Binnington, Sargent Harry

Service Highlights

  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Served with The Perth Regiment during the Second World War.
  • Had been involved with the local militia from the age of 15.
  • Enlisted with The Perth Regiment for active service in September 1939
  • Went overseas with The Perth Regiment in October 1941.
  • Later returned to Canada as an instructor.
  • Subsequently returned overseas and rejoined The Perth Regiment.
  • Son of Mrs. Mabel Binnington and the late Thomas Binnington.
  • Youngest son of the Binnington family.
  • Married Ernestine Gill of Detroit in June of the year preceding the newspaper report.
  • Ernestine made her home in St. Marys while Harry served.
  • Brother of Lieutenant Andrew Binnington, who also served overseas with The Perth Regiment.
  • Honoured through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.

A Life and Service Remembered

Harry Binnington’s connection to military service began years before the outbreak of the Second World War. Growing up in St. Marys, he joined the local militia when he was only fifteen years old.

When war began in September 1939, Harry enlisted with The Perth Regiment for active service. He went overseas with the regiment in October 1941, beginning a wartime journey that would eventually bring him back across the Atlantic more than once.

At one point Harry returned to Canada to serve as an instructor, putting his own military experience to use training others. His time at home was temporary though as he later returned overseas and rejoined The Perths. At this time, we have not located a public service summary for Harry to confirm dates and his wartime movements.

Military service was very much a family experience for the Binningtons. Harry’s brother, Andrew Binnington, was also serving overseas with The Perth Regiment. Their father, Thomas Binnington, had passed away, leaving Mrs. Binnington with two sons serving abroad.

During the war Harry married Ernestine Gill of Detroit. While he was overseas, Ernestine made her home in St. Marys, joining the many families and loved ones who waited at home while servicemen were away.

Harry Binnington’s story reflects a commitment to service that began in his teenage years and continued through active wartime duty, overseas service, and his work as an instructor.

Major Battles and Operations

  • Active service with The Perth Regiment beginning in September 1939
  • First overseas posting with the regiment in October 1941
  • Returned to Canada for service as an instructor
  • Returned overseas and rejoined The Perth Regiment
  • Specific battles and combat operations are not identified in the information currently available

Learn More

War time newspaper clipping, “Now With Perths”