Obituaries - 1944
Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Thomas Coghlan, DSO
On 9 April 1944 the first Commanding Officer when the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery was formed in 1920 passed away. He was a veteran of the First World War having served in France and Belgium where he was wounded. He was mentioned in Despatches and was awarded the French War Cross, British War Medal, Distinguished Service Order and the Volunteer Decoration
On 9 April 1944 the first Commanding Officer when the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery was formed in 1920 passed away. He was a veteran of the First World War having served in France and Belgium where he was wounded. He was mentioned in Despatches and was awarded the French War Cross, British War Medal, Distinguished Service Order and the Volunteer Decoration
Pilot Officer John Morgan Cooley
24 July 1913 - 22 February 1944
Taken on strength as a Gunner with 85th Battery 15th (Vancouver) Coast Regiment RCA NPAM on 9 Aug 1940, assigned regimental number V10459, assigned new regimental number K417525, transferred to Royal Canadian Air Force Mar 1942, promoted Pilot Officer, fatally injured in training crash aboard Avro Anson, deceased 22 Feb 1944, buried Troqueer New Burial Ground Dumfries and Galloway Scotland, cenotaph at Mount Pleasant Cemetery Toronto ON.
24 July 1913 - 22 February 1944
Taken on strength as a Gunner with 85th Battery 15th (Vancouver) Coast Regiment RCA NPAM on 9 Aug 1940, assigned regimental number V10459, assigned new regimental number K417525, transferred to Royal Canadian Air Force Mar 1942, promoted Pilot Officer, fatally injured in training crash aboard Avro Anson, deceased 22 Feb 1944, buried Troqueer New Burial Ground Dumfries and Galloway Scotland, cenotaph at Mount Pleasant Cemetery Toronto ON.
Major George Paxton Downie Cowan
17 April 1905 - 25 May 1944
Major Cowan was taken on strength with 68th Battery, 15th Brigade ,Canadian Artillery in 1926. He was a Lieutenant from 1926 to 1930. Promoted to Captain in 1932, he married Grace Cameron-Cowan-Dansey on 6 June 1933. When the war broke out, he was taken on strength 9th Battery 1st Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA, followed shortly with a transfer to 10th Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA on 28 December 1939. He embarked Halifax for overseas as a Lieutenant on 28 January 1940 and disembarked at Gourock, Scotland on 9 February 1940. Captain Cowan was posted to 8th Army Field Regiment RCA 10 February 1940, followed by a stint with 125 Officer Candidate Training Unit on 24 January 1941. A quick succession of units followed; 20th Battery, 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment RCA on 20 January 1942, 4th Field Regiment RCA on 14 September 1942, 5th Field Regiment RCA 28 August 1943, 4th Field Regiment RCA, again, on 16 September 1943, 1 Canadian G Reinforcement Unit 12 October 1943 before embarking for Italy on 26 October 1943. After disembarking on 8 November 1943 he was taken on strength with 2nd Field Regiment RCA on 12 January 1944, and then 92nd Battery, 3rd Field Regiment on 13 January 1944. On 25 May 1944 he was killed in action at Cassino Italy and is buried at the Cassino Military Cemetery. He leaves behind his wife and three daughters; Gail Cameron, Patricia Irene and Bonnie Mary.
17 April 1905 - 25 May 1944
Major Cowan was taken on strength with 68th Battery, 15th Brigade ,Canadian Artillery in 1926. He was a Lieutenant from 1926 to 1930. Promoted to Captain in 1932, he married Grace Cameron-Cowan-Dansey on 6 June 1933. When the war broke out, he was taken on strength 9th Battery 1st Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA, followed shortly with a transfer to 10th Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA on 28 December 1939. He embarked Halifax for overseas as a Lieutenant on 28 January 1940 and disembarked at Gourock, Scotland on 9 February 1940. Captain Cowan was posted to 8th Army Field Regiment RCA 10 February 1940, followed by a stint with 125 Officer Candidate Training Unit on 24 January 1941. A quick succession of units followed; 20th Battery, 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment RCA on 20 January 1942, 4th Field Regiment RCA on 14 September 1942, 5th Field Regiment RCA 28 August 1943, 4th Field Regiment RCA, again, on 16 September 1943, 1 Canadian G Reinforcement Unit 12 October 1943 before embarking for Italy on 26 October 1943. After disembarking on 8 November 1943 he was taken on strength with 2nd Field Regiment RCA on 12 January 1944, and then 92nd Battery, 3rd Field Regiment on 13 January 1944. On 25 May 1944 he was killed in action at Cassino Italy and is buried at the Cassino Military Cemetery. He leaves behind his wife and three daughters; Gail Cameron, Patricia Irene and Bonnie Mary.
Lieutenant Edward Frank Mantle
On 2 August 1944 Lieutenant Mantle died of wounds received in action the previous day. He was taken on strength in 31st Battery 15th Brigade Canadian Artillery on 10 December 1934, retired and then re-enrolled in the 85th Heavy Battery in 1940, he was made Acting Sergeant in 1940 and confirmed Sergeant in 1941 before being taken on strength Active Service on 15 October 1941 as a Gunner although on the following day he was appointed Acting Sergeant with pay. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 5 December 1941 and Lieutenant on 6 March 1942. he joined the 5th Anti-Tank Regiment RCA on 23 April 1942, and died of wounds 2 August 1944. He is buried at Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery Grave 13 Row A Plot 7. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the France Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
On 2 August 1944 Lieutenant Mantle died of wounds received in action the previous day. He was taken on strength in 31st Battery 15th Brigade Canadian Artillery on 10 December 1934, retired and then re-enrolled in the 85th Heavy Battery in 1940, he was made Acting Sergeant in 1940 and confirmed Sergeant in 1941 before being taken on strength Active Service on 15 October 1941 as a Gunner although on the following day he was appointed Acting Sergeant with pay. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 5 December 1941 and Lieutenant on 6 March 1942. he joined the 5th Anti-Tank Regiment RCA on 23 April 1942, and died of wounds 2 August 1944. He is buried at Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery Grave 13 Row A Plot 7. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the France Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Lance Sergeant Leslie Howard Holtby
On 19th September 1944 Lance Sergeant Holtby died of gun shot wounds received on the 14th of September. Lance Sergeant enrolled in 58th Heavy Battery 15th (Vancouver) Coast Artillery RCA in 1939 and subsequently was transferred to 8th Army Field Regiment RCA and then to 4th Anti-Tank Regiment RCA. At the time of his death the Regiment was engaged in the advance to the Rimini. Lance Sergeant Holtby is buried at Bari Imperial War Graves Cemetery Plot II Row C Grave 11.
He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
On 19th September 1944 Lance Sergeant Holtby died of gun shot wounds received on the 14th of September. Lance Sergeant enrolled in 58th Heavy Battery 15th (Vancouver) Coast Artillery RCA in 1939 and subsequently was transferred to 8th Army Field Regiment RCA and then to 4th Anti-Tank Regiment RCA. At the time of his death the Regiment was engaged in the advance to the Rimini. Lance Sergeant Holtby is buried at Bari Imperial War Graves Cemetery Plot II Row C Grave 11.
He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Gunner Joseph Druery Renney
Gunner Renney served for eight years service with the 77th Field Battery in Moose Jaw before being taken on strength with the 31st Heavy Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA on 1 October 1939. He subsequently transferred to the 107th Field Battery on 12 December 1939 and embarked for overseas service from Halifax NS on 28 January 1940. The unit was reorganized as 61/107 Battery, 8th Army Field Regiment, RCA and landed in Italy on 16 January 1944. Gunner Renney was taken on strength with the Tin Hats Concert Party on 15 February 1944. He was declared missing from enemy action enroute to France 27 July 1944 and subsequently declared killed in action. He is buried at Shorncliffe Military Cemetery England. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Gunner Renney leaves behind a wife and 4 children.
Gunner Renney served for eight years service with the 77th Field Battery in Moose Jaw before being taken on strength with the 31st Heavy Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA on 1 October 1939. He subsequently transferred to the 107th Field Battery on 12 December 1939 and embarked for overseas service from Halifax NS on 28 January 1940. The unit was reorganized as 61/107 Battery, 8th Army Field Regiment, RCA and landed in Italy on 16 January 1944. Gunner Renney was taken on strength with the Tin Hats Concert Party on 15 February 1944. He was declared missing from enemy action enroute to France 27 July 1944 and subsequently declared killed in action. He is buried at Shorncliffe Military Cemetery England. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Gunner Renney leaves behind a wife and 4 children.
Sergeant Claude Everly Rogers
Sergeant Rogers was taken on strength with 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA on 28 June 1940 in the rank of Gunner. he transferred to 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA on 28 July 1940 and subsequently posted to 3rd Light Ant-Aircraft Regiment RCA. He was appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 1 December 1941, Lance Bombardier on 1 March 1942 and embarked to France on 18 August 1942 (Dieppe). He was appointed Acting Bombardier on 29 October 1942, confirmed Bombardier on 20 January 1943 and appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on 11 March 1943. He was again appointed Acting Sergeant on 21 October 1943 and confirmed Sergeant 21 January 1944. Sergeant Rogers embarked to France on 5 July 1944 where he died of accidental gun shot wounds on 30 August 1944. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian Military Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the France Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Sergeant Rogers was taken on strength with 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA on 28 June 1940 in the rank of Gunner. he transferred to 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA on 28 July 1940 and subsequently posted to 3rd Light Ant-Aircraft Regiment RCA. He was appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 1 December 1941, Lance Bombardier on 1 March 1942 and embarked to France on 18 August 1942 (Dieppe). He was appointed Acting Bombardier on 29 October 1942, confirmed Bombardier on 20 January 1943 and appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on 11 March 1943. He was again appointed Acting Sergeant on 21 October 1943 and confirmed Sergeant 21 January 1944. Sergeant Rogers embarked to France on 5 July 1944 where he died of accidental gun shot wounds on 30 August 1944. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian Military Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the France Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Bombardier Gordon George Sheldon
Bombardier Sheldon had previous service with 82nd Field Artillery, United States Army from 1923 to 1926. He was taken on strength with 31st Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA on 9 July 1940 and then transferred to 16th Light Anti Aircraft Battery on 4 September 1940. He embarked to the United Kingdom on 5 April 1941 with 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA on 25 April 1941. He deployed for Dieppe, France on Operation Jubilee on 18 August 1942 and returned the following day. He was appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 28 August 1942, Lance Bombardier on 20 January 1943, Acting Bombardier on 9 August 1943 and confirmed Bombardier on 4 November 1943. Bombardier Sheldon embarked for France on 4 July 1944 and was killed in action by a bomb on 8 August 1944.
On 8th August 1944 American Fortresses, due to an error in navigation, unloaded their bombs a short distance south of Vaucelles causing a large number of casualties. Eight members of the Regiment were killed and a number injured. No anti-aircraft guns fired at them.
The History of The Third Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian Military Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the France Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Bombardier Sheldon had previous service with 82nd Field Artillery, United States Army from 1923 to 1926. He was taken on strength with 31st Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA on 9 July 1940 and then transferred to 16th Light Anti Aircraft Battery on 4 September 1940. He embarked to the United Kingdom on 5 April 1941 with 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA on 25 April 1941. He deployed for Dieppe, France on Operation Jubilee on 18 August 1942 and returned the following day. He was appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 28 August 1942, Lance Bombardier on 20 January 1943, Acting Bombardier on 9 August 1943 and confirmed Bombardier on 4 November 1943. Bombardier Sheldon embarked for France on 4 July 1944 and was killed in action by a bomb on 8 August 1944.
On 8th August 1944 American Fortresses, due to an error in navigation, unloaded their bombs a short distance south of Vaucelles causing a large number of casualties. Eight members of the Regiment were killed and a number injured. No anti-aircraft guns fired at them.
The History of The Third Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian Military Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the France Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Bombardier Robert Dixon Spring
Bombardier Spring was taken on strength as a Gunner in 85th Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA on 23 September 1939. He was transferred to 111th Field Battery Edmonton on 6 February 1940 and disembarked in Gourock, Scotland on 5 September 1940. He was taken on strength by 6 Field Regiment, RCA on 17 July 1942, appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 17 July 1942, appointed Acting Bombardier on 12 August 1942, confirmed Bombardier 12 November 1942, to be Lance Sergeant 3 January 1944 and reduced to Bombardier on 7 January 1944. He crossed to France and was killed in action August 1944.
We were shelled in the new position where eight men were wounded including RQMS Errington and Staff Sergeant Gardiner of LAD. After Orbec was cleared (0035 hrs on 23 August), the FMRs moved up northwest against heavy resistance. We were busy supporting this drive with "Mike" targets, and concentrations on call. After a short move to clear the thrust line for 3 Div, St Germaine-la Campagne became our main target until 2100 hrs, when the FMRs captured the town. This position was still under shell fire from which Bombardier Spring was killed and eleven wounded.... Jerry's fire was so accurate that all local houses were searched for possible OPs, but nothing was found.
The six years of 6 Canadian Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery
He is buried at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian Military Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the France Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Bombardier Spring was taken on strength as a Gunner in 85th Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA on 23 September 1939. He was transferred to 111th Field Battery Edmonton on 6 February 1940 and disembarked in Gourock, Scotland on 5 September 1940. He was taken on strength by 6 Field Regiment, RCA on 17 July 1942, appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 17 July 1942, appointed Acting Bombardier on 12 August 1942, confirmed Bombardier 12 November 1942, to be Lance Sergeant 3 January 1944 and reduced to Bombardier on 7 January 1944. He crossed to France and was killed in action August 1944.
We were shelled in the new position where eight men were wounded including RQMS Errington and Staff Sergeant Gardiner of LAD. After Orbec was cleared (0035 hrs on 23 August), the FMRs moved up northwest against heavy resistance. We were busy supporting this drive with "Mike" targets, and concentrations on call. After a short move to clear the thrust line for 3 Div, St Germaine-la Campagne became our main target until 2100 hrs, when the FMRs captured the town. This position was still under shell fire from which Bombardier Spring was killed and eleven wounded.... Jerry's fire was so accurate that all local houses were searched for possible OPs, but nothing was found.
The six years of 6 Canadian Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery
He is buried at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian Military Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the France Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Major James Hector Sutherland
Major Sutherland was taken on strength of the 5th Medium Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Artillery on 18 June 1928. he was promoted Lance Sergeant on 5 January 1929. He was a City of Vancouver Policeman from October 1930 to August 1939. he was promoted Battery Sergeant Major on 1 May 1935 and transferred to 31st Field Battery, Canadian Artillery. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with 11th Anti-Aircraft Battery, 1st Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA on 1 January 1940 and subsequently posted to 91/111 Battery on 9 July 1940, disembarked Gourock Scotland on 5 September 1940, promoted Captain and taken on strength 4 Canadian Anti Tank Regiment RCA on 26 February 1942, to be Acting Major and taken on strength with 1st Anti-Tank Regiment RCA on 13 April 1943, confirmed Major on 2 September 1943, died of wounds received in action on 28 August 1944, buried at Montecchio British Empire cemetery. Major Sutherland leaves behind his wife, Angelina Jeanne Sutherland in Vancouver, BC. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Major Sutherland was taken on strength of the 5th Medium Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Artillery on 18 June 1928. he was promoted Lance Sergeant on 5 January 1929. He was a City of Vancouver Policeman from October 1930 to August 1939. he was promoted Battery Sergeant Major on 1 May 1935 and transferred to 31st Field Battery, Canadian Artillery. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with 11th Anti-Aircraft Battery, 1st Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA on 1 January 1940 and subsequently posted to 91/111 Battery on 9 July 1940, disembarked Gourock Scotland on 5 September 1940, promoted Captain and taken on strength 4 Canadian Anti Tank Regiment RCA on 26 February 1942, to be Acting Major and taken on strength with 1st Anti-Tank Regiment RCA on 13 April 1943, confirmed Major on 2 September 1943, died of wounds received in action on 28 August 1944, buried at Montecchio British Empire cemetery. Major Sutherland leaves behind his wife, Angelina Jeanne Sutherland in Vancouver, BC. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Sergeant Ronald Clare Underhill
Sergeant Underhill was taken on strength with 31st Heavy Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA as a Gunner on 8 October 1940 while his father, Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Clare Underhill was the Commanding Officer. He disembarked in Gourock Scotland on 19 April 1941 and was taken on strength with 2nd Field Regiment, RCA on 8 August 1941. he was appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 8 April 1943, confirmed Lance Bombardier 9 September 1943, appointed Acting Bombardier on 4 June 1944, reverted to Lance Bombardier on 16 June 1944, appointed Acting Bombardier on 25 June 1944 and appointed Acting Sergeant on 13 August 1944. Sergeant Underhill was killed in action on 13 September 1944 and is buried at Gradara British Empire Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Sergeant Underhill was taken on strength with 31st Heavy Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA as a Gunner on 8 October 1940 while his father, Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Clare Underhill was the Commanding Officer. He disembarked in Gourock Scotland on 19 April 1941 and was taken on strength with 2nd Field Regiment, RCA on 8 August 1941. he was appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 8 April 1943, confirmed Lance Bombardier 9 September 1943, appointed Acting Bombardier on 4 June 1944, reverted to Lance Bombardier on 16 June 1944, appointed Acting Bombardier on 25 June 1944 and appointed Acting Sergeant on 13 August 1944. Sergeant Underhill was killed in action on 13 September 1944 and is buried at Gradara British Empire Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Sergeant Murray Clarence Van Norman
Sergeant Van Norman was taken on strength with 9th Battery, 1st Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA as a Gunner on 5 September 1939. He transferred to the 111th Battery, 6 Field Regiment, RCA on 8 November 1939 and disembarked at Gourock Scotland on 5 September 1940. He was taken on strength with 7th Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA on 12 August 1941. Sergeant Van Norman was appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 16 September 1941, appointed Acting Bombardier on 1 November 1941, appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on 1 January 1942, confirmed Bombardier 1 February 1942, confirmed Lance Sergeant 25 May 1942, and confirmed Sergeant on 15 December 1942. He was killed in action on 20 September 1944 and is buried at the Coriano Ridge British Empire Cemetery in Italy.
He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Sergeant Van Norman was taken on strength with 9th Battery, 1st Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA as a Gunner on 5 September 1939. He transferred to the 111th Battery, 6 Field Regiment, RCA on 8 November 1939 and disembarked at Gourock Scotland on 5 September 1940. He was taken on strength with 7th Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA on 12 August 1941. Sergeant Van Norman was appointed Acting Lance Bombardier on 16 September 1941, appointed Acting Bombardier on 1 November 1941, appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on 1 January 1942, confirmed Bombardier 1 February 1942, confirmed Lance Sergeant 25 May 1942, and confirmed Sergeant on 15 December 1942. He was killed in action on 20 September 1944 and is buried at the Coriano Ridge British Empire Cemetery in Italy.
He was awarded the 1939/1945 star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.