Henry Feakes

1939 – 1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, 1939-45 war Medal

Lake Superior Regiment

WW II

Henry Feakes was born 14 November 1922 in the village of Weidenfeld, Manitoba. The family moved to Plum Coulee, Manitoba when Henry was 4 years old. As a young boy and as a young man he worked as a farm labourer and also on the railroad.

Henry enlisted in the Armed Forces of Canada 22 April 1943 and received his basic training in Winnipeg. With German U-boat activity in the St. Lawrence some elements of the Canadian Army did serve in guarding the Seaway and Henry served in this capacity. Henry married Eva Wall 21 November 1943 in Morden, Manitoba, just prior to his transfer to the Lake Superior Regiment (Motorized).

The Regiment landed in Normandy 20 July 1944 and for the next 10 months assisted in the task of pushing back the German armies in France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany. The LSR (Motorized) engaging in many of the major battles during this time. Henry served with the Regiment until repatriated in 1945.

Henry returned to Canada aboard the hospital ship, Lady Nelson, and then to Winnipeg by train. He was discharged 19 December 1945 and returned to Plum Coulee. Once back home Henry became a well-known carpenter and volunteer firefighter, serving 41 years, and also became a charter member of the Plum Coulee Kinsman Club in 1957 and served until the charter was dissolved 11 June 1973. Henry live in Plum Coulee until he was 90 years old.

Henry Feakes passed away at the Boundary Trails Health Centre in 2014 and is buried in the Plum Coulee Cemetery, Plum Coulee, Manitoba.

Information from Thunder Bay Museum Regimental History and the Family