People and stories

Captain(N) (Ret'd) William Hargen “Tug” Wilson

Serving on HMCS Ottawa, Bill Wilson helped keep the seas clear on D-Day and the months that followed.

Sergeant (Ret'd) Roland Armitage

At almost 100, Roly Armitage’s Second World War memories remain vivid.

Sapper (Ret'd) Léopold Thibeault

Bridging the past, present and future through remembrance.

Sergeant (Ret’d) Norman Kirby

When his generation’s war came, Kirby answered the call. And he’s never been sorry that he did.

Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) Anton “Tony” Pearson

Anton “Tony” Olaf Pearson was born on 8 March 1925 in Melville, Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces on 15 October 1943, and first joined the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps.

Warrant Officer (Ret'd) George Couture

Seventy-seven years after he began his military career, George Couture found himself at Pier 21 reminiscing about one of the last times he was there.

Private (Ret’d) Ardwell “Art” Eyres

During the Second World War, Ardwell “Art” Eyres served on a troopship that was responsible for bringing thousands of soldiers across the Atlantic to fight in Europe. Over 75 years later, he continues to remember them.

Able Seaman (Ret’d) Charles Starkes

With a father in the Merchant Navy and an uncle who died in the First World War, Charles Starkes’ enlistment in the Royal Navy carried on a tradition of military service in his family. He enlisted in November of 1940. He was 18 years old.

Richard Rohmer Honorary Lieutenant General of the Canadian Armed Forces

Richard Rohmer was born in Hamilton, Ontario. In 1942, when he was 18 years old, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Captain (N)(Ret’d) Harold (Hal) Richard Tilley, CD

“From the day he was born to the day he died he was a naval officer,” says Richard Tilley, son of Harold Tilley.

Master Warrant Officer (Retd) George Chow, CD

Mr. George Chow was born in Victoria, British Columbia in 1921. Two months before his 19th birthday, he went to the recruiting centre at the Bay Street Armoury in Victoria to sign up without his parents’ knowledge.

Women

During the Second World War, the role of women in Canadian society changed dramatically.

Indigenous Veterans

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country.

Black Canadians in Uniform

Often having to overcome great challenges just to enlist in the military, the sacrifices and achievements of Black Canadians over the years have shone through.

Pride in service

Discover and recognize the important military contributions of members of Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Jewish Canadian Service

Many Jewish Canadians had relatives living in occupied Europe during the Second World War, making the call to serve very personal.

British Home Children

Between 1869 and 1948, over 100,000 children arrived in Canada from Great Britain as part of the British Child Emigration Movement.

Chinese Canadians

The story of Chinese Canadian military service is one of determination, courage and honour.

Hockey and the Canadian military

Hockey and war have been connected in our country in many ways for more than a century, and countless hockey players of all skill levels have served in the military.

The Christmas Truce of 1914

Something incredible happened on December 24, 1914. Soldiers from both sides put down their weapons, stepped out of their trenches and enemy really did meet enemy between the trenches.

Private Benjamin Miller

Young Newfoundland and Labradorian Reservist feels kinship with unknown soldier.

Warrant Officer (Retired) Brian Prairie

Brian Prairie is a proud Métis Veteran, eager to carry on their culture and legacy.

Second Lieutenant (Retd) Natalie Chafe-Yuan

What Natalie thought was going to be a straightforward posting for a few months in Canada’s Arctic, turned out to be a defining moment in her life which brought an unexpected end to her military career.

Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) William "Bill" Richards

In 1998, Bill Richards served on a deployment that he deemed one of the most gratifying experiences of his career—right here at home.

Major (Ret'd) Richard Gratton

Richard Gratton served on his home turf in Québec when the 1998 ice storm stopped residents in their tracks.

Major (Ret'd) Daniel Massé

For Daniel Massé, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal 22^e Régiment was a family affair.

Claude "Ollie" Cromwell

Claude "Ollie" Cromwell joined the Canadian Armed forces in 1979 and served in numerous conflicts overseas. He retired in 2019 after 40 years of service.

Roméo Dallaire

“You can't win wars. You can only achieve truce.”

Colonel (Ret'd) Charles Hamel

Charles Hamel comes from a family steeped in military service, and felt serving in the Canadian Armed Forces was a path for him to follow.

Warrant Officer (Ret'd) Kevin 'Sammy' Sampson

At 18, Sammy Sampson was serving with United Nations forces on the Iraq-Iran border as a radio operator, where a ceasefire had recently been reached between the two countries after almost eight years of fighting.

Master Warrant Officer (Ret'd) Mark Charlton

Originally from Belleville, Ontario, Mark Charlton was an Air Cadet and member of the Infantry reserves, before transferring to the regular force in 1979.

Colonel (Ret'd) Gratien Lamontagne

When he was young, Gratien Lamontagne lived near the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville and watched with fascination as planes manoeuvred overhead.

Monty Penney

Monty Penney served in Rwanda and the Balkans. He witnessed the horrors of those conflicts first hand.

Denis Allaire

After joining the Canadian Armed forces on a bet, Denis Allaire faced the realities of conflict in Croatia, Rwanda and Bosnia.

Mike Desmeules

Starting his military career as an administrative clerk, Mike Desmeules served in both the Navy and the Army serving in Egypt and Rwanda.

Maryse Carmichael

For a young Maryse Carmichael, the sky wasn’t the limit—it was only the beginning.

Private Sarah Mizzi

Sarah Mizzi has served on the frontlines of disaster response.

Lieutenant(N) Yuna Hur

Yuna Hur had never thought of serving until one day, she tagged along with friends to a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Recruiting centre.

Shawn Williamson

Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Shawn Williamson was a Sea King flight instructor and air combat systems officer.

Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) William "Bill" Richards

In 1998, Bill Richards served on a deployment that he deemed one of the most gratifying experiences of his career—right here at home.

Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Robert “Bob” Maxwell

Robert Maxwell didn’t join the Royal Canadian Air Force to blaze a trail for future generations, but his 35-year military career would inevitably forge a path for many who followed in his footsteps.

Major (Retd) Luc Lacasse

Luc Lacasse served with the Royal Canadian Air Force for 44 years. He flew airplanes and helicopters across North America, Europe and Central America.

Chief Warrant Officer Dominque Geoffroy

Dominique Geoffroy's decision to accompany his friend to a recruiting centre led to a decades long career, one that saw him deploy on missions around the world.

Major (Ret’d) Annie Tétreault

Not many health care professionals can say that they’ve worked in enemy territory. Annie Tétreault was a critical care nurse in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and she practised nursing in a war zone not just once, but three times.

Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Jacques Laplante

A little over 40 years ago, Jacques Laplante got his first taste of aviation. As soon as he enrolled in 1973, he knew he wanted to be a pilot and had his sights on fighter planes. Instead, he was trained to fly helicopters, which serendipitously led him to have a fascinating and diversified career.

Corporal Marc-Daniel Benoit

Corporal Marc-Daniel Benoit is a traffic technician with 2 Air Movements Squadron.

Natacha Dupuis

Natacha Dupuis served as a Coyote Gunner in Afghanistan, one of the only women in her unit.

Lieutenant (N) Gerry White

Retired Naval Officer and Former RCMP member Gerry White served with the UN in Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge killed 1.5 million citizens.

Corporal (Ret’d) Russ Moses

Russ Moses was a residential school survivor and Korean War Veteran.

Sergeant-Major (Ret’d) George MacDonell

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, on 4 August 1922, George MacDonell joined the local militia in Listowel, Ontario while he was still in high school.

Marc Caron

The actions of Canadians not only helped to stabilize the region but also contributed to saving lives.

Captain (Ret'd) Andrew Webb

Captain (Ret'd) Andrew Webb has a tiny 30-year-old memento from the most awful thing he's ever witnessed.

Master Warrant Officer (Retd) George Chow, CD

Mr. George Chow was born in Victoria, British Columbia in 1921.

Miriam "Mimi" Freedman

Eager to do her part upon the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, Miriam Freedman joined the London Ambulance Service in England in the opening weeks of the conflict.

Sergeant (Ret’d) Norman Kirby

Norman Harold Kirby was raised listening to stories of war – both those told by his grandfather and his school teacher.

Ethelbert 'Curley' Christian

After suffering injuries in the Battle of Vimy Ridge that left him a quadruple amputee, ‘Curley’ Christian helped establish a program for disabled Veterans which is still offered today.

Francis Pegahmagabow

One of Canada's most decorated Indigenous soldiers, Francis Pegahmagabow was awarded the Military Medal with two bars during the First World War.

Major (Ret’d) Dave Winney

Seeking not just a new career, but a whole new adventure, civil engineer Dave Winney traded the safety of his desk for the unpredictability of minefields.

Bill Irving

"When you leave the military, it's like you leave everything."

Donald Ethell

Donald Ethell's father fought in the First and Second World Wars. Ethel himself served all over the world, including in the Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, Balkans and Cyprus.

Fred Gallant

Fred Gallant served in the armed forces for decades, including tours in Cyprus and the Persian Gulf.

Claude "Ollie" Cromwell

Claude "Ollie" Cromwell joined the Canadian Armed forces in 1979 and served in numerous conflicts overseas. He retired in 2019 after 40 years of service.

Natacha Dupuis

Natacha Dupuis served as a Coyote Gunner in Afghanistan, one of the only women in her unit.

Major-General Paul Peyton

Major-General ends military career by honouring an unknown Newfoundland soldier.

Captain Michel Béliveau

As a member of Team Canada at the Invictus Games, Michel Béliveau feels like he has regained the sense of belonging and friendship that he lost after leaving his command.

Lieutenant (N) (Ret’d) Sylvain Bouliane

With a father who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, Montreal-born Sylvain Bouliane was eager to serve our nation.

Sgt. (Ret'd) Robert "Bob" George

Over the last 50 years, thousands of Canadians participated in peace efforts in Egypt.

Captain (Ret'd) Hugh Egener

From soldier to soapstone bear sculptor – when Hugh Egener decided he was ready to transition out of the military life, he had already taken an interest in the arts.

Lyna Gravel

In high school, Lyna Gravel was planning on becoming an oceanographer.

Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret'd) John "Mac" Savage

John MacDonald Savage always wanted to see the world, and during his 36-year military career, he did just that.

Fred Gallant

Fred Gallant served in the armed forces for decades, including tours in Cyprus and the Persian Gulf.

Cpl (Retired) Dennis Mackenzie

Dennis Mackenzie is a retired Corporal from Bonshaw, Prince Edward Island, who lost 10 friends while serving in Afghanistan.

Corporal Marc-Daniel Benoit

With a passion for service, he has made a difference in Afghanistan, Haiti and Canada’s far north.

Master Corporal (Retd) Jonathan Thériault

He knew to seek help during a difficult transition and, today, thanks to his selection to Team Canada for the 2023 Invictus Games, he has regained the sense of belonging and identity that he lost.

Master Corporal (Retd) Jean-François Paré

Jean-François Paré has found his smile again. His unique and touching experience with the Adaptive Sports Foundation has led him to the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.

Lieutenant (Retd) Eric Dionne

Eric Dionne says being on Team Canada for the 2023 Invictus Games has given him a whole new support network and a chance to focus on his well-being.

Sergeant (Ret’d) Cole Rosentreter

Cole Rosentreter has never been afraid to jump in with both feet.

Sergeant (Ret’d) Geneviève Gauthier

While her friends were watching films like Dirty Dancing, Geneviève Gauthier preferred to watch Full Metal Jacket or other war films.

Lieutenant(N) Yuna Hur

Yuna Hur was headed for a career in fashion. She had never thought of serving until one day, she tagged along with friends to a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Recruiting centre.

Master Corporal (Ret’d) Vickie Lanthier

Although she broke several bones in her face during a tank accident, Vickie Lanthier is smiling.

Captain (Ret’d) Hélène Le Scelleur

Hélène Le Scelleur understands the difficulties some soldiers have to overcome both during and after their military service.

Sergeant (Ret’d) Patrick Gordon

Born 7 January 1984, Sergeant (Ret’d) Patrick Gordon grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Mark Graham

An exceptional athlete, Mark Graham represented Canada on a world stage in the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Bill Irving

"When you leave the military, it's like you leave everything."

Ainsworth Dyer

Ainsworth Dyer was a paratrooper, and served in both the Balkans and Afghanistan.

Natacha Dupuis

Natacha Dupuis served as a Coyote Gunner in Afghanistan, one of the only women in her unit.

Lee-Anne Quinn

Lee-Anne Quinn feels she was destined to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Master Corporal (Ret’d) Bettina Fuchs

A force to be reckoned with, Bettina Fuchs served almost 25 years in the military, deploying to the Gulf War, Cambodia and Bosnia.

Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Bruce Barnes

Born in Vancouver in 1954, Bruce Barnes was just 5 years old when his family moved to Europe.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony Tremblay

Tony Tremblay spent 23 years in the Royal Canadian Navy.

Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Duncan “Dusty” Miller

Born in the United Kingdom, Duncan “Dusty” Miller immigrated to Canada in 1954.

Sergeant (Ret’d) Marion Kelly

Born in Welland, Ontario in 1962, Sergeant (Ret’d) Marion Kelly dreamed of representing Canada on the international stage as a young athlete. As a competitive swimmer, Kelly had a goal of one day competing in the Olympics.

Donald Ethell

Donald Ethell's father fought in the First and Second World Wars. Ethel himself served all over the world, including in the Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, Balkans and Cyprus.

Fred Gallant

Fred Gallant served in the armed forces for decades, including tours in Cyprus and the Persian Gulf.

Alex Grant

Alex Grant served in the Navy for years, serving in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Japan.

Captain (Retd) Arthur Lortie

Captain Arthur Lortie is a man of honour and integrity. He served in the military for 32 years, including serving in the Korean War with the Royal 22nd Regiment.

Ted Adye

Ted Adye narrowly survived the Korean War and returned home with vivid memories of battles and miles trekked through Korea's countryside.

Gordon Coon

Gordon Coon talks about the past matter-of-factly, as if there is nothing to it.

Russ Moses

Russ Moses was a residential school survivor and Korean War Veteran.

James Keirstead

There are somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 of James Keirstead’s paintings out in the world.

Ted Zuber

Ted Zuber survived the Korean War, and went on to become Canada's official war artist for the conflict.

Albert Hugh MacBride

Albert MacBride was part of a five man tank team on Hill 355 during the Korean War. He arrived home safely but others he fought with were not so fortunate.

Noel Knockwood

A residential school survivor, Noel Knockwood enlisted with the Canadian Army, served during the Korean War and went on to become the Sergent-in-Arms in Nova Scotia.

Gerald Edward Gowing

Gerald Gowing saw heavy action in Korea, including the Battle at Kapyong (Hill 677), where his regiment held the line and was later presented with a US Presidential Unit Citation for bravery.

Thomas Ricketts, VC

Tommy Ricketts worked as a fisherman in White Bay, Newfoundland, before the First World War began. Before his 18^th birthday in 1918, he had earned a Victoria Cross.

John Shiwak

Inuit soldier John Shiwak became an exceptional sniper during the First World War.

Wilfrid Ayre

Wilfrid Ayre was the youngest of four Ayre cousins and brothers who died on 1 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. He was only 20 years old.

John McCrae

John McCrae served in South Africa and the First World War, though he is most remembered for his poetry.

Ethelbert 'Curley' Christian

After suffering injuries in the Battle of Vimy Ridge that left him a quadruple amputee, Christian Curley helped establish a program for disabled veterans which is still offered today.

Edith (Anderson) Monture

Edith Anderson Monture left her job as an elementary school nurse to join the U.S. Medical Corps in 1917. Overseas, she tended sick and wounded soldiers in an American military hospital in France.

Francis Pegahmagabow

Francis Pegahmagabow was awarded the Military Medal with two bars, and fought for almost the whole of the First World War.

Billy Bishop

Billy Bishop is one of Canada's most famous aviators, claiming 72 victories across the First World War.

Joseph Gagnon

For 85 years—in Saint Columba’s Cemetery in Pembroke, Ontario—the remains of First World War Algonquin Veteran, Private Joseph Gagnon, lay buried in an unmarked grave.

John McCrae

John McCrae served in South Africa and the First World War, though he is most remembered for his poetry.

William Henry Snyder Nickerson

William Nickerson treated a wounded man while under heavy fire. He protected him until the fire stopped and he could be brought back.

Raymond Harvey Lodge Joseph de Montmorency

Raymond Harvey Lodge Joseph de Montmorency was awarded a Victoria Cross, and later served in South Africa.