Royal Canadian Air Force | Lead Aircraftman | 410 Cougar Squadron Arthur “Ace” Neville Wilson (1918– 1992)

Scoop Stewart

Sports Correspondent  

Soldier, Lead Aircraftsman Athlete, Family Man

Arthur “Art” Neville Wilson, affectionately known as “Ace,” was born in 1918 in Paris, Ontario, to Thomas Kerr and Hannah Wilson. One of six siblings, Art grew up in a close-knit family, whose roots were firmly planted in the heart of Paris. His father, Thomas Kerr, proudly served for thirty-five years as the Secretary of the Paris Fire Brigade, further cementing their family’s connection to the town’s rich history. 

Art quickly became a household name in local sports reporting. To many Paris old-timers, Ace Wilson and the famed Syl Apps were mentioned in the same breath. A gifted and relentless athlete, Art’s prowess on the ice and the diamond made him a standout. His hockey career began with the Quality Hill Junior Division in 1933 and spanned two decades, including stints with the Beavers, Niagara Falls Juniors, London Young Tecumsehs, Paris Blackhawks, Ayr Scotland RCAF, Brantford Redmen(winning the Intermediate A championship in 1946-47), the Legionnaires, the Paris Greenshirts, St. George, the Troy Rockets and the Paris Merchants. He also played baseball for local teams such as The Porters, Paris Greys, and Paris Inn. His dedication and leadership in sport earned him both community admiration and his enduring nickname “Ace”.

When Canada entered the Second World War, Art answered the call to serve. He was living at 41 Jane Street when he first enlisted with the 2nd/10th Dragoons. In 1936, as part of a drastic reorganization of the Canadian military in preparation for war, the 2nd Dragoons and the 10th Brant Dragoons were amalgamated into a single regiment, the 2nd /10th Dragoons. At the start of the Second World War, the regiment was not mobilized for war service right away, forcing many of its personnel to search for other units to serve overseas. With this in mind, Art took a course at the Galt Aircraft School early in 1941. After completing that course, he went to St. Thomas to study airframe mechanics. He graduated from that course in October 1941 and went overseas soon after.

He ended up serving with the No. 410 "Cougar" Squadron, a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fighter squadron that operated throughout the night in World War II. It was formed as an RCAF night fighter squadron at RAF Ayr, Scotland, in June 1941. Its role was to defend central Scotland and the Northeast of England from night bombing attacks. As a Lead Aircraftman 1, Art would have been responsible for helping to keep the airplanes in the squadron in fit condition to fulfill that role.

Hockey held a significant place in Art’s life during the war, serving as a vital distraction from the hardships he faced. His son Robb fondly recalls reading articles from a newspaper in Ayr, Scotland, that detailed Art’s impressive maneuvers on the ice and celebrated his goal-scoring achievements. Later in life, Art’s daughter Jane had the cherished opportunity to take him back to that very rink. He shared stories with her about his fond memories there and about his beloved hang-out spot, the Bobby Jones. 

After returning home from the war, Art built a full and vibrant life in Paris. In 1956, he married Ann Robb. Together, they raised five children—Jane, Robb, Leigh-Ann, Mick, and John. A true jack of all trades, Art wore many hats in his civilian life: mechanic, labourer, watchman, bartender, retailer, and entrepreneur. In 1966, he and Ann launched Anco Sales, a family-run carpet business operated from the “carpet barn” behind their home on Burwell Lane, which was a sponsor for many sports teams in Paris throughout the years, as Art sought to give back to his community and athletics.

Though his hockey playing days slowed as he raised a family, Art’s love for the game never wavered. He devoted countless hours supporting his children’s athletic pursuits, traveling across Ontario as a passionate fan and proud father. 

Lead Aircraftman Arthur “Ace” Wilson’s life was marked by service, sport, and a deep commitment to community. Whether on the battlefield, the rink, or in the heart of his family, Art Wilson exemplified resilience, dedication, and quiet heroism. 

Lovingly written by his granddaughter, Kaitlin Ann Hoogstraten

Edited by Scoop Stewart

In Scoop’s words, in terms of community service and athletic prowess, Ace Wilson left an incredible impact on this town, but you would have never heard it from him. With his quiet humility, service to his country, community and outstanding sporting talent, this gentleman would be a perfect candidate to be honoured in the Brant Sports Hall of Fame.