Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, Wilson became a coal miner at the age of 18. He worked hard, dangerous hours to support himself and those around him, like so many other young men from Cumberland County.
Doug Knockwood was born on December 11th 1929 in Springhill, N.S. He was raised in Newville Lake by his parents and grandfather. When he was 5 years old, he was forced to enrol into the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School by the Federal Government.
George Evans was born on March 17, 1926. In 1941, he lied about his age and joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 15 as a cabin boy with the S.S. Einvik, a Norwegian ship.
Leo St. Peter was born in 1900, making him just 16 years old when he enlisted into the Canadian army in 1916. He signed up with his friend Oz Brown and his older brother Henry, who covered for Leo when his age was questioned.
Pte. Martin was born in 1889 on East Pleasant Street. At age 26, he joined the Royal Canadian Regiment with the 106th Battalion and was sent overseas in the latter half 1915.
Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum 