Regimental Number: M65388; SM65388
Rank: Gunner
Clifford was born in 1919 in Lavesta, Alberta. His parents divorced when he was young and his father, Edward, retained custody of Clifford and Edward Jr. Edward subsequently married Charlotte who had four daughters from a previous marriage.
Once Edward became aware of the opportunities for land ownership in Northern Alberta by means of homestead applications, he moved his family to an area of Bezanson known as Fitzsimmons in 1927. Life was difficult at that time for Edward Jr. and Clifford and they left home at a very young age (10 and 8) and worked for various farmers in the area to survive.
Clifford was living at Heart Valley, Alberta when he enlisted with the Canadian Military on May 25, 1941 in Grande Prairie. He served with the 8th Field Regiment attached to the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. Clifford was transferred to Edmonton followed by Calgary, Lethbridge, Peterborough and Camp Petawawa in Ontario for training. He passed courses to become a Qualified Driver Class III and then proceeded on Special Duty to Alaska after which he embarked for the United Kingdom in October 1942. Clifford served in Canada, United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean and Continental Europe. Gunner Clifford Stearn was discharged on demobilization at Calgary on January 17, 1946. He received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, Defense Medal, War Medal 1939-45 and the Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. Clifford decided to make a career out of the Military; re-enlisted and was allocated to the RCE Corps in January 1947. Corporal Clifford Stearn spent 4 years in Whitehorse, Yukon and approximately 16 years at Camp Borden in Ontario. During that time, Clifford married Pearl Joy Boreen and they had two daughters, Sheila and Heather. On his retirement, the family settled in Barrie, Ontario.
Clifford passed away on April 13, 1988 and was buried at the Barrie Union Cemetery. Pearl passed away on July 20, 2004 and was laid to rest beside her husband.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Emails and notes from Ian Skinner – grand nephew of Clifford Stearn
Service File