Bill Cameron's death leaves the Canadian delegation with just 13 veterans, between the ages of 99 and 104
Author of the article:
The Canadian Press
Sarah Ritchie
Published Jun 04, 2024 • Last updated 2days ago • 3 minute read
![Canadian veteran dies night before he was set to leave for D-Day anniversary events in France (2) Canadian veteran dies night before he was set to leave for D-Day anniversary events in France (2)](https://i0.wp.com/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bill-Cameron-1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&h=216&sig=Tj2Eb5emcGzfs8F5Cb-NBg)
OTTAWA — Bill Cameron was looking forward to this week for a long time.
The Second World War veteran was planning to be part of Canada’s delegation heading to Normandy, France, to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6.
Last Friday, his daughters Cheryl Powell and Donna Roy helped him get ready and the three had lunch together.
After months of preparation, including getting medical clearance, everything was set for a Saturday morning flight from Vancouver.
Advertisem*nt 2
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Don't have an account? Create Account
or
View more offers
Article content
Sadly, Cameron fell ill and died the night before at 100 years old.
“We just couldn’t believe it,” Roy said in an interview. “His bag was totally packed. We were ready to pick him up.”
Powell said the staff at the care home where he lived had planned a special sendoff, knowing how excited he was for the trip. The last few days have been surreal, she said.
“He went for the 70th (anniversary), he was there for the 75th, and he so wanted to go to the 80th, knowing that it was his last time to stand on Juno Beach to just honour those other vets,” Roy said.
Cameron’s death leaves the Canadian delegation with just 13 veterans, between the ages of 99 and 104. It seems likely that this will be the last major anniversary event to involve the men who witnessed D-Day.
Recommended from Editorial
- Canadian pilot Richard Rohmer, 100, recalls D-Day invasion
- Statue honouring Royal Regina Rifles to be unveiled at Juno Beach
June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the bloody 11-week Battle of Normandy and the start of the Allied liberation of France.
Almost 160,000 troops landed on the beaches of Normandy that day, including around 14,000 Canadians. Cameron was a gunner on board HMCS Kitchener, which helped protect American troops landing at Omaha Beach.
Advertisem*nt 3
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The landing was devastating: 4,414 Allied troops were killed on D-Day and more than 5,000 were wounded.
During the Battle of Normandy, 73,000 Allied forces were killed and 153,000 wounded. The battle — and especially Allied bombings of French villages and cities — killed around 20,000 French civilians.
The exact German casualties aren’t known, but historians estimate between 4,000 and 9,000 men were killed, wounded or missing during the D-Day invasion alone. About 22,000 German soldiers are among the many buried around Normandy.
“He really felt that there should be more acknowledgment and education so that we don’t ever forget,” Powell said.
In his final years Cameron spent a lot of time reading about the war, and about D-Day in particular.
He was a lifelong learner, his daughters said, and a problem-solver. He also loved taking trips in his RV.
“We have an RV, too. And yeah, I know exactly how the thing works just because I was alongside Dad,” Roy said.
In January the family held “quite the party” for Cameron’s 100th birthday. Just a couple of weeks ago he met his youngest great-grandchild, a little girl named Olivia Billy in his honour.
The family will hold a celebration of his life later in the summer.
On Thursday, Cameron’s grandson Craig Powell and his wife, Rachel Soares, will take his place at the Canadian ceremony. His daughters are planning to watch from afar in Surrey, B.C.
“It’ll be hard,” Powell said. “It won’t be easy, but we’ll definitely do it to honour Dad.”
— With additional reporting from The Associated Press.
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Create an AccountSign in
Join the Conversation
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
Trending
- Canadian billionaire Frank Stronach arrested on multiple sexual assault charges: Peel police
- These scammers called almost everyone in Canada — and swindled millions
- Men who own guns are packing, says study
- U of T faculty remove affiliation due to 'failure ... to defend Jewish learners'
- Video of Joe Biden at D-Day ceremony sparks more questions about his health
Read Next
Latest from Shopping Essentials
- How to perfectly clean a toilet Cleaning tips to help keep your toilet spotless and germ-free
2hours ago Shopping Essentials
- Makeup tutorial: Create dramatic effects with coloured mascara Coloured mascaras come in a variety of shades like blue, purple, red and green.
6hours ago
Advertisem*nt 2
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
- Best promo codes and coupons in Canada for June 2024 The best deals in tech, travel, beauty, home, fashion and more
8hours ago Shopping Essentials
- Titanium Always Pan Pro review: Seriously non-stick I tried the latest pan from Our Place
8hours ago Shopping Essentials
1day ago Shopping Essentials
This Week in Flyers