Calgary Second World War veteran Bill Wilson dies at 101

Calgary naval veteran Capt. William (Bill) Wilson has died at the age of 101. He was among the city’s most decorated Second World War veterans and played an important role in Calgary’s military community. Wilson enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942 and served aboard HMCS Ottawa as a seaman gunner during the Battle of the Atlantic. He also took part in the DDay landings in Normandy, an experience he later described in interviews about the war. After returning to Canada, Wilson stayed involved in military service and community work. He helped found the Naval Museum of Alberta, supported the creation of The Military Museums in Calgary, and was recognized with the Alberta Order of Excellence. A celebration of life is planned for Aug. 10 at HMCS Tecumseh in Calgary.