John Simmons

John (Jack) William Simmons Jack joined the Canadian Army in August 1942 and trained at Camp Borden and Petawawa. He completed advanced training in the Royal Canadian Engineers (R.C.E.), and qualified as a carpenter and engine hand.

He sailed overseas in 1943 and first served in England. In August 1944, he landed in France, furthering into Belgium and Holland with the 86th Bridge Company.

He recounted a few memories and stories to family. One story was of an assignment he alone had prior to D-Day. While he was still in England, his duty was to patrol the local river in a motorboat at night to the sea. He took measurements of the tide changes and signalled by light to someone at a specified time. He was always interested to know who he had been signalling to but never found out. He thought it was related to reconnaissance and preparation for D-Day.

While with his bridging company he told of a story of being shot at by snipers and artillery.

During his time in Holland he felt very sympathetic to the Dutch people especially the children, and told of sharing supplies with them.

Jack returned to Toronto and civilian life in 1946.

Our family always knew him as an intelligent, reserved and caring person.
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