Massey, William (Bill)

Private William E. “Bill” Massey

Canadian Army

Service Highlights

  • Name: William E. Massey, known as “Bill”
  • Served during the Second World War as a Private.
  • Son of John Massey of Water Street South, St. Marys.
  • Enlisted in 1942.
  • Before enlisting, was employed in Brantford, Ontario.
  • Served overseas with the Canadian Army.
  • Was slightly wounded while serving in Belgium.
  • Following his wounding, was reported to be in hospital.
  • Brother of Leon Thomas “Charlie” Massey, who also served overseas.
  • Brother of Corporal Cecil Massey, who served overseas, including active service in Italy.
  • Brother of Leading Aircraftman John Massey, who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force at Jarvis after previously serving in Newfoundland.
  • Honoured through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.

A Life and Service Remembered

William E. “Bill” Massey was one of four brothers from the Massey family of St. Marys who served during the Second World War. He was a son of John Massey of Water Street South and, before joining the military, was employed in Brantford.

Bill enlisted in 1942 and later went overseas with the Canadian Army. While overseas word was recieved home that he was slightly wounded while on active service he was wounded in Belgium and was recovering in hospital.

His service was part of an extraordinary contribution by one St. Marys family. His brother Charlie also served overseas, 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 the Massey family at home, wartime news arrived from several different theatres at once. In William’s case, the news was that he had been wounded, but had survived and was receiving treatment.

At this time, we have not located a public service summary for Bill Massey that confirms unit, service number, or specific dates of service. William’s service, together with that of his brothers, remains part of the wartime history of St. Marys and they are commemorated through the Legion’s Veterans Banner Program.

Major Battles and Operations

  • Overseas service during the Second World War
  • Active service in Belgium
  • Wounded in Belgium and subsequently hospitalized

Learn More

Wartime newspaper clipping, “Slightly Wounded”
Wartime newspaper clipping, “Pte. L. T. ‘Charlie’ Massey”