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As the youngest of seven children, Roy Greengrass was born in Transcona on May 14, 1923. The son of Mr. John Henry and Mrs. Mary Helen Greengrass of 138 Whittier Avenue West in Transcona, Manitoba, he was also the brother of Dorothy, Gordon (who enlisted), William and George (who also later enlisted).

Roy Greengrass was educated at Central School and attended church in Transcona. He was a member of Maple Leaf Athletic Association and was prominent in local hockey for several years. In his youth, he was a "carrier" for the Winnipeg Tribune and was later employed by Peerless Laundry.

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Photograph of Roy Stanley Greengrass in military uniform taken during World War II
1941
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

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At the age of 17, Roy Greengrass volunteered to "join up". He lied about his age to get into the service, though was forced to withdraw when his parents found out that he had enlisted without their consent. On his 18th birthday, May 14, 1941, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (R.C.A.F.) as a wireless gunner. Roy was one of three brothers serving King and Country.

Flight Sergeant Roy Stanley Greengrass served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (R.C.A.F.) as a wireless gunner. He trained through the British Commonwealth Air Training Program at Winnipeg, Calgary, Penhold, and Lachine before being attached to the Ferry Command. He went overseas in August 1942. During his military career, he was a member of No.3 Wireless School hockey team.

On March 10, 1943 Flight Sergeant Roy Stanley Greengrass was killed in action over Germany. He was 19 years of age. His funeral was held at Ripon, Yorkshire, England, March 13, 1943 at 2:30 p.m.

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Roy Greengrass
1942
Germany

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The loss of their youngest son was devastating for the Greengrass family. On the anniversary of his death, the family published a memoriam in the March 1944 issue of the Transcona News:

Greengrass -

In loving memory
of our dear son and brother, Roy
Greengrass, R.C.A.F. who was
killed in action March 10, 1943.
I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead-he is just away!
With a cheery smile, and a wave of
the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown
land.
And left us dreaming how very fair
It need must be, since he lingers
there.

-Mr. and Mrs. J. Greengrass and
family

Flight Sergeant Roy Stanley Greengrass was killed in action over Germany on March 10, 1943. He is buried in Ripon Cemetery in Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

In recognition of his supreme sacrifice and service to King and Country, Roy Greengrass' name was memorialized on the Cenotaph now located in Memorial Park Circle. It also appears on an Honour Roll hanging in Transcona Memorial United Church. Greengrass Lake, which is Southwest of Nueltin Lake in Manitoba, was named after Roy in 1972.

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Transcona News article relating that Roy Greengrass had been killed in action
18 March 1943
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada


Credits:
Transcona News

7

This poem from the family of Roy Greengrass
9 March 1994
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada


Credits:
Transcona News

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The Greengrass family continued the memory of Roy by naming future generations after him.