Simpson, William Perry

William Simpson was born on December 2, 1922 in Missoula, Montana to parents Robert and Alberta Simpson. He had two brothers, Charles and Richard. The Simpson family immigrated to Canada, and eventually made their home at Picture Butte, Alberta. At time of enlistment, William was single and working as a farmhand. On June 17, 1941, William Simpson enlisted for service with the Royal Canadian Artillery. For the next five months, he received training at Calgary, Grande Prairie and Brandon. On November 22, 1941, Gunner Simpson arrived in the United Kingdom and was posted to the 14th Field Regiment RCA shortly thereafter. He spent the next thirty-one months training and performing coastal defence duties. On June 6, 1944, Gunner Simpson and the 14th Field Regiment RCA landed on Juno Beach as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. He was involved in combat operations in the region for the next two months. On August 7, 1944, Gunner Simpson was killed in action. He was placed in a temporary grave near where he fell, and was later reinterred at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. For his wartime service, Gunner Simpson was awarded the 1939-45 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp. His mother, Alberta received a Memorial Cross in honour of her son