Perth Regiment, R.C.I.C.

William Jack RICHARDSON was born on February 17, 1921, in St. Marys, Ontario, to John Alfred and Minnie Alice Richardson. As the eldest of three siblings, he grew up with a strong sense of family and responsibility, sharing his early years with his brother, Robert Percival, and two sisters, Irene Lorrain and Evelyn Audrey. Known for his fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair, William stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall and weighed a solid 165 pounds, embodying the quiet strength and resilience typical of his generation.

William’s early life was grounded in simplicity and hard work. He attended school until the age of 14, completing grade 10 before deciding to leave and enter the workforce to help support his family. His employment history reflected his work ethic and adaptability: he delivered milk for H. Sparling Dairy in St. Marys from 1937 to 1940, and later worked as a laborer at Adams Wagon Works in Brantford, earning a respectable $50 a week. A young man of action, he enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, and on the hockey rink, he played forward, channeling his energy into the sport he loved.

On June 20, 1940, at the age of 19, William enlisted in the Canadian Army in Stratford, Ontario. Although he didn’t specify his reasons for enlisting, his early choice to join the Perth Regiment, a unit with a rich history in the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps, suggested a sense of duty and an eagerness to serve. He quickly adapted to military life, beginning his service in Canada, where he trained with the Perth Regiment (Machine Gun) CASF Depot. By October 6, 1941, he was sent to the United Kingdom, where he remained for nearly two years, preparing for the grueling battles to come.

In October 1943, William was deployed to Italy, joining his regiment in one of the most intense theaters of World War II. The Italian Campaign was known for its challenging conditions, requiring endurance, strength, and resilience as Allied forces fought through rugged terrain to push back the Axis powers. William’s dedication to his duty was unwavering, and his military service became a defining part of his life. He expressed a desire to remain in the army, showing that he had found a purpose and direction within the ranks.

Tragically, on December 20, 1944, Private William Jack Richardson was killed in action along via Chiara at Villa Prati, Bagnacavallo. He was 23 years old. His final resting place is at Villanova War Cemetery in Plot IV, Row C, Grave 4, where he lies among fellow soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. William’s story is one of a young man who left behind the familiar comforts of small-town life for the uncertainties and dangers of war. His legacy endures as a testament to courage, loyalty, and the willingness to serve, qualities that are remembered with honor by his family, his community, and his country.

Journal Argus — Wed. Sept. 14, 1944 Wounded in Italy Lance Corporal William Jack Richardsonm son of Mr. And Mrs. Jack Richardson of Station Street was slightly wounded in action in Italy on September ISt, and is in hospital. News of his misfortune arrived in St. Marys on Monday morning. L/CpI. Richardson, who was born in St. Marys 21 years ago and who attended Public School and Collegiate Institute here and worked for a while in town, was employed in Brantford at the time he enlisted in the Perth Regiment in Stratford four years ago. He went overseas to England with his regiment in the fall of 1941 and last winter to Italy. His parents have received letter from him regularly, and in his last letter of a few weeks ago he told them he was having a rest period in camp behind the lines. His father is also in the Army serving in the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps in London. His sister Irene work at the C.E. Richardson Co. Ltd. While his brother Robert and younger sister Evelyn are Still in school.

Journal Argus – Wed., Sept. 21, 1944 L. Cpl. Bill Richardson

Who was reported wounded, in these columns last week, has written his mother, Mrs. Jack Richardson, North Ward: “I haven’t seemed to get time to write, but I am going to have lots of time to write where I am now. I have been wounded and am in the hospital. But please don’t worry. I was not hurt too bad. Lt was a shell that hit me in the left arm. Lt tore quite a hole in the muscle, but did not hit a bone or any of the nerves. So the arm is going to be all right. The Doctor told me it was darned lucky that it didn’t hit a nerve or the bone, or I would have Iost the use of the hand. Lt is going to be 0K The white sheets and the springs are sure a nice treat. This is the first time I have slept on anything but the ground for over a year and it certainly is swell…..All my love, Bill.”

Journal Argus – January 4, 1945 Two St. Marys Boys Are Reported Killed in Action

Killed In Action - Pte. Bill Richardson

Hugh Graham and Bill Richardson Make Supreme Sacrifice in Italy

Wounded in September when a sell hit him in the Ieft arm tearing a whole in the muscle but missing the bone and nerves, William Jack Richardson, son of Mr. And Mrs. Jack Richardson of St. Marys was back in the front line again when he recently received wounds which proved fatal. News of his death reached home on Friday, plunging his loved ones into deep grief. …