Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Military Service

Additional Information

Son of Daniel and Celia Cannon, of Pownal, Prince Edward Island.

The following poem was written by his sister Mrs. Mary Cannon Doyle.

He was a young country guy, working with his Dad,
Who had failing eyesight, which made our Willie sad;
I saw him walk before the plough at the age of eight,
To guide his Daddy's horses, so the furrow would be straight.
How he loved Mount Mellick and all the folks within,
When he left our home for battle,
Tears replaced this young man's friendly grin,
Our pastor brought the message
Killed in Action" was how it read,
Dear Lord, "Please be with us"
was what our mother said.
In Holland, he met a girl,
and he regarded her as the Best,
Mom was first to tell her,
Willie has gone to rest.
Now we see pictures of his grave,
with flowers so bright,
Thanks to the people of Holland,
the Cemetery is a pleasing sight.

Commemorated on Page 501 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.