Steven Russell Skatch

Private, Royal Canadian Artillery / Royal Canadian Army Service Corps
Royal Canadian Army

Service Summary

Steven Russell Skatch enlisted in Dauphin, Manitoba, on April 15, 1942, at the age of 19 while working at a sawmill near Moon Lake.

He completed basic training in Winnipeg, followed by driver and artillery instruction at Camp Shilo.

Wartime Experience

Steven served in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, and Debert before deploying overseas aboard the Queen Mary in early 1943.

In England, he trained drivers on sandy beaches at Hayling Island in preparation for the Normandy invasion.

He later became attached to 1st Canadian Army Headquarters and landed in France three days after D-Day.

His wartime duties included:

• Driving senior officers and reinforcements

• Barbering troops at Headquarters

• Moving vehicles and supplies

• Following advancing forces through Europe

He served across:

• France

• Belgium

• Holland

• Germany

• Luxembourg

Steven survived many close calls, including rocket bomb attacks and sniper fire.

Post-Service Life

At Hayling Island, Steven met Joan Tibble, whom he later married on October 26, 1946.

They returned to Canada in 1948 and settled in Minnedosa.

Steven worked in construction, carpentry, contracting, and cabinet making until retirement in 1986.

He was active in the Legion, Legion Gardens, gardening, and woodworking.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• France and Germany Star

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45