I was a trumpeter

Heroes Remember

I was a trumpeter

Transcript

I feel rather proud, my health has been such and I've taken care of myself pretty well and I've survived this far. I don't know how long it'll be, but I can sit here and be photographed. I had a job presented to me and I tried to carry it out as well as I could. Rode a horse in the First World War, I was a trumpeter. Well I got them up in the morning, put them to bed at night, called them for meals and so on, but that's about it. I think I've sung all my life. I love to sing and I've sung professionally a great deal but nevertheless I sing for the joy of singing. If I loved you time and again, I would try to say all I'd want you to know if I loved you words wouldn't come in an easy way. Round in circles I'd go longing to tell you but afraid and shy. I'd let my golden chances pass me by. Soon you'd leave me, off you would go at the break of day. Never, never to know how I love you. If I loved you.

Description

Mr. Wilson demonstrates that although his memory of overseas service may have faded, his love of singing and ability to do so are still very obvious.

Dwight Wilson

Mr. Wilson was born February 26, 1901, in Vienna, Ontario. In 1915 he served as a bugler in the militia (9th Mississauga Horse) and in July of the following year, at age 15, he joined the 69th Battery (artillery) in Toronto. "It was my duty", he often told reporters. Following basic training in Petawawa, Ontario, Mr. Wilson was shipped to England, "zig-zagging to avoid torpedo boats," he later recalled. There his superiors realized he was too young and held him back from the front lines, keeping him in England with the 34th Battalion (a reserve unit) where his duties included digging trenches. He was sent home in January 1917, to be discharged as a minor. The determined boy re-enlisted in the 69th Battery in April, but was discharged four months later in Petawawa as he was still a minor. Mr. Wilson went on to work for 47 years at Bell Canada. He also tried to serve in the Second World War, but was told he was too old for active service. Mr. Wilson has always enjoyed singing, and his credits include singing at Massey Hall. He continues to entertain staff and fellow residents in his long-term care residence with his classical baritone voice.

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