Honour of Duty at a Young Age

Heroes Remember

Honour of Duty at a Young Age

Transcript

I joined in 1937. A matter of fact I was in high school cadets from 1931 to ’34 and then my mother objected to my going into the service so… she passed away unfortunately in early ’37 and I joined in September ’37. I joined the 4th Divisional Signals in Montreal, a reserve army unit and on the 25th of August ’39 I got called out because Canada wasn’t at war but the government was starting to do something about the Nazi threat and I was sent out to what is called the Soulanges Canal. The Soulanges Canal was a predecessor of the St. Lawrence Seaway. There was the Soulanges Canal, there was the Lachine Canal and the Beauharnois Canal in those days to take the ships up to the Great Lakes. And the Black Watch were sent to guard the Soulanges Canal and being a signaller and a lance corporal I was sent to the Soulanges Canal to provide communications for them.

Description

Mr. Hart speaks about his involvement in cadets and army reserves prior to war breaking out.

David Hart

Mr. Hart was born in Montreal, Quebec on July 8, 1917. One of seven boys, Mr. Hart joined the army reserves and high school cadets later graduating from college as an accountant. Joining with the Fourth Divisional Signals in 1937, he then joined active service August 1939. Mr. Hart continued on with his service as a signalman with the Royal Canadian Corps Second Divisional Signals taking part in The Dieppe Raid as a sergeant. For his part in this historical event, Mr. Hart received the Military Medal for bravery, awarded to him by His Majesty King George VI at Buckingham Palace. Upon returning to Canada, Mr. Hart continued on with his accounting career. Having great pride for his service, Mr. Hart has returned to Dieppe six times and with this being the 75th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, along with his wife and son, he will be joining the Canadian delegation in recognition of this commemorative event. At 100 years of age, Mr. Hart continues to enjoy life with his wife of 99 years of age, still residing in their own home. Mr. Hart continues to promote the importance of the Dieppe Raid so that Canadians will truly understand the sacrifice that was given during this battle. He and his wife now reside in Montreal, Quebec.

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