Alex Williamson - RCAF - 418 Squadron

Alex Williamson was born in Kirtle Bridge, Scotland, on Feb. 28, 1918. He was interested in music at a young age, playing clarinet and saxophone. In 1932 his family immigrated to Canada, settling in Uxbridge. At the outbreak of the Second World War Alex, age 21, was building Mosquito aircraft in Toronto. Even though he was employed in an industry vital to the war effort, and so was exempt from active service, Alex eventually enlisted in the RCAF. After basic training he was assigned to a squadron as an air frame technician due to his previous work experience. In September 1943 he was shipped to England and stationed at Homesly South, helping maintain Typhoons and Mosquitoes. A year later he transferred to Bomber Command in Yorkshire patching up bombers when they returned from missions over Europe. He also was posted to France to complete the same work. After Germany surrendered, he was posted to an Air Force Band known as the Skyliners. Once he was demobilized in Toronto in 1946, he returned to civilian life. 

In 1941 he had married his high school sweetheart, Elma. This was before he enlisted. Once back in Toronto again he worked for the City of Toronto providing housing for returning servicemen. However, this line of work wasn’t enough of a challenge, and in 1947 Alex and Elma move to Uxbridge where Alex purchased the Esso station at the corner of Main and Brock Streets. In 1950 he added a General Motors franchise, selling cars at the station. The successful business expanded into new premises on Highway 47 in the late 1970s.  Alex joined the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170 in 1947 and was an active member. In addition he served as a school trustee for 23 years. 

We Will Remember Them

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