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History
Kenneth F. Pettis served with the Canadian Corps Cyclist Battalion during the First World War and with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the Second World War. Born 1898 in Cabbagetown, Ontario, Pettis enlisted in April 1916 with the 4th Divisional Cyclists. After completing his training as a cyclist, Pettis sailed to Liverpool in 1916 with the rest of his troop. After months of training in Britain, he was sent to the Front in France in January 1918. With some of the other men from the Cyclist Corps, he was taken into a Tunneling Company where he dug trenches for months. During the First World War, Pettis saw action in Amiens, Arras and Orange Hill. Pettis did not return to Canada until Spring 1919. Twenty-five years to the day after enlisting in the Cyclists, he became an officer of the RCAF during the Second World War. During his term of duty, Pettis spent time in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem, Baghdad, Persia, and Greece. Pettis returned to Canada May 8, 1945 - VE Day. He left the RCAF with the rank of Squadron Leader.