Looking for Canadian Veterans.......

Discussion in 'Canadian' started by Mitchell23, Apr 20, 2009.

  1. Mitchell23

    Mitchell23 Junior Member

    Hi. I'm looking for any Canadian vetrans who may have known my grandfather. He was Sapper James Munro of the 3rd Field Company R.C.E.
    He enlisted in Grande Prarie, Alberta, and was in Italy for a lot of his service. Unfortunately my grandfather passed away in 1997, and I did not get to hear his stories about the war and his army friends. I would love to know more, so if anyone out there knew grandpa, or has any info, it would be greatly appreciated! Thank-you!
    -Kirstie

    I also have more pictures he took during the war of men in his company in an album on my profile page if anyone would like to see them.

    That gentleman on the far right is my grandfather, Sapper James Munro
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=98&pictureid=786
     
  2. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Kirstie -
    While I cannot help as I did not know your Grandfather - it might help to learn that the 3rd RCE were attached to the 1st Canadian Infantry Division when they landed in Sicily - 10th July 1943 - and no doubt were with them until they left Italy for Belgium in the February of 1945 - that at least will eliminate the 5th Cdn. Armoured Div who were also in Italy for much of that time.....

    Chers
     
  3. Mitchell23

    Mitchell23 Junior Member

    Thank-you! Every little bit of info helps.
     
  4. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    kristie -
    on looking at the photo of your Grandfather - it might help to see more photos' as to pin down the location might help - as it is - my guess would be that they were on leave when this was taken - witness the open necks with white shirts - hats anywhere end non existent - hand in pockets etc -Italian Star ribbons - at a guess this was not Rome - or Naples as the MP's were dangerous - and Naples particularly did not welcome Canadians -at least by the Americans who thought it was their city - so I would say Campobasso in 1944 as the Canadians were allowed to relax there - at any time.....

    Cheers
     
  5. Elven6

    Elven6 Discharged

    It might be a long shot but have you tried visiting the Royal Canadian Legion? Perhaps you may find someone who knew of your grandfather or even someone that could get you in touch with someone who did.
     
  6. Mitchell23

    Mitchell23 Junior Member

    Thanks for all the info. The picture was actually taken in Holland.
     
  7. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Kristie -
    so Holland - early spring 1945
     
  8. Mitchell23

    Mitchell23 Junior Member

    Yes, I believe so. That is what my mum has told me. I can't read what is says in his service book, though. The writing is very small and hard to figure out. There is also an underground newspaper that he brought back from there that thanks the Allied troops coming through with a special message to Canadian troops entering Amsterdam, but there is no date on it.
     
  9. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Kirstie -
    I think that you will find that the 1st Cdn Div started the push to enter Amsterdam on May 3rd '45 - after a truce which allowed a fleet of aircraft to drop tons of food on the City for the starving population....so the newspaper account would be after that date.......

    if you can hold of the book -from your local library - "The Canadians in Europe" by Lt. Col. Stacey - this is the official history of that campaign and you will find that the 1st Cdn Div entered Belguim around the middle of February '45 after leaving Italy and landing in France in the south near Marsailles - the other book - "The Canadians in Italy 1943-45 " is by Lt.Col. Nicholson - will give you the whole history of their actions....try your library they will be able to order them in for you...
    Cheers
     
  10. Mitchell23

    Mitchell23 Junior Member

    Thanks for the help, I will be sure to look for those!
     
  11. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Kristie -
    Dawson Creek has a copy - much battered - of the Italian campaign - you can it it via your local library for at least two weeks which is enough time to read it all......
    Cheers
     
  12. Mitchell23

    Mitchell23 Junior Member

    Excellent!! I will have to do a little road trip on Monday to see if i can find it. Thanks!
     
  13. Mitchell23

    Mitchell23 Junior Member

    It might be a long shot but have you tried visiting the Royal Canadian Legion? Perhaps you may find someone who knew of your grandfather or even someone that could get you in touch with someone who did.

    Thanks. The men at the legion here did know my grandfather, because he was well known around here, but as he enlisted in a different town, no one here fought with him. Will keep trying, though!
     

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