108-year-old veteran in Fergus awarded medal for service in WW2
Posted Feb 17, 2026 03:48:13 AM.
Last Updated Feb 17, 2026 12:04:16 PM.
A 108-year-old veteran living in Fergus was reconnected with her past in the Royal Air Force thanks to the help of a passionate Ontario teacher.
In 1943, Joan Fuller enlisted after living in a tense, war-torn London, deciding to help out as a radar operator for the Royal Air Force during World War II because “she liked their uniforms best.”
After the war, Fuller moved to Canada, landing in Burlington, Ont., with her soon-to-be husband in 1947.
Today, Fuller is 108 years old and living in Fergus, and with the help of a teacher’s passion project, was at long last awarded a medal for her service.
Beau Harper is the founder of Soldier Search, an organization focused on preserving the stories of Canadian veterans through biographies on its website and connecting veterans to medals and medal replacements.
Harper met Fuller at a Remembrance Day service in November and was shocked to learn that she had never received a medal for her service in the British military.
“Her medal is the 1939-1945 war medal,” explained Harper. “It was awarded to millions of veterans for their service. You needed 28 days of service in the armed forces or merchant navy in the Second World War to receive that medal.”
Beau Harper, Founder of Soldier Seach, on Joan Fuller
“What’s so special about this case is how late she’s receiving it and how old she is receiving it. I can’t find anybody who has received this medal as old as Joan.”
Fuller received her medal thanks to Harper’s dedication at a ceremony held at her home on Feb. 12.
She attributes her longevity to the “wee dram of sherry” she enjoys each evening at around 5 O’clock.
