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A poppy engraved road sign of Gilmore Crescent.
Screen grab from Google Maps
In honour of our soldiers: Hugh Boyd Gilmore
By Samuel Cheng
Published 12:14 PST, Thu February 29, 2024
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In a series of Richmond’s ‘poppy’ street signs in memory of our fallen soldiers, we share the story of Gilmore Crescent.
Halloween of 1923 wasn’t just all spooky costumes and candies, it was the date of birth for Hugh Boyd Gilmore. Born in Vancouver, Gilmore attended and graduated from Richmond High School in 1940.
He worked for his father on a family farm that was located on 695 Shell Road. Growing up, Gilmore was an avid sport enthusiast as he participated in lacrosse and football. On top of that, Gilmore was also a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Two years after graduating from high school, Gilmore voluntarily enlisted himself in the Royal Canadian Air Force on Nov. 18, 1942. He was sent to be posted in Edmonton and several different bases in Quebec. During this time, Gilmore was under the training of an air gunner.
Bournemouth, England was the first overseas destination for Gilmore as he was sent to join the Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron #429. He was promoted to Pilot Officer Air Gunner on July 30, 1944.
Tragedy struck during an operational attack on Coquereaux, France on July 31, 1944. Gilmore, along with six other members onboard the LV950 aircraft failed to return to the base after their mission. Gilmore was officially declared dead in February of 1945.
Gilmore was buried in the cemetery at Saint-Martin-au-Bosc, France. In the following year, the Richmond City Council passed the decision to erect Gilmore Crescent in memory of our brave, fallen soldier.
Today, the road can be found to the south of River Road, east of No. 4 Road and west of Shell Road.
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