Albert "Bert" Edward Craig

Bert was born September 28, 1913 in Downpatrick, Ireland. Immigrating to Canada, he worked on farms in Erin Township. Bert served with the Lorne Scots Reserve Regiment in 1939-1940 and enlisted in the Army (Regular Force) in London, Ont., under the NRMA in October 1942. Bert was fully qualified for the infantry with small arms training but denied overseas service due to a “trick knee”.

With a Japanese submarine shelling a BC lighthouse in 1942, military forces were increased on the West coast. Bert was stationed mainly at Esquimalt and Terrace BC, participating in coastal patrols on Vancouver Island when reports of Japanese submarines were received. They would set out at night from Tofino or Ucluelet and when near the coast the vehicle lights would be shutoff to prevent enemy detection. One person would walk in front of the vehicle to direct the driver.

Bert was a musician playing the snare drum in many military parades and is listed with the rank of Bandsman in his discharge certificate. Bert was discharged on May 9, 1946 in London, Ont.

Bert married Madge Edna Hunter of Erin on November 5, 1940, at which time he was farming in Erin. They had one daughter. Bert lived in Georgetown from 1949 to 1983, at some point residing at a home formerly located at 30 Church St, Georgetown.

Bert died on September 21, 1983 , at the age of 69 and he is buried with his wife at Erin Cemetery, Erin.

Truly a Canadian Hero. His story lives on. Information taken from the Ontario Canadian Legion Military Service Recognition Book Vol 10 and Ancestry.ca

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