Our Heroes

David Raymond “Ray” Townley was born in Toronto, Ontario, on November 11, 1893—a date that would later become deeply connected with remembrance.

During the First World War, Ray served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, Regimental No. 42757, as a Gunner with the Canadian Field Artillery, including the 3rd Brigade and 10th Battery. He served overseas in England and France.

On October 18, 1917, Ray was seriously wounded at Passchendaele. His service records state that he was buried by shellfire and suffered a gunshot wound to his head near his right eyebrow. He was discharged in Toronto on July 22, 1919, after being declared medically unfit for further service.

Known lovingly by his family as Raymond or Ray, he passed away on August 12, 1953. He is remembered with pride as a Canadian artilleryman whose service reflects extraordinary courage, profound sacrifice and the lasting burden carried by many First World War veterans.

Lest we forget.