French decoration for Kenton Man
- Details
- Published on Saturday, January 10, 2015
By Sheila Runions
Banner Staff
On Monday, Dec. 22 at an afternoon ceremony in his hometown of Kenton, John Carl Roseveare was awarded by order of the president of France, the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.
Gunner Roseveare served in the Second World War with seven different companies. He fought with British 21st Army Group under Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery; 1st Canadian Army under General Crerar; Gen. Folks’ 2nd Canadian Corps which accepted surrender from the German commander; 4th Armoured Division; 4th Armoured Brigade which worked alongside 10th Infantry Brigade; 23rd Field Regiment Self Propelled which was so large it consisted of three batteries and a headquarters station; and Royal Canadian Artillery 83rd Field Battery.
John was born in Sperling, Man. on Sept. 22, 1921 and grew up there (60 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg) on the family farm until he joined the artillery in January 1942. John trained for a year in Manitoba, including Camp Shilo, before sailing overseas in January 1943 from New York. Following further training in England, he became a field mechanic, a tank driver and an instructor on Canadian Ram and American Sherman tanks.
From landing in Normandy, France in July 1944 near Caen, through to the end of the war and then occupation duties in Europe, John served his country until March 1946 when he was honourably discharged in Winnipeg. During his years of service, Gunner Roseveare participated in several battles which led to the liberation of western Europe. He fought in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, arriving in northwestern Germany near Rastede while on his way to Wilhelmshaven, Germany at the end of the war. Some of the more significant battle activities he engaged in were Falaise (France), Scheldt and Bulge (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France), Hoch Wald Forrest and Kusten Canal (Germany). John remained on European soil until September 1945, and from May to July that year, he served in occupation duties, including the supervision of returning U-boats (German submarines) from the Atlantic.
“In support of the Battle of the Bulge near Brede, Holland on New Year’s Day 1945, Gunner Roseveare saved two boys from danger from an enemy fighter plane,” says John’s son Jack Roseveare. “One of them met Roseveare as a returning veteran, in May 1995 near Neede, Holland. It was very emotional meeting for both men. Both cried.”
John has received several medals and commendations: 1939-45 Star, France to Germany Star, Defence Britain Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and clasp, Victory (Europe) Medal and now France’s Legion of Honour Medal, the highest honour bestowed to foreign soldiers.
