BREAR, GERALD

Gerald Edward Brear was born November 25, 1921 at Maple Island, the son of Ed and Francis (Blackmore) Brear. After the home they were living in above Maple Island burned (winter of 1923/24), the family moved to Dunchurch and later to Parry Sound.

Above, Gerald Brear

Gerald attended school at Maple Island and in Parry Sound. Gerald joined Voluntary Service  for World War II in September, 1942. His training took place at Horse Palace, Toronto; Brampton and Petawawa (with the Royal Canadian Artillery). in Ontario. In 1943 he went overseas and landed in Liverpool, England. He transferred to the Canadian Provost Corps in 1944. In late January 1946 he returned to Toronto and was met by his wife and by Alberty and Goldie Bramley of Oshawa. Gerald received three medals for his service in WWII: Canadian Service Medal and Maple Leaf Clasp; the Victory Medal; and, the Campaign Medal.