Harold Frederick Little was born in 1921. Harold enlisted with the Fort Garry Horse Armoured Tank Corps “C” Squadron. Harold lost an eye during battle and carried another man to safety while he was injured himself. After Harold returned home from war, he married “the girl of his dreams,” Frances Oshoway.
Early Life
Harold Frederick Little was born on December 7th, 1921. His brothers and fellow Dufferin Gang members, Bill Little, Charles Tetroe, and Frank Tetroe also served in the Second World War.
Military Career
Harold enlisted with the Fort Garry Horse Armoured Tank Corps “C” Squadron. At 22 years old, he landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. Fellow Dufferin Gang members, Blair Gunter, Gerald Gunter, Jack Gunter, and his little brother Bill Little as well as Cyril Langlois from Selkirk were included in his unit. Harold navigated a swimming Sherman tank onto the beach only to find another broken down tank blocking the path. Up the beach, his commanding officer, Major Roy Bray stood in enemy fire. He indicated a route supposedly clear of mines. Following orders, Harold maneuvered up the beach only to trigger a land mine which resulted in the loss of his eye. Another soldier injured lay nearby, unable to walk. Harold, vision impaired, hoisted him onto his shoulders and carried him to a boat awaiting injured Canadians. “He was my eyes,” Harold reflected.
Back in safety, Harold spent five months healing from his injuries in the hospital. He then reunited with his unit in Belgium. By the close of the war on May 8th, 1945, the troops had advanced through Europe into Germany.
Post Military Career
After Harold returned home from war, he married “the girl of his dreams,” Frances Oshoway on May 25, 1946.
A few years later he began diving with his father, Fred Little, for the provincial government, later the City of Winnipeg, and then private firms. Many of his diving assignments were repairing flood damage, underwater repairs of the Selkirk Dry Dock in 1950, and recovering drowning victims and highly valued items. His diving suit and metal helmets are on display at the Marine Museum of Manitoba.
Harold Little passed away peacefully at Seven Oaks Hospital on August 16, 2010. The graveside service was officiated by Padre Stephen Sharman and members of the Selkirk Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 42 formed an honour guard. He is buried in the St. Clements Anglican Church Cemetery.
Harold Little Collection
Click on images to enlarge
Wounded, 1944, Winnipeg Tribune
Sources
Selkirk Pioneers and Their Heritage Book – Section: Harold Little, 2010.
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Dufferin Gang Mural (453 Main Street, Selkirk), Manitoba Historical Society Archives
Harold Frederick Little Obituary, Gilbart Funeral Home
Selkirk Journal, 2010
Winnipeg Tribune, 1944
