Bill Wilson, one of Canada’s last Second World War veterans, dies at 101

William "Bill" Wilson, a distinguished veteran of the Second World War and one of Canada's last surviving participants, passed away on Monday at the age of 101. Veterans Affairs Canada confirmed his death, noting his significant service and enduring legacy.

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We really weren’t quite sure what we were going to see.

Born in Manitoba in 1924, Wilson enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy on his 18th birthday in November 1942. He served aboard the HMCS Ottawa and was part of the historic D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. He described the experience with raw honesty, recalling the uncertainty and the sheer scale of the invasion, which marked a pivotal moment in the war.

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You can’t visualize guys coming out of a barge and meeting machine-gun fire and mortars and shells from artillery. We couldn’t visualize that.

Wilson's post-war life was dedicated to remembrance and education. He was an active participant in Canadian delegations for D-Day and Netherlands anniversary commemorations. His obituary highlights his role in establishing the Naval Museum of Alberta and The Military Museums in Calgary. The HMCS Tecumseh, a Naval Reserve unit where he most recently served, lauded his "unwavering commitment to service" and the lasting impact he had on fellow sailors.

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I think (D-Day) was the best day of the war for the world. We did free all of Europe, and Canada was there. For a little nation like ours, it still amazes me. Would I do it again? In spades.

Reflecting on D-Day in a 2015 video, Wilson stated, "I think (D-Day) was the best day of the war for the world." He expressed amazement at Europe's liberation and Canada's role, adding, "Would I do it again? In spades." After the war, Wilson continued his naval service in the reserve, retiring in 1979. He remained engaged with commemorative events, attending the 75th and 80th-anniversary celebrations of the D-Day landings in Normandy.

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Captain Wilson’s dedication to the Royal Canadian Navy, his unwavering commitment to service, and the lasting impact he had on those who served alongside him leave behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.