Robert “Bob” Russell Templeton

Sergeant
Seaforth Highlanders of Canada
Royal Canadian Army

Service Summary

Robert “Bob” Russell Templeton was born July 22, 1920, at Basswood, Manitoba, the youngest of five children of James and Margaret Templeton. He attended Basswood Consolidated School.

He enlisted with the Winnipeg Grenadiers in Winnipeg on January 8, 1942.

Wartime Experience

Bob first performed prisoner-of-war guard duties in western Canada, escorting captured German prisoners and later guarding strategic equipment and ports in:

• Calgary

• Edmonton

• Terrace, British Columbia

• Prince Rupert

• Comox, British Columbia

He later volunteered for overseas service and sailed from Halifax in January 1943 aboard the Empress of Japan.

His wartime service took him through:

• Scotland and England

• North Africa

• Sicily (July 1943)

• Italy (from September 1943)

• Holland (1945)

• Germany

He fought in major campaigns including:

• Ortona

• Adriatic Front

• Liri Valley

• Hitler Line

• Rhine Crossing

• Ijssel River operations

Bob was wounded twice and also contracted malaria.

On May 23, 1945, he served in the honour guard at a memorial service in Amsterdam attended by Queen Wilhelmina.

He returned to Basswood in August 1945 and was discharged December 7, 1945, with the rank of Sergeant.

Post-Service Life

Bob married Olive Milne on July 26, 1947.

They farmed successfully for many years and retired in 1985.

He was a founding member of Basswood Branch No. 229 Canadian Legion and remained a Legion member for fifty-six years.

Bob passed away September 23, 2001. Olive passed away January 28, 2018.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• Italy Star

• France and Germany Star

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45