Elmer Ross Morrow

1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp

Royal Canadian Artillery

WW II

Elmer Morrow was born in the RM of Pembina on 02 July 1918, the first son of Ross and Clara Morrow. His mother, Clara, died when Elmer was only 13 years old. His father remarried a year later, to Olive Williment.

When Elmer finished school he worked on the family farm and on threshing crews.

Elmer joined the army, Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) on 28 January 1941 and commenced his training at Shilo, Manitoba. He was transferred to England 28 June 1941 where he continued his training. While in England, his gun crew won the British Commonwealth Artillery Competition.

In September of 1943 Elmer’s gun battery was transferred to Italy where they fought the war up the Italian boot until July of 1944 when they were transferred to southern France where they participated in driving the Germans out. Initially the resistance was light as the Germans were retreating faster than the allies advanced. When the war ended 08 May 1945, Elmer’s battery was in Holland. He was repatriated and sent to Winnipeg, Manitoba and discharged 13 September 1945.

After his discharge, Elmer returned to farming with his brother Elgin. He was a dedicated farmer who loved what he did, solving problems on the farm and with the machinery. He was an active member of the community and friendly to everyone. He thought the history of farming in the area was important and participated at the Austin Agricultural Museum for a number of years.

In 1953 Elmer married Alice Chanin who taught at the Elam School, NW29-2-6W, south of Thornhill. Over time they had three children, Linda, Howard and Dwight. They retired from the farm in 1978 and moved to Darlingford. Elmer’s wife, Alice passed away in 1989.

Lance Bombardier Elmer Ross Morrow passed away 29 August 1994 and was laid to rest in the Darlingford Cemetery, Darlingford, Manitoba.

Information supplied by family.