Jock Ferguson was born in Dryden in 1924, the middle son of George and Maggie Ferguson. Jock was educated in Dryden and in 1942 at the age of 17, lied about his age and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve.
Jock underwent training in Mimico (Toronto) and then Esquimalt (Victoria BC) and was then posted to HMCS Stadaconna in Halifax for a short while and then on to HMCS Avalon in St. John’s. His next posting was to HMCS Naiobi (Glasgow Scotland). Once overseas, Jock was trained as a commando and was then assigned to Combined Operations and joined the crew of LCIL (Landing Craft Infantry Large) 277. Following landing craft training near Invarare, LCIL 277 was moved to the south coast of England in preparation for the Invasion of France.
On D Day and the days and weeks following, LCIL 277 made numerous crossings of the English Channel landing both Commonwealth and American soldiers on the Normandy Beaches. When Jock was asked which of the Normandy Beaches he had landed on – he quietly replied “All of them”.
Following the war Jock returned to Dryden and married Leila Wilson. Jock and Leila had two sons – John and Murray.
LCI-277, Just before DDay
The day before the ‘longest day.’ Waiting in England. (Collection of Lt William H. M. Ballantyne RCNR)
227bBeached at low tide, Normandy, France. Her job complete. (Lt William H. M. Ballantyne RCNR)
