Regimental Number: M35483
Rank: Private
Herbert, born on November 24, 1921 at the family farm at Glen Leslie, was the 3rd oldest of Herman and Sylvira Kimble’s six children; Elaine, Violet, Herman (twin), Bobby and Ellsworth. After reading about the opportunities for land ownerships In Northern Alberta, Herman decided to relocate his family from Minnesota, USA in 1919. They travelled by train to Grande Prairie where Herman subsequently bought a ½ section of land in an area east of Grande Prairie known as Glen Leslie.
All the children attended the Crystal Creek School. Once Herbert had completed Grade 7, he worked on the family farm during the summer months and in the bush during the wintertime.
On May 25, 1941, Herbert enlisted with the Canadian Active Service Force at Grande Prairie. He trained in Edmonton, Camrose and Red Deer where he successfully completed a course as a Class III Driver in October 1941. Herbert disembarked in England on November 23, 1941 where he completed a trade course as a Storeman T&D Group “C” in April 1943 and was employed at that trade with the RCASC for approximately 23 months. Herbert was transferred to France on July 7, 1944. On February 2, 1945 Herbert was in a supply truck that drove over a land mine that exploded. Herbert suffered fractured legs and injuries to his back and was transported back to a hospital in England where he was in a cast for several months. Once sufficiently recuperated, Herman was sent back to Canada and was discharged on June 26, 1945 at Calgary. Private Kimble received the 1939-45 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Herbert returned home to the farm and subsequently met and married Jean McLaughlin who was from Bezanson. The young couple acquired land of their own in the Glen Leslie area and built up a sizable farm. They had four boys; Gordon, Monty, Rocky and Robin (twins).
Herbert passed away in 1991 and is buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery. The land is currently being farmed by their son, Monty. Once Jean moved into a seniors’ residence in Grande Prairie, Robin and Rocky decided to reside in the Kimble house on the farm.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Service File
Interview with Louise Kimble