Transcriptions:
Post August 10?/44
Reports Vary Over Soldier From Lindsay
Mrs. M. T. Paquette, of 97 Pottinger St., town, has received during the recent past, two conflicting reports regarding her husband, who is serving with the Canadian Army overseas.
The first word she received after not hearing from her husband for a time came from his lieutenant who wrote saying that he had been killed while in action. This was dated July 28th.
The next word she received came from Ottawa and was dated August 7, via telegram. This report officially states that her husband, Pte. Paquette has been officially reported wounded in action on July 2'. It also said that the nature of his wounds were not yet available and went on to instruct her in the proper procedure of addressing mail going to a military hospital and further added that when more information becomes available it would be forwarded to her.
Pte. Paquette enlisted in Kingston. April 20. 1943 and went overseas in September of the same year. Previous to this he had spent his entire life in Lindsay.
Post August August 14/44
Pte. Paquette Reported Safe
Mrs. M. T. Paquette, Pottinger St. has now received official confirmation from Ottawa to the effect, that her husband has been wounded while serving in France, and is now recovering in a military hospital.
It will be recalled that following receipt of a telegram from Ottawa saying her husband had been wounded Mrs. Paquettee received a letter from an officer in her husband's regiment stating he had died of wounds suffered in battle, which caused considerable anxiety.
Warder August 16/44
PTE. PAQUETTE NOW REPORTED AS WOUNDED
Young Soldier is Reported Killed – Official Telegram Says “Wounded”.
Mrs. M. T. Paquette, 97 Pottinger St., has received two telegrams and a private letter concerning her husband Pte. Menzies Paquette. The first telegram from the Government announced the soldier as wounded. A letter followed by Lieut. Harrison, of the young soldier’s Company, announcing the death of Pte. Paquette. On August 7th however, another telegram from the Government announced good progress being made by the wounded soldier.
The young private enlisted with the Royal Light Infantry and received training at Kingston, Ottawa, Camp Borden and Aldershot, N.S.
He joined up in April 1943 and went overseas in September of the same year.
He was born in Lindsay, a son of Mr. Thos. Paquette and the late Mr Paquette und before enlisting was employed at the Lindsay Arsenal.
Post Aug 24/44
Mystery of Sgt. Paquette is Unsolved
Despite the conflicting reports which are currently circulating about Sgt. M. Paquette's whereabouts and his condition, Mrs. Irene Paquette, Pottinger St., has received absolutely no further word about her husband,
The situation is still the same - Ottawa says he is wounded but does not clarify the situation fully and his commanding officer writes that he was killed in action.
Meanwhile the anxious wife awaits developments.
PTE. M, PAQUETTE NOW REPORTED AS KILLED IN ACTION
Mrs, Menzies Paquette, 97 Pottinger St., has received official word that her husband, Pte Menzies Paquette, was killed in action, Mrs- Paquette had received two previous telegrams that her husband was Wounded. It now appears he died the same day he was wounded.
Post Oct 2/1944
Hold Service
In Honour of
Pte. Paquette
A memorial service for Pte. Menzie Paquette was held Sunday in Cambridge St. Baptist Church with the pastor, Rev. R. D. Harmer, B.A., B.D. in charge, and assisted by Rev. P. C. Reed.
Pte. Paquette enlisted in the Army April 20, 1943 and trained at Kingston, Ottawa, Camp Borden and Aldershot, N.S., leaving from there to go overseas.
He was killed at Verriens a small village south of Caen and a letter from his Captain to his wife, relates that it was a strongly defended point by the enemy and that casualties were not light. He also wrote that her husband had greatly helped to boost the morale of the men in his unit and had been a good soldier.
First words of her husband's death reached Mrs. Paquette from his lieutenant, since killed himself. He is the late Lt. Harrison and at that time he wrote saying of Pte. Paquette that he was a popular, eager and an extremely cheerful soldier.
It was only within the past few days that official confirmation of his death had been received.
