Duncan Cenotaph – Charles Hoey Park

As part of our project to document the names on the Cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park in downtown Duncan, here is a page about Flight Sergeant James Edward Lemon, who was killed in action 25 July 1942, aged 22, while serving in Britain with the R.C.A.F. He is buried in Norwich Cemetery, Norfolk, U.K.

Here are the local newspaper reports of Flight Sergeant James Edward Lemon’s death:

“James Lemon, Sgt.-WAG, Is Killed Overseas

Sgt.-WAG [note: Wireless Operator/Air Gunner] James Edward Lemon, son of Mr. and Mrs A.E. Lemon, Duncan, [note: the parents’ full names were Arthur Edward Lemon and Daisy Gertrude Lemon], was killed on active service on Saturday,  July 25 [1942], according to a wire received by his parents on Wednesday.

No details were given and nothing definite will be known about the circumstances until the letter arrives which it was stated was following. Sgt. Lemon had been flying from Britain, but there is a possibility that he may have been transferred to another front.

A wide circle of school and church friends have received the news with great regret and much sympathy is felt for the family of another boy who has given his life in the cause of freedom.

Jimmy Lemon was born in Duncan on April 25, 1920 and was thus over 22 years of age.  He attended Duncan Elementary and High schools, was a good and well-liked student, played various sports well, particularly softball, soccer and badminton and was truly sportsmanlike. With the other members of his family he belonged to St. John’s Church, Duncan and was a member of the A.Y.P.A.

While still at school Jimmy started part-time work for Buckerfield’s Ltd. at Duncan in 1936, joining the staff full-time when he graduated in July 1937. On April 1, 1939, he was transferred to the Courtenay branch of the company and was working there when he enlisted in the R.C.A.F. in February 1941.

Besides his parents he leaves three sisters: Florence, on the Provincial government office staff, Duncan; Helen, who joined the R.C.A.F. (W.D.) earlier this year and [illegible in original] on the Bank of Montreal staff, Duncan.”

(Source: Cowichan Leader, 30 July 1942, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)

Here are some websites with more information about Flight Sergeant James Edward Lemon:

Would you like to leave a comment or question about anything on this page?