Harold Albert Wheeler - 1006810/316167

Pilot Officer Bar, Ribbons for the British War Medal and Victory Medal

              Harold Albert Wheeler was born on 23 May 1894 to John and Alice Wheeler in Brigden, Ontario. While living in South Porcupine, Ontario, Harold enrolled with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Timmins on 30 June 1916.  Prior to enlistment, he had worked as a teacher; in the CEF he trained with the 228th Battalion.

              In March of 1917, after arriving in England, the 228th was re-designated the 6th Canadian Railway Troops (CRT).  The CRT was deployed to France only one month later.  Private Wheeler remained in France for the next year, save for one month spent on leave in early 1918.

              In May of 1918, Private Wheeler was transferred back to England “with a view of obtaining a commission in R.A.F,” (Ref A) the newly founded Royal Air Force (founded 1 April 1918).  In December of 1918, he was appointed Acting Sergeant. In early November 1918, Acting Sergeant Wheeler was discharged from the CEF in order to pursue flight training at the Cadet Distribution Depot (CDD), officially being appointed a Flight Cadet.

              Cadet Wheeler was promoted to Pilot Officer in February 1919, and returned to Canada later in 1919. 

              Harold Albert Wheeler passed away in 1952 and is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Crematorium in London, Ontario.

References: A. https://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?op=pdf&app=CEF&id=B10268-S007

B. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/official-military-history-lineages/lineages/infantry-regiments/the-algonquin-regiment.html

C. https://www.rafbf.org/news-and-stories/raf-history/about-raf

D. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8240672

E. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/173009268/harold-a-wheeler