William Neil McIntosh

Private, Lake Superior Regiment / RCASC
Royal Canadian Army

Service Summary

William Neil McIntosh, known as Bill, was born July 1, 1903, the only son of Neil and Annie McIntosh. He was educated in Neepawa, Manitoba, and farmed with his father before continuing to operate the family farm in the Basswood district for seventeen years.

At the age of 37, Bill enlisted in Brandon on July 4, 1940, joining the Canadian Army.

Wartime Experience

Bill completed training at Camp Borden, Ontario, before deploying overseas aboard the Queen Mary.

After further training in the United Kingdom, he took part in the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944.

As Allied forces advanced, Bill served in Italy, France, Holland, and Germany.

He returned to Canada aboard the Queen Elizabeth and was discharged in Winnipeg on January 11, 1946.

Post-Service Life

Following the war, Bill returned to Basswood and worked with Manitoba Hydro.

Family members noted that he seldom spoke of his wartime experiences and never fully recovered from illnesses sustained during service.

Bill passed away in Deer Lodge Hospital, Winnipeg, on June 24, 1950, just over four years after his discharge.

He is buried in Fairmount Cemetery north of Basswood, Manitoba.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• Italy Star

• France and Germany Star

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45