McKenny, John E

Service Highlights

  • Born December 4, 1921 in Parkhill, Ontario.
  • Enlisted in the Canadian Army in August 1942.
  • Served with the Essex Scottish Regiment during the Second World War.
  • The Essex Scottish Regiment was attached to the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Brigade.
  • Served in Canada, Holland, Belgium, and Germany during the war.
  • Saw action in Nijmegen, Groningen, and the Hochwald Forest.
  • Awarded the France and Germany Star.
  • Discharged in February 1945.
  • Worked at C. Richardson and Co., later Paul Mueller Co., in St. Marys after the war.
  • Joined St. Marys Legion Branch 236 in 1949 and was a member for 45 years.
  • Served as Secretary-Treasurer for 3 years and Poppy Chairperson for 3 years.
  • Played in the Stratford and District Cribbage League for 45 years.
  • Married Florence Blazey in April 1948.
  • Died April 25, 1993.
  • Buried at St. Marys Cemetery, St. Marys, Perth County, Ontario.
  • Commemorated through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.

A Life and Service Remembered

John E. McKenny was born in Parkhill, Ontario in 1921 and enlisted in the Canadian Army during the Second World War. He served with the Essex Scottish Regiment, a unit that became part of the hard-fought campaigns in Northwest Europe. According to the Legion recognition book, his wartime service took him through Holland, Belgium, and Germany, and included action in Nijmegen, Groningen, and the Hochwald Forest.

At this time, his service records are not publicly available, so the exact details of his wartime movements have not yet been confirmed.

After the war, McKenny made his life in St. Marys, where he worked first at C. Richardson and Co. and later at Paul Mueller Co. In April 1948 he married Florence Blazey, and together they built a family life that included three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He also gave many years of service to the Royal Canadian Legion, joining Branch 236 in 1949 and remaining a member for 45 years. Beyond his military service, he was known for his commitment to the Legion, serving as Secretary-Treasurer and Poppy Chairperson, and for his long involvement in the Stratford and District Cribbage League.

John E. McKenny passed away on April 25, 1993, and was laid to rest in St. Marys Cemetery. He is remembered for his wartime service, his dedication to Branch 236, and the steady role he played in the life of the community.

Major Battles and Operations

  • Service in Northwest Europe with the Essex Scottish Regiment
  • Nijmegen
  • Groningen
  • Hochwald Forest

Learn More

Royal Canadian Legion Military Service Recognition Book
https://on.legion.ca/remembrance/military-service-recognition-book/msrb/

Find a Grave memorial
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/57945759/john-e.-mckenny