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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BONNER, Albert Leo - 86, Halifax, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2004, in the New Halifax Infirmary, QEII. Born in Saint John, N.B., he was a son of the late Daniel and Ellen (Gray) Bonner. He served 34 years with the RCN retiring with the rank of Lt. Cmdr. During the Second World War, he served in the European and Pacific Theatres on the Russian and North Atlantic runs. He was mentioned in dispatches as well, he served in The Korean Conflict. Following his retirement from the RCN, he worked for the Department of Employment and Immigration. He was recognized by the Prime Minister for 50 years of continuous service to the Government of Canada. As well as being highly decorated, Al was extremely proud of being Chief Yeoman of Signals on several warships. He was a long-time member of the Chief's and PO's Mess. Al was an avid sportsman and volunteer as well as being an active athletic coach. He was also very active in St. John Ambulance having received the Order of St. John. He will be lovingly missed by his wife, the former M. Frances O'Neill; sons, Daniel and wife Sharon, Bridgewater; Patrick and wife Tammy, Berwick; daughter, Frances Ellen and husband Shane Parker, New Minas; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Visitation will be 2-4, 7-9 p.m. today in J.A. Snow Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Friday in St. Mary's Basilica, Very Rev. John Williams officiating. Burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. (The Halifax Herald 13 May 2004)
Awards and Decorations: DSM (EIIR) - BEM (GVI) - 39/45 Star - Atlantic Star - Pacific Star - CVSM and Clasp - 39/45 War Medal with MID - Canadian Korea Medal - Canadian Korean Volunteer Service Medal - United Nations Korea Medal - EIIR Coronation Medal - RCNVR Long Service and Good Conduct Medal - CD with one Bar - Serving Brother, Order of St. John
Citation for British Empire Medal - BONNER, Albert Leo, Chief Yeoman of Signals, V2293, British Empire Medal (BEM), RCNVR, HMCS Uganda - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of 5 January 1946 and London Gazette of 1 January 1946. "This Chief Petty Officer joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve a year prior to the commencement of hostilities and served at sea for over three years during the war in the Battle of the Atlantic and latterly in the Pacific Theatre in HMCS Uganda. As Chief Yeoman of Signals, he has displayed keenness and integrity to a marked degree, and has at all time proven an inspiration to the junior ratings of his branch."
Supplement to the London Gazette 01 Jan 1946
Distinguished Service Medal - Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) in Korea as per Canada Gazette of 20 December 1952 while serving in HMCS Nootka.
Supplement to the London Gazette 23 Dec 1952
Mentioned In Despatches - BONNER, Albert Leo, Acting Yeoman of Signals, V2293 - Mention in Despatches - RCNVR - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of 5 June 1943 and London Gazette of 2 June 1943. "Throughout a considerable period of service at sea which has included action against enemy submarines in the North Atlantic, this rating has displayed the utmost zeal, cheerfulness and devotion to duty."
PO Tel, A.L. Bonner, B.E.M. - Man of the Month Crowsnest Magazine Vol 1 No 1. Nov 1948 Click on the above image to read the article
Ships served in: HMS BELFAST HMCS UGANDA - Served in Uganda as Chief Yeoman of Signals, RCNVR HMCS NOOTKA - Served in Nootka in 1948
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For Posterity's Sake 
