Russell Alfred Burkitt
1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Royal Canadian Corps of Signals
WW II
02 August 1921 – 20 May 2015
Russell was born 02 August 1921 to Alfred and Myrtle (Armstrong) Burkitt in Thornhill, Manitoba. He was the second of 5 children.
In May of 1940, at the age of 18, Russell enlisted in the army in Winnipeg and became a member of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. After his initial training he was sent to England, landing 02 September 1940 by a Tank Landing Craft. He served as a driver and line patrol.
Russell was involved in the Battle for Normandy and the City of Caen, 14 kilometers inland from the Normandy coast. The area to the south of the city was relatively flat and Allied Airforce Commanders wanted the area captured to put in runways and more aircraft on French soil. Canadians were involved in the battle to capture of the suburbs to the south of the city, 18 – 20 July 1944. Russell had served for four years and while on line patrol at Caen, he was severely wounded on 19 July 1944. He spent five months at a hospital in England due to his significant injuries. In December 1944 he was sent home, by Hospital Ship, and then transferred to Deer Lodge Hospital in Winnipeg until released in 1945.
After recovering from his war injuries Russell returned home to Thornhill, Manitoba and married his long time sweetheart Edna Lechner and they began farming. They had four children while living on the farm and lived there until 1962 when they moved to Morden. Russell worked in the area for several years and then began a long career with the Pipeline.
Russell loved to fly and with 5 other local pilots, co-founded Stanley Flying Club in 1964 (now called Morden Flying Club). The 6 pilots and first officers of the club were Rollie Lumb – President, Hank Wiens – Secretary-Treasurer, Henry Loewen – Vice-President, Ben Wiebe – Grounds, Russell Burkitt – Public Relations and Art Best – Membership. Russel was always challenging himself; therefore, he purchased & flew many different types of planes throughout his years of active flying. He loved spending time with family and friends, curling, playing cards, dancing, reading everything about aviation and traveling the world with Edna. In his later years he enjoyed family visits, reading Louis Lamour westerns, listening to music and watching sports. He generously donated too many community organizations.
Russell was a member of the Morden Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 for 69 years until his passing 20 May 2015.
Information from Morden Centennial Booklet and on the Battle of Caen from Wikipedia, II Canadian Corps History.