John Martin Hassard, Lieutenant, Canadian Army

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

John Martin Hassard

Lieutenant, Canadian Army

Born: 14 May 1921, Acton, Ontario

Died: 10 Jul 1982

HASSARD, John Martin - was born in Acton, Ontario on March 14th 1921. He completed his early education in Acton and Georgetown, Ontario and then attended the University of Toronto. He was in the high frequency physics course at U of T when his professor, Dr. Eli Burton, encouraged a group of students to get involved with radar. Prof. Burton had connections with the National Research Council (Ottawa) and REL Enterprises (Toronto).

Martin enlisted in the Canadian Army and began training as a radar specialist at REL Enterprises. Martin was sent to help set up the first harbour radars at Boston and Texas, USA.

Canada also improved the British radar invention and adapted it to anti-aircraft guns. These units were known as GL radar (Gun Laying)

After training at Brockville, Ontario, Martin became a 2nd Lieutenant on February 1, 1944. He also qualified on Heavy Anti-aircraft Artillery, (Lt.-HAA artillery).

After World War 2, Martin became an Industrial Arts teacher at the Strathroy Collegiate Institute (Strathroy, ON). He also became a Captain in the Cadet Services of Canada (1951). At the time it was mandatory for male students to join the Cadet Corps. There was even a rifle range within the school for training purposes.

Later in his teaching career he transferred to TA Blakelock High School (Oakville, ON) to teach Industrial Arts (Electronics). He retired from teaching in the mid-1970s and passed away July 10, 1982.

JMH001

JMH002

(JMH001) "Involuted Octahedron Reflector" hand made Jan 1943, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The first Radar Target for shipboard Fire Control training. Lt. Hassard (left with light coat) and Lt. Rose (right with dark coat)

(JMH002) Tug towing gunnery radar target out to sea