Joseph Clulow    V22449     Acting Able Seaman     

Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve  

Joseph Clulow was born on March 2, 1920, in Toronto. At age 20, on November 11, 1940, he enlisted at Toronto District Headquarters and was assigned to HMCS York. He received training as a Seaman Torpedoman, responsible for maintenance, handling and operation of submarine torpedoes and missiles, an essential role for submarine weapon system readiness. He was assigned to HMCS Naden in 1942. ST Clulow was soon transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy at HMCS Stadacona. In July 1943 he was assigned to HMCS Husky, part of the fleet at HMCS Cornwallis in Halifax, doing coastal and anti-submarine patrols. He remained there until October 1943, then shipped out to England the following month, participating in training for combined operations at Niobe in Greenock, Scotland, as well as at nearby HMS Dundonald which served as a major Combined Operations training centre for personnel training in operations of landing craft and amphibious assaults. It was a crucial site for preparations for the Normandy landings. A/AS Clulow served onboard landing craft LCI (L) 121 and LCI (L) 260 from the beginning of December 1943 through the middle of March 1944. He returned to Canada and continued to serve at HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Avalon and HMCS Peregrine at various times through the latter part of 1944. He was discharged on January 23, 1945, at HMCS York where he had been stationed originally while in the RCNVR. He received the 1939-1945 Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp for overseas service, and the War Medal 1939-1945.  

After the war he worked at various jobs, most notably with Brinks Express. He married Mary Christina Fraser, and they had six children: Michael, Barrie, Bruce, James, Matthew, and Cameron. He was a member of the Civil Defense organization for many years and was also a civilian instructor for the Air Cadets 631 Squadron in Scarborough. His hobbies included woodworking, sailing and ornithology. He died Jan. 28, 1994, and is buried in Pine Hills Cemetery, Toronto. 

We thank him for his service.

We will remember them.