Summerside's War Effort During WWII

B. W. Robinson was born in Summerside in 1891. After serving overseas in the First World War, he became manager of the family business, Robinson's Bakery Ltd., and was also involved in fox ranching. His experience with the Canadian Heavy Battery in France gave him a keen interest in the affairs of veterans and he was a founding member of the Canadian Legion in Summerside.

In July 1941 he was appointed Supervisor of Auxiliary Services of the 5th Armoured Division of the Canadian Legion War Services. He reported for duty to Debert, Nova Scotia. A visit home in October 1941 was noted in the papers. The Island Farmer commented, " … citizens will laud his desire to again be of service to his King and Country and will follow his career with interest."

Shortly thereafter he was in England serving with the Cape Breton Highlanders whose members he praised in an open letter to Premier Campbell in April 1942. In July, Summerside residents were again reminded of his work overseas and the Journal passed along his message for Islanders to send letters and parcels.

Mr. Robinson continued to hold his seat in the PEI Legislature until the election of 1943. Overseas he was eventually elevated to Assistant General Manager of the Canadian Legion War Services. He was serving in London in April 1945 when he received word that he had been named Senator for Prince County. There was considerable satisfaction among Summerside citizens of this appointment. He was back from England at the end of May. He held his post as Senator until his death in Summerside in January 1949.