Son of Molly and step-son John Howard, of Chatham, Ontario. Reginald’s father Pte. Fredrick Horne was killed in WWI (DOW 8/12/1915). He attended Central School and Chatham Vocational School. Joined the Kent Regiment in Chatham in 1928 and served until 1937. During the early years of the 1929 depression he worked in the Kirkland Lake Pulp Co. Returning to Chatham Regional worked at the Ontario Steel Plant on St George St. from June 1928 until 31/08/1940 as a machinist.   

Reginald married Pearl Marie (nee Alexander) of Wallaceburg 23 December, 1934; they had seven children: Frederick, Margaret, John (Jack), Molly, Bobby, Elizabeth (Betty) and Ronnie. Reg and Marie. Although severely wounded in an industrial accident in 1940, (a bar of steel in the thigh) Reg enlisted in the army 4/09/1940. Due to fine physique, 5’ 11” and 176 pounds, he was recommended for instructor training at Number 12 B.T.C. at Chatham and was sent to the Listowel and Ipperwash for Advanced Infantry Instructor Training from there to Long Branch as a Platoon Weapons Sgt. Instructor. He was also an instructor at Basic Training Camp No. 12, in Chatham prior to going overseas 28 September, 1943 attached to the Algonquin Regt.

Offered a commission Reg declined that and was transferred to England with No. 3 Canadian Infantry Reinforcements and was posted to the Algonquin Regt. in A-Company. He proceed to France landing there 22/07/44. He would be wounded in action in the Cean, area of Normandy but quickly returned to his unit.

The Algonquins were ordered north to Ghent there to clear the Leopold Canal and establish a beachhead, they met tough German resistance in the area with house to house actions. On 17 September in the town of Assenede, two miles from the canal Reg was leading his men and capturing German prisoners but taking heavy casualties Sergeant Reginald Horne being one of them.

Date of Death: 19/09/1944, in Belgium. 

Name found on grave stone at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham, ON 

Family Tribute:

 

Four generations have passed

Since you were here last

On November 11 every year

I see my mom shed a tear

As she hears his name called

And her children stand tall Every year a wreath is laid

For the great sacrifice that he paid

We have all taken our turn

Thank you mom for the chance to learn

That each generation can stand with pride

Because of why our father died

Her lasting Memorial on “Remembrance Day”

Her children’s children will take their turn.

Thank you mom for the chance to learn

For your Reg, Horne and the price he paid.

 

Your grandchildren & great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

Christ Church Chatham – Roll of Honour., ATNCB, IODE(P), Index of Overseas Deaths, CDN (11/11/13, 11/11/16(P)), CFF-FD44, OSP-RH, CCHR-V, SGOP, CDN(13)

Supplemental Information

Son of Molly and step-son John Howard, of Chatham, Ontario. Reginald’s father Pte. Frerick Horne was killed in WWI. DOW 8/12/1915. He attended Central School and Chatham Vocational School. Joined the Kent Regiment in Chatham in 1928 and served until 1937. During the early years of the 1929 depression he worked in the Kirkland Lake Pulp Co. Returning to Chatham Reginal worked at the Ontario Steel Plant on St George St. from June 1928 until 31/08/1940 as a machinist. Name found on grave stone at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham, ON. Christ Church Chatham – Roll of Honour. Index of Overseas Deaths, ATNCB, IODE(P),CDN 11/11/13.

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