80 years after D-Day: ‘It’s up to us to tell their stories’

In May-June 1944, Wilmot Reginald Pettit had to make a decision.

Article content

Born and raised in Brantford, Pettit could return to the safety of Canada after becoming a much-decorated squadron leader with an impressive war record.

Or, he could remain in England and join the largest invasion force the world had ever seen.

Given his war record, it probably wasn’t a tough decision for Pettit.

A graduate of Brantford Collegiate Institute, Pettit was made an officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, He had also been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, information from the Canadian Virtual War Museum says.

His heroism included defying flames and other hazards to pull three airmen from a plane that had crash landed near a Royal Air Force station.

Pettit also safely delivered his crew home after their plane had been hit by ground fire and enemy aircraft during a bombing mission.

Article content

Pettit, instead of returning home, stayed in England to deliver paratroopers behind enemy lines as part of Operation Overlord – the D-Day invasion of Europe

The decision cost him his life.

Pettit, 32, died June 6, 1944. He is one of many Brantford residents who is being remembered by local leaders on June 6, 2024, the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“On this day we honor the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of those who participated in the Normandy invasion including the valiant men and women from our own community,” Mayor Kevin Davis said in a statement read at a city council committee meeting.

Davis said a plaque at the Juno Beach Center in Normandy bears tribute to Pettit, reminding us of his sacrifice and ensuring his memory lives on.

Article content

The city also honors and remembers Donald Robert Bailey, Samuel John Hall, William John Bolster and Edson Loy Pease.

Bailey, Hall and Bolster served with the Queen’s Own Rifles while Pease was part of the First Hussars Regiment.

“Each of these men faced unimaginable dangers and showed extraordinary courage,” Davis said. “Edson Loy Pease lost his life when his tank was struck by an anti-tank gun.

“On this solemn anniversary, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who served.”

Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma also paid tribute to those who participated in the invasion.

“June 6 marks the beginning of the end of the Second World War,” Bouma said. “On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I salute our fallen soldiers.”

Article content

Brantford-Brant MP Larry Brock said the importance of D-Day and Canada’s contributions can’t be understated.

“Their bravery on that day, and in the two-and-a-half-month battle that followed, helped secure the victory that would restore peace and freedom to Europe, changing the course of history forever,” Brock said. “We are forever indebted to these brave soldiers for securing the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Brock encouraged residents to visit the Canadian Military Heritage Museum to learn more about the community’s contribution to D-Day.

The museum at 347 Greenwich St. has several exhibits relating to D-Day, said Bob Ion, chair of the museum.

“We have some wonderful displays including one dedicated to Lloyd Bentley that includes his log book, photographs and his medals,” Ion said. “On June 5, he was dropping paratroopers behind enemy lines and on D-Day he was flying gliders.

Article content

“Lloyd was one of our best known veterans in recent years but there were others there too like Bernard Hoo and Derek Pite.”

The displays include a diorama of the landing on Juno Beach by Canadians on D-Day, a folding bicycle used during the invasion, photographs and weapons taken from German soldiers by Canadians.

“It has been 80 years there are hardly any veterans left so it’s up to us to tell their stories,” Ion said. “These photographs, weapons and medals ensure their stories continue to be told for future generations.”

The museum is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 pm Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted.

[email protected]

twitter.com/EXPVBall

Article content