William H. Gilfillan
Branch of Service
Army - Highland Light Infantry of Canada (HLI), an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army
Era of Service:
World War II: 1939-1945
Date and location of enlistment:
Voluntary, Kitchener, ON, October 12, 1941 as 2 nd Lieutenant, The Corps Reserve Canadian Army Contingent 6076, Ontario Agricultural College
Age at enlistment:
21 years’ old
Please share any interesting stories related to enlistment:
Prior to enlistment, attended Cadet Officers Training Corp (COTC) while a student at Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) in Guelph.
Where did you receive your basic training?
Joined as rank of 2nd Lieutenant, 3 months in Brockville and then to Camp Borden for 3 months for Officers Training Program. Promoted to Lieutenant in June 1942. Embarkation orders six months late and landed in England in December 1942. Returned to Canada October 1943 to become instructor at Camp Borden. Another overseas tour, September 1944 for campaign in Holland.
Description of training:
No information
Where were you stationed?
Brockville, Camp Borden, Windsor Nova Scotia, United Kingdom and Continental Europe
What were your jobs and responsibilities in each of these places/locations?
Instructor at Camp Borden and Coy Training Officer in United Kingdom. No other information.
What missions (if any) did you take part in? Please describe as you are able.
No information
Were you ever injured?
Yes, severely in the campaign in Holland, November 1944 due to a mine explosion. Severe head injury with loss of left eye and amputation of left arm.
List any medals or honours received. What were they for? Where/how did you receive them?
1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star 1944-45 Northwest Europe Campaign, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and silver clasp, War medal 1939-1945, Highland Light Infantry of Canada Pin from Glengarry
What are two of your most memorable wartime /or service memories?
Bill, as he was known to his family and friends, was a man of few words about the war, its consequences or his personal injuries. He was proud to be Canadian and volunteer, knowing sacrifices were to be demanded in serving in the war for freedom. Discharged in July, 1945. 1382 days of service equal to 46 periods of service, 547 days qualifying as overseas.
After his injury, he actively participated as a Member of the War Amps of Canada in their research to help and better the lives of amputees. He also continued to be actively involved with the local Legion and Veteran’s Affairs Canada, keeping in contact with a number of his war colleagues and attending various seminars and social events. An example of one highlight event was the presentation of new colours to the Highland Light Infantry of Canada (HLI) by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Margaret, Colonel in Chief of the regiment in Hamilton, ON, 1958.
As a family we heard compliments about how knowledgeable and respected he was, a good instructor, team player and comrade among his peers and fellow officers.
Bill passed away in Uxbridge in May 1990.
Submitted by family
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM