Hadley, Clarence Albert

Clarence Hadley was born on October 19, 1909 in Red Deer, Alberta to Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Hadley. He was raised in the Red Deer area with brothers, Claude and Clifford and sister, Myrtle. In 1936, Clarence moved to Lethbridge, where he found employment as a mechanic at Bannerman Motors. On September 5, 1939, Clarence Hadley enlisted for service with the 20th Battery Royal Canadian Artillery in Lethbridge. He was among the first local men to enlist for service in the days preceding Canada’s formal entry into the war. Just ten days after enlistment, Gunner Hadley fell ill and was hospitalized with acute appendicitis. Following his appendectomy, Gunner Hadley’s condition worsened and a call was put out to other members of the 20th Battery to donate blood as he would need a massive transfusion. The call was answered unanimously by his comrades. Unfortunately, the transfusion was not enough to save him and on September 23, 1939, he passed away. Gunner Hadley was returned to Red Deer, where he was laid to rest with full military honours. For his wartime service, he was awarded the War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. His mother, Edith received the Memorial Cross in honour of her son