It is no secret that war profoundly impacts people’s lives, writes torontoyes. This applies to both those on the home front and those who serve. However, it is fair to say that the latter bear the brunt of the impact. They witness the horrors of war, engage in brutal battles, defend their homeland, and endure immense pain—both physical and emotional.
In this article, referencing crestwood.on.ca, we share the stories of six Toronto veterans of World War II. Each had their unique journey, yet the war connected them forever. It taught these individuals to value life deeply, to fight for it, and to find hope even in the darkest moments.
After the war, these veterans demonstrated the strength and resilience of true soldiers. Despite everything they had endured, they returned home to take an active part in rebuilding the country.
The Lucky One: Morris Adams
Morris Adams was born in Toronto on July 22, 1926. His father was a well-known barber in the city, while his mother worked in a garment factory.
When the war broke out, Morris was a ninth-grade student at Harbord Collegiate Institute. During his school years, the war only indirectly touched his life. He learned about it in class and, like many boys, tried to understand the events unfolding.
The war truly entered Morris’ life in 1945 when he was drafted. He underwent training in April of that year, but fortune spared him the horrors of bloody battles. In May 1945, the war ended before he could be sent to the front.
Morris remained in the army for some time, helping to sort and organize documents.
A Veteran Who Followed His Brother’s Example: Jack Aldred
Jack Aldred was born and raised in Toronto. Inspired by his older brother, who joined the navy, Jack decided to follow suit. After training, he served aboard the Prince Robert.
One day, his ship engaged in a skirmish with German aircraft. Fortunately, the ship withstood the attack, remaining intact. The battle was brief, involving only three German planes.
Later, Jack became a communications officer, relaying information to soldiers operating the ship’s weaponry.
Gord Allen: Triumph Despite Injury
When World War II began, Gord Allen was drafted into the Canadian army.
Born in pre-war Toronto, Gord vividly remembered the Great Depression and its hardships. His childhood was marked by poverty, as his father was unemployed. Nevertheless, Gord retained fond memories of games, sports, friends, and visits to the cinema.
Unable to finish high school due to family responsibilities, Gord was already married when the war disrupted his life. Initially serving in the air force, he later joined the tank corps and, eventually, the second armored brigade.
Gord’s role included driving ambulances to evacuate the wounded and coordinating messages between the frontline infantry and the medical brigade.
While on the frontlines, Gord witnessed the horrors of battles in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In Bruges, he was wounded and temporarily paralyzed. After weeks of recovery, he returned to his unit.
Gord celebrated the end of the war in Germany. Post-war, he distributed humanitarian aid before returning home to Toronto, where he helped rebuild post-war Canada.
“From Foster Care to the Navy”: Vib Beck
Vib Beck was born on May 11, 1926, in Toronto.
Vib’s early life was fraught with hardship. At age 11, his mother passed away, and his father, unable to care for him and his siblings, placed them in foster care. Vib attended multiple schools before being expelled at 16. Undeterred, he worked as a delivery boy in a hardware store.
In 1944, Vib joined the navy while still living with his foster family. After training, he served on the coastal patrol in Sydney before being stationed in Scotland, where he celebrated Victory in Europe Day.
Following the war, Vib worked in a naval library in Scotland before returning to Toronto. There, he married and contributed to Canada’s post-war reconstruction.
A Veteran with an Amputated Arm: Al Bacon
Al Bacon, born on December 27, 1919, in Toronto, attended the Technical Institute before leaving school during the Great Depression to work as an elevator operator in a department store.
When the war began, Al and his friends enlisted. Initially stationed in Scotland, he later served in England. Al and his comrades smuggled a St. Bernard named Wallace aboard their ship as a mascot. The dog remained in Scotland throughout the war, awaiting their return.
While in France, Al was severely injured by a grenade explosion, resulting in the loss of his arm. After undergoing surgery in a field hospital, he was sent back to England for rehabilitation.
Post-war, Al returned to Toronto, where he started a family and built a new life.
“The Office Veteran”: Norman Baker
Norman Baker was born in Toronto in 1916. At the start of the war, Norman and his brother were in the reserves but later enlisted in the army.
Deployed abroad, Norman served in Scotland before undergoing further training. In June 1944, he was reclassified as a combat soldier, transitioning from clerical work to active duty.
As part of the Royal Regiment of Canada, Norman experienced intense combat for the first time. He later participated in campaigns across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Norman celebrated Victory in London. After the war, he helped repatriate fellow soldiers before returning to Toronto in late 1945. There, he married and resumed civilian life.
These stories showcase the resilience and bravery of Toronto’s veterans. Despite the horrors of war, they returned home to rebuild their lives and contribute to Canada’s recovery. Their sacrifices and determination remain an enduring testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Photo credit: crestwood.on.ca