Welcome to the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Virtual Museum (1CPBVM).

This site has been created to honour these fine men and keep their memory alive. Browse through articles, stories, image galleries and even take our quiz... and if you have any items, photos or other information we could add to the site please let us know - click here to get in touch.

                                           Black History Month 

Private Clarence David LaPierre

Pte. LaPierre was born November 9, 1923 in Owen Sound, Ontario. His biological parents were David Booey and Rebeca Courtney but he was adopted right after birth by Marcel and Lillian LaPierre. 

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Private Cleland Peter Harper Henson

Pte. Henson was born September 9, 1917 in Dresden, Ontario. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Henson and reported to be the brother of Pte. Jehu William Josiah Henson, a descendant of the Rev. Josiah Henson.  

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Private Loyst Kelly

Pte. 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. 

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Private Gordon Asa Milburn

Gordon was born on November 10, 1919, in Chatham Township.  He was one of nine children having two sisters and six brothers, growing up in a very busy household and learning about responsibility at an early age. 

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Are you a veteran or first responder who needs help?   

You're not alone, there are many resources to assist veterans, from benefits and services to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  These and other valuable supports can be accessed through the links provided below.  Or visit the LINKS section on the site for other helpful amenities.

CAMH / Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Boots On The Ground

Suicide Prevention and Support Services

Sgt. Darrel L. Harris

Sgt. Harris was born on October 29, 1921 in Cardston, Alberta. He was the eldest of three boys and four girls who were raised in a tiny house in Magrath during the depression.

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Honours and Awards to 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Members

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The Airborne Creed

AIRBORNE!

Darrel Harris recounts his graduation from the Fort Benning, Georgia:

Major Routh gave the command to “QUICK MARCH!” and in a single file we proudly marched right under the nose of the Dakota and took our places on the chairs. Colonel Howell (later General Howell) made us feel rather special when he congratulated us on our achievement. He informed us that we had lived up to the expectations of the Parachute School, Airborne Command of the United States Army. Colonel Howell then read the American Airborne Creed.

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Victory from Above Part 2

Canada's Airborne 65th Anniversary of D-Day
1st Canadian Parachute Battalion

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