We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Second Class John William "Jack" Byrne, CD, (Ret'd) on 25 February 2025 in London ON, just short of his 100th birthday.
Born in Sydney NS, Jack enlisted for the Second World War with the Cape Breton Highlanders in June 1940 at the age of 15 and shipped out to England with them in 1941. While in England, he became an instructor and rose to the rank of Acting Sergeant. In the Spring of 1944, he gave up his rank and instructing duties and transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and landed at Juno Beach on D-Day. They made their way inland and were tasked with taking the Carpiquet airfield near Caen. Jack was wounded while on patrol but made it through the Battle of Normandy. He was severely wounded during the battle to take Boulogne and was eventually hospitalized and spent the next two years in hospitals. Jack was invested as a Knight of the French Legion of Honour in 2015 in recognition of his actions on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy.
After the war, and recovering from his wounds, Jack returned to his hometown of Sydney. He continued to serve and became a Field Engineer in the Militia with 45th Field Engineer Squadron in Sydney. There, he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class and became the unit's Sergeant Major (1962-64).
Jack was involved with several Royal Canadian Legions. He held the position of Legion Service Officer for many years, working with the Legion and Veterans Affairs to ensure his fellow veterans received the support and benefits they had earned. When Jack moved his family to Ontario, he continued to be involved with the Legion. In his later years, Jack was the last surviving World War II Veteran in the Grand Bend Legion.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service and luncheon will be held at a later date. Donations in Jack's memory to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent here.
