Arthur Allen “Jock” McAree

Bombardier, 19th Field Regiment / 55th Field Battery
Royal Canadian Army

Service Summary

Arthur Allen “Jock” McAree enlisted on May 25, 1942, at Osborne Barracks in Winnipeg at the age of 19½. He completed artillery training in Manitoba before advanced training in Vancouver and Petawawa, Ontario.

He later became an Artillery Surveyor, responsible for establishing gun positions.

Wartime Experience

Arthur sailed overseas aboard the Queen Elizabeth in July 1943.

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, he landed with the advance party supporting the North Nova Scotia Highlanders at Aubin-sur-Mer, Normandy.

His regiment fought through every major Canadian battlefront campaign until the end of hostilities, including:

• Caen

• Falaise Gap

• Belgium

• Holland

• Rhine Crossing

• Final advance into Germany

He later recalled the massive prisoner captures at Falaise and the liberation of occupied communities across Europe.

Arthur returned to Canada in December 1945.

Post-Service Life

Arthur was discharged in January 1946. He married Carol Lamb in 1948, and together they raised five children.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• 1939–45 Star

• Defence Medal

• France and Germany Star

• War Medal 1939–45