John Henry Moffat

Trooper, Calgary Tank Regiment
Canadian Armoured Corps

Service Summary

John Henry Moffat enlisted in the Canadian Army on June 3, 1942, at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, at the age of 26. Prior to enlistment, he had been farming with his father south of Minnedosa.

He completed basic training at Portage la Prairie and then attended Camp Borden, Ontario, where he trained as a tank driver.

Wartime Experience

John deployed overseas in December 1942 aboard the Queen Elizabeth, arriving at Greenock, Scotland, before additional training in England.

During the Sicily campaign, he was sent to North Africa and then on to Italy, where he joined the Calgary Tank Regiment, Headquarters Squadron.

His duties included driving supply trucks, hauling water trailers, and transporting senior officers in scout cars.

John served through major campaigns in:

• Italy, including Cassino and Ortona

• Southern France after landing near Marseilles

• Belgium

• Holland, including Arnhem

• Final occupation duties in Leeuwarden, Netherlands

Following victory in Europe, he returned to Canada aboard the Empress of Scotland and was discharged on January 23, 1946.

Post-Service Life

After the war, John worked in Winnipeg garages before returning to Minnedosa.

He later built a successful gravel business, which was eventually taken over by his sons.

In 1952, he married Alice Delgarno of Newdale. Together they raised two sons and one daughter.

John passed away on May 12, 1995, and is buried in Minnedosa Cemetery.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• France and Germany Star

• Italy Star

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45