27 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND ADAMS, William John William John Adams was a Veteran of both wars, serving with the 6th Canadian Railway Troops in World War I and with the Veterans Guard in World War II. He was a native of London, England and was born on May 29, 1881. He enlisted on November 24, 1916 in Toronto, arrived in England on February 27, 1917 and in France on April 3. Discharged on May 23, 1919, he returned to work with the CPR and eventually was involved in general contracting until his retirement. Bill was very active with the North York Veteran’s Association as well as Richmond Hill Royal Canadian Legion for five years serving in executive positions in both organizations. He was an avid participant in the annual Poppy campaign. Bill was a pigeon fancier for over forty years and was the holder of many American and Canadian championships and awards. One son was killed at Dieppe, another was taken prisoner, and a third saw active service with the RCAF. Bill passed away on November 3, 1950. AITKEN, Robert James Robert was born on January 24, 1874 in Guelph, Ontario. He had been a schoolteacher in Fergus for several years when the Boer War started. In 1900 he enlisted in the Canadian army in Guelph to fight in South Africa. When Robert returned home, he was the guest of honour at a reception in Fergus at which he was presented with a gold watch in recognition of his service. In 1902 he married Melita Mann in Kearney, Ontario and with whom he had three children by the time war broke out in 1914. At that time he was an electrician in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, but decided to move to Guelph and enlisted at 41 years of age. He completed his attestation papers on June 17 with the rank of Captain because of his previous military experience. He was initially assigned to the 34th Battalion but went with a special draft as reinforcements for No. 2 Company, 1st Battalion on August 24, 1915. Captain Aitken was killed in action on June 13, 1916 during military operations at the Battle of Mount Sorrel. The Cross of Sacrifice was awarded to his widow and to his mother. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium and the Fergus War Memorial. Aitken Street in Fergus is named in his honour. ADJEI, Matthew Kwabena Matthew was born in Ghana, West Africa on September 26, 1944. He enlisted in the Ghana Army as a Private on August 2, 1966. He rose through the ranks and at the time of his discharge on August 20, 1986 he was Sergeant. When he was discharged, the Brigade Major had the following testimonial about him among other: “Sergeant Adjei had a 20 years meritorious service with colours. During the period, he was trained and employed as cook. He proved to be sober, tolerant, unassuming and industrious. He also exhibited a high sense of responsibility. He is competent and highly proficient in his trade. His devotion to duty earned him a UN Medal when he served with the UNIFIL in South Lebanon in 1982. He is recommended to anyone who wants the services of a hard worker.” He arrived in Canada on August 22, 1986. He currently is a member of The Royal Canadian Legion, Coronation Branch 286 in Toronto. He is married with five children and ten grandchildren.
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