Joseph Ross Wilson

1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-1945 War Medal

Royal Canadian Army Service Corps

WW II

Joseph Ross Wilson was born 29 July 1918 to John and Ellen Emma (Ross) Wilson. He was a farmer’s son from Whitewater, Manitoba. He grew up on the farm and was educated at the Petersburg School in Whitewater. Joseph had 9 siblings Lillian Gertrude, William John, Maude Ellen (Nellie), Charlotte Edith May, Robert Henry (Harry), Thomas Henry (Ted), Marry Hannah, Hazel Alice and Roland Alexander. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Winnipeg on 25 June 1940.

Private Wilson’s training began in Winnipeg and continued at Camp Hughes in Shilo, Manitoba. He was transferred to Nova Scotia and trained in the Bay of Fundy area where weather and terrain conditions resembled those of Southern England. He was eventually posted to Cuckfield, Sussex, England. Like many young Canadians, stationed in England during the war years, Pte Wilson met a young English woman, Geraldine Elizabeth (Betty) Hammond. They were married on 19 February 1943. Their first child, Gerald, was born in Cuckfield.

Pte Wilson was a member of operation “Overlord”, the “D” Day invasion that landed the allies in France, and the Canadians at Juno Beach on the morning of 6 June 1944. He was a driver with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) and as such delivered food, arms, ammunition, fuel and anything else that was needed by the troops on the front lines. On return trips he often transported Prisoners Of War (POW) to POW camps.

At wars end, Joseph returned to Canada and, as was the case with other war brides and families, his wife Betty and son Gerald followed a short time after. Joseph was raised on the farm and after demobilization became a farmer once again, raising grain, cattle and horses. His family grew. He and Betty had 3 more children, Madalyn Elizabeth, Colin John and James Robert. Joseph farmed until his passing on 31 August 1993. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 10, in Boissevain, Manitoba.

Pte Joseph Ross Wilson is buried at the Boissevain & Morton Cemetery and is commemorated at the Juno Beach Centre with a plaque that was unveiled by his great-granddaughter, Abigayle in 2019.

Information from family, Library and Archives Canada.