Photograph: An aviation enthusiast, Jack Neys helped build this plane and flew it in the early 1930s.
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this new blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.
Regimental Number: 3208198; VR-6374
Rank: Private
Branch: Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve
Jack was born in South Dakota on June 7, 1896. He was living in Sexsmith when he was drafted in April of 1918; his homestead was located at NW 1-76-2-W6 and he later filed on NW 18-74-5-W6 as well. In 1918, Jack was discharged from the army and joined the Navy, where his brother Henry served as well. On October 5, 1927, Jack married Nellie May Warn. Jack had a keen interest in aviation and in 1931 earned his pilot’s license. He later owned a plane, and made several mercy flights. Jack died in Washington in January of 1973.
Sources: homestead record; Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 111-112; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 646, 1148; Buffalo Trails p. 261
- Enlistment Form
- Navy Ledger Sheet
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Photograph (ca. 1930)
- Photograph (ca. 1937)
- Family portrait (1944)
- Marries (November 11, 1927)
- Takes up aviation (October 3, 1930)
- Secures flying license (November 27, 1931)
- Successful first flight (August 4, 1932)
- Owns aeroplane (August 11, 1932)
- Flies from Sexsmith to Grande Prairie (May 4, 1933)
- Flies to Edmonton (May 18, 1933)
- Plane equipped with skis (January 11, 1934)
- Mercy mission to Pine Pass (January 18, 1934)
- Mercy flight (May 21, 1936)
- Find A Grave