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France and Germany Star
Defence Medal
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp
War Medal 1939–1945
Netherlands "Thank You" Medal
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Biography
William “Bill” Dort was born in Roachvale, Nova Scotia, on October 25, 1922, to Wilfred Dort and Laura Pearl Porter. He was only eleven years old when his father passed away, and his mother later married Howard Horton. In 1941, the family relocated to Lower South River.
Bill began his military service during the Second World War with the Pictou Highlanders Reserve, serving from 1941 to 1942. He subsequently enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and served overseas from 1942 until 1946. His wartime service took him throughout Britain and northwestern Europe, including France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, where he supported Allied operations during the final years of the war.
In recognition of his service, Bill received the 1939–1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, the War Medal 1939–1945, and the Netherlands “Thank You” Medal.
While stationed in the Netherlands, Bill married Whillimina Theadora Schouten on January 4, 1946. Following his discharge later that year, the couple returned to Lower South River, where they began raising their family. They would eventually have five children. In 1953, the family moved to Kingston, Ontario.
Bill later returned to military service as a member of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. This second period of service took the family to Germany, where he was stationed until 1960. Following his discharge, he settled in Pictou County, living in both New Glasgow and Trenton over the years.
A dedicated veteran and community member, Bill became an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 29 in Trenton after joining in 1982. In 1995, he was awarded the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Special Service Medal in recognition of his continued service and contributions.
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