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Bdr. Wilson E. Bailey, 14 RCA 3rd Div. Normandy

Hambone

Community Organizer
Staff member
Back in perhaps 1998 I purchased the Canadian BD uniform set you see below (with pants). All of the insignia on it are original. I knew it was for a Corporal/Bombardier of the 14th Royal Canadian Field Artillery, 3rd Canadian Infantry Div. The 14th RCA hit Juno Beach on D-Day in support of the 3rd Inf. Div. They operated the M7B1 "Priest" self-propelled 105mm. (See pics of 14 RCA below). The 14 RCA took alot of casualties and was in the thick of it, many times getting ahead of its infantry support.

The only identifier in the P.37 BD was the service number "D7689" in permanent ink on the inside pocket. I had previously discovered through research that "D7689" was indeed assigned to the 14 RCA, but had not been able to identify the man who wore it, until now. The uniform belonged to Bdr. Wilson Edgar Bailey, decorated combat veteran of the 14 RCA from Quebec. He survived the war and passed away in 1997. Bdr. Bailey enlisted with his younger brother, Merton E. Bailey, and they served together in the 14 RCA. I actually found a book with a chapter devoted to both of them, where they discussed their experiences.
 

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Bdr. Wilson E. Bailey's service records. The citations and awards in the records match the awards and decorations on the BD.

Bdr. Bailey finished tank driver training on July 19, 1943 and training on artillery/ AFV / tank waterproofing on Nov. 10, 1943. You can see that the entry on June 1, 1944 shows that he "EMBARKED UK" and that on June 6, 1944 he "DISEMBARKED FRANCE".

Bdr. Wilson E. Bailey is no longer with us, but we all benefit today from his service, bravery, and sacrifices. I believe these men should be remembered through these relics we collect. Lest we forget.........
 

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First time seeing this post - what a great set and fascinating story. Right on about preserving the past through artifacts! Also like your uniform display, very nicely done.
 
Nice thread. Looks like all but one of the troops wearing the MkIII "Turtle" helmet!

Thanks Stan. It seems the Canadian 3rd Div. was equipped almost exclusively with the Mk.III, as well as a number of British front line units.
 
Damn Ham, that is super cool, not just an awesome set of BD, but now ID'd to a real person, just brings it all together.

Great set...although you need to do a full mannequin set up with full P-37 gear....:thumbsup:
 
Damn Ham, that is super cool, not just an awesome set of BD, but now ID'd to a real person, just brings it all together.

Great set...although you need to do a full mannequin set up with full P-37 gear....:thumbsup:

:happy0180:

View attachment 207904
 

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It's always nice to see a good 3rd Div uniform ! Congrats on the successful research.

Regards,
Steve
 
James Doohan, “Mr. Scott” (he was a Canuck of Irish descent) on Star Trek, was 14 RCA and landed on Juno Beach on D-Day with Wilson Bailey. He killed a couple Germans himself and was shot six times by friendly fire, losing a finger. His life was saved by a cigarette case. After his injuries were treated he volunteered to go back and was an artillery spotter pilot. Impressive man!
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/james-doohan-d-day/

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