L . G “Archie” Lavigne and the Second World War

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Museum Blog - October 2015

Lavigne joined the 2nd Ottawa Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, in 1939 and saw active service until he was discharged with the rank of Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant in 1945.  After the Second World War he returned to Cornwall and opened a grocery store in the North End.  He was elected to Cornwall City Council in 1947, and became Mayor in 1957.

A man in a military uniform stands on a sunlit sidewalk beside a brick building. Papers are pinned to a nearby board, creating a nostalgic, historical feel.
L.G. Lavigne, in England, March 1941.
Five military medals displayed on a red surface. Three stars and two circular medals, each with colorful ribbons, evoke honor and history.
World War II Canadian Service medals donated by Sergeant L.G. Lavigne, (1917 – 1988). Medals, left to right: The 1039 – 45 Star; The France and Germany Star; The Defence Medal’ Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas clasp and the 1939 – 45 War Medal.

  The photographs and medals shown in this article were generously donated to the SD & G Historical Society’s archives and museum by Mr. Lavigne.  Along with Mayor Lavigne’s memorabilia we also have a collection from former Mayors Horovitz, Kaneb and Parisien, and MP Lionel Chevrier.

A soldier in uniform and helmet stands beside a large artillery gun in an open courtyard with brick buildings in the background. The mood is solemn.
Lavigne in England in March 1941. He wrote on the back of the photograph. “One of our guns. We also have bigger ones.”