| Rank | Spr. |
| Service # | A20640 |
| Unit # | Essex Scottish Regt. / RCE, RCE - 11th Field Co |
Born 27/03/1919 the son of Ross and Georgina Willick of Bothwell, ON., brother of Sgt. George Willick an instructor in British Columbia. Albert belonged to the Young People’s Union of the Bothwell United Church. He lived all of his life in this district. Before he enlisted he was working in the oil fields in the Bothwell area. CDN 16/09/42.
Albert enlisted in July 1941 in London ON. with the Royal Canadian Engineers and went overseas in December of that year. When he arrived in England he was transferred to the 11th Field Company of the RCE. Albert was confined at Stalag Compound 8B.
Twenty-three years old when he was reported as a casualty on the Dieppe Raid in the Windsor Star of 16 September, 1942. WS 16/09/42. It was also reported in the Bothwell Times that, “Sapper Albert Willick is missing through war operations.” BT 27/08/42. The Times in October of 1942 reported, “Sapper Albert Willick of Bothwell, previously reported missing, is now accounted for and is a prisoner of war in Germany.” BT 1/10/42.
A letter was received by Mrs. Ross Willick and reported in the BT 26/11/42 from her son then a POW in Germany.
13 Sept. 1942.
Dear Mother,
Just a few lines to let you know I am fine, hoping you are the same. Well how are things around the town now? Pretty dead, I suppose. Tell dad to say hello to the gang for me. What’s Russell doing now? Tell Grandma Amelia and the Manns that I was asking about them. How is George doing these days or do you hear from him? The weather is getting a little cooler over here. In the mornings it is quite cold.
Well, I guess I will say, so long for now and be sure and say hello to the rest of the gang for me.
Lots of love.
Ab.
Reported returning from overseas duty aboard the vessel Queen Mary docking at New York City. CDN 11/07/45.
Albert was demobilized in August, 1945. Abe wed Caroline (nee Edward) [date unknown]
Albert passed away 7 January, 2001 and is buried in Bothwell Cemetery.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | WS(2), CDN(3), BT (6), BFL-B, M.Matt. |
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