Private Loyst Kelly
Kelly enlisted on May 11, 1943, in London, Ontario and taken on strength at 1 District Depot, transferring to #12 B.T.C Chatham, Ontario. Kelly donated blood before making another transfer to No. 10DD (AF) Winnipeg Manitoba. It wasn’t long before Kelly had his sights set on becoming a Paratrooper and requested a transfer. He transferred to Para wing from No. 12 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (C.A.B.T.C.) Chatham, Ontario on August 6, 1943. On September 23, 1943, Kelly completed his parachute training to become a Paratrooper. This was a major accomplishment and a very proud day for Kelly. He went on to complete his Driver’s Course on December 13, 1943.
Kelly was eager to see combat and took the first opportunity to get him closer to his goal, he embarked overseas on February 16, 1944, and reported for duty 1 Canadian General Reinforcement Unit (C.G.R.U.) To Kelly’s disappointment, he wasn’t given the opportunity to see combat, however, he still contributed to the war effort. The Battalion had other plans for Kelly, he was a shining example of a Paratrooper and therefore became part of the Training Company. At the end of the war, Kelly returned to Canada, a young beauty named Hazel caught the attention of Kelly. He married Miss Hazel Lillian Nicholson in Ingersoll Ontario on May 3, 1948, and they began their life together. The couple had only been married a few months, when tragically on July 6, 1948, Kelly lost his left arm in a motor vehicle accident which ended his military career. Kelly returned to civilian life and lived out the remainder of his days.
