Private Harry Graham Pilley

Harry Pilley was born in Brantford but lived most of his life at 3 Dumfries Lane in Paris with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Graham Pilley. He was a member of the St. James Troop of Boy Scouts and played on the Junior hockey and Lacrosse teams. He received his education in Paris, and when he graduated from high school, he was employed at Penmans Limited until he enlisted in April, 1940 with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (RHLI). Prior to enlisting, he had joined C Company, Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles (Reserve) where he showed such aptitude that he was soon promoted to Sergeant.

He trained with the RHLI at Camp Borden for several months before going overseas, arriving in England on August 1, 1940. Two years later, on August 19, 1942, he lost his life at Dieppe when his regiment was part of that ill-fated raid.