Raymond Oates, Trooper, B131940

Trooper Raymond Oates was born in Scarborough on the first of May 1922. He married when he was 20 and enlisted soon after on August 31, 1942, joining ‘A’ Squadron, 25th Armoured Delivery Regiment of the Elgin Regiment of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC), a branch of the Canadian Army responsible for armoured reconnaissance and cavalry units like the Ontario Regiment based in Oshawa.  He did basic training in Camp Borden, then was sent to Fredericton. He shipped out in February 1943, and was sent to fight in the Italian Campaign.  

The Regiment’s role was to deliver tanks to front-line units. This tank delivery role was a specialized function within the broader structure of an armoured division, as tank delivery squadrons were essential for keeping pace with the rapid advances of armoured formations. Trooper Oates was killed in Italy on September 12, 1944, while returning to the front lines after being previously wounded in July of 44. He met his death in a tank accident as the Canadians broke through the German Gothic Line defence in Northern Italy.

His wife received his medals consisting of the Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45 and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. She also received the Silver Cross Medal in Ray’s honour.

We thank him for his service.