Harvey Lloyd Kinsman

1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal

Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

Harvey, one of six children, was born 19 September 1923 to James and Annie (Kroetsch) Kinsman. He was raised and educated in the Windygates and Darlingford district of Manitoba. Three of their children Harvey, Elmer and Orval served their country during WW II.

Harvey enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery 12 June 1942 and saw service on Kiska Island. On 06 June 1942 the Japanese had taken Kiska Island, an island of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, from the Americans. On 15 August 1943 Harvey was part of the 13th Infantry Brigade, which along with the American Forces reclaimed Kiska Island.

Returning from the Kiska operation in January 1944, he transferred to the infantry, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and went overseas in May. Harvey reached France in July and was transferred from Battalion HQ to Queen’s Own Rifles “B” Company on 01 August. Although the Battle for Normandy had been ongoing for more than two months it was far from over. On 10 August 1944 in the area of Bretteville-sur-Laize, France the Queen’s Own Rifles were shelled at 0500, which continued for much of the day and “B” Company had multiple engagements with the enemy. Rifleman Harvey Kinsman was a casualty of the day’s action.

Harvey is buried at the Bretteville-sur Liaze Canadian War Cemetery at Calvados France and is commemorated on Page 353 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance in the Peace Tower in Ottawa.

Information from family, newspaper article Sep 1944 and Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental History and Veterans Affairs Canada.