Bernie Prevost
Photo taken in 2024
Name/Title
Bernie PrevostDescription
Bernard Kenneth Prevost was born September 13, 1924, in Cornwall, Ontario. He enlisted as a Private in the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highlanders when he was 17 years old. Bernie, as he was known, was 19 years old when his regiment landed on Juno Beach, June 6th, 1944, as part of the D-Day landings. Unfortunately, during this exercise, Bernie was wounded twice, the loss of a finger and shrapnel above the left eye. Bernie was sent back to England for hospitalization and rehabilitation after which he served as a military driver until 1946 when he returned to Canada. For his invaluable service, Bernie earned the 1945 Star, France Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp, and the War Medal. After the war, Bernie moved to Grimsby and he earned his welder’s certification and worked at a variety of places, eventually retiring from the Frost Wire Fence company, then part of Stelco in Hamilton. Bernie and his wife were long-time volunteers at GBF Community Services in Grimsby. Bernie was a member of the Grimsby Legion and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Lake council 4917. On September 13th, 2024, Bernie celebrated his 100th Birthday with a luncheon at Maplecrest Village Retirement Home, and the following day there was a celebration at the Grimsby Legion, Branch 127, where he has been a member for several years. More than one hundred family, friends, neighbours, and Legion Members were there to honour Bernie who was also presented with a quilt from the Quilts of Valour Society in recognition of his service. In an interview, Bernie said he was enormously proud to serve his country. Bernie said he wanted to be overseas with the bigger boys where he could enjoy playing poker and drinking beer. Obviously, life in the army during a war means so much more, but Bernie did not dwell on the challenging times. He was so proud he was a soldier and did his bit. As an active member of the Grimsby Legion for several years, Bernie participated in parades and November 11th Remembrance Day services at the Cenotaph. Bernie was the last surviving WWII veteran in the Niagara Region and of Our Lady of the Lake council 4917. Bernie passed away on February 25th 2025.Category
Photos - Military