VETERANS’ SERVICE RECOGNITION BOOK – VOLUME 21 / 75 THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND COMMAND MELDRUM, David Joseph PEACETIME David was born in Florence, Ontario in 1936. He attended school and graduated from Lambton-Kent High School with recognized excellence. During his childhood, he was a member of Boy Scouts of Canada. Then, he joined the Cadets and was part of that organization until aging out of the program. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy on December 7, 1956, at the age of twenty. His uncle, George Sawcher, was a World War II Veteran from 2/14 Field Regiment, RCA. Arriving at the recruiting office, he and his friend began the process of joining the military. There were lots of tests that they had to do plus one on one interviews. They both succeeded and became the newest recruits of the CAF. David and his friend headed for Boot Camp and began their military training in earnest. Cornwallis, Nova Scotia is a beautiful little base near Digby, NS and right on the ocean. They spent the next six months learning the basics. David served on the HMCS Bonaventure. They enjoyed their time on board the ships when they went on peacekeeping exercises, and they were gone up to 5 to 6 months at a time. His career took him to many countries and he was stationed in Baden, Germany for three years. CPO officer 2nd Class Meldrum was trained in aircraft and helicopter maintenance. These airplanes and choppers landed on the ships and were maintained and repaired by the highly trained mechanics. Most of his career was on board ship out of CAF Base Shearwater, NS. David excelled at his trade and was commended many times for his excellent work and supervisory know-how. He was offered his commission, but he refused as he liked where he worked and the guys he worked with. After serving 36 years, David retired as a Master Warrant Officer (CPO2) on September 26, 1992. He is an eighteen-year member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5.
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