Private Neal Findlay McLeod

Neal Findlay McLeod, [ca. 1942]. City of Richmond Archives, photograph # 1997 36 1

Birth: July 20, 1913 in Nanaimo, BC

Death: July 16, 1943 in Sicily, Italy

Service: WWII

Service Number: K65446

Biography:
The McLeod family arrived in Richmond in 1922 when they became farmers on Cambie Road, growing strawberries. Neal attended Richmond High School for two years but left early due to family problems. Neal's father died prior to 1939. Neal worked first for the family farm and when war broke out, he worked for West Coast Ship Builders.

In July 1942 he enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces, joining the infantry and being sent to Vernon for basic training. Neal named his mother, Mrs. Georgina Alberta McLeod, as his next of kin. After basic training he was posted to Calgary for two months and then moved to Toronto. In January 1943 he returned to Calgary where he qualified as a brick layer. Neal embarked for overseas in March 1943 after being taken on strength with the Edmonton Regiment. The regiment remained in England for three months before embarking for Sicily. Neal Findlay McLeod was killed in action in Sicily on July 16, 1943.

History of the Road Name (McLeod Avenue and McLeod Court):

• Council Resolution to adopt road name: Council Minutes February 4, 1946, res. 8711, pg.45