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In honour of our soldiers: Private Lyle Melburn Allison

Published 11:01 PDT, Fri May 23, 2025
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Following up on our Richmond poppy street signs, we move onto the names of young soldiers whose names were inscribed on the Cenotaph. Those names are compiled of 21 young men who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, and in the Korean War.
Lyle Melburn Allison was born on April 24, 1924 in Eklhorn Manitoba to Thomas and Florence Allison. He was one of four children as he had three sisters. He and his family would move to Richmond sometime along his life, before he ultimately decided to move to Marpole while his parents remained in Richmond. On March 18, 1943, Lyle enlisted in Winnipeg and filled out his address as General Delivery, Swan River, Manitoba. He would go onto change his address to Marpole that same year while his parents had listed Sub Post Office 32, Marpole, BC, and 371 Patterson Road Lulu Island, Marpole, BC as their addresses.
Upon enlistment, Lyle journeyed to North Bay, Ontario to engage in proper training as member of the infantry. During his time there, Lyle attempted to become a driver / mechanic, attending the training co urses in Woodstock, Ontario and Shilo, Manitoba but he failed to qualify. In April 1944, he would leave for England as part of the Royal Regiment of Canada. For four months, Lyle endured the hardships of being a solder before he was wounded on Aug. 1, 1944 and killed in action the following day.
In 1922, the City of Richmond created a Cenotaph to honour those who lost their lives in the wars. Allison was also honoured with the naming of local streets after him such as Allison Street and Allison Court.