Service Highlights
- Name: Leon Thomas “Charlie” Massey, known as “Charlie”
- Served during the Second World War as a Private.
- Born in St. Marys, Ontario.
- Enlisted in January 1944.
- Arrived overseas in December 1944.
- Before enlisting, worked for the St. Marys Cement Company.
- Husband of Mrs. Massey, who remained in St. Marys during his overseas service.
- Father of twin sons, Tommy and Jimmy,
- Honoured through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.
A Life and Service Remembered
Leon Thomas Massey, better known as Charlie, was born and raised in St. Marys. He was the eldest son of John Massey of Water Street South and, before entering military service he worked at the St. Marys Cement Company.
Charlie enlisted in January 1944 and arrived overseas that December. At home in St. Marys were his wife and their twin sons, Tommy and Jimmy, who lived on Church Street South.
Military service touched the Massey family especially deeply. Charlie had three brothers who were also in uniform. Private William Massey had been wounded in Belgium and was recovering in hospital. Corporal Cecil Massey was on active service in Italy, while Leading Aircraftman John Massey was serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force at Jarvis after previously spending time in Newfoundland.
For Charlie, military service meant leaving behind his work, his hometown, his wife and two young sons to go overseas during the final years of the Second World War. At this time, we have not located a public service summary for John Massey that confirms unit, service number, or specific dates of service. But his service, and the remarkable contribution made by the Massey family as a whole, remains part of St. Marys’ wartime story their family honors them through the veterans Banner program.
Major Battles and Operations
- Overseas service beginning in December 1944
- Specific unit, theatre, battles and operations have not yet been confirmed
Learn More
Wartime St. Marys newspaper clipping, “Pte. L. T. ‘Charlie’ Massey”