Service highlights
- Born 20 December 1928 in Hamilton
- Grew up in St. Marys
- Enlisted 8 December 1950 in the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Airborne)
- Served in Canada and in Korea until 15 August 1953
- After military service, joined the Ontario Provincial Police and retired in 1987 as an Inspector
- Lived in North Bay and was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23
- Commemorated in St. Marys through the Legion Banner program
A Life and Service Remembered
William “Bill” Harrison Mossip’s life was built on service in more than one uniform.
He was born in Hamilton in 1928 and grew up in St. Marys. He moved into adult responsibilities early, graduating high school at 16 and going straight to work, first in a bank and later as paymaster for a large gold mine workforce at Pickle Lake. Those were the kinds of jobs that demanded trust, accuracy, and steadiness, qualities that would follow him into the next chapter of his life.
In December 1950, Bill enlisted with the 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment. His service took him to Korea during a difficult war fought in extreme weather and constant uncertainty. He remained in uniform until August 1953, returning home at the close of that period with the quiet pride shared by so many who served and then got on with life.
After the army, Bill continued to serve his community. He joined the Ontario Provincial Police, built his career in policing, and eventually retired in 1987 as an Inspector. North Bay became home, where he raised his family and stayed connected to fellow veterans through the Legion. In later years he also volunteered at a veterans’ hospital while spending winters in Florida, still showing up for others.
Bill passed away on 26 June 2022 at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. In St. Marys, the Mossip family has ensured his service is remembered through the Legion Banner program, a visible reminder that his story remains part of our community’s living memory.
Major battles and operations
Korean War service
- Enlisted 8 December 1950 in 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Airborne).
- Served in Canada and Korea, remaining on strength until 15 August 1953.
Canadian service in Korea meant long stretches of demanding routine that could turn dangerous without warning. It included patrols, holding defensive positions, and the day to day endurance required to keep going through harsh conditions. Bill’s service dates place him among those who carried that responsibility through the later years of the conflict and into the armistice era.
Service after the war
After returning home, Bill continued a life of public service through a long career with the Ontario Provincial Police, retiring as an Inspector in 1987.
Learn More
Governor General of Canada, honours record
https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/127-37156
Obituary, BayToday
https://www.baytoday.ca/obituaries/mossip-william-harrison-5590275
North Bay Veterans, Korean War list
https://veterans.northbay.ca/Wars/KoreanWar.aspx#M