Veteran Bob Proctor prefers to downplay his role in the Second World War, but truth be told, he was a local hero years before he even enlisted in the Navy.
The Fergus resident, now 86, recalls with remarkable detail the day he helped save a boy from drowning in the Grand River in June 1941.
Just 15 at the time, Proctor remembers his father at first scolding him for hanging around the river, but Proctor was later recognized by area officials for his efforts, including the presentation of a free membership at the local pool.
Decades later, as a tribute to his earlier heroics, as well as his invaluable contributions to the community – including many years as a volunteer firefighter, Legion member and lacrosse coach – Proctor was presented another membership to the renovated community centre and pool at the Sportsplex in Fergus.
“I always loved the water,” Proctor said with a smile.
In fact, his affinity for all things aquatic played a large role in his decision to volunteer for the armed forces in 1944 at age 18. “I went with the Navy because that’s what I wanted,” he said.
Proctor, who was born in northern Ireland and brought by his parents to the Centre Wellington area in 1930, said his uncle Samuel Proctor’s service in WWI with the Royal Irish Rifles also had an influence on his decision.
Years later, Proctor would look back at a school photo from 1936 and realize he wasn’t the only one in his class that volunteered.
“Pretty well all of them were in the service – and quite a few women too,” he said.
He explained a group of nine young men from his area was sent to Winnipeg for basic training and then on to the former Cornwallis training base in Nova Scotia.
Following training, in late 1944, Proctor was posted to the ship HMCS La Hulloise, on which he spent several months patrolling Canadian waters in the Atlantic. He says he didn’t see any real action, noting much of the Navy’s work was completed by that time and the surrender of Germany followed shortly thereafter in May 1945.
Proctor expected to be transferred to the Pacific, but the decommissioning of his ship, as well as several other logistical moves and the eventual surrender of Japan in August 1945, meant he was spared further duty.
“All I got out of the Pacific War was the needles to go,” Proctor recalls with a smile.
Following his discharge, he returned to the Fergus area, worked at GSW for over 40 years (his father also worked at the business, which was formerly owned by the Beatty Brothers), and married his wife Annie in 1951. The couple, who still live in Fergus, had four children (though two of their sons have passed away), and have five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Several years ago he was inducted into the local Sports hall of fame in recognition of his role as a local lacrosse coach and builder.
Like countless veterans from the area, Proctor joined the Elora Legion in part because Fergus was still a “dry” town at the time of his discharge after the war. He adds his uncle Samuel was Sergeant at Arms at the Elora branch.
“They were so good to him, I felt obligated to join [in Elora],” said Proctor.
He has been a member there for 68 years and while he no longer takes part in the annual Remembrance Day parade, he makes a point of attending local Nov. 11 ceremonies.
“I like to sit down with the boys and reminisce,” he said, pausing for a moment. “But there’s not that many of us left anymore.”
For him, the day is a time to think about fellow servicemen who were a bit older than him and thus served longer in WWII – many of whom are now deceased.
“They went through a lot more than I ever did,” he said.
Of course, a few moments will also be dedicated to remembering those who did not return home at all from the war. He noted there are 21 photos of those individuals displayed at the Fergus Legion.
“I knew of 20 of them,” he said solemnly.
Given that, he tends to dismiss his own role in serving his country.
“I was a volunteer … I just did what I was ordered to do, that’s all I can say,” he told the Advertiser.
