Leyland, E A (Ernest Albert)
Ernest Leyland was born on the 16th February 1922 and lived at 5729 West Boulevard, Suite 5, Vancouver, Canada. His mother May, of the same address was his next of kin. He had previously worked as a fish butcher before joining the navy on the 18th of August 1942.
Ernest’s ship, H.M.C.S. Owen Sound[1] was assigned to Escort Group EG9 during February 1944. The next month on the 10th of March found it involved in the sinking of U-Boat U845.[2]
During August Stoker Ernest Leyland is listed as having died from peritonitis[3] in the City and County Hospital. His mother was informed on the 28th of August 1944.
Ernest was HMCS Owen Sound’s only casualty of the 2nd World War, and he was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with Clasp.
Date of Death: 25/08/1944 (Aged 22)
Service: Stoker 1st Class, Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.C.S. Owen Sound
Service Number: V/46538
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, C. of E. Plot. Sec. F. Grave 4
[1] HMCS Owen Sound was a Flower-class corvette.
[2] U-Boat U845. 45 German sailors survived, 10 lost their lives, including the captain (Werner Weber.).
[3] Peritonitis is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen which covers most of the abdominal organs.