Edward Thomas Galway was born in Toronto and received a Bachelor of Science degree qualifying as a mining engineer at the University of Toronto. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers on 28 April 1941 and served with distinction in Great Britain and Northwest Europe.
By late 1943, the tenor of defensive operations was changing focus in anticipation of carrying the fighting back to Europe. Field Engineers in Britain moved away from the construction of defensive works preparation for an invasion. For example, 1st Corps Field Park Company was sent assigned to assemble wooden landing craft being shipped from Canada. In February 1943, detachments from other companies were sent to arrange camouflage nets on six amusement piers on the coast under which flotilla of 300 of these small crafts could be concealed.
Lt Galway was later awarded the Military Cross for gallantry on the first day of the Battle of the Scheldt, 2 October 1944, in Belgium. He was also made a Member of the British Empire for outstanding leadership while commanding the 23rd Feild Squadron in Korea.
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At 1015 hours on 3 February 1943, Lieutenant Edward Thomas Galway, Royal Canadian Engineers, was in charge of a detachment which was salvaging materials from the off-shore end of an ocean pier. A clear gap of approximately 30 feet existing [existed] between the in-shore and off-shore ends and was bridged by a steel cable. This means of communication had to be used as the rough sea prevented the use of a boat. Lance-Corporal Hunt crossed over on the cable, slipped on a girder as he reached the far side, struck his head and body on the cross bracing and fell into the channel. Lieutenant Galway instantaneously dived into the water and supported this Non-Commissioned Officer but the strong sea which was running carried them out before any ropes or lifebuoys could reach him. With great difficulty owing to the breakers a boat was launched from the shore but it was fully 20 minutes before a rescue was effected. Lieutenant Galway then administered effective first aid. The instantaneous action of this officer, his strong swimming qualities and entire disregard for personal safety displayed courage of the highest order and undoubtedly saved the life of the Non-Commissioned Officer.
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