""HE THAT LOSETH HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE SHALL FIND IT" MATTHEW X.39"
Service number before becoming an Officer M/44895.
Promoted to A/L/Sergeant on March 15, 1941.
Qualified Motor Cycle mechanic on April 23, 1941.
Promoted to Sergeant on May 15, 1941.
Qualified 2nd Lieutenant on October 4, 1941.
To be Lieutenant on November 29, 1941.
The South Alberta Regiment (29th Armd. Reconnaissance Regt) war diary reports on September 10, 1944:
Clear and warm.
At first light "B Squadron crossed the river and took up position in the town. Shortly after "A" Squadron passed through and proceeded to enlarge the bridgehead. The opposition was fairly stiff, Snipers very active and the enemy were wel dug in along the roads.
The going was slow and fighting heavy.
The Commanding Officer commanded the operators from his scout car at the station 869934 (Boomkwekerijstraat, Oostkamp, Belgium). "C" Squadron remained in reserve.
By the end of the day "A" Squadron had worked their way forward to the village LekkerHoek 891945 (crossroad Beverhoutstraat and Lekkerdreef) with 2 Companies of the Lincoln and Welland, where they spent the night.
"B" Squadron remained in Moerbrugge, Belgium with one Troop remaining in the area T-roads at 869951 (Legeweg and Cailliedreef, North of Moerbrugge) with a Company of the Algonquin Regiment.
Rear H.Q., "C" Squadron and AL Ech remained at the RECCE track area 862925 (Kasteelpark Gruuthuse, Oostkamp, Belgium).
Lieutenant Ray Clarke Smith and Lieutenant Wallace Hay Young were both killed during the day's action. Lt. Young was killed instantly while Lt. Smith died on the way to CCP. Both due to Snipers.
As a result of the day's actions the Regiment captured 700 Germans, wiping out one Battalion and the best of one Regiment as well as a few Mortars and capturing 20 Anti Tank guns. Also 1 SP gun was knocked out, type not ascertained as the the range was 1500 yards.
