Cpl Hugh Riley, the 8th Hussars oldest surviving Veteran turns 102!
 |  His birthday on 12 July 17, was hosted by his daughter Sharon and a large number of his family attended including a number of his surviving siblings. Lots of jokes and stories were told and little brother Pat ( age 94) really got things going when he spotted an 8th Hussars place mat and wanted to know where the artillery ones were at. Best wishes from the 8th Hussars Regimental Association and the 8th Hussars Museum were delivered by Major (Ret) Tom McLaughlan. |
Riley family members who served during WW II. L to R; Stan, Jack, Lilla, Pat and Hugh Hugh Geoffery Riley, regimental number G250, joined the 4 Canadian Motorcycle Regiment, 8th Princess Louise (NB) Hussars in the August of 1940. Hugh enlisted in Sussex, New Brunswick, the same day as his brother Jack,
regimental number G251. Other family members would also join the war effort, with brother Pat joining the artillery, sister Lilla to the RCAF, and brother Stan to the army. Prior to signing up, Riley worked in the woods, sailed wooden ships in the South Seas for a time, and also trained in Camp Sussex for two summers with the militia.
After his enlistment, Riley trained with the 8th Hussars in Camp Sussex, Camp Borden, and Camp Petawawa, before going on to continue his training with the regiment in Great Britain.
During the Second World War, Corporal Riley served as the 8th Hussars Regimental Signals Section.
Hugh's duties in Signals and Military Intelligence took him all over the Italian Peninsula, and much of his work involved traversing the mountainous Italian terrain in a scout-car to observe enemy action and gather information.
regimental number G251. Other family members would also join the war effort, with brother Pat joining the artillery, sister Lilla to the RCAF, and brother Stan to the army. Prior to signing up, Riley worked in the woods, sailed wooden ships in the South Seas for a time, and also trained in Camp Sussex for two summers with the militia.
After his enlistment, Riley trained with the 8th Hussars in Camp Sussex, Camp Borden, and Camp Petawawa, before going on to continue his training with the regiment in Great Britain.
During the Second World War, Corporal Riley served as the 8th Hussars Regimental Signals Section.
Hugh's duties in Signals and Military Intelligence took him all over the Italian Peninsula, and much of his work involved traversing the mountainous Italian terrain in a scout-car to observe enemy action and gather information.
During his time in Italy, Hugh recalls two days spent hiding in a wine casket when German soldiers overran their position. Riley also recalls working with Col. Robinson to design the 8th Hussars shoulder flash and also worked with the Regimental Adjutant in writing large sections of the 8th Hussars War Diary.
During the Regiment's time in Great Britain, Riley recalls meeting with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and dancing with famed-singer Vera Lynn. This is the same time the Union Jack was supposedly obtained that Frank Gaunce spoke about being borrowed from 10 Downing St in London while they were driving Winston Churchill around in the Canadian Tanks.
Corporal Riley returned home in February 1946 and was discharged on 8 March 1946. Upon his return to Canada, Hugh was asked to stay on with the Army as he spoke five languages including Russian, but Hugh was keen to get on with family life and leave the army behind.
For his dedicated service, Hugh received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star , the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with pin and clasp.
Hugh Riley currently lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick and just celebrated his 102nd birthday.
Hugh's lifetime of accomplishments truly illustrate his extraordinary character.
During the Regiment's time in Great Britain, Riley recalls meeting with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and dancing with famed-singer Vera Lynn. This is the same time the Union Jack was supposedly obtained that Frank Gaunce spoke about being borrowed from 10 Downing St in London while they were driving Winston Churchill around in the Canadian Tanks.
Corporal Riley returned home in February 1946 and was discharged on 8 March 1946. Upon his return to Canada, Hugh was asked to stay on with the Army as he spoke five languages including Russian, but Hugh was keen to get on with family life and leave the army behind.
For his dedicated service, Hugh received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star , the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with pin and clasp.
Hugh Riley currently lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick and just celebrated his 102nd birthday.
Hugh's lifetime of accomplishments truly illustrate his extraordinary character.
Hugh Riley is celebrating his 102nd Christmas. He is currently residing at the Veterans Health unit at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton. He is the 8th Hussar's oldest living veteran at 102 years of age and has rallied very well after a series of health concerns earlier in the fall.The veterans Christmas party at the Health unit was put on by various Legions in the area and as you can see from the photograph Hugh was in fine spirits and actively engaged with the party goers. This photograph was provided by his daughter and primary care giver, Sharon Riley.
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