Norman George “Pinky” Ellis was born on May 13, 1922, the eldest son of Herman Manford (born in Lambton, Ontario) and Annie Maria (nee Dunn, born in Courtright, Ontario) Ellis of 294 South Mitton Street, Sarnia. Norman had six sisters and four brothers which included: Donna Jean (born 1926), Wilfred Henry (born 1930), Edith and Edward (twins born 1935, though Edward died at birth), Eva, Gerald, Kenneth, Barbara, Norma and one other sister. Norman would marry Gladys Louise Copeland of Inwood, the only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Copeland at the United Church in Inwood on June 4, 1941. At the wedding ceremony, Miss Winnie Maidment of Sarnia served as bridesmaid, and serving as best man was “Bus” Nesbitt of Sarnia. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Masonic Hall in Inwood. A buffet luncheon was served on the lawn to approximately 150 guests. Afterwards, the newlywed couple left for a trip to eastern points. Upon their return, the young couple resided in Sarnia, at 294 South Mitton Street. The young couple would have one child together, a son, Douglas.
Prior to enlisting, Norman drove for the Morris Taxi firm and drove a truck for Kist Beverages. Norman Ellis enlisted in the Canadian Army in London, Ontario in September of 1942, receiving most of his army training in British Columbia. He would become a member of the Essex Scottish Regiment, R.C.I.C., attaining the rank of Private. In April 1943, Norman would return to Sarnia on furlough from an army camp on Vancouver Island, to visit his friends and family, which included his young wife Gladys and their son Douglas. In August 1943, while still stationed on the west coast, Norman Ellis was promoted to Corporal. In May of 1944, Norman would return to Sarnia on another furlough to be with his wife Gladys and their two year old son Douglas.
On June 4, 1944, Norman would leave for overseas. Less than two months later, Norman would arrive in France, on July 31, 1944. Shortly after, on August 8, 1944, Gladys in Sarnia would receive a letter from her husband Norman in which he stated that he was well. He also enclosed a piece of French currency. On that same day, August 8, 1944, only eight days after arriving in France, Norman Ellis would lose his life during the Battle of Normandy in Operation Totalize, south of Caen, Normandy, France. In late August 1944, Gladys was visiting her parents Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Copeland in Inwood when she would receive a telegram informing her that her husband, Private Norman G. Ellis was reported missing on August 8.
In early December 1944, Mrs. Gladys Ellis in Inwood would receive a telegram from the Department of National Defence informing her that her husband, Private Norman George Ellis has been reported killed in action. Norman George Ellis would later be officially listed as, Overseas casualty, killed in action, in the field (France). In early December of 1944, a short memorial tribute was held in St. Paul’s United Church, Sarnia at a mornig service to pay tribute to Private Norman Ellis. Twenty-two year old Norman Ellis is buried in the Bretteville-Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, Calvados, France, Grave VIII.D.14. On Norman Ellis’ headstone are inscribed the words, He gave his life so that his wife Gladys, and son Douglas, might live in peace.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2B, 2C, 2D