Walter Isaiah Feir

Sapper, Royal Canadian Engineers
9th Canadian Field Squadron
Killed in Action – August 27, 1944

Service Summary

Walter Isaiah Feir was born May 13, 1921, in the Fairmont District west of Minnedosa. He enlisted in Calgary on December 3, 1941, at the age of 20 with the Royal Canadian Engineers.

He trained primarily at Dundurn, Saskatchewan, before deploying overseas in 1942.

Wartime Experience

Walter served in England before moving to France shortly after D-Day in June 1944.

As a combat engineer, he helped repair and construct bridges and heavy rafts essential to the Allied advance. On August 27, 1944, while building rafts to ferry armour across the Seine River under heavy enemy shellfire, Walter was killed in action.

His commanding officer described him as fearless, dependable, and respected by all who served beside him.

Commemoration

Walter is buried at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in France. A lake in northern Manitoba was later named Feir Lake in his honour.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• France and Germany Star

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45