DEMERY. PAUL
William ‘Paul’ Demery Regimental # B61441
William Paul Demery was born May 27, 1915, the youngest son of William Victor and Mary (Paul) Demery of Ahmic Harbour.
Above, William 'Paul' Demery.
Paul Demery enlisted May 6, 1941. He received basic and advanced training in the Canadian Armoured Corps (C.A.C.). He was in the army for a total of 52 months of which 46 months were overseas. He served in the U.K., Italy, and Northern Europe. He was qualified and employed as a Driver i/c and Gunner-Operator Gp. “C”. (The equivalent civilian trade was identified as Wireless Operator.) He returned to Canada in July of 1945 – but continued in the service.
In an undated Service and Casualty Form Paul is identified as “HQ 2nd Cdn Armd Bd, 7/11th Hussars C.A.C. HQ 2nd Cdn Armd Bd and HQ 5 Cdn Armd Bde. In a request for release, Paul was identified as being Royal Canadian Dragoons 1 Armd. Reg.
His Service record shows that he spent 3 weeks with the 2nd Algonquin Regiment in 1941. On May 6, 1941 he enlisted Ontario Regiment, C Wing in Parry Sound and in September 1941 was attached to 3rd Armed Reg. (Governor Generals Horse Guards) for pay. On October 9, 1941 he embarked for overseas and on Oct. 20th, 1941 disembarked in England. In the postcard, postmarked Dec. 2, 1941, Paul identifies himself as a ‘sapper’ in the 2nd Armoured Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division. On January 21, 1942 he transferred 7/11 Hussars and in February was transferred to Headquarter 5 of the Cdn Armoured Brigade. On May 28, 1943 he was taken on strength in the 5th Armoured Regiment.
The postcard at above from William Paul Demery to his sister Mrs. George (Jean Demery) Wager indicates that he was already overseas in Dec. 1941
On Nov. 13, 1943 he embarked for the Italy, arriving Dec. 1, 1943. On October 28, 1944 he was taken on strength the headquarters of the Canadian Armoured Brigade. On February 21, 1945 embarked from Italy and disembarked in France February 22, 1945.
The badges in the photos look like the Halifax Rifles which was a regiment in 2nd Armd Bde.
Paul Demery is in the middle
May 16, 1945 Paul indicated his interest in participating in the Pacific theatre. At that time his Unit was identified as HQ Sqn (7/XI H) 5 Cdn Armd Bde. July 16, 1945 posted to TOS CAPF X4 List CAC ‘D’ (Canadian Army Overseas Pacific). July 17, 1945 posted to X4 List (4 Repl Bn)
In his discharge certificate dated October 2, 1945, Paul Demery was identified as a ‘Trooper’ in the Canadian Infantry Corps. He was honourably released from service on October 11, 1945.
Paul Demery enlisted for Service again in the 1950’s. Specifically he enrolled on October 12, 1951 (Reg # SB61441).
His Service record shows for that 2nd enlistment shows: October 22, 1952 to the Royal Canadian Dragoons, 1st Arm’d Regt., Petawawa. On November 13, 1952 TOS (Supy to Est) from RCD (1 Armd Regt) – meaning he was posted as Supplementary to Establishment (i.e. an extra) from Royal Cdn Dragoons, Ist Armoured Regiment.
On November 19, 1952 Paul embarked from Canada, arriving in Holland Nov. 29, 1952. On Nov. 22, 1953 he returned to Canada
In his request for War Veterans Allowance , Paul was identified as being in The Ontario Regiment as a Trooper; and the 8th Princess Louise’s (New Brunswick) Hussars as a Trooper .
Paul Demery in the 1950's
Paul Demery’s medals include: Italy Star (for operational service on land between June 11, 1943 and May 8, 1945); France and German Star (for operational service on land from June 6, 1944 in France, Belgium, Holland or Germany, until May 8, 1945); Defence Medal (offered for non-operational service of six months (180 days) in the UK, Mediterranean arena); Indian Ocean, Pacific area and West Atlantic (for one year (365 days) non-operational service in Newfoundland Sept. 3, 1939 – Sept. 2, 1945); Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (for those who voluntarily served in Active Service and completed eighteen months (540 days) voluntary service from Sept. 3, 1939 – March 1, 1947)’; Clasp to the CVSM (a bar for service for a minimum service of 60 days outside of Canada); and War Medal 1939-45 (awarded for 28 days service between Sept. 3, 1939 and Sept. 2, 1945).
Some additional details of Paul Demery’s service follow:
