John Vernon Sinclair was born in 1925. He served with the Canadian Essex Scottish Regiment. After being shot twice in his left leg John was sent back home for treatment. After his leg was healed, he worked for Manitoba Rolling Mills for 25 years.
Early Life
John Vernon Sinclair was born in Winnipeg on May 25th, 1925. He was raised on Dufferin Avenue, along with his siblings Ruby and Allan Sinclair. John attended Victoria School and found work at Booth Fisheries after graduating.
When the Canadian government called for people to enlist for the war, John saw many others from his street leave for the military. Despite being too young, but feeling the pull to fight for his country, he decided to try enlisting anyways. At the time John was only seventeen, but he told the recruitment officer he was 18. Soon enough, he was making the trip overseas with the Canadian Essex Scottish Regiment.
Military Career
While fighting in France, John was shot twice in his left leg. Unable to drag himself to safety he lay in the mud until the allied solders began to leave the battlefield. Fortunately, he moved in the mud just in time to catch a fellow soldier’s eye. The solder went to check on him and to John’s surprise it was his neighbour from Robinson Avenue, “Chappy” Adams. Chappy threw John over his shoulder and brought him to a tank where he was driven to safety.
John received four medals for his service. The GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX F : D : IND : IMP., the France + Germany Star, the 1939 Canada 1945 Voluntary Service Voluntaire, and the 1939-1945 Star.
Post Military Career
Unable to stay overseas, John was sent back to Winnipeg for medical treatment. He laid on the floor of the CN Rail Station for two days while officials sorted out which hospitals casualties would be sent to. After surgery to remove the bullets, his left leg was two inches shorter.
After his leg was healed and he returned home, John continued work at Booth Fisheries. Later John worked at the Manitoba Rolling Mills. He worked there for the next 25 years.
John met Elsie Mildred Bird while she was working at a restaurant, and they were married on September 13th, 1947. John and Elsie had their first child, Billy in 1948. They had 11 children, William, Jackie, Wilma, Lorraine, Myrna, Mae, Larry, Nadine, Brian, and Shelly, and Einar. The large family often caught the attention and amazement of others.
Elsie passed away at the age of 34 leaving behind her six daughters and five sons. John was described as a fantastic father and very loving provider.
John retired at the age of 62 in 1987. He filled his time playing guitar, woodworking and making yard ornaments. On January 4, 2012, John passed away at Selkirk General Hospital. He is buried at the St. Clements Anglican Church Cemetery.
John V. Sinclair Collection
Click on images to enlarge
John V. Sinclair and Friends, Date Unknown, Mae Gulewich
Sources
Mae Gulewich Phone Interview, 2021
Sinclair Family
Selkirk Enterprise, 1960
Selkirk Journal, 1985
Winnipeg Free Press, 1965, 2012, 2013
