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Topic: John H. "Slim" Ramsey (Read 271 times)
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Chris Sloan
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I would like to announce the passing of my grandfather, John H. Ramsey, of Sarnia Ontario, on Thursday, Jan. 26th, 2006. "Slim" Ramsey was a life member of the Regiment, having served in WWII.
I know only a little about his service, as he was reluctant to speak about much--other than the amusing incidents (like being arrested in Rome by the Swiss Guard, before an audience with the Pope!), but I do know a little from the things he told me and what others in the family managed to get from him and his friends.
John served as a scout with RCR in North Africa (for training), Italy (he missed Sicily), Belgium and Holland. He was present at the Lamone River Crossing (he believed that he had received an un-named mention in the Regt'l History as one of two scouts that crossed first and came under sniper fire), Ortona, Monte Cassino (where he guided Polish units to the front line by night when they replaced RCR), and Apeldoorn (the Regimental History said that a platoon was sent forward to secure an Allied POW hospital--grandpa reported, "hell, there were only four of us!"), among others. He was, if he is to be believed, one of the last of the Regiment to be wounded in the war, shot in the arse while drunkenly celebrating! (More on that, if anyone wants to email me). Interestingly, the experiences he had and the skills he learned during the war stayed with him for many years; I remember as a boy how he could walk silently through the woods near my childhood home.
By all accounts, he loved his time with RCR, although he was reluctant to talk about it, and we are all very proud of him, for the life he led, and his legacy.
With regret,
Chris Sloan
Toronto, ON
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csloan
Newbie
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Posts: 1
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I forgot to mention my grandfather's friend, Bill Rickman; Grandpa described Bill and himself as "the fastest runners in the army." No on in the family seems to know anything about Bill other than the fact that he lives (lived?) in Point Edward, ON. I noticed his name is NOT on the Last Post.
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oostrom
Dutchie
Veteran 300+ Member
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Posts: 334
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Dear Chris
I am Cor Oostrom a retired RCR from late fifties and early sixties. I wish to express condolences to you and your family on the passing of your grandfather. I am originally from Holland and we are very proud of what the Canadian Forces have done for the Dutch people. We will never forget.
Pro Patria
Cor Oostrom
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Pro Patria
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