| Rank | Gunner |
| Service # | A-32132 |
| Unit # | 7th Field Regiment-R.C.A. |
| Resident | Chatham |
Born in 1920, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James (a veteran of WWI – 50th Battalion) and Mary (Harrigan) Willder who were in charge of the Canadian Legion Club on 29 Victoria Ave., Chatham. The brother of Evelyn (Jeffery)Tom, Jean (Hanson), Jack and James. Gnr. William Charles enlisted 10 Sept. 1939 with the 12th Battery RCA. Two other brothers also served, James Edward and Gnr. Thomas Austin A28266, 2nd LAA-RCA.
The husband of Nettaline Mary Louise Keller (wife) of Mitchell’s Bay, Kent County in 1945. They had nine children. The father of Jeanette Martin (Lawrence), Glenis Lawrence (James), Wendy Howes (Howard), Gaylene Young, Louanne Willder (deceased Feb. 18, 2004), Dava Robichaud (Yvon), James (Cindy), Joseph (deceased Aug. 18, 2013 (Judy) and Dale (Dolores).
IODE(P), CDN-Obit (Nettaline) 5/09/12.
William enlisted at the outbreak of the war 10 September, 1939 to 1945 with the 12th Field Battery, 7th Field Regt., Royal Canadian Artillery.
Previous Military Experience… None
History After Enlistment… Served overseas in France and Germany.
The Wallaceburg News 2/10/41 reported that Pte. William, 1st Kents stationed near Halifax was on leave to see his daughter, born at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chatham.
The CDN 26/06/45 reported that he was aboard a ‘hospital ship expected to dock on or about 29 June, 1945
William Charles was living at 59 ½ Lansdowne Ave., Chatham, ON. when he was discharged from military service in August, 1945. CDN 21/08/45 William enlisted 10 Sept. 1939 to 1945 with the 12th Battery, 7th Field Regt., RCA and Gnr. Thomas Austin A28266, 2nd LAA-RCA.
William passed away in 20 September, 1989 at the age of 69 years old, interment in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Chatham.
William Charles, James Edward, Thomas A. Willder (All brothers in Service)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | IODE(P), CDN, LM-LP, GOHS, CDN-Obit 5/09/12 (Nattaline), CFF-F44, Janet V., D. Robichaud, Daughter, KCFA, Courtesy of D. Miller, Libby's Scrapbook |
| Age | born 1920 |
| Birthplace | Stratford, Ont. |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Marital Status | Married |
| When Enlisted | September 1939 |
| Next of Kin | Ethleen Willder (Wife) Mitchell's Bay |
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