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Photograph of Wilfred Laurier "Laurie" Melbourne, son of Charles and Kennetta (Ogilvie) Melbourne. He was a WWII soldier who was killed in action on February 4th, 1945 when his aircraft collided with another over Courtil, Belgium.

Municipality : Hamilton
Community : Ontario

Description : Brad Walker was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on December 1, 1917. He enlisted in the Air Force, Fighter Command on May 27, 1940, and served in Canada until December 1st of that year, when he was sent to the United Kingdom. On December 21st, Walker was assigned to the 403 Squadron RCAF at Manston, Kent. He piloted a Spitfire, conducting Fighter Sweeps, escorting bombers and ships, carrying out ground strafing as well as keeping enemy runways out of commission. Squadron Commander Walker saw action in two tours of duty, making 203 operational flights against the enemy, in both the Hurricane, and Spitfire V to IX. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at a Royal Investiture on June 6th, 1942, for Leadership and Meritorious Service in the Air, mentioned in Despatches twice, and awarded the American Air Medal from the U.S. government, in recognition of leading air combats against the Japanese invading forces. Brad Walker moved to Bradford in 1951.

Rose Magloughlen worked for the Canadian Postal Corps in Halifax during World War II, first at the naval base fleet office, and then at the Royal Canadian Naval Hospital.

Lou Neilly (centre). Other two soldiers are unknown

"With Our Men in Uniform" was a weekly column where letters or the location of Bradford and West Gwillimbury troops in the Second World War was disclosed to the town. It was a way to give updates on their conditions, or let the soldiers themselves thank the community for any gifts, support, or to say how they were doing overseas.

This week promoted three letters from soldiers, the location and well-being of Hedley Dimock and letter of thanks from Ken Ogilvie.

"Dear Mr. McKenzie:
I would like to thank you and the members of the bradford Canadian Corps Association for your kindness extended to me while in this country. I wish to thank the Corps for their regular assignment of cigarettes. It is hard to express one's appreciation for Canadian cigarettes, as the English fags are very interior when compared to ours.
I have been receiving a very welcome visitor weekly in the form of The Bradford Witness. It keeps me well abreast with all the local happening and recalls to one the days at home. I wish to thank you and the Hon. Earl Rowe for making this possible.
I haven't met anyone from Bradford or vicinity over here in my wanderings, but, judging from your column, "With the Men in Uniform," in The Witness, it is well represented.
Thanking you again, I remain, Respectfully yours, Harold Wilson."

A few of the medals received by Myra Wood for military service in World War I as a nursing sister, serving in Greece, England and Malta.

The Roll of Honour Book at the War Museum in Seoul showing the Canadian flag and the number of lives sacrificed from Canada for peace in Korea.

A wall plaque at the War Museum in Seoul, Korea, that indicated the Nations that took part in the Korean war and the number of veterans who lay down their lives for peace in Korea.

The basket of gorgeous red roses provided by Mr. Yu-Chui Park, Ph.D., The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to be placed at the grave of "Lieutenant M.C. Vipond," at The UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Korea. The beautiful arm spray or roses, mums etc. all done in yellow tones was from David, Lorraine and Sarah Mantle.