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They made the Ultimate Sacrifice
Note: Within the service file for Signalman Crane his name is listed on documents as Walter James Crane and James Walton Crane. The 1931 census for Ontario lists him as Walter Crane. While Walter James Crane appears to be the correct name - both are listed above for the purpose of searches.
CRANE, Walter James, Sig, V8330, RCNVR, MPK - 13 Sep 1942, HMCS OTTAWA - Son of Percy and Mary Ann Crane, of Hamilton, Ontario; husband of Hazel LaVerne (nee Park) and father of Grace LaVerne Crane of Hamilton, Ontario.
The official notice from Ottawa that Signalman Walter James Crane, of the RCNVR, was missing and believed killed during the action in which the Canadian destroyer Ottawa was lost, was received at the home of his parents, Percy and Mrs. Crane, with whom his wife resides, 194 Grant avenue, last night. None of the missing man's relatives were aware that he had been a member of the crew of the Ottawa. The last word received from him was while he was in England. Signalman Crane was born in Hamilton and attended the Ballard school before becoming employed in the office of the Canadian Westinghouse company. He enlisted in 1939 at the age of 19 years and his 22nd birthday would be next month. Married two years ago, he is the father of a girl aged 11 months. The last time he was home on leave was in April, this year. Besides his wife, daughter and parents, the missing sailor has four brothers, Richard and Percy, Toronto; George and Herbert, Hamilton, and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Swain, also of this city. (Hamilton Spectator 21 Sep 1942)
Ships served in: HAMILTON DIVISION RCNVR - Enlisted 08 Jan 1940. Commenced Active Service 19 Jun 1940 as an Ordinary Seaman, RCNVR HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 06 Aug 1940 * Rated Ordinary Signalman, RCNVR 27 Sep 1940 HMCS ROSS NORMAN - Drafted to ROSS NORMAN 09 Dec 1940 * Rated Signalman, RCNVR 19 Mar 1941 HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Drafted to STANDARD COASTER 14 May 1941 HMCS VENTURE - Drafted to VENTURE 25 Jul 1941 HDPC16 - Drafted to HDPC16 27 Jul 1941 HMCS BEAVER - Drafted to BEAVER 14 Aug 1941 HMCS VENTURE - Drafted to VENTURE 06 Sep 1941 HMCS ROSTHERN - Drafted to ROSTHERN 03 Oct 1941 HMCS AVALON - Drafted to AVALON 03 Jan 1942 HMCS ARVIDA - Drafted to ARVIDA 18 May 1942 HMCS OTTAWA - Drafted to OTTAWA 04 Sep 1942
Documents from the Service File of Walter James Crane
Second World War Casualty Index
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