John Johnson

Private, Algonquin Regiment
Royal Canadian Army

Service Summary

John Johnson enlisted in Regina, Saskatchewan, on August 2, 1943, at the age of 18. At the time, he was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway and living in Walpole, Saskatchewan.

He completed basic training in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, followed by infantry training at Camp Shilo and driver training in Woodstock, Ontario.

Wartime Experience

John deployed overseas in May 1944 aboard the Andes as part of a large convoy. After arriving in Liverpool, he was hospitalized for scarlet fever for one month.

Following recovery, he joined the Algonquin Regiment in France as a reinforcement about one month after D-Day.

He advanced through France, Belgium, and Holland. Near Ghent in November 1944, John was wounded in the right hand by shrapnel and lost his index finger.

He was evacuated to hospital in England and later returned to Canada aboard the Mauretania in January 1945. He was discharged in June 1945.

Post-Service Life

John returned to work with the Canadian Pacific Railway, serving in multiple Saskatchewan communities before moving to Minnedosa in 1961. He retired in 1984 after 42.5 years of service.

He married Verna Halland of Maryfield, Saskatchewan, on July 25, 1947. They raised three daughters.

John was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #138 and enjoyed gardening and spending winters in Barbados with Verna.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• France and Germany Star

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45