Rank | Private |
Service # | A 118282 |
Unit # | Canadian Armored Corps, Highland Light Infantry of Canada, Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Army |
Resident | Wallaceburg, Ontario, Windsor, Ontario |
James was born in Wallaceburg, Ontario on March 27th, 1909.
His mother was living at 124 Nelson St., Wallaceburg, he also had a brother Petty Officer Douglas M. Simpson RCNVR. Married to Jane (nee Foster) she and their daughter were living with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Foster of 25 Huron St., Wallaceburg.
Russell enlisted at Windsor, ON. in July of 1942. He did his basic training at No.12 BTC – Chatham and then at Camp Borden before going overseas in early February, 1944. Russell was wounded 2/10/1944 when a mine exploded in Belgium wounding him in the arm, back and chest. WN date unknown.
Next of Kin, Mrs. Jane Irene Simpson (Foster); They had 4 children.
Place of Enlistment, Windsor, Ontario on July 2nd, 1943;
Address at Enlistment, 1165 Ottawa Street, Windsor Ontario;
Theatre of Service, France, Belgium;
James’ son writes: “Our father volunteered in WW 2 from July 2, 1943 until discharged on June 18, 1945. On October 2, 1944, he was severely wounded when another soldier stepped on a land mine. There were 2 others killed and 22 wounded. Father’s wounds were to his left and right arms, both legs, upper chest and back with multiple fractures. Father spent the rest of his tour in England in the hospital until his discharge. Considering all the others involved and the serious injuries, Father would very rarely talk about the war but did tell us if he had to do it again he would do it in a minute , even though the war is a horrible thing to witness in the end we all have freedom and peace of mind living in Canada and this is all that matters. Thank you for the time to tell a little of our father’s history in the Service of our Country of which we are sincerely proud of him.”
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