The son of Mr. and Mrs. James ( a veteran of WWI – 50^th Battalion) Willder who were in charge of the Canadian Legion Club on 29 Victoria Ave., Chatham. James’s wife is Mary Willder.  Two other brothers were also serving, Gnr. William enlisted 10 Sept. 1939 with the 12^th Battery RCA and Gnr. James  age 21 enlisted with the First Kents in July 1940 he transferred to the artillery.

His parents received notification that Gnr. Willder was “officially reported Wounded in action”. In action in Italy on 21 February, 1944; “The nature and extent of wounds not yet available”.

Thomas was 32 years old when he enlisted 4 July, 1940 and he had been overseas since Christmas that year. CDN 29/02/44

Next of kin listed as Mrs. M. D. Wilder of 66 Lansdowne Ave., Chatham, ON. CDN 8/09/45 – Arrived from overseas on “Empress of Scotland. Arrived in Chatham 02:30 aboard C.P.R. welcomed by city aldermen Goodman, Day and Copeland.

Previous Military Experience… Served with the Kent Regiment (MG)

History After Enlistment… Served in Italy, France and Germany. Was wounded in the Italian Campaign.

Date of Discharge… October 15th 1945

 

Thomas A. Willder 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

IODE(N), Courtesy of D. Miller, Libby's Scrapbook

Age	Melbourne, Ont. [sic]
Birthplace	1913 [sic]
Religion	Salvation Army
Marital Status	Single
When Enlisted	July 1939
Next of Kin	Mary Willder (Mother)

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