Edwin Johnson from Esther served in WWII

By Joan Janzen

Edwin Johnson from Esther, Alberta served in the Canadian Army during WWII. According to information from the history book Sage Brush and Sifting Sand, Edwin joined the Canadian active Army in November, 1942. He trained with the South Alberta Regiment and went overseas in September, 1943 with the Calgary Tank Regiment.

Edwin Johnson from Esther with his Chevrolet 3-ton, 4-wheel drive truck. Edwin served with the Calgary Tank Regiment in WWII. Photo from Sage Brush and Sifting Sand history book

Shortly after arriving in England, he was sent with his regiment to southern Italy where he saw a great deal of action. One incident he mentioned was leaving his coat in a tank and going over to visit a friend. Later, upon returning, he found the same tank had been blown up! He saw action in Italy, France and Germany and during that time was awarded the “1939-45 Star”, the “Italy Star” and the “France and Germany Star”.

In his letters to family he shared sights he had seen while on leave. He had climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, got lost in a jeep in London, and made some friends while on leave in Brussels, Belgium where people were very friendly. He brought home many souvenirs including a pair of wooden shoes from Holland, and currency from Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and England.

Upon his return to Canada, he and his regiment were given a royal welcome by the citizens of Calgary. Bands were playing and crowds cheered. Marching down Centre Street from the CPR Station, Edwin said that many relatives and girlfriends of soldiers broke the ranks to give a soldier a kiss.

Returning to the Esther district on December 7th, 1945, Edwin was officially welcomed by the residents of the Hudson Heights School District by having a special dance, supper and program in his honour.

On December 14, 1945, he was the guest of honour at the Rush Centre Christmas Concert. Edwin was given a 30-day leave and returned to the barracks at Wetaskiwin. He spent his leave at the home of his parents at Esther.