Major Frank Battershill was born 26 June 1916 in East Kildonan, Winnipeg and in his later years lived in Vancouver and Edmonton. Frank attended St. John’s College (now St. John’s Ravenscourt) and St. John’s College, University of Manitoba.

Frank entered the Military at an early age, being a member of the Canadian Army Cadets during his schooling and in 1933 enlisted in the 90th Battalion, The Winnipeg Rifles, of the then Non-Permanent Active Militia.

Frank remained a member of the now Royal Winnipeg Rifles throughout his life, serving with the 1st Battalion in the Second World War including landing on D-Day June 6, 1944 as part of the first assault wave at Juno Beach. Frank was a Lieutenant commanding No. 7 Platoon, A Company. Promoted to Captain, Frank took part in the entire campaign in North West Europe, ending up for the last six months commanding a company with the rank of Major. Frank returned with the Battalion to Winnipeg on the 31st of December, 1945. Frank took his discharge in February 1946 and worked for a number of years in Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatchewan.

During his service in The Canadian Army, Frank received many decorations, campaign stars, medals and other awards. His gallantry and commendable service was further recognized by his commanders and superiors when, by the King’s Order, the name of Frank Battershill was published in the London Gazette on November 8, 1945 as mentioned in a Dispatch for distinguished service.

Frank re-enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1951 and became a member of the 2nd Battalion, The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto, and served a 14 month tour in Korea, as well as several appointments in various cities in Canada including a two year posting in Fort Churchill, Manitoba as Chief Instructor of the Winter Warfare School. He retired from the Army in November 1965.

Frank then worked for the T. Eaton Company Limited in Edmonton in their Loss Prevention Department. In 1969, he was transferred to Vancouver as Divisional Loss Prevention Manager. He retired in 1981

Following a family tradition, Frank early on became interested in the sport of Military Rifle Shooting and participated in the Provincial Competitions of the Province in which he was living at the time, as well as the annual competitions held in Ottawa each year. In 1957 Frank qualified for and was selected as a member of the 1958 Canadian Rifle Team representing Canada at the Bisley Rifle Matches held in Bisley, England each year. In addition, Frank took part in several other sports including Hockey, Curling, Tennis, and Golf.

On 30 November 2010 Frank passed away at the age of 94 years, and is buried in St. John’s Cathedral Cemetery, 135 Anderson Avenue, Winnipeg.