that their son Robert who had been staying with his parents for two weeks had departed for Belleville. He had visited with sisters Mrs. Robert Williams of Greenville, Ohio and Mrs. Owen Schaefer of Troy Ohio.  

Sgt Merilees had received his ‘wings’ in November 1943 had been taking a commando course. The CDN 22/03/44 reported that Robert was in hospital “convalescing from serious injuries a result of an accident while on practice maneuver’s at Three Rivers, PQ.”   Details were lacking but it was understood that a bullet struck him in the neck and pierced one of his ribs which resulted having some of the rib removed. The young pilot was in very serious condition, having several blood transfusions and was place under an oxygen tent. Neither his parents nor his wife had anymore details.  The CDN 4/07/44 Reported that Sgt. Merilees who was at number 4 Convalescent Home in Montreal was on a 48 hour leave to visit his wife and son Robert Keith and his parents. At the end of this leave he reported back to the Montreal home for further medical care.

Sgt. Merilees married last fall, he had been in Lachine taking a course. The CDN Sep. 44 (P) reported that he had a young son and he and his mother lived on Murray St., Chatham. He was also posted overseas.

Severely wounded in Commando Training at Three Rivers Quebec. Hospitalized seventy eight days and in convalescent hospital eight weeks. Posted for overseas duty. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant Pilot.

The CDN 22/03/44 reported that Robert was in hospital “convalescing from serious injuries a result of an accident while on practice maneuvers at Three Rivers, PQ.”

Discharged September 22nd, 1945.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

IODE, VR, CCI-RH, CDN(3)

Birthplace	London, Ontario
Religion	Protestant
Marital Status	Married
When Enlisted	July 1941
Next of Kin	Wife- Mrs. Claire Merilees

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