Leslie Abram NEUFELD

Source : 

 On June 4, 1944, Pvt Leslie A. Neufeld of the 1^st Canadian Parachute Battalion, wrote the following to his family:

"Dear parents, brothers, and sisters, My time for writing is very limited. Dad, the time has come for that long-awaited day, the invasion of France. Yes, I am in it. I'll be in the first 100 Canadians to land by parachute. We know our job well.We have been trained for all conditions and circumstances. We have a fair chance.This job is dangerous, very dangerous. If anything should happen to me, do not feel sad or burdened by it, but take the attitude of 'he served his country to his utmost'. With that spirit, I am going into battle. And let it be known that the town of Nipawin did its share to win the war. My trust is in God. Your loving son, Leslie".

This Canadian hero was killed two days later, on June 6, 1944, in Normandy.

He was only 22 years old. His letter was delivered after his family was notified of his death.

His brother Edward said it was: "the only time I ever saw my father cry".

Son of Henry G. and Anna Neufeld of Nipawin, Saskatchewan.

The Neufeld family got their start in the Lost River Mennonite settlement, where Leslie's father established Neufeld Seeds.

Despite the pacifism of the Mennonites, Leslie`s four brothers, Richard, Leonard, Arthur and Edward joined the service.

He was also survived by his sisters, Leonora, Elvina, Verna and Donalda. He was single and employed as a General Store clerk.

He joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, later transferring to the First Canadian Parachute Battalion and was one of the first troops dropped into Normandy on 5 June 1944.

The Province of Saskatchewan has commemorated Pte Neufeld by naming Neufeld Bay in his honour.