| Rank | Private, Infantry Rifleman |
| Service # | A110463 |
| Unit # | Essex Scottish Regiment |
Born December 28, 1924. Tilbury West, ON., the son of Sam and Anna Glasier, the parents of 13 children. CDN 9/03/45.
“A Story of Bravery and Humility”
William, known as Bill to all who know him, was born in Tilbury West. He was the son of Samuel and Anna (nee-Gauthier) Glasier. They had 13 children in a small white farm house. Their names from oldest to youngest: Ida , Clarence, Clifford, Gordon, Irene, Eva, Agnus, Raymond, Cpl. Henry (also in WWII), William, Victor, Anne, and Maurice.
After the war, Bill married a beautiful woman, Pauline (nee-Seguin), also from Tilbury. They had 3 girls, Connie, Karen and Judy. They have lived in Tilbury since 1961. They will celebrate their 70th anniversary on May 8, 2016.
At 19 years old, Bill went to London in 1944 after receiving a letter saying he was going to be drafted. He decided in the summer of 1944. not to wait, and went to London to enlist in active service. Bill trained at No.12 BTC, Chatham .He signed up for active duty and was sent to Ipperwash for training. He was sent to Nova Scotia to wait for his call to the front lines.
On the 18 /19th of February, 1945 the regiment launched an attack on Germany. He admits this was the worst day of his time in the service and also his life. In pouring rain the Germans shelled.
At first they were kept in solitary confinement, with no heat or food. They were interrogated everyday. One of the German interrogators told Bill he was also from Canada. Bill asked him if he was going back to Canada after the war. He was surprised and said, “No, they would kill me there.” Bill wa reported ‘officially’ as Missing In Action. CDN 9/03/45
Submitted by: Judy Glasier with permission.
Bill was reported as “a walking casualty’ when the CDN 11/06/45 reported that he had returned from overpass.
Bill lived in Tilbury when he came home and was married. One year later 8 May, 1946 to Pauline Seguin. They celebrated 70 years of marriage on 8 May2016. They lived in Chatham after they were married and ended up settling back in Tilbury fro the last 54 years. He has always been very proud of his contribution.
My father is a very proud, but humble man. The events of the war have not interfered with his everyday life. He has always been happy and remained positive. As he looks back, he has no regrets about his contribution in the war.
Because of the sacrifice of so many brave young men, we have the freedom we enjoy today.
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