Donald Patrick Harris

Rick Harris

November 1945

Stationed on the ship Stadacona in Halifax, NS, with the Royal Canadian Navy (R.C.N.) His rank, Ordinary Seaman.

He was 18 years and 2 months old when he enlisted in 1945. His length of service was 6 months, 16 days (116 days). He was a formidable 5'3" - 130 lbs.

He enlisted November 27, 1945 and was discharged May 13, 1946. He was deemed medically unfit and released. He didn't disclose any details. He was discharged in St. John and made his way home to Campbellton, New Brunswick.

On his release he was given counseling. Some observations from the counselor:

"A quiet, colorless young man of average native intelligence. Lacks concentration and purpose to a considerable degree.

He has no definite plans for the future, other than to go home and work on the farm. He states he likes this work and he and his brother are considering taking the farm over as his parents wish to sell the place."

In reality his parents had no intention to sell the farm.

He was quite intelligent; and he did lack purpose. Some would say he lived a wasted life, scarred with alcoholism and violence.

He was a proud New Brunswicker. He spent most of his life in Toronto and Port Credit. He spent more than a few nights in the Don Jail. He lived out his final days in Campbellton, New Brunswick.

Don lived until April 2005.

His desire to join the navy was sincere. He was born too late to see any action. He was proud of his time in the navy. This is how I remember him.


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