B115539 Rifleman Mervin Henry York was born in Meaford, Ontario, on 29 September 1917, the son of Harmon York and Maud Lousia Wilson. He had two brothers who also served in the army, a third brother and four sisters.

On 19 July 1941, he married Shirley Ann Hanson.

York worked as a precision cutter and grinder at the John Inglis Company when he enlisted in Toronto with the Canadian Army on 20 August 1943.  He trained in Orillia and Camp Borden and on 3 April 1944, reported for duty in the United Kingdom. Just six days later, he arrived in France and by 28 June, was posted to The Queen’s Own Rifles as a reinforcement.

York was admitted to 22 Field Ambulance on 5 July 1944, to the 11 General Hospital on 8 July, and to 18 General Hospital on 13 July, finally being discharged on 25 July.

York went briefly absent without leave on 30/31 July, returned to France on 4 September and rejoined the QOR on 20 September. He then fought with them through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Rifleman York, aged 28, was killed in action in Holland on 10 April 1945. He is buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery, grave reference II. A. 14.