Fredolf Ernest Oberg

Private, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Royal Canadian Army

Service Summary

Fredolf Ernest Oberg enlisted in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, in April 1942 at the age of 25. At the time, he was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a fireman.

He completed basic training at Portage la Prairie and later advanced training in Barriefield, Ontario, including gunnery, gas warfare, machine guns, and mechanical repair work.

Wartime Experience

Fred deployed overseas in December 1942 aboard the Queen Elizabeth.

He later joined the 4th Canadian Brigade Workshop, 2nd Division, serving in England as part of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

His unit repaired:

• Field guns

• Small arms

• Machine guns

• Rifles

• Precision instruments

About a month after D-Day, Fred landed in Normandy and advanced through:

• Caen

• Falaise Gap

• Antwerp, Belgium

• Nijmegen, Holland

• Germany, including the Cleve area

In October 1944, Fred was wounded by shrapnel from a V-2 rocket attack near Antwerp. After hospitalization, he rejoined his unit and continued service until the war ended.

He returned to Canada in 1946.

Post-Service Life

Fred recuperated at Deer Lodge Hospital before returning to work with the Canadian Pacific Railway in Minnedosa.

He married Norma Sharpe in 1947. After her passing in 1950, he later married Jean McIlmoyle, and they raised a son and daughter.

In retirement, Fred enjoyed travel, golf, gardening, fishing, and church involvement.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• France and Germany Star

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45

• French Legion of Honour Medal (2017)