Field of Crosses

2 weeks ago

𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐀 𝐌
Age: 51 – Sgt GL
Date of Death: 09/08/1945

William Archibald Marsh Hallett was born on July 24, 1897, in Southampton, England, the son of Thomas and Julia Hallett. He had two brothers and four sisters. After completing Grade XII, he worked as a clerk in a jewellery store. William came to Canada in 1913 and served during both World War I and World War II. He married Lillian Florence Hallett of Calgary on March 5, 1919, and they had two children. William was self employed as he worked their family farm in Mirror, Alberta. He was very active in the community as a Chairman of the School Board for several years, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Legion in the town of Alix, Alberta.

During the First World War, William served from November 11, 1915, through to February 20, 1920, as a Private in the 7th Battalion, 1st British Columbia Regiment CEF as a machine gunner, serving overseas on the Western Front. His service number was 183137.

During the Second World War, William re-enlisted on March 20, 1941, with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, service number M/50263 and was placed on the Canadian Army General List for the 13 District Deport. Serving in Edmonton for 2 years as an instructor, promoted to Sergeant on 22 December 1942. Later assigned to Calgary, stationed at Mewata Armory as an instructor, and during this time, was an instructor for 2 years to the Red Cross.

On August 9, 1945, while in active service, William died of natural causes, a coronary heart attack at the age of 51. He was awarded the War Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal without Clasp.

Sergeant William A M Hallett is buried in the Field of Honour, Calgary Burnsland Cemetery.

Each November during the Eleven Days of Remembrance in Calgary, Alberta, the Field of Crosses commemorates Sargeant William A M Hallett.

www.fieldofcrosses.com/

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Field of Crosses

1 month ago

Victory over Japan, VJ-Day

On the 6 and 9 of August 1945, the United States detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The surrender of the Empire of Japan was announced by Emperor Hirohito on August 15, 1945, concluding hostilities in the Pacific Theater. The official document signing of Japan’s surrender occurred on September 2, 1945, thus ending World War II.

With this surrender, prisoners of war could be released and return home. Canadian service personnel endured three and a half years of captivity. The Battle of Hong Kong was fought between December 8 and 25, 1941, when they defended the Hong Kong Garrison against the advancing Japanese army. Approximately 1,689 Canadians from the Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers were captured when the Governor of Hong Kong ordered their surrender. Notably, over 1,400 prisoners survived the ordeal.

Eight thousand Canadians served in Southeast Asia, India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Many were members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), frequently assigned to British units. The RCAF’s 435 and 436 Squadrons transported equipment and personnel in India and Burma (now Myanmar), while 413 Squadron patrolled the Indian Ocean, searching for Japanese ships and submarines.

Below, children, family members, and soldiers reading The Globe and Mail declaring “Peace at Last” on the front page.

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Field of Crosses

1 month ago

𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐇 VC DSC
Age: 24 – Lt RCNVR
Date of Death: 12/03/1945

Robert Hampton Gray was born in Trail, British Columbia on 2 November 1917, the son of John Balfour and Wilhelmina Gray of Nelson, BC. Robert was the brother of Phyllis Gray-Gautschi and brother to Flight Sergeant John (Jack) Balfour Gray who was killed in action on 27 February 1942 while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Robert was educated at Nelson BC, graduating from High School in June 1936. In the fall, he entered University of Alberta completing one year, then transferred to the University of British Columbia, intending to obtain a medical degree. Undertaking four years of university studies, he abruptly left university to enlist in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) on 18 July 1940 at HMCS Tecumseh, in Calgary, service number V13438. Originally sent to England for Able Seaman training, he decided to join the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm to become a naval aviator.

Robert was trained to fly the American-built Corsair, designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations. The Vought F4U Corsair is the iconic American fighter aircraft known for its distinctive gull-wing design.

Robert’s service took him around the world, serving in Britain, South Africa, East Africa and later in the Pacific. His leadership was noticed, he was promoted to Lieutenant and given command of four Corsair pilots. On 14 August 1944, Robert began serving with the 1841 Naval Air Squadron aboard the His Majesty’s Ship Formidable.

In April 1945, HMS Formidable joined the Pacific Fleet to support operations against Okinawa. By July the aircrews began to attack the Japanese main islands. Robert led attacks on enemy airfields, ships, merchant ships and seaplane bases. On July 28 he bombed an enemy destroyer which later sank. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

On August 9, 1945, Robert led an attack on the Japanese destroyer escort, the ‘Amakusa,’ in Onagawa Wan, Japan. Tragically, he was killed in action when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire, he was able to release his bomb load before crashing into the sea.

Lieutenant Robert H Gray was awarded the Victoria Cross.

His Victoria Cross Citation reads:

"For great valour in leading an attack on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa Wan, on 9 August 1945.
“In the face of fire from shore batteries and a heavy concentration of fire from some five warships Lieutenant Gray pressed home his attack, flying very low in order to ensure success, and, although he was hit and his aircraft was in flames, he obtained at least one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. Lieutenant Gray has consistently shown a brilliant fighting spirit and most inspiring leadership.”

Lieutenant Robert H Gray was lost at sea, he is inscribed on the Halifax Memorial, Nova Scotia.

Each November during the Eleven Days of Remembrance in Calgary, Alberta, the Field of Crosses commemorates Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray.

www.fieldofcrosses.com/

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Field of Crosses

1 month ago

𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝
Age: 24 – L/Cpl RCCS
Date of Death: 12/03/1945

Diamond Quon was born on 1 October 1920 in Calgary, Alberta, was the son of Liang Quon and Ng Shee Quon, he had a brother and three sisters.

As a student at Western Canada High School in Calgary, Diamond pursued a trade in motor mechanics. He was also an active sports enthusiast in various activities, skating, tennis, bowling and team sports. He played as a wing in basketball, a quarterback in rugby and a third baseman in softball.

Diamond had prior military experience in the militia with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC). On 8 September 1939 he enlisted in Calgary with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, Line of Communications, service number M/9074. After training in Canada, he was stationed in the United Kingdom from 5 September 1940 until he was sent to France on 16 September 1944.

Tragically, on 10 March 1945, while crossing a road between two transport trucks at the standstill in convoy, one of the vehicles backed up and crushed Diamond against the vehicle immediately behind, he succumbed to his injuries on 12 March 1945 at the age of 24.

Lance Corporal Diamond Quon is buried at Nederweert War Cemetery, Limburg, Netherlands, his memory is honoured on the Roll of Honour at The Chinese Canadian Military Museum in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Each November during the Eleven Days of Remembrance in Calgary, Alberta, the Field of Crosses commemorates Lance Corporal Diamond Quon.

www.fieldofcrosses.com/

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