Charles Krohn was born in Sarnia on April 20, 1924, the only son of Roy and Lettie Krohn, of Shamrock Street, Sarnia. Charles attended Devine Street School and had two sisters, who at the time of his death were Mrs. Thelma Hamilton and Mrs. Dorothy Thompson, both of Shamrock Street, Sarnia. Prior to enlisting, Charles was a guard at Imperial Oil refinery. Single at the time, he enlisted in the Canadian Army in August 1943, in London, Ontario. His address was then listed as R.R. #1 Corunna, Ontario.
Charles Krohn went overseas in April 1944, as a member of 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, R.C.A.C., with the rank of Private. On September 23, 1944, Charles Krohn would lose his life while fighting in Italy, during the Italian Campaign. His mother Lettie Krohn in Sarnia would receive a letter from her son Charles which had been written on September 21, 1944, two days before he was killed. In the letter, Charles wrote that, we are really giving it to them now, and that he expected to be home for Christmas.
In early October of 1944, Roy and Lettie Krohn in Sarnia would receive a telegram from the director of records in Ottawa informing them that their son, Private Charles Henry Krohn has been officially reported killed in action in Italy on September 23rd. Further particulars would be furnished when available. Charles would later be officially listed as, Overseas casualty, killed in action, in the field (Italy). Twenty-year old Charles Krohn is buried in Cesena War Cemetery, Italy, Grave V, G, 4. On Charles Krohn’s headstone are inscribed the words, Our only son. Sadly missed by mom and dad, sisters Dorothy and Thelma.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D