1925-1992

Roy Habermehl

Albert Leroy (Roy) Habermehl was born on January 6, 1925, in Cambridge, Ontario, and enlisted with the Canadian Army in London, Ontario, when he was only 16. After completing basic training, he was stationed in various parts of his home province before receiving his parachute wings in December 1942 with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Mr. Habermehl was then transferred to the First Special Service Force, a combined American and Canadian para-ski regiment in Helena, Montana. Due to a fractured pelvis from a skiing accident during a training exercise, he returned to Canada in spring 1943 to join the infantry. The next summer, he left for overseas where he was attached to the Essex Scottish Regiment. In October 1944, near the town of Putte on the Belgium/Holland border, Mr. Habermehl was wounded, resulting in the loss of his right hand.

He returned to Canada that year and joined The War Amps Toronto Branch in 1945. When the Waterloo-Wellington Branch was created, he became a Charter Member, going on to hold the positions of:

• Secretary and President, Waterloo-Wellington Branch
• National Director, Waterloo-Wellington Branch
• Member and Honorary National Treasurer, War Amps National Council

He was awarded the Meritorious Service Membership and Distinguished Service Membership from The War Amps.

In his personal life, he was the City of Cambridge’s first Clerk and held that position until he retired in late 1981.

Mr. Habermehl passed away on September 22, 1992.
Share this page
Read more biographies