It is with fond memories and regrets we share of the passing of Barry R. Bittle, March 5th, 2020, age 79.
Barry reached us through the website for the 12th Field Documentary project and was an important inspiration to our story and research for this project.
He shares, during our interview, the tragic story of his father who served with the 12th Field Regiment; Barry’s emotional connection to Walter Culhane Bittle, a soldier-father whom he never met. Gnr W. C. Bittle was killed in action on August 14, 1944.
Barry in front of The Falaise Gap where his father died, in Haut-Mesnil, on the 70th anniversary in
Barry with his mother Kate and sister Beverley at the Canadian Cemetery, early 1980s
Barry in front of a 12th Field Regiment gun at Juno Beach, 2015
Barry loved this one. The gun behind Walter Bittle and his bike on the right side.
Walter C. Bittle with the cigarette middle back row
Walter C. Bittle on the far right
From an intimate family obituary:
Barry-R-Bittle-1941-2020-Obituary-BrianCanada’s Phantom Regiment – CHAPTER Five: Quarry Bombing and The Liberation of France (17 min)
best friend
We lost touch for 50 years and re-united at the Monarch Tavern.
Always looked up to Barry and I still feel like I can pick up the phone and call him.
He sure had a presence.
I will miss him