Thomas' Discharge
Thomas was born 08 August 1902 in Pembina, Manitoba, Canada the Son of John Franklin and Sarah Agnes (nee Brisco) Pickell.
Thomas married Audrey Ella Foster on September 2, 1933 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
They had five children: Robert Foster, Sandra, Sharon Louise and John Thomas.
Thomas joined the Canadian Army on March 5, 1941 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Family History by Sharon Pickell: Military: Dad entered the army in the Royal Canadian Artillery Serial number K15230 (as Dad always remembered 15 time 2 equals 30). He was stationed in Victoria where he was a gunnery instructor. He was also stationed at Fort Stevenson, Point Atkinson, another Fort in Vancouver where they checked boats in and out of the harbours. All the Forts were on Active Duty. He was then stationed on York Island during part of 1944 and 1945.
Meeting dad on the Tram: Mom and I got on the tram at Garden City Road and there was Dad handcuffed to a sailor and had on an M.P. arm band and I said something like "Mommy, look there's Daddy". To which Mom told me I could'nt talk to him as he was on duty. But we sat on the long seat next to Dad and the sailor in the first double seat on the tram. The sailor was quite a bit younger than Dad and he told me that he had gone A.W.O.L. and that Dad was just doing his duty by taking him back to Vancouver. The sailor also said "Sarg. you can talk to your kid, I won't tell". But dad never did he just smiled at mom and I.
Christmas: Dad was either home on leave or just Discharged from the Army I don't remeber which, it was Christmas eve and we had all asked Dad if we could have one of his sox to hang up on the mantle as they were so much bigger than ours. Dad very generously gave each of a sox, then announced that seeing he had given all his sox's away he would have to hang up his duffel bag for Santa to fill, I know I was a little chagrin to think of Dad getting his duffle bag filled with presents. But Chrstmas morning Dad had the same amount of presents in his bag as we had. However, Santa left him a note on the duffle bag saying "Big Pig". We all laughed and thought it was a good joke on him.
Thomas was discharged from the Canadian Army with the rank of Sergeant on October 12, 1945 in Vancouver, B.C.
Discharged from the Canadian Army Active Service on October 12, 1945 Certificate reads: This is to certify that No. K-15230 (Rank) Sergeant Name (in Full) PICKELL, Thomas Clinton enlisted or was enrolled in the #X1 District Depot the CANADIAN ARMY (ACTIVE) at Vancouver B.C. on the sixth day of Marh 1941. he served in Canada only and is now discharged from the service under Routine order 1029 (5ci) by reason of To return to civil life (On Demobilization). medals, Decorations, Mentions awarded in respect of service during this war: Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS SOLDIER on the DATE below is as follows: Age: 43 years 2 months, Height: 5 feet 10 inches, Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Hazel, Hair: Black and Grey, Mark or scars: 2" scar inner thigh side left thigh. signed Thos. C. Pickell.
Thomas died October 15, 1986 in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada.