Obituary of Phillip Downing Flagg

FLAGG Phillip Downing “Noel” Flagg, April 9, 1918 - May 16, 2016 in his 99th year. Noel is survived by his wife Dorothy Irene (Hoffman) Flagg. Noel and Dorothy were both born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada with their families. Originally of Dunneville, Noel joined the Dufferin-Haldimand Reserves in 1937-38 and later at the age of 22 he joined the regular army with the Lincoln-Welland Regiment. Noel wanted to go overseas with his buddies so off he went to England and from there he was later sent for commando training in Northern Scotland. Noel and his comrades were part of the first landing of Italy on July 10, 1943. He was later taken prisoner in an Italian camp, Campo 66. He was later released when the Italians surrendered. Noel was then recaptured by the German army and moved among prisoner of war and labour camps. At one point he worked in a Polish leather factory. As Russia advanced on Poland, Noel and others were part of a death march, in which hundreds of soldiers died, marching back into Germany in minus 40 degree weather. Noel and another soldier later escaped, fleeing into Czechoslovakia where they were taken in by the underground. Noel waited out the War with a Czech family outside of Prague. Sympathetic Russian soldiers later took Noel and his companion to Prague and from there they made their way back to Scotland, and for Noel, back to Canada. Noel left the forces as a Sargeant and eventually he and Dorothy came to live in Clinton. Noel was an active member and one-time President of the Clinton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Noel is survived by his wife Dorothy, (predeceased by his daughter Linda (Flagg) Philips), niece Susan Marr (Ron), grandchildren Lisa Allard (Raymond), Darrell Daniel, Robert Daniel (Roberta), Cheryl Daniel (Steve), Betty Jean (the late Brian Daniel), 9 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at Falconer Funeral Homes, 153 High St. Clinton, Ontario on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 2pm with inurnment to follow at the Clinton Cemetery. The Flagg family would appreciate any donations made to the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation or the Royal Canadian Legion, Clinton Branch No. 140, two local organizations which Noel and Dorothy value and have supported. Condolences may be placed at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com