Born 10/03/1923, the son of Mr.William ‘Bill’ and Julia (nee Gatzmnyler) Toomer of  Merlin, Tilbury East, Kent Co., ON. Vernon was one of 16 children; Nora, Joseph, Clarence, Wilbert, George, Martha, Walter, Herbert, Annie, Minnie, Charles, Samuel, Morley and Marjorie. He attended Jubilee Public School for his early education in Merlin.

Vernon enlisted 4/10/1942. He trained at Peterborough. He was stationed at Camp Borden where he trained as a Dispatch Rider prior to proceeding overseas in April of 1943. He was serving as a dispatch rider when killed.

KIA Date of Death: 07/10/1943, age 20 years, in Italy.

The following is the article found in the Merlin Standard shortly after his death in November 1943:

“Pte. Vern Toomer Killed in Action

The sad news was received here on Monday of last week of the death in Italy of Pte. Vernon Worden Toomer, who gave his life in the cause of freedom.

A letter dated October 24 received from the Department of National Defense by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Toomer of Merlin stated:

‘I deeply regret to inform you that your son, B133834 Private Vernon Worden Toomer, gave his life in the Service of his Country in the Mediterranean Theatre of War on the 7th day of October, 1943. 

‘ From official information we have received, your son was killed in action against the enemy. You may be assured that any additional information received will be communicated to you without any delay.

‘The Minister of National Defence and the members of the Army Council have asked me to express to you and your family their sincere sympathy in your bereavement.

‘We pay tribute to the sacrifice so bravely made.

‘Signed, Major General H.F.G. Letson, Adjutant General.’

Pte. Toomer was born 20 years ago last March in Tilbury East township and was educated at the Jubilee School. There are thirteen members of the family left, consisting of five girls and eight boys. 

He joined the army on October 4th, 1942 and went overseas in April of this year. He received his training at Camp Borden and Peterborough. He was a dispatch rider.

Pte. Toomer was a member of the United Church at Burlington and it is believed that memorial services will be held locally in the near future. 

The community is proud of this boy who so bravely gave his life for his country. His parents and family can well be proud of him and at the same time they have the sympathy of the people of this district in the loss of a loved one.

The following poem was written by his sister, Wilhelmine —

‘Vernon Worden Toomer was his name.

That he was killed in action was not a shame

Because he died for a cause– 

To keep the British laws;

And though he’s gone,

We love him just the same.’

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources	TT (22/ 10/43, 28/10/43), IOSD, MD-RH, MUC-RH, CWGC, RCLM, DMS, CVWM, Merlin Standard (??-11-1943), Merlin United Church 1870 – 1995 Roll of Honour
Supplemental Information	Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. H. 16. Cemetery: MORO RIVER CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY. Merlin United Church 1870 – 1995 Roll of Honour. Index of Overseas Deaths. TT 28/10/43, IOSD.

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