Remembering Joe Elliott, one soldier who did not return

Conflict was not a common situation in our family for I remember very few disagreements or misunderstandings. It was the darker side of conflict as seen in the Second World War that was spoken of more often.

One soldier who did not return was Daddy’s best friend, Joe Elliott. My DNA test suggests that not only was he a friend but he is likely attached to my Mum’s family tree far back on the Graham/Wilson branch.

Joseph Alexander Elliott was born to Earl and Margaret Byers Elliott, Feb. 17, 1922. He was baptized along with his younger brother, Jim, May 8, 1927, in Bethel United Church.

More brothers and sisters arrived – Edith (Simpson), Bert, Betty (McFarlane) and Bill. The family lived on Lot 30, Concession 10, of Huron Township, and the children went to school across the road at S.S. No. 15.

A picture dated 1933 shows Joe, Jim and neighbouring children with their teacher, Mildred Funston (later Mrs Ernie Thompson).

In these 1939 pictures, Joe’s friends include Daddy and Bert Slade, as well as a group of girls, all Farrell cousins. They are on an outing to the beach in Southampton.



In the back, are Burton Slade (left), Cecil Hollands, Margaret Farrell, and Joe Elliott; and in front, Olive Farrell (left), Doris Pollock, June Elliott, and Evelyn Pollock; photos courtesy of Ruth Anne Hollands Robinson

I wonder whose car they are riding in. I’m guessing it’s Burton’s or his family vehicle since he is several years older than the others.



One last laugh for Joe!

Joe’s service files tell us that he enlisted in Toronto in September, 1942 after working for some time for the General Steel Company there. He was sent to Dundurn, Saskatchewan, for training. There is a letter from him during that time but it eludes me at the moment.

He went overseas in July 1943, arriving in Italy in October.



A letter to the Hollands family, from Joe Elliott

Joe served there until March, 1945, when support was needed in the northwest Europe area. A month later, he was killed in the Netherlands, April 16, 1945.