Born: February 17, 1926, Lashburn, Saskatchewan
Robert joined the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve in August 1943. He had basic training at H. M. C. S. Chippawa, Winnipeg. Robert continued with advanced training at H. M. C. S. Cornwallis and took Radar 3 courses at H. M. C. S. Stadacona, Halifax.
Drafted aboard corvette H. M. C. S. Buctouche, February 8, 1944, serving on the "Triangle Run" - Halifax, New York, St. John's. Buctouche hit an uncharted rock in Goose Bay Harbour in Labrador. The damage was more extensive than first believed so he was drafted to Barracksin Halifax. In January 1945, Robert was drafted to H. M. C. S. Niobe in Greenock, Scotland and then to H. M. C. S. Thetford Mines, February 2, 1945. In early March, Thetford Mines picked up 35 German survivors from a U-boat sunk by H. M. C. S. New Glasgow. Two died later and were buried at sea with their Captain reading the service. The rest were taken to Londonderry as prisoners of war.
March 26, 1945, Canadian frigate Strathdam, La Hulloise and Thetford Mine sank the last U-boat of the war. Thetford Mines was the Canadian Navy representative for escorting surrendered U-boats to final destination.
Robert returned to Canada, June 1945 and was on leave when the Pacific War ended. Robert saw action in the North Atlantic, North Sea, Irish Sea and Mediterranean.
He was discharged October 10, 1945.
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