London Second World War veteran Sir George Beardshaw dies at 103

Cpl. George Beardshaw (left) and his caretaker Judy Helle attend the Remembrance Day ceremony in London, Ont. on Nov. 11, 2023. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

Sir George Beardshaw, one of Canada’s last surviving Second World War veterans and a tireless advocate for British Home Children, has died. He was 103.

Beardshaw died peacefully on July 11 with family by his side, according to his obituary.

Born in England in 1923, Beardshaw came to Canada as one of more than 100,000 British Home Children sent overseas. He later enlisted with The Queen’s Own Rifles and served during the Second World War, spending the final weeks of the conflict as a prisoner of war after being captured in the Netherlands.

After the war, Beardshaw settled in London, Ont. where he became a familiar face at Remembrance Day ceremonies, military commemorations and community events, sharing his experiences from the war while educating Canadians about the history of the British Home Children program.

Just last month, Wilfrid Laurier University awarded Beardshaw an honorary Doctor of Laws during its spring convocation ceremonies, recognizing what the university called a lifetime of service, resilience and advocacy.

At the time, Beardshaw said he was humbled by the recognition. “I am completely overwhelmed,” he said.

The honorary degree was the latest in a long list of accolades recognizing Beardshaw’s contributions.

He was also appointed a Knight of France’s Legion of Honour, received the King Charles III Coronation Medal and was widely recognized for his work preserving the stories of both veterans and British Home Children.

Despite the honours, Beardshaw remained known for his humility and sense of humour. “Quit giving me awards, you got to stop,” he joked after receiving his honorary degree in June.

His obituary describes Beardshaw as a man whose “strength, humility and lifelong commitment to remembering history inspired generations.”

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. at the Parkwood Veterans Care Chapel in London.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Parkwood Veterans Care or the Home Child Museum Fund Canada.