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Private Humphrey Holloway (Service number B/126485) was born on September 29, 1922, in Toronto, Ontario, to Egbert and Edith Holloway, who had immigrated from Barbados. Humphrey was known as a mischievous child who often teased his sisters, Audrey and Helen. His mother, Edith, doted on him and often let him get away with trouble. He attended public school in Toronto and later spent a year at Central Tech Highschool. He told his recruiter that the only reason he attended highschool was to play Rugby. Before enlisting, he worked as a shipper and stockkeeper while living at 1224 Yonge Street with his mother and sisters.
Humphrey enlisted in the Toronto in the Spring of 1943 and was later posted to Sydney, Nova Scotia. He also served in Ipperwash, Ontario with his childhood chum George Carter.
His regiment was the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, part of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps. Despite his playful nature as a child, Humphrey proved himself as a disciplined and model soldier.
In mid 1944 Humphrey was sent overseas and fought in France. Tragically, Humphrey lost his life in battle on September 19, 1944, at the young age of 21. He is buried in the Calais Canadian War Cemetery in Leubringhen, France.
Overcome with grief, his mother Edith destroyed most of the items related to his military service, preserving only his medals. His name is honoured in the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, ensuring his sacrifice is never forgotten.
Humphrey’s legacy is further remembered through historical newspaper articles about his mother, Edith, who was involved in community service and the Black Cross Nurses.
After Humphrey passed away, his mother Edith Holloway wrote:
“610 Dundas St West Toronto,
November 13 1944
Dear Sir:
My son above mentioned who was killed September 19th 1944. Kindly advise me as to where he is buried and will I receive any of his effects.
One of which was a mantel radio. I have never received any communication from my son since arriving overseas other than the official telegram that he was Killed in Action
I shall be very grateful to for this advice
Respectfully yours, Edith Holloway"
Le soldat Humphrey Holloway (numéro de service B/126485) est né le 29 septembre 1922 à Toronto, en Ontario, de Egbert et Edith Holloway, qui avaient immigré de la Barbade. Humphrey était connu comme un enfant espiègle qui taquinait souvent ses sœurs, Audrey et Helen. Sa mère, Édith, l'adorait et le laissait souvent s'en tirer sans problème. Il a fréquenté l'école publique de Toronto et a ensuite passé un an à l'école secondaire Central Tech. Il a dit à son recruteur que la seule raison pour laquelle il est allé au secondaire était pour jouer au rugby. Avant de s'enrôler, il travaillait comme expéditeur et stockiste tout en vivant au 1224, rue Yonge avec sa mère et ses sœurs.
Humphrey s'est enrôlé dans le Toronto au printemps 1943 et a ensuite été affecté à Sydney, en Nouvelle-Écosse. Il a aussi servi à Ipperwash, en Ontario, avec son ami d'enfance George Carter.
Son régiment était le Highland Light Infantry of Canada, qui faisait partie du Corps d'infanterie royal canadien. Malgré sa nature enjouée lorsqu'il était enfant, Humphrey s'est avéré être un soldat discipliné et modèle.
Au milieu de l'année 1944, Humphrey a été envoyé outre-mer et s'est battu en France.
Tragiquement, Humphrey a perdu la vie au combat le 19 septembre 1944, à l'âge de 21 ans.
Accablée de chagrin, sa mère Édith a détruit la plupart des articles liés à son service militaire, ne conservant que ses médailles. Son nom est honoré dans le Mémorial virtuel de guerre du Canada, garantissant que son sacrifice ne sera jamais oublié.
L'héritage d'Humphrey est également commémoré à travers des articles de journaux historiques sur sa mère, Édith, qui était impliquée dans le service communautaire et les infirmières de la Croix-Noire.
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