Roland Robinson

Roland Robinson

Royal Canadian Regiment

Joined: Age 20

Posted: Korea in 1952

Position: Infantryman

Before Roland Robinson joined the service, he was working as a lineman at London Hydro making 96 cents an hour. After three years, however, and despite having to take a pay cut to do so, he decided to join the war efforts.

Roland trained in London, Ontario and Edmonton, Ontario for a year and was deployed to Korea in 1952. He spent fourteen months in Korea, where he faced the hardships and cold of a war of yards. Serving as an infantryman, Roland spent much time on patrol at the front carrying the wounded back to safety. Often considered a war to capture hills, Roland recalls naming the hills around him "Faith, Hope and Charity" and trying to find solace in the camaraderie with his fellow mates.

After the end of the Korean War, Roland returned to Ontario Hydro and worked there for 37 years before retiring. Looking back on the war, Roland says he appreciates how people celebrate Remembrance Day. "It's surprising to me how many people come out for Memorial Day, even young school kids. They appreciate veterans more now than they did many years ago. It makes you feel good."