Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 IN THIS ISSUE The Royal Canadian Legion · The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26 (Kelowna) Receives Federal Support Branch #26 (Kelowna) for Commemorative Event Receives Federal Support for · War a heartache for dads Commemorative Event · The True Meaning of Success · This man's story changed my life · Wall of Honour filling fast · 'Our soldiers are our best citizens': MacKay · Enemies at war, friends at home; Daughters help bring Canadian, German veterans together. Kelowna, British Columbia - On behalf · Cenotaph restoration, Shallow Lake Legion's swan song of the Honourable Greg Thompson, · Legion Needs Young Blood Minister of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Ron · Bob Talks About The Mission in Afghanistan Cannan, Member of Parliament for · A Soldier's Wife Special Feature Kelowna-Lake Country is pleased to · An Australian Viewpoint On The Canadian Forces and Afghanistan announce that a contribution of up to · A gift that recalls a rare occurence $4,000 is being made to The Royal · Korean War vets honoured in Ottawa Canadian Legion Branch #26 · Paul Gross's Passchendaele to open film fest (Kelowna). · Award being named after Truro veteran · Journey to remember Provided through the Veterans Affairs · The Lord Hates a Coward Canada's Community Engagement · War pensioners honour their own Partnership Fund, the funds are being · Delayed funding decision threatens veterans' visits to schools used to support a commemorative · Shot down in war, he escaped Nazis event at the Parkinson Recreation · Submarine fire survivors to get health briefing Centre in Kelowna on Saturday, June · Canada looks to cut 'friendly fire' with new tracking gear 14. Legion volunteers and cadets will · HAHN, Harold Ross 1923-2008 staff the event for the over 400 · Scrimping on memory veterans and guests who will be · Fortress Halifax deserves remembrance boost attendance. · Winnipeg play 'Wartime Tales' is a tribute "This type of event is a great · Denbigh ceremony Recognizes Fallen WWI Soldier opportunity for Veterans to meet and to · Dominion Website Relaunched share their stories," said Minister · Lancaster milestone gets gala treatment Thompson. "It is important to · Death tolls during wars inaccurate, study says encourage Canadians to continue to · Still proud to have served; Veteran still going strong as he turns 90 honour the legacy of our Veterans." · War Medal comes back to Kincardine "The Royal Canadian Legion makes great efforts to give thanks to our Veterans," said Mr. Cannan. By holding this commemorative ceremony, our community has the opportunity to honour the great men and women who have done and are doing so much for our country. Nothing unites us more than our veterans" he said. Event Coordinator, Art Brown said, "Veterans are becoming more and more scarce as the years progress and events of this nature allow veterans to The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 1 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 gather and share past experiences and when Master Cpl. Matthew Gow fighting in Afghanistan. escapades. Thank you to Veteran deployed to Kandahar with the "Like any parent, you worry about your Affairs Canada for their continued Canadian task force tank squadron last kid and it doesn't matter where he is or supported," Mr. Brown added. year. what he does," he said. The Community Engagement Before his deployment, Matthew was "But they have IEDs there," said Don of Partnership Fund provides funding to well trained, focused and hungry for the the Improvised Explosive Devices that non-profit groups, educational tour. have claimed nearly two-thirds of the institutions and other organizations "I remember exactly what I felt when I Canadian casualties in that conflict. delivering remembrance activities and got there," he said. events. Administered through Veterans "There are times when they're driving Affairs Canada's Canada Remembers "I expected to get off the plane and be and they can see what looks like a program, contributions are made completely excited and consumed by Taliban on top of a hill -- a guy who throughout the year and encompass the exhilaration of the mission. could push a button. both national and community-based "But the first thing that came to mind "There's that protective umbrella you projects. when I landed was how much I missed want to put around your kid even To learn more about the Community my family." though your kid is a soldier trained to Engagement Partnership Fund or to undertake very dangerous tasks. For fathers embroiled in combat in apply for funding, call 1-877-604-8489. Afghanistan, there is a delicate balance "I get anxious sometimes but ... you just Sunday, June 15, 2008 they try to maintain in their minds. hope and have faith that if something Veteran Affairs Canada does happen, you'll have the strength Section: Veterans Keeping the emotional balance to deal with it." required when being a dad on the phone home, while staying mentally Barry has chosen a dangerous path, War a heartache for dads focused on the mission is difficult, said one that will keep him away from the Matthew. family table this Father's Day, said Don, who won't even get a phone call today. It was also hard to miss milestones in his son's life. Operations out in the field will keep Barry, 23, away from a line home. As the Calgary reservist fought battles thousands of kilometres from home, his His son is alive and in good spirits, but son had started to string together just having him in a country that pushed sentences and he wasn't just walking -- out the Soviet army and that has for six he was running. years taken on NATO's might sparks in Don a sense of loss, nonetheless. "It was hard for me to miss those things ... it was easier for me not to call." "And sometimes all we'll get is a one- line e-mail. That tells us he's alive, and But he always called. Fatherhood is supposed to be a journey you know how that makes me feel? And it was in the cauldron of the battle- of unexpected joys and constant self- "Man, that's as good as it gets." discovery tapered by sacrifice and ever- scarred Kandahar province that present concern. Matthew realized that being a father The only thing that may be more was not just a role he played, but that powerful than the emotional turmoil of But when the nurturing endeavour of fatherhood was something that having a son fighting in Afghanistan is being a father clashes with the engrains itself deeply in one's very probably how proud he is of Barry, said destructiveness of war, those small fibre. Don. sacrifices and mild worries become all consuming. "A lot of the things that didn't affect the "When you see kids reach their goals, younger soldiers, those without kids, you're happy for them, even though There are thousands of fathers for really affected me," he said. they're certainly not the goals I whom this Father's Day will take on a would've picked for him," he said. different meaning, while for others this "Seeing young children -- kids the very special day will never be the same age as William -- being "I'm proud of what he's done with his same. mistreated, malnourished or neglected, life, I'm proud of what he's it was heart-wrenching for me. accomplished. Those are the fathers who make up Canada's military family. "It has made me a lot more protective -- "I'm as proud as the Husky Tower is now I want to do whatever I can to tall." Some of them are soldiers. Some of protect William." them are the fathers of soldiers fighting And the only thing that can equal the in Afghanistan today, while others felt Wanting to protect your child is pride that Michael Hornburg has for his the suffocating blow of waving goodbye something that never goes away, said son is the grief he feels for having lost to their children as they flew off to war, Don Cameron, whose son Barry is a him. private in the second battalion Princess never to see them return. Michael's son Nathan, a corporal with Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, the King's Own Calgary Regiment, was His son William was 20 months old based in Shilo, Man., and currently Page 2 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 killed in a fierce battle near Kandahar The True Meaning of Success a five-bedroom McMansion in a gated City last September, while trying to help community. fellow-tankers who had become If you can afford these things, fine. disabled in heavy fighting. Enjoy them. But if they are a stretch, a This is Michael's first Father's Day struggle. could they really be worth long since his son was killed. hours, strained relationships, or your kids continually asking "Where's Dad?" But instead of it being a day when his loss takes centre stage, the special day After all, life is short. Time expended is but a reminder of the beautiful gift he earning a living is, in effect, trading life received almost exactly 25 years ago, for cash. said Michael. We all have an overhead, of course. "Nathan was born on Father's Day," But what else are you trading your life said Michael. for? "He was certainly the best Father's Day I once heard a customer in a jewelry gift in the world -- he was the most shop asking the store manager how perfect person you could have ever accurate the Rolex was he was known. considering. "Nathan taught me an awful lot ... and "Sir," he answered, "I'm more than not once in my life did I have occasion happy to tell you about the amazing to be ashamed of him." Swiss craftsmanship that goes into each of these timepieces. But, in truth, Michael now dedicates his life to nothing under this counter keeps time advocating for Canada's service as well as the cell phone in your personnel and their families. pocket." This Father's Day is the Calgary's This man knew his business. He wasn't inaugural Loops for the Troops run, an selling watches. He was selling luxury, event he set up to honour Nathan and a certain image of success. to raise money for the Military Families Fund. There's nothing wrong with that. The world is full of desirable things. But That focus has also given Michael the some of us have forgotten that the opportunity to reflect on what being a important things in life aren't things at dad means to him. all. And genuine success cannot be Memories of his children now flood his measured in dollars and cents. heart. As Bob Dylan once said, "What's Opting out of the "Rat Race" "I didn't become a father until I was 30, Credit: Duane Hoffmann / MSNBC money? A man is a success if he gets and even though I came from a good up in the morning and goes to bed at family and I had a good education, up Over the past several months, the night and in between does what he to that point I always viewed myself as headlines have been full of economic wants to do." an outsider," said Michael. misery. "What is success?" asked Ralph Waldo "But when my daughter was born, I In the U.S. foreclosure filings hit a Emerson, "To laugh often andmuch. To received so many congratulations and record in April. Repo lots overflow with win the respect of intelligent people and so many good wishes that for the first reclaimed cars. And, according to The the affection of children. To earn the time I cried as an adult and for the first Washington Post, personal appreciation of honest critics and time I felt completely accepted and bankruptcies are up 40%. endure the betrayal of false friends. To welcomed into society. This also could and may well happen appreciate beauty. To find the best in others. To leave the world a bit better, "Being a father is an incredible role and here in Canada. whether by a healthy child, a garden I always cherished it. Some of those hardest hit are enduring patch or a redeemed social condition. "And I'm sure I made a lot of mistakes. a perfect storm in the economy: Higher To know even one life breathed easier food and energy prices, a weak job because you have lived; this is to have "But as I said in the letter I wrote market, rising mortgage payments, succeeded." Nathan when he left; looking at him, I falling home values, and tougher knew that I must have done a lot of lending standards. Yet, in many ways, society equates things well, too." success with money and possessions. Others, however, are suffering for a Some imagine this is a distinctively Sunday, June 15, 2008 different reason. They chased a modern phenomenon. It's not. There PABLO FERNANDEZ, CALGARY SUN blinkered image of success: The idea has always been fierce competition for Section: Afghanistan that status and self-worth are derived resources. Citizens of ancient Greece from flashy cars, expensive jewelry, or and Rome hungered for wealth and The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 3 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 power, too. Carpe Diem - "Seize the day" offensive, he and his battalion were outnumbered 10 to one. But by guts What has changed dramatically is DR-R and determination they were able to today's level of material prosperity, Sunday, June 15, 2008 survive. His battalion was awarded a fueled in part by access to easy credit. Comrade David Ross-Robertson United States Presidential Citation for Unfortunately, the quest for more can Section: Miscellaneous this effort. Harry's two brothers had quickly overtake your priorities. fought in the Second World War as well Nearly 150 years ago, philosopher This man's story changed my so there was a tradition in his family. Arthur Schopenhauer wrote in "The life The question of how hard this Wisdom of Life": "It is manifestly a experience was on Harry came up. He wiser course to aim at the maintenance looked me straight in the eye and said, of our health and the cultivation of our "It was hard on me, but not as hard as faculties, than at the amassing of being at Shubenacadie Residential wealth... Beyond the satisfaction of School." some real and natural necessities, all that the possession of wealth can I asked the question, "What do you achieve has a very small influence mean Harry?" upon our happiness, in the proper He waited for a moment. Then he told sense of the word; indeed, wealth me part of the story about the school, rather disturbs it, because the the orders, the beatings, the pain. preservation of property entails a great many unavoidable anxieties. Shubenacadie Residential School, N.S. I was changed. photograph from Mount St. Vincent "And still men are a thousand times Motherhouse archives. Pottery class with It was not difficult to imagine Harry as a more intent on becoming rich than on one pot on wheel. four year-old child. It isn't difficult for acquiring culture, though it is quite Credit: http://www.booth.k12.nf.ca/projects/ anyone to imagine the magic and joy of certain that what a man is contributes Mi'kmaq/%5Cgraphics%5C97potte1.gif four years olds. Think about it. much more to his happiness than what If ever I am asked about someone who As a mother and a grandmother, I could he has. So you may see many a man, changed my life and world view by not imagine having my child ripped as industrious as an ant, ceaselessly meeting them, I will say very quickly it from my life and being powerless to do occupied from morning to night in the was Harry Narvey from Burnt Church anything about it. I couldn't imagine not endeavor to increase his heap of gold. First Nation. Up until I met Harry, I had seeing my child grow and then "And if he is lucky, his struggles result a vague notion of what a residential returning a stranger and wary and in his having a really great pileof gold, school was. To me it was something suspicious, waiting for the next beating. which he leaves to his heir, either to that Aboriginal children attended and However, as a mother and a make it still larger, or to squander it in little more. I had accepted as true just grandmother, I know the love for a child extravagance. A life like this, though one version of Canadian history. and the fear that they will not be safe pursued with a sense of earnestness So, on a bright June day, much like so I could only empathize for his and an air of importance, is just as silly today, I went off to Burnt Church a few mother and for Harry. as many another which has a fool's cap years ago during the Year of the Harry's story was so powerful I didn't for its symbol. What a man has in Veteran to interview Harry, a Korean sleep comfortably for a long while. himself is, then, the chief element in his War Veteran, about his war experience. happiness." His story would be included in the Just before I left that day, Harry promised he would share that story with The desire to have, to acquire, and to provincial art and narrative project I had me when he was ready. Harry kept his possess, is in principle insatiable. Yet been commissioned to do. promise and this past week, he rarely does it generate the fulfillment While I knew a fair bit about Europe honoured me with the remainder of his we imagine. By contrast, doing, and the conflict there, I didn't know story. It is published in this paper today. creating, contributing, or giving does much about Korea or Canadian generate the sense of satisfaction we participation. Harry told me how he The apology from our government is crave. signed up and was assigned to 2PPCLI long overdue. What I consider is of the most importance in this apology, is that In setting our priorities, therefore, 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Stephen Harper, with his words and the shouldn't doing precede having? After Canadian Light Infantry and they were words of the others who lined up to all, how can you do what you really shipped off to Korea with a stop in apologize, will now be on record. These want if you're too busy working for what Japan. Harry described how Japan was words and this apology are now history you already have? still very much controlled by the U.S. and will be written into our history So check your priorities. Make sure military and the rules and regulations books. My grandchildren and Harry's your actions are in sync with them. while in port. When he reached Korea, descendants will be able to read it and he described marches over know about their nation and by then, I As essayist Christopher Morley mountainous terrain and the cold, would hope that we are all on our way observed a century ago, "There is only colder than anyone could imagine, on to righting these wrongs. one success - to be able to spend your the tops of the peaks. On the night of life in your own way." the full moon, which was the Chinese Sunday, June 15, 2008 Page 4 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Judy Bowman - My Miramichifather SH of Cpl. Nathan Hornburg, a Back at Peacekeeper Park, he watched Section: Veterans Calgary reservist who died in as the engraved names were filled in Afghanistan last September -- money with black paint. raised in the run and walk will go in part "My personal opinion is some of the Wall of Honour filling fast to expanding Peacekeeper Park, as other countries should take a lead in well as to the Military Family Fund and Afghanistan for a while," he said. the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre. [email protected]

"It's great to be here remembering our Monday, June 16, 2008 son, but also to be part of the extended Michelle Butterfield, Calgary Herald military family," Hornburg said. Section: Afghanistan "They become part of your real family." Hornburg presented a $25,000 cheque 'Our soldiers are our best to the military at the end of the day and citizens': MacKay additional pledges were still coming in. Tom Sampson, Calgary EMS chief and Another 14 names were engraved at the a colleague of Starker, was the top Peacekeepers Park memorial, including that fundraiser of the day, collecting more of Michael Starker, the Calgary paramedic than $14,000 and claiming he still had killed in Afghanistan last month. Marcue some collecting to do from tardy Kottmann was working on the monument, supporters. which was built in 2003 to last for 60 years. Credit: Lorraine Hjalte, Calgary Herald "It's our way to show support for the A lone engraver crouched in front of the troops and to also show we're thinking Wall of Honour at Peacekeeper Park, about our friend," said Sampson, who delicately moving his sandblaster along said the Calgary Police Service, EMS a stencil, etching the names of and Fire Department were all huge Minister of National Defence, the Canada's most recently fallen soldiers contributors to his run. Honourable Peter Gordon Mackay. Credit: DND Website Sunday morning. Canadian Chief of Defence Gen. Rick Fourteen names were added this Hillier, in town for the Military Families 'For too long," says Defence Minister weekend to the 181 already on the Fund fundraiser Saturday night, Peter MacKay, Canada treated its monument, honouring military men and participated in the run before leaving soldiers returning from raw combat duty women who have lost their lives in the city Sunday afternoon. with the attitude of "suck it up, soldier." service since the Second World War. Maureen Eykelenboom travelled from To seek help to heal the scars of war Included was the name of Calgary Comox on Vancouver Island to attend has long been tantamount to soldier and paramedic Cpl. Michael the race in remembrance of her son, weakness: "Go back another Starker, the most recent Calgarian to Andrew Eykelenboom, who was killed generation or two," he says. "People die in Afghanistan, leaving room for on a volunteer mission in Afghanistan got off the train or the boat and they only five more names. in 2006. were on their own. "It's amazing that this wall was Wanting to show her support for the "We've tried to change that," he says. supposed to last for 60 years," said Afghan people and to commemorate Retiring Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Dave Graham, manager of Hurst her son, Eykelenboom started not-for- Rick Hillier and the current military Construction, the company profit agency Boomer's Legacy, which leadership "deserve a lot of credit," commissioned to build the wall in 2003. raises money to help women and along with several parliamentary children in Afghanistan. "If Afghanistan didn't happen, we committees. wouldn't have to build additional space - "People in Canada don't understand But, he says, military tradition, which is - at least not this soon." what having nothing means," necessarily strong, "also makes it Eykelenboom said with tears in her difficult to change a mindset and an Graham has the blueprints for two 10- eyes. metre walls, which will hold twice as attitude." many names, to be added to the park, "Now, people are beginning to In the past few years, the Canadian but has to wait for enough money to be understand a little better, and they are Forces has doubled the number of raised for the project to get the green beginning to see that men and women mental health professionals to 400. light. risk their lives to protect us." They include a team at the Canadian Meanwhile, a few blocks away, over The loss of so many lives in Forces base in Kandahar, Afghanistan, 1,500 people gathered at Currie Afghanistan is of great concern to Tom so a soldier starts to recover, says Mr. Barracks to participate in the Loops for Hamilton, vice-president of the local MacKay, "in the earliest stage." Troops fundraiser. chapter of the Canadian Association of He says he works very closely with Veterans in United Nations (Veterans Affairs Minister) Greg Organized by Michael Hornburg -- Peacekeeping. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 5 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 Thompson to provide support for the "There is absolutely no greater three wishes and he lists these: soldiers who come home injured or sacrifice. And I think -- and I have often ? Success and stability in Afghanistan suffering from post-traumatic stress. said publicly -- our soldiers are our best citizens." ? Continued public support for the One military wife recently wrote a letter mission in Afghanistan to the Monday Morning column; she Associating with them as defence said families desperately need to join minister, he says, "has elevated my ? Continued economic growth for the counselling sessions, too. She said a respect for our military to heights I constituency (Central Nova, N.S.) he psychologist had left one Forces base didn't know existed. represents in Parliament after he was told to treat only the "I've had no more humbling experience "We're making real contributions that soldiers. than attending some of the will, again, be part of the legend of the "We've absolutely opened the doors to repatriations. "It is," he says, "the worst Canadian military that goes back to the include families," Mr. MacKay part of my job. But I've been so inspired very origins of our country -- even responds. "That is one of the most by those families and their strength before, as part of the British Empire. important aspects. I'm not saying we're through the most difficult experience We were a country of warriors." there yet." you can ever have. He has often emphasized how, since He says that, like equipment, "These repatriation ceremonies are 2002, the 2,500 soldiers Canada has infrastructure and other military soul-destroying and yet, in the midst of deployed to Afghanistan -- often all too shortfalls, support systems suffered these horrible moments, I have seen alone since most NATO allies refuse to systemic neglect under the previous such incredible character and such fight in military-confrontation zones -- Liberal government, which "seemed to breathtaking strength. For the most have fought for even temporary peace. be very good at saying 'We know part, families have said: 'We want this They've used guns so that Canadians there's a problem. We're going to do mission to succeed. That is the best and Afghans alike can wield the something.' legacy that our loved one could shovels and machinery to build the possibly have.' "You have to get on with it. What I like schools, the clinics, the dams, the about Defence is that it's very action- "That is just awesome in my opinion." roads. Last week, the Canadian oriented. We're seeing the results -- government announced it will restore And, yes, he and they share private equipment on the runway, at dockside. Afghanistan's second-largest dam, add words. But, he says, they will remain We are going to reach our targets in 50 new schools and immunize seven private. terms of recruiting. You're seeing ads million Afghan children against polio. running. Young people want to be a "I'll be very honest with you. I've kept "I've never been prouder to associate part of this." some notes that I sometimes go back myself with an organization than the and reflect on. I really think they're too On May 26, the Conservative men and women of the Canadian personal (to share). government formally re-opened le Forces. They are exemplary, patriotic, Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean in "Meeting those families, seeing the passionate about their country. They Quebec, which the Liberals had closed grief and the pain in their eyes, but at are excited about the future and they're in 1995. (Lt.-Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the same time, hearing how forthright motivated -- I'm not saying this at a who is replacing Gen. Hillier, is one of they are" in expressing their belief in partisan level -- by the fact they see its alumni.) what their loved one was doing -- "it's both the government and the citizens of something only military families can this country supporting them in what Mr. MacKay, former foreign affairs understand, and perhaps police officers they do. minister, calls Defence "an exciting and and emergency response providers." challenging portfolio." "And that is an extraordinary thing." Mr. MacKay spoke of one soldier, Cpl. Defence, however dynamic, is also Monday, June 16, 2008 Michael Starker, 36, of Calgary, who sorrowful. Mr. MacKay has attended Donna Jacobs, The Ottawa Citizen was ambushed and killed in May by Section: Veterans perhaps 20 repatriation ceremonies, in Islamic militants in Afghanistan, which the bodies of soldiers are Canada's 83rd soldier to die there. returned to their native soil, to their Enemies at war, friends at families and friends, and to Canadians. "Cpl. Starker was both a (civilian) home; Daughters help bring paramedic, a former airborne officer, a Mr. MacKay speaks at length, in a Canadian, German veterans medical officer in the Forces," said Mr. breaking voice, about these MacKay, his voice catching, "and just together. ceremonies, these soldiers, these an exceptional human being. He had so families. There seemed no chance two of the much more to give. He was a reservist. young men caught in the maelstrom of "You think how fortunate we are that He signed up to go there. He left his the closing months of the Second we still have people in our country of career, his family and his loved ones to World War would ever meet. such inner strength and fortitude and go there -- and this just epitomizes the character. They're willing to risk sacrifice and the selflessness of what One was a German conscript who everything they have to defend our our soldiers are doing in Afghanistan." turned 18 three months before the end country's interests and, in the case of of the war, and was sent to the eastern Afghanistan is very much on Mr. Afghanistan and Haiti, to defend people (Russian) front in Germany. The other MacKay's mind. Ask him for his top who really have nothing. was a 22-year-old Toronto native on Page 6 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 the western front, via the beaches of fed for 10 days." Sadler says Veterans Affairs Canada Normandy. gives him a disability pension. He got The prisoners were forced to march close to too many exploding shells. east. One's boots became a key to survival. John would, with tens of Mr. Lucas says hearing loss is part of thousands of other Germans, become a aging. Asked to recall the closest he slave labourer and wouldn't see home came to being killed, there was no again until September 1947. hesitation. "A birch tree. There was an attack and I dug my hole as fast as I Mr. Sadler wept as he remembered his could in front of that tree, and dove into best friend, Ronald Scott. "He died for it. There was a blast, and I looked up me," he says. "I gathered up all the and the tree was gone." body parts I could for burial. It was all I could do." He has a son named Scott. Both veterans praised the war John Sadler and John Lucas fought on museum. They believe it's important to A house had to be checked and opposite sides during the Second World keep on display the tools of war as Trooper Scott told his friend to relax. War, but are today close friends after their reminders. When nations get into He'd do it. The house was booby daughters introduced the men to each other disputes, these are ugly things to three years ago. trapped. Credit: Julie Oliver, The Ottawa Citizen resolve problems with. Deciding there was no future in war- Both were in extreme high-risk ravaged Europe, Mr. Lucas arrived at Monday, June 16, 2008 occupations. Toronto's Union Station in the early Dave Brown, The Ottawa Citizen Section: Veterans Now old men, the two sat together last '50s with 65 cents in his pocket. He week in front of a picture window was expecting to be met by friends. A looking over the Rideau River at porter put out a hand for a tip, and the Cenotaph restoration, Shallow Carleton Yacht and Golf Club. Each 65 cents went into it. Flat broke and Lake Legion's swan song has a daughter in that community, and unable to communicate, there were the women are close friends. Three anxious moments. The friends were years ago, they introduced their fathers late. It's now something he can laugh to each other. at, but the moment clearly left an impression. The two old soldiers have been exchanging war memories since. Since the old soldiers met, they discovered that day in the station they The meeting is at the home of Joanne were under the same roof. Mr. Sadler Refurbishing memorial to be branch's last project. Weiss. Her father, John Sadler, who was upstairs in a Canadian Pacific lives on the same street as his Railways office. He would retire from a With the demise of Shallow Lake's daughter, was in reconnaissance. He CPR career in administration. Mr. branch of the Royal Canadian Legion spent much of his war behind enemy Lucas retired in Port Sydney, near will come the rebirth of its old, unstable lines. They used stealth to get where Huntsville. He was in housebuilding. fieldstone cenotaph. they had to go, and force to fight their way back. One of the strongest memories in Mr. "That will be our last gesture," said Lucas is from 1947. "We (German Allyn Johnston, whose members have John Lucas was assigned to a tank- prisoners) were loaded into a freight decided to build a new cenotaph with killer team and placed smack in front of train to go home. There was barbed some of the proceeds of the sale of the the Russian army, by then an wire over the little windows. At one legion building, the 1906 former King unstoppable juggernaut rolling into the point, we were stopped while an Edward Hotel, on its way to becoming heart of his country. identical train loaded with prisoners condominiums this summer. headed in the direction we came from. Earlier in the day, they toured the The building would have cost They were Russians, and they called to Canadian War Museum together, and "hundreds of thousands" of dollars to us. They were saying goodbye." the familiar tools of war had kicked their restore it to its original condition, he memories into overdrive. The 20-year-old survivor thought he said. But Shallow Lake's 38 members The German veteran says he doesn't was heading back into a world that have been welcomed into the Hepworth trust Americans. On May 8, 1945, the hadn't gotten any better. legion, bolstering its membership of more than 100. day the war ended, he was one of six Mr. Sadler chose a more upbeat Germans who headed west, hoping to memory. During his active service, he The legion is now called Hepworth- be taken prisoner by Americans. reconnoitered the French town of Shallow Lake Branch 586 of the Royal "Some Americans in a Jeep came up to Bacqueville-en-Caux. He was the first Canadian Legion. Allied soldier they saw. He was us on May 10, and told us to wait where As well, Georgian Bluffs has taken the adopted as their personal liberator. The we were, and more Americans would opportunity to fix up the shady and tired town has invited him back with his be along to make us prisoners. They park where the cenotaph stands. drove away. Later, we were surrounded family, and more than five decades by Russians. We were herded together later, were still patting his back. Trees will be felled to let in the sunshine, while parking, landscaping with others, including civilians, and not Both men are hearing impaired. Mr. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 7 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 and walkways are planned for the Closures seem to be happening across are asked, they have similar reactions cenotaph park. Council recently the country at an alarming rate and we, on the age front, and also have a approved spending up to $15,000, with and the Legion in general, all need to perception that they need to have been hopes people will donate towards the ask the question why. in the service to become a member effort, said Bill Klingenberg, township anyway. Here in Kitchener-Waterloo there are building and facilities manager. talks afoot to amalgamate the existing But remember, the Legion founders "It's going to look nice when it's all veteran groups into a single veterans were all young men. Many of them in done," said Johnston, chair of the centre. An idea, though noble, that their twenties. When the Legion was cenotaph project committee. would, in my humble opinion, be a short founded and after the second world war term solution and probably the final the ranks of membership were filled Plans call for the new cenotaph to be lunge of an aging and dieing giant. with young men and women with built of Bruce Peninsula stone. A families. parade platform and walkway are all Why is it that people are staying away part of the legion's commitment, at a in droves? Smoking and drinking laws I attest that as that membership has cost of $60,000. Part of that may be aside, can it be that the Legion as an aged, it has, through no fault of its own, reimbursed through a fund operated by organization is no longer needed? Can lost touch with the young. Veterans Affairs Canada. it be true, as I have heard many say, That needs to change, and it needs to that the Legion is a thing of the past? The fieldstones in the old cenotaph, change in a hurry if the Legion is to which is "falling apart," aren't part of the I THINK NOT ! continue its purpose. renewal project. Johnston's suggestion The Legion is, and always has been, a Emphasis Needs To Change to build a cairn or use them somehow safe place in the community for people didn't attract enough support. He hopes Emphasis needs to be placed on more of all ages to congregate as friends in a the official dedication of the new family events. Sports which are controlled environment. An cenotaph will take place in September. attractive to younger men and women, environment that is free from violence like hockey, baseball, basketball and Branch 282 opened in 1946 and at its and most of the other unsavoury even soccer, need to be encouraged peak in the late 1980s, had at least 110 elements that frequent public places. It with sponsored teams and Legion members. But membership decline, as is also a place where your opinion organized tournaments for suitable at legions almost everywhere, has matters and you are not at the whim of causes. Further, the current taken its toll. some profit seeking proprietor. These preoccupation with afternoon events factors alone should have membership The public doesn't come like they used needs to be augmented with evening and occupancy at the rates the Legion to, and insurance costs and drinking events that are more attractive to the was accustomed to in the past. and driving laws have all played a part, working young. Johnston said. Moreover, the Legion purpose to keep Such changes not only need to happen alive the memory that war is an atrocity Monday, June 16, 2008 locally, but also at the Dominion level. SCOTT DUNN, SUN TIMES that should never be entered into lightly Section: RCL is as needed today as it was for the Dominion should hire a Public Legions founding members. Relations Firm to work on our image. Perhaps even with a national These are things that are attractive to Legion Needs Young Blood advertising campaign to broadcast what people as much today as ever before. the Legion can offer the 20-30 So why are they not coming. something crowd. In truth, the issue is one of age. At the Provincial, District, Zone and Branch levels, each needs to inject The problem is not so much WHAT we youth into their executives, even to the offer the community, but rather, HOW point of having a separate Young we represent ourselves TO that Members Committee akin to the community. Seniors Committee. It is a sad fact that as the years have Change is good progressed the average age of Legion members has climbed. It has now There are those that will say such reached the point that Legion halls are changes will dilute the Legion. Change widely perceived as seniors clubs. it form what it is meant to be. Many are Places where old veterans hang out too comfortable in their “Seniors Club” along with the “bingo crowd”. environment. However, such changes must take place, or there will, When asked why they do not come, the eventually, BE no club for the seniors Credit: Trevor German young veterans of peacekeeping group to be a part of. Today, with sadness, I posted another missions and the Afghanistan conflict article indicating the demise of one say “because they think of Legion I say that although such changes will more Royal Canadian Legion branch. Veterans as old men, and don’t see indeed alter it from what it is, it will in That has spurred me to write this themselves quite there yet”. When the fact restore it to what it was originally opinion article. younger members of the community meant to be. Page 8 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Here in Kitchener Waterloo, we need to He is a warrant Officer who has served markets. Bob noticed almost anything stop the defeatist thinking about in Afghanistan. His role was AS THE is available locally now. spending money on amalgamation and SECOND IN COMMAND OF THE He’s had an interesting life in the shrinking into one building and instead CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING Forces: Haiti in 1998, twice at remote spend the money on a unified public SECTION AND HE ALSO provided Alert on Ellesmere island in the Arctic. relations campaign to reach an ever Electrical generating systems His work is installing and maintaining growing population and make whatever TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE to the PRT electric power and standby generators changes to each as required to ensure (Provincial Reconstruction Team). He for a variety of needs-on bases across that the “Legions” never close due to was trained by the Canadian Forces in Canada. “Lack of Interest.” his technical trade – electrical generating systems. Bob started in the Army Cadets in the TG Sault and moved to the 49th Field Part of The Provincial Reconstruction Artillery (Reserve) where he trained Monday, June 16, 2008 Team’s mission is THE REBUILDING recruits, and transferred to the regular Comrade Trevor German OF infrastructure for Afghanistan- Section: RCL forces. For him travelling is the police stations, sewer plants, attraction, not knowing where he’ll be courthouses, all the essentials of posted to next. Being in the Air Force is modern government. Bob Talks About The Mission not a normal job, and Bob’s done a lot in Afghanistan Bob was RESPONSIBLE FOR of things he would never have had the PROJECTS ON THE CAMP ITSELF. opportunity to try. HE designed the projects, writes up The climate is cool in winter- under 0C, contracts, or arranges procurement of and around 12C in the day. It’s very dry materials and parts, supervises Afghan most of the year, with rains late contractors, . He relies heavily on the December to January. The roads are local people’s knowledge and not as bad as Sault roads after our assistance. His section also employed winter! local Afghans as apprentice tradesmen, working side by side with military Bob and the other soldiers really tradesmen. appreciate the packages sent by May He worked to draw up plans, hire local Adshead’s group called the Sault contractors, procure materials and Military Family Support Group, and supplies, supervise the work, all as a other groups. The Christmas packages second in command warrant officer! and letters are shared with many The Forces give you lots of soldiers, and local Afghan workers. responsibility which stands you in good They’re overwhelmed by the outpouring stead when the time comes to return to of gifts sent to them, and don’t feel civilian life! forgotten. They especially like the One of the little known activities our letters from the schools. He is very soldiers are doing is to provide skills to satisfied with the support his wife gets local workers who are eager to learn to while he is away on duty. They can rebuild their war torn country. access the base Family Resource Afghanistan has been at war since Centre as well as their family and 1980 and the Russian invasion, and friends. even before that. The work of providing The Following is part one of a two part Bob says the PRT is helping the the basics of government- policing, a series by local writer Gene Monin. government of Kandahar province build trained army that can bring central "Rachel and Bob Gray are two people I a government from the ground up, government authority to warring have got to know well through writing providing knowledge and materials. factions, all these are essential to the these articles" Monin says,Bob talks They are training the Afghan National long term peaceful future of the Afghan about the mission in Afghanistan. Police. CIDA (Canadian International people. Tomorrow, Rachel speaks about what Development Agency) is working there a family goes through when the spouse Bob Gray is one of many Canadians, also. goes overseas. They shared their including civilians, who are doing what When he was in Afghanistan, Bob was stories with Soonews.ca Canada does best, helping people second in charge of his group, which stand on their feet. Language BOB GRAY and his wife Rachel come kept him bust night and day. problems? Very little, as some Afghans from the Sault. He served as a Occasionally rockets have been fired at know a little English, and interpreters Reservist in the 49th Field Regiment for the camp where he is, with no harm to are available. nine years and his sister in law play on him. They are looked after well, with the Regimental Pipe and Drum Band. Bob was contract supervisor for Afghan communication to his home readily at HIS BROTHER IN LAW SERVES contractors working on the camp. By hand. They have all the electronic WITH THE 49TH. Bob moved over to putting work in the hands of local communications we have here in the regular AIR FORCE and moved out of people, money enters the economy and Sault. Bob has a young family, a son the Sault. more goods are imported into the local and daughter. Neither Bob nor his wife The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 9 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 are from military families. Afghanistan veteran, has given me an says our sun is Daddy’s moon, insight on how deployment on because of the 12 hour time difference. Bob’s wife, who is the daughter of dangerous missions affect the families She drew Bob a picture when she was Ursula and Bob Hagen, is very left behind. The words she often uses 31/2 years old of her father under a sun understanding, and family is very are “it is difficult”. and moon. important to the well being of the soldier when he or she is away for Those words don’t convey the load Rachel handled it by setting short term months on end. Both of them are from borne by the families of young children goals for the kids and herself. One day the Soo.(see that story tomorrow) when one parent is away for 6 months it would be Dairy Queen, another some or more. Rachel gave me a beautiful other place. She was used to being He looks down the road to eventual insight on what it is like to be a soldier’s alone when Bob was away and had retirement from the Forces, not right wife and mother. She has always been several strategies to handle this now. When he does, he’ll use his skills an “army wife” and fully appreciates particular one. in standby power generation, needed and supports the job Bob does. even more now after Y2K, ice storms On Wednesday evenings, they went to and emergencies. He prepares for the Bob and Rachel have two small the Military Family Resource Centre for future by keeping up to date on the children, 8 year old Eric, and 4 year old programs for kids and parents to get constant technical changes taking Madeline. together. There is a Touch map which place in his field. Bob was away for 8 months in the children can see and touch of Afghanistan. He was due to come Afghanistan and know where their Monday, June 16, 2008 before Christmas, but did not arrive parents are. Gene Monin Citizen Journalist for SooNews.ca until Jan 20. That was hard for the kids Section: Afghanistan Rachel gets comfort from belonging to over Christmas, but they had a St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church in webcam, and so did Bob, so they could Trenton, where she feels the support see the gifts being opened. A Soldier's Wife Special she gets makes it her second family, Feature I asked Rachel how she felt about Bob since her parents are here in the Sault. going to “Stan”. She accepts his long Communications with Afghanistan are work hours even when he is working at not as convenient as at home. She Trenton, and not being always home for cannot call him directly. He has a card supper. She accepts his mission and with a limit per week to call home, and even a second one if that happens. Bob Internet for 30 minutes at a time, is now regular Army and can be signing up ahead. deployed anywhere, unlike Reservists who volunteer to go They had a Family Day on the Internet, and Loyalist College in Trenton made a Rachel was used to Bob being away special video for Bob for a feature because he is an Electrical Generating “News from the Home Front”. They Systems technician which involves taped the family at a birthday party and travel across Canada. He had been in sent it to Bob, showed it on the Alert, Nunavut, Ellesmere Island, and community channel, and involved the Haiti. Those are not like this one local people. because of the dangers soldiers face in Afghanistan. When things breaks down as they will when the spouse is away, her assigned Rachel described how she managed mentor will help. When the lawnmower with the children’s and her feelings won’t start or the washer won’t run, during the deployment. that’s when the mentor is called in. Little Madeline had a very hard time on Something we don’t think of are the the first few days when Bob left. This is part two of a special two part images from Afghanistan on television Because of the long travel time, it was series by local writer, Gene Monin. In and Internet. Rachel has had to avoid some days before he could make his Part 1 Bob Gray talked about the these for herself and the children to first call home. Madeline woke up often mission in Afghanistan. Part two protect them. This would include those during the night and she settled down continues with the view from his wife, from Iraq. Rachel while Bob is serving overseas. once her father called and she knew he ______was safe. This last Remembrance Day, Rachel and the children laid a wreath in the Eric had difficulty at school which was By Gene Monin ceremony, and it was a first time for off base. Luckily, being Trentom, the them, and never to be forgotten. We’ve talked twice before about the teacher was a military spouse, and soldiers who have been in Afghanistan. recognized Eric needed care and Remembrance Day ceremonies are Now it is time to make you aware of the helped over the transition. very special for Rachel and the children families, spouses and children who are as they are extremely proud of what Eric has a clock with Afghan time so he left behind. Bob is doing for their country. She feels knows what time Bob is on, and when the support from the families and public Rachel Gray, wife of Bob Gray, he is sleeping and working. Madeline should be there no matter where the Page 10 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 location is of the deployment. gooder missions but now in the deployed in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan War the tables have Afghanistan, the headquarters of the Rachel is honoured and proud that he turned. Taliban insurgents and one of the most is a Canadian Soldier! This support dangerous places in the country. In from families and wives is very The concern that we were heading recent times the Canadian infantry has important to the soldier. She wouldn’t down the Canadian path prompted the been transformed from a demoralized have it any other way, and the children then Chief of the Australian Army, force into a band of fighters itching for are proud of their Dad. Lieutenant General Frank Hickling, a action. Moreover, the Canadian combat engineer who served in Rachel is from the Sault, with parents government has been prepared to take Vietnam, to issue his “back to basics” Ursula and Bob Hagen, and two sisters. casualties--85 soldiers killed so far--in directive in 1998, ordering his senior Bob’s parents are also in the Sault, battle against the Taliban. officers to sharpen up their soldiers’ Doreen and Gerry Gray. They have war fighting skills. The man responsible for the Canadian been very supportive, and she couldn’t Army’s resurgence is General Rick have done it without that help. It was as if General Hickling was gazing Hillier, a much loved larger than life into a strategic crystal, because a year Rachel wants us to know that it is character, in the mould of Australia's later neighbouring East Timor erupted difficult when the spouse is overseas, own East Timor hero General Peter into violence after breaking away from and she never knows what the next day Cosgrove. Indonesia. will bring, and how much she In contrast Australia now has the appreciates Bob when he returned. The The Australian Howard Federal quietly spoken and competent Air Chief return has to be handled in such a way government at the time deliberately Marshal Angus Houston and the Chief as to give the soldier time to adjust to used the Army’s elite Special Forces of the Australian Army, Lieutenant home life and its routines and to let unit, SASR (Special Air Service General Peter Leahy, a deep thinker them talk about their experiences when Regiment), to do most of the fighting in who unfortunately missed out on they are ready. East Timor, which should have been serving on a peacekeeping mission or performed by the infantry. Rachel and Bob thank all the friends in combat. who supported them during this difficult The political logic was that the public The current Australian Rudd Federal tour. Knowing that the family were and media would accept SASR government has pulled out our troops getting cards and emails made Bob feel casualties rather than a 19 year old from Iraq, as part of its election better and to be able to focus on his job infantryman, fresh out of home or from promise, and is committed to the long and mission. He could rest knowing the a small country town. haul in Afghanistan. family was being supported. But political logic does not necessarily The time is now right for a serious make good military sense and vice- Tuesday, June 17, 2008 rethink about how the Australian Army versa. In East Timor the pro-Indonesian Gene Monin, Citizen Journalist for SooNews.ca fights in Afghanistan. Section: Afghanistan militia tried to inflict as many casualties as possible on our infantry units, Are we going to wear down the SASR including battalions made up of many and 4RAR (Commando) or will we have An Australian Viewpoint On reserve/part time soldiers, in the hope the courage to allow Australian infantry The Canadian Forces and that Australia would withdraw. soldiers to do the job in Afghanistan? Afghanistan The moral of the story is no matter how The war in Afghanistan can be won but hard the Australian government tried to it will not be easy nor is it simply a case insulate our infantry from combat by of using brute military force. The using the SASR, the unexpected solution is proper efficient force coupled happened. with political and economic strategies. When you provide the Afghan people The SASR and 4RAR (Commando) are with clean drinking water, health care, our 2 Specials Forces units and are a education and basic infrastructure, then surgical tool--to be used sparingly--not the Taliban no longer become an a blunt instrument. attractive alternative to the local people. Australian infantry soldiers have We have to listen to the Afghan people recently expressed their dissatisfaction and their leaders. Trying to impose a at being kept away from the sharp end western political system overnight will Australian soldiers in Afghanistan in Afghanistan. Credit: Australian Defence Department not work. A “Senate” or council of But how long can the incoming Rudd elders from the various ethnic groups, CANADIANS TURN TABLES ON government use the SASR and 4RAR including sections of the Taliban who AUSSIES IN AFGHANISTAN (Commando) in an infantry role, until have renounced violence, and retired There used to be a running joke in the they become worn out? warlords should guide the Afghan government in policy. By being Australian Army about how the Armed When will the government allow our inclusive you do not allow the Forces of our Commonwealth cousin, infantry soldiers to do the job they have disaffected room to maneuver or to plot Canada, had gone soft because of trained for? decades of peacekeeping and do- coups. The Canadian Army and its infantry are The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 11 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 Mr. Amrullah Saleeh, the head of of Pembroke), was decorated for his father was serving in Europe, is one of Afghan Intelligence, the NDS, has said acts on August 8 and 9, 1918, in the the many Canadian Métis who served that if NATO does not change its Amiens sector of France during the during the Second World War. political strategy it will lose, regardless First World War. According to the With files from the Canadian War if it pulls out now or in three years time. citation published in the London Museum. The call for more NATO troops by Gazette, Sergeant Byce and his Australia's Defence Minister Joel company were under enemy machine Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Fitzgibbon will end up being futile. gun fire. Although wounded during the Steve Fortin, The Maple Leaf Section: Veterans attack, Sgt Byce led an assault on the (Sasha Uzunov served in the Australian enemy post, seized the weapons and Army and is now a defence journalist.) took 31 prisoners. Korean War vets honoured in Tuesday, June 17, 2008 His son received the same decoration Ottawa Sasha Uzunov for heroism March 2, 1945, in the Section: Afghanistan Hochwald Forest sector, in Germany, during the Second World War. Acting A gift that recalls a rare Sergeant Byce was commanding a C occurence Company platoon as part of an advance. After occupying several buildings, he and his troops came under attack by an enemy force that included four tanks. A/Sgt Byce destroyed one of the tanks himself, but although the other three reached his troops’ positions, under his orders, his men stopped and dispersed the enemy infantrymen accompanying the tanks. Although the enemy invited A/Sgt Byce Unidentified Korean War veterans to surrender, he refused. Instead, he participate in the 55th Anniversary of the covered his men and kept firing on the Korean War Armistice at the National War enemy, killing seven and wounding 11, memorial in Ottawa Sunday June 15, 2008. enabling C Company to withdraw from Credit: Christopher Pike for The Ottawa its position and rejoin its regiment. Citizen. These were not the only military awards OTTAWA - Hundreds of Korean War the father and son received. In addition veterans were on hand to lay wreaths to the DCM, the second-highest award at the National War Memorial to mark for gallantry in action (after the Victoria the 55th anniversary of the Korean War Cross) for all ranks below Armistice on Sunday. commissioned officers, the elder Byce also received France’s Médaille Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg militaire, the second-highest decoration Thompson along with Korean Ambassador Soo Dong Kim were also Charles Byce in Saint John, New Brunswick, for bravery awarded during the First before leaving for Europe during the Second World War. His son received the in attendance. World War. Military Medal on the recommendation More than 26,000 Canadians served in Credit: The Maple Leaf of his field commander-in-chief in the Korean War. When the armistice Finding similar cases would be difficult recognition of his acts of bravery during was singed in 1953, three years after because fathers and sons receiving the the Second World War. the war began, 516 Canadians had same decoration in different wars is not “The DCM was awarded 1 984 times,” been killed and more than 1,500 were a common occurrence. A recent says Eric Fernberg, the CWM’s dress wounded. ceremony held at the Canadian War and insignia collection manager, "When the United Nations came to Museum (CWM) marked the very explaining the importance of the Korea's aid with a multinational force, special donation of the medals awarded medals being donated to the museum. Canada answered the call in numbers to two generations of the Byce family. “During the Second World War, only exceeding most expectations-because Mr. Rick Byce and about 40 family 162 people received it. As for France’s that is the Canadian way," said members attended the ceremony to Médaille militaire, it was created in Thompson. "When the world calls, donate medals awarded to his 1852 and is second in importance only Canada answers. Today, we remember grandfather, Henry Charles Byce, for to the French Legion of Honour, which these courageous men and women his service during the First World War, makes it sort of the French equivalent who stepped forward to defend peace and to Charles Byce, in recognition of to the DCM. Only 55 Canadians and freedom." received it during the First World War.” his Second World War service. Thompson will lead a delegation of Henry Charles Byce, a native of the Charles Byce, born in the northern Canadian Veterans to South Korea in municipality of Westmeath, Ont. (east Ontario town of Chapleau while his July to mark the 55th anniversary. Page 12 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 The official delegation will include of Canadians fighting in the third battle predecessors. Veterans, representatives of major of Ypres, called Passchendaele. “I feel very honoured,” Peppard said Veterans' organizations, The annual Toronto film fest, a star- during a chat in his kitchen. “I really got parliamentarians and youth. studded event that premieres many of choked up when I found out.” Tuesday, June 17, 2008 the year's most talked-about movies, Correspondence from the regiment Canwest News Service runs Sept. 4 to 13. Section: Veterans indicates that the Sergeant Herbert The official website, tiff08.ca, will go Peppard Silver Star Award will be live on Friday. Ticket packages will be presented annually to a soldier who Paul Gross's Passchendaele available for purchase by Visa best demonstrates – through action and to open film fest cardholders at 10 a.m. Mon. July 7 and conduct – the attributes and spirit of a by cash, debit or Visa as of 10 a.m. on special forces soldier. Mon. July 14, 2008. Their surviving comrades and current Tuesday, June 17, 2008 members of the CSOR chose the four Linda Barnard, The Star namesake award candidates. Section: Miscellaneous “You were selected for this honour by the living members of the FSSF and by Award being named after CSOR,” Peppard’s letter states. “It is a Truro veteran testament to the man you are and the A scene from Paul Gross' "Passchendaele," inspiration you remain today.” which will open the 33rd Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 4, 2008. For Peppard, the experience is humbling, especially given that he was Paul Gross's wartime romance with a selected by his peers and fellow link to both his past and the nation's will comrades. open the 33rd Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 4. “I was amazed that they picked me, I never thought of myself as that good of Passchendaele, written, directed and a soldier, ‘cause I had so many produced by Gross, who also stars, AWOL’s (absent without leave) against was inspired by the story of his me.” grandfather, an Alberta veteran of the Herb Peppard proudly holds a photo of That sentiment, he said, was shared by major First World War battle in Ypres, himself (far right) and three of his old Belgium. at least one of his superiors, who once comrades. The photo was taken shortly observed: “It appears to me you soldier after they landed in Italy where they saw The movie also stars Caroline when you want to and you take leave Dhavernas, Gil Bellows and Joe heavy combat duty. Credit: Colin MacLean – Truro Daily News when you want to.” Dinicol. TRURO — Sitting with Herb Peppard at But Peppard has done more than his "It is rare that Canadians get to the kitchen table of his Truro home, it’s fair share of soldiering, including experience their own histories via the almost easy to forget this man is part of fighting in Italy and helping to conquer moving image, particularly on the big military history. Rome over the Germans during the screen," Piers Handling, director and Second World War; carrying the dead CEO of the Toronto International Film But come June 20 that factor is going to and taking a bullet wound in his side. Festival Group, said in a press release. be a lot easier to remember. That’s Today, Peppard continues to be active "We are honoured to open TIFF 2008 when Peppard, along with three other in his community through a variety of with a work as personal and members of his old unit, the First volunteer efforts and at the local legion, passionate, as significant to both Special Service Force (FSSF), will have which remains close to his heart. Canadian film and Canadian history as military awards named after them. Passchendaele." “I’m a proud member of the Royal “Every year my name will be on that Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Truro,” he Cameron Bailey, TIFF co-director, award that’s given to a deserving said. describes the movie as "truly epic soldier,” said, Peppard, 85. storytelling." Peppard will be leaving within the next That news reached the Alice Street few days for Pembroke, Ont., where he Shot primarily in Alberta, resident earlier this month, along with will make the inaugural presentation of Passchendaele tells the story of Sgt. an invitation to attend a ceremony in his namesake award to another Michael Dunne (Gross), who falls in Ontario. Both took him completely by deserving soldier. love with Sarah (Dhavernas) a military surprise. hospital nurse, while recovering from Tuesday, June 17, 2008 A new unit, labelled the Canadian COLIN MACLEAN , The Truro Daily News battlefield wounds back home in Special Operations Regiment CSOR) Section: Veterans Calgary. When Sarah's sickly brother will be absorbing the battle honours of volunteers to go to Europe to fight, the FSSF (known in some circles as the Michael goes with him in an effort to Black Devils) and will also be naming protect him and the two join the ranks some of their awards after their The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 13 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 Journey to remember and villages of France and Belgium. The memorial contains the names of 54,896 officers and men from the Having travelled to the European British and Commonwealth forces who continent many times, I always choose fell in the Ypres Salient before Aug. 16, to start in London due to the ease of 1917. It is here that we found Const. direct flights and the chance to get over Taylor's name on Panel 33. We had the jet lag before heading off to other prepared a photo of him with the destinations. After two days at the Victoria Police crest to place near the amazing Imperial War Museum in panel. That evening we attended the London and the Royal Air Force moving Last Post ceremony in our museum in Hendon, we headed off to ceremonial police uniforms and were France. As part of the journey, we had made honorary VIPs. There were about also planned to take part in the D-Day Lone soldier walks through the battlefield of 400 people in attendance. Passchendaele ceremonies at Juno Beach on June 6 to commemorate other Victoria officers A visit down the road to the trench A mist hugged the ground and the killed in the Second World War. system where Canadian-born Lt. Col. moon lit the trees lining the fields of John McRae wrote his famous poem In After a short visit to Normandy, we Passchendaele as I stood listening for Flanders Fields was equally moving started our journey to the town of Ypres the voices of the past. It was midnight and brought about silent reflection on in Belgium, where Maj. Taylor is when I walked out of the gate of Varlet the sacrifices made by British and memorialized at the Menin Gate. Farm, once a British Navy battlefield Canadian troops in the surrounding station, now a beautiful bed and We had made arrangements to stay at area. A lone poppy wavered above the breakfast, and in no more than 10 steps Varlet Farm in Poelkapelle, just outside trench as we took in the significance of had come across vivid reminders of Ypres, and venture to various this hallowed ground. that terrible battle 90 years ago. A rifle battlefields and memorials by car. The The small cemeteries marked by a cartridge and the timing ring from an original Varlet Farm, situated on large white cross that dot the Belgian artillery shell lay before me, silent Passchendaele territory, was strongly landscape are remarkable. Just when witnesses to the bloody mayhem that fortified by the German Army. After you think there couldn't be any more took place in this now peaceful Belgian fierce fighting in October 1917, the farm gravesites, you come across another countryside. was finally taken by the "Hood cemetery with hundreds or thousands Battalion," Royal Naval Division. What started as a discussion at a of soldiers buried within. They are Nothing of the original farm remained barbecue many years ago had now immaculately kept, with perfectly by 1918. become a magnificent adventure aligned headstones and beautifully through the history of Canadian The farmhouse is well appointed and manicured lawns and flower beds. The involvement overseas in the First World the rooms very comfortable. The hosts, respect for the fallen is immense. Many War. I am currently serving as a police Charlotte and Dirk, are most hospitable were never identified. Too many are officer with the Victoria Police and well-versed in the history of the simply marked "A soldier of the Great Department, but I have long been area. We were welcomed to the farm War." fascinated with the history and sacrifice with a tasty meal of Belgian fare, and With the mission to locate our fallen of Canadians who have served in both Charlotte provided us with maps and brothers only half-accomplished, we world wars and peacekeeping missions brochures for the historic sites in the planned a day trip to the village of around the world. area. The farm is in the heart of the Valenciennes in France, just over the Passchendaele battleground and as When some fellow officers and I got border of Belgium. Valenciennes was such has many ghostly secrets: talking about the Victoria Police officers captured by the Canadian Corps on Helmets, rifles, bayonets and who were killed overseas in the First Nov. 2, 1918, in its last major battle of unexploded shells are dug up on a World War, the idea to trace their the war. whereabouts and honour their sacrifice regular basis. The barn on the farm is was born. filled with artifacts and ordnance found It is the resting place of Victoria Police in the daily routine of farming the fields. Const. J.C. Scott, who served as a Maj. Charles Taylor and Sgt. John sergeant in the Manitoba Regiment of A day trip to Ypres gave us a Clarence Scott were both members of the 16th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. perspective on the devastation that the Victoria Police Department who We found his headstone in the occurred during one horrendous volunteered for active service in the Valenciennes (St. Roch) Communal shelling campaign. First World War, but never came home. Cemetery. We spent some time Both were killed in action. The research It levelled the town, leaving only sharp cleaning the headstone of the grass began, and thanks to amazing archival cornerstones of the historic Cloth Hall clippings and mud spatter and placed a records through the Veterans Affairs intact. Now the town is rebuilt, with the photo of him with a Victoria Police website and the Commonwealth Menin Gate standing majestically on badge. We were the only visitors to the Graves Commission, success was the east side of the town square. cemetery, although on that sunny day close at hand. After four years of Thousands make the pilgrimage to in June, surrounded by young planning and many delay, Det. Ypres each year to pay their respects Canadian soldiers taken in the prime of Lawrence Hemstad and I were off to to countrymen or family members their lives, we didn't feel alone at all. locate our fallen officers in the fields memorialized on the walls of the gate. It's hard to envision the horror and Page 14 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 devastation of the First World War until time. Thomas to take Cassidy and his you visit the ground on which the blood daughter, Betty Arlein, on an afternoon He mounted the motorcycle with ease was shed. The beauty of these fields, jaunt to Port Stanley and back. yesterday -- quite a feat for a man of hills and villages makes it hard to 91. Betty arranged the outing as a Father's believe that it happened at all. Day gift and the Duncans were more Occasionally, though, you will find a After getting on, Bill Cassidy pressed than willing to help. piece of shrapnel, a cartridge casing or the palms of his hands together in a chunk of mud that turns out to be a mock prayer. "It was my pleasure to do something for rifle and you realize that the nightmare a veteran who served his country and Then he lifted his head and beamed, so many young men faced was a loves bikes," Brian Duncan said. ready to ride. reality. A 1943 picture of Cassidy in uniform, Wearing a black leather jacket and A trip to the French battlefields to sitting on a Harley (see the photo helmet, Cassidy was back in the saddle honour Canadians wouldn't be above) he used in the service, will be again. complete without a visit to where some blown up and given an honoured place say Canada first realized its national During the Second World War, Cassidy in the London store, Duncan said. identity: Vimy Ridge. As serene and was a motorcycle dispatch rider with "My dad has always loved lovely a place I have never experienced the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals motorcycles," Betty said. "He and mom before. The monument looms high over for nearly five years, delivering had a Harley before the war and they the landscape, stark but magnificent. messages in England, Belgium, used to go on road trips with other Officially designated as Canadian soil Holland and France. riders." by the French government, it is home to He delivered dispatches, orders and the names and souls of more than Cassidy was 75 the last time he was on maps by motorcycle from command 11,000 soldiers of the Canadian Corps. a bike, she said. headquarters to field commanders. In the First World War, 628,736 "I knew he would love being on one "Sometimes I rode short distances and Canadians enlisted. The casualty toll again so I set it up. When I told him sometimes more than 100 miles," said was staggering: 66,573 dead and about it, he was really excited, like a Cassidy. 138,166 wounded. little boy. He's been looking forward to He rode in all kinds of weather, night this ever since." The Victoria Police Department lost two and day, sometimes in perilous of its own in "the war to end all wars." A "The Lord hates a coward," was conditions. noble sacrifice indeed, but at a terrible Cassidy's explanation before he price. We hope they know they aren't "A lot of dispatch riders were killed in climbed aboard as Duncan's forgotten, and we were honoured to accidents or by the enemy," Cassidy passenger. have had the chance to visit them in said before the start of a 45-minute ride Eva Cassidy, Bill's wife, said she wasn't person. We will remember them. yesterday. "They were picked off for the surprised at how easily he got on the information they were carrying." Rick Anthony is a constable in the Harley. patrol division of the Victoria Police The death rate was so high that a "He rides a stationary bike every day, Department. German propaganda line became a so his legs are in pretty good shape for standing joke among riders: "If you give his age," she said. Wednesday, June 18, 2008 the Canadians enough motorcycles, Rick Anthony, Special to the Times Colonist they'll kill themselves." Wednesday, June 18, 2008 Section: Veterans JOE MATYAS, The London Free Press Cassidy's closest call came when he Section: Veterans rounded a corner in a battle zone and The Lord Hates a Coward found himself staring at the barrel of a German tank. War pensioners honour their own He was with another rider and they hit full throttle and "skedaddled" out of The two world wars were many there, he said. decades ago and, as most Canadians know, many of our war pensioners "I loved every minute of being a have passed away. The loss of these dispatch rider," he said. "Some people fighting men and women has also called us glorified messenger boys, but meant the loss of several organizations we were couriers delivering timely that oversee their needs, including the military messages." War Pensioners of Canada. The Thanks to Brian Duncan, dealer Espanola/North Shore is just one of three branches left in Canada. The A 91 year-old St.Thomas man who was a principal of Rocky's Harley-Davidson in WWII motorcycle dispatch rider, is given a London, Cassidy had the opportunity to other two are Sudbury and Windsor. ride on a Harley... get the feeling of a motorcycle again Colin Pick, who has been an active Credit: London Free Press yesterday. member for many decades and local A 91-year-old London veteran takes a Duncan and his son, Sean, rode two branch President, Ray Constantineau, nostalgic Harley ride back through Harley Street Glides from London to St. brought the matter of numbers forward The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 15 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 at the June meeting held at the and the WPC Exceptional Service World War. Espanola Royal Canadian Legion, Medal. Following the formal part of the Branch #39. There are only 23 active The WPC Service Medal is presented afternoon, the group made their way to members at this time. to someone who has been a member Cortina’s in Espanola to enjoy the for at least five years. It can also be social gathering, one which could well given to a civilian who on a voluntary be the last they host as their own basis. separate branch. The WPC Exceptional Service Medal is Wednesday, June 18, 2008 usually presented to someone who has Rosalind Raby, The Mid-North Monitor Section: Veterans been active member for at least ten or more years serving in a variety of roles with the organization. Delayed funding decision The recipients of the WPC Service threatens veterans' visits to Medal, which feature a red ribbon, are: schools Omer Gervais, Frank Haner, Dalton Members of the North Shore Branch of the Lafoley, Nelson Robinson and Wilfred War Pensioners of Canada, one of only Cada. three left in the country, honoured their own at a special ceremony held last week, The WPC Exceptional Service Medal Tuesday, June 10. Long-time volunteer recipients, which are yellow in colour, secretary-treasurer, Eileen Caverly, also included Charlie Cadieux, Charlie received the WPC Service Medal for her Preston, Jack Reasbeck and Pick. Mrs. OTTAWA — The head of a national many years of volunteerism. Special guest, Betty Bowerman was also at the Betty Bowerman, was also on hand, to be program that places war vets in presented with the WPC Service Medal in ceremony, along with her daughters, classrooms is warning that schools memory of her husband, Clint, who passed Debora Merchant and Sandy Beaven, may be out of luck this Remembrance away in 2006. The branch also to receive the medal on behalf of her Day because of federal foot dragging. commemorated special plaques, which will late husband, Clint, who passed away be placed on the gravestones of known in 2006. The Memory Project Speakers Bureau, veterans throughout Espanola, North Shore run by the Dominion Institute, keeps and Manitoulin Island. Another special presentation followed track of more than 1,500 veteran Credit: Rosalind Raby this one with Eileen Caverly, who has volunteers and places them in schools. volunteered as secretary/treasurer, “We might have to look at receiving a WPC Service Medal for her The program is particularly popular in amalgamating with the Sudbury branch contributions to the organization. the fall, when many teachers peg their due to our numbers,” explained Pick. studies of Canada's war efforts to Nov. “We simply don’t have the numbers The awards also feature a cast metal 11. The vast majority of the program's anymore and, to ensure services medal featuring the embossed name of budget comes from the federal continue for our members and their the recipient and the slogan, one who Veterans Affairs Department. families, it might be the only way to go.” served well, in both English and French. Rudyard Griffiths, the co-founder of the Institute, said that after more than a Constantineau concurs. The afternoon ceremony also included year of talks about extending the “We will have to take a serious look at a commemorative presentation of program, the money is about to run out. the situation. We would be stronger if memorial plaques. The plaques are Even if Ottawa were to renew the we amalgamated.” placed on the gravesites of war veterans who have passed away, but program, the delay is such that That decision will not be made right due to the weather and the health of teachers looking for a veteran this fall away, however. The branch meets some of the members, the ceremony may be out of luck, he said. three times a year, and the matter is took place indoors. The North Shore "The fact is that even if that money is expected to be discussed at their branch has been instrumental in having forthcoming ... it would be difficult, if not September meeting. The members will veterans gravesites marked with the impossible, to put that money to use to have the summer months to mull over plaque in Espanola, North Shore and help get veterans into schools to visit the idea. Manitoulin Island. There are only a few kids this fall, because of the non- That said, the duo decided to present cemeteries left to do, both on response from the department," he service medals to their members, as a Manitoulin Island. said. standalone organization because if they The day ended with a special "I wouldn't be frankly as annoyed and amalgamate the uniqueness of the presentation of two plaques to some disappointed about this situation if we ‘North Shore’ branch would be overseas visitors. Richard Frances and were talking about a population of absorbed by Sudbury. George Taylor of the Royal veterans who were in their 30s who had Several members were in attendance Northumberland Fusilliers are both from decades left of speaking in schools at the meeting held on Tuesday, June England, and came to Espanola to visit ahead of them." 10 to receive their medals. There are their comrade, Pick. The three served Mr. Griffiths said within two to four two medals, the WPC Service Medal in the British force during the Second years, there will be very few Second Page 16 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 World War veterans healthy enough to Martins said as she, her mother Jane grounds foreman for the District 20 talk to children about their experiences. (McGregor) and sister Sandra School Board. He went out on Cervantis of Pennfield came together to compensation in 1980 after suffering an Veterans Affairs Minister Greg share fond memories of the former Nazi on-the-job accident. Thompson said yesterday he expects prisoner of war. the program will be extended, but the Johnston served with the 73rd formal approval is still working its way Squadron of the Royal Air Force during through the system. the World War II. "I don't think they'll be disappointed in In September 1943, he was shot down terms of our response. I do know the over the Greek Isles and captured by timing issue is important, but we'll act the Nazis. on it and I'm sure it'll be in time for them "For RAF Lance Cpl. William Johnston, to provide the same type of services it was a day he would never forget," they normally provide," he said. "They said the book Churchill's Folly, by do good work and we recognize that, Anthony Rogers. That is true, says so I can see no reason why that would Johnston's widow Jane, but she is not be approved." adamant the book erred by saying his Mr. Thompson said his department has maintenance crew escaped by landing given the program $780,000 since the aircraft when, instead, they were 2003. However, the minister would not taken prisoner. commit to funding the program at the But not for long. same levels as in the past. With rumours circulating weeks later Charles Goodman, an 82-year-old that the PoWs were about to be sent to veteran of the Second World War and Bill Johnston loved gardening. Germany, "some of them escaped," the Korean War, said the program is Credit: Telegraph-Journal said Jane. "They managed to get into valuable because it organizes visits, but "Dad was very up, positive and very the water and five of them were also prepares the veterans for the giving," added Clark. "A loving father determined to make it to Turkey," said possibility of embarrassing questions. and husband." Jane. "Only two of them (including "Probably, the usual one is 'Did you "And very devoted to family," said Johnston) made it. They went back to ever kill anybody?' And that's not Cervantis. "Self-worth (was important to North Africa by submarine, re-enlisted something that most veterans talk him). He wanted to be the best he (in the RAF) and were sent to Italy." about," he said. "That is one of the could be at whatever he did. He wanted Johnston and Jane, a member of the things that the Memory Project was that for himself and for his family, so Women's Land Army, met in Scotland able to do was guide the veterans in they would be proud." in 1946. answering such questions." Johnston, in declining health since the They married on June 28, 1947, in Mr. Goodman said he and others will first in a series of strokes about a Glasgow, and until coming to Canada, keep visiting schools regardless of the decade ago, died Monday at the Saint he worked as a gardener on big private program, but many classes will have a John Regional Hospital with his family estates in Scotland. In fact, Johnston's much harder time finding a veteran who by his side. He was 86. daughters still have fond childhood is prepared to speak to a class. The funeral service is scheduled for memories of that time. "I feel that is living history," he said. 2:30 p.m today at Brenan's Chapel on "I picture (Dad), always will, over in "With the rate that the veterans are Paradise Row. Scotland preparing sweet peas for the dying off these days, it's soon going to market; early morning, with a tam on, be gone, and that will be a shame." Born in Saint John on May 14, 1922, William James Johnston was a son of and unfortunately, a cigarette," said Thursday, June 19, 2008 the late Margaret (Fairly) and James Cervantis. BILL CURRY , The Globe and Mail Section: Veterans Johnston, a journeyman boilermaker. "When he worked in the gardens on the He was just a wee lad of six when his estates, he always wore a shirt and tie Shot down in war, he escaped parents sent him to Scotland to be and gum rubbers and cords," recalled educated. Clark. Nazis It would be another 32 years - 1960 - Johnston's love of gardening, both SAINT JOHN - Professional gardener before Johnston, whose architectural floral and vegetable, continued into old and war veteran Bill Johnston of Hickey studies ended with his mother's death age. He became particularly fond of Road is being remembered as a caring, in 1935, fulfilled his sickly father's growing tomatoes, even building his affectionate and modest man of wishes by returning to Saint John. own hothouse. integrity who took great pride in his close-knit family. With the help of family, he prepared the Besides his wife and two daughters, land and built a home on Hickey Road. Johnston's survivors include one "You could see his chest swell up when brother, George Johnston of Saint he talked about his grandchildren," his He worked at Thorne's and the John; one special niece, Hazel Jack of eldest daughter Morag Clark of St. shipyard before landing a job as Scotland; three grandchildren and two The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 17 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 great-grandchildren. Some of the 55-member crew have Those results are expected to be begun falling ill with a variety of presented to the crew at Wednesday's "He has given us, including his debilitating illnesses, including meeting. grandchildren, something to strive for," breathing troubles and variety of said Cervantis. "He came (back) to The fire aboard Chicoutimi, which has neurological disorders. Canada with nothing, and he has sidelined the boat until at least 2010, shown us we are capable of doing Over a dozen came forward in late was caused when a rogue wave anything we want." February and early March to tell their washed down an open conning tower Thursday, June 19, 2008 stories to The Canadian Press. hatch and caused a short circuit in a major electrical connection. MIKE MULLEN, The Telegraph Journal The electrical fire in October 2004 Section: Veterans resulted in the death of Lt. Chris Thursday, June 19, 2008 Saunders. It crippled the used British The Canadian Press Section: Veterans Submarine fire survivors to boat on its maiden voyage to Canada get health briefing and set back the navy's entire submarine program. Canada looks to cut 'friendly Although the navy promised to analyze fire' with new tracking gear the smoke and soot in the board of inquiry the following spring, the tests were not completed until just recently. Crew members, many of whom breathed in the smoke and lived in the ash for days afterward, worried HMCS Chicoutimi is readied to be towed off because they had no idea what they as it sat off the coast of Ireland in October were exposed to and what it would do 2004. to their health down the road. Credit: UK Ministry Of Defense There were some whose claims to OTTAWA -- Sailors who survived a Veteran Affairs Canada had been devastating submarine fire almost four rejected. years ago are to get a briefing Canadian soldiers wait for orders in the Wednesday from senior Canadian navy The sailors said bureaucrats didn't Panjwaii district in southern Afghanistan in and military health officers on the toxins have enough information. 2006 after hearing that U.S. forces had they faced and its potential long-term killed one of their comrades a few Veterans Affairs Minister Greg kilometres away. impact on their health. Thompson ordered an immediate Credit: Les Perreaux/Canadian Press The meeting will be held Wednesday review of the crew member's files once night in Halifax. "The navy wishes to the first story on the matter appeared. The Canadian military plans to ship a use this opportunity to inform all The department also conducted newly developed sensor and concerned on the just completed outreach with sailors who had not filed communications system to Afghanistan analysis of the toxicity of smoke test," claims and as a result the department as part of its efforts to reduce incidents Cmdr. Jeff Agnew said Tuesday night. "has five new clients," said a of friendly fire. "The crew and their families will also be government source with knowledge of The equipment will be used to updated on issues related to the the decision. determine the location of all aircraft medical process, while Veterans Affairs As well, crew members whose requests operating in the area where Canadian Canada, with whom DND has worked were rejected have had their claims troops are active. It is hoped it will hand in hand on this issue, will brief on reviewed and "in some cases reduce the likelihood of the type of the services they provide." adjudicated in their favour." incident that happened in September 2006, when a U.S. aircraft mistook Agnew said the meeting will be closed The navy conceded early in the Canadian soldiers for insurgents and to the public, to allow for a "free investigation that the crew had been attacked their camp, killing one and flowing" discussion. exposed to a chemical cocktail of wounding many more. smoke. "Most importantly though, this is an The systems, one mounted on a opportunity for the Canadian Forces to But precisely what substances were tracked armoured vehicle, the other on listen to and address any concerns the involved required pain-staking a wheeled Bison armoured vehicle, are families and crew might have," Agnew laboratory work at the National the result of a $28-million program said in an e-mail note. Research Council - one of the reasons designed to upgrade existing He added that many of the crew feel the military says it took years to get equipment that is part of ADATS, or the well served by the military medical answers. Air Defence Anti-Tank System. system. Once the toxicology report was The new gear will allow Canadian Crew members and former sailors who finished, the navy's medical branch had commanders on the ground to view served on HMCS Chicoutimi - as well to study what impact it could have on information collected from various as their wives - were invited to attend. human health. sources, including AWACS surveillance Page 18 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 aircraft, forward observers on the Thursday, June 19, 2008 The memorial service will be in the ground and aerial drones. David Pugliese, The Ottawa Citizen chapel of the funeral home at 11 a.m. Section: Afghanistan with a reception to follow. Pastor David The military plans to ship the two Malina officiating. vehicles, one an air defence command post, the other an airspace co- HAHN, Harold Ross 1923-2008 As expressions of sympathy, donations ordination centre, to Afghanistan by the to Sunnyside Home Foundation or the end of the year. The equipment was charity of your choice would be recently tested at Canadian Forces appreciated by the family (cards Base Gagetown, N.B. available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com for Ross's Army public affairs officers have been memorial. asked repeatedly since May 26 to provide comment on the project, but Thursday, June 19, 2008 they did not respond. But Nick Sick and Visiting Papiccio, vice-president of business Section: Births Deaths and Marriages development for Rheinmetall Canada, the Quebec firm that worked on the project, said the equipment provides Scrimping on memory state-of-the-art capability that can save Canadian lives. Since the Canadian area of operations in the Kandahar region is 200 kilometres by 200 kilometres and there are a growing number of allied aircraft operating in the region, the need to We are sorry to report that Comrade WAR VETERANS IN THE SCHOOLS. determine where planes are in relation Harold Ross HAHN, a 62 year Veteran Member of Branch 50 passed away this to ground units becomes important, he The federal government's decision to week. said. withhold funding for the Dominion "This will help avoid blue-on-blue HAHN, Harold Ross - Formerly of Institute's acclaimed program that incidents," he said, referring to the term Trinity Village Terraces, passed away brings veterans into classrooms to talk the military uses to describe friendly peacefully, at Sunnyside Nursing about their wartime experiences is fire, in which forces on the same side Home, on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at inexplicable, indeed bizarre. The attack each other by mistake. the age of 85 years. Institute may now have to radically scale back its Memory Project Beloved husband of the late Helen "The army realizes it has this great Speakers' Bureau, a highly successful Mary (nee Szalkevicz) (December 28, network-centric capability that can link program that provides 1,500 aging 2007). Loving father of Bob Hahn and AWACS, fighter pilots, forward veterans with the means to talk with his wife Lori McMahon of Stratford and observers, sensors on the ground, and upwards of 175,000 kids each school Linda Hahn of Kitchener. Dear all in real time," said Mr. Papiccio. year. Tens of thousands of children grandfather of Jaclyn (Dave McKittrick), could miss the opportunity to learn from He said the information about the Alexander and Nicholas and great veterans about Canada's proud military location of planes and other systems on grandfather to Logan. Brother of Wilfred history. the battlefield was relayed almost (Ev) of Kitchener, Claude (Rita) of Galt, instantly to Canadian officers. Marietha Boves (Tino), Eleanor Loree , It is a strange development, given that In one of the vehicles, Rheinmetall and Ann Kip all of Kitchener. Brother-in- this is a government that has shown technicians installed systems into which law of Gord Ruller of Stratford, Naomi support for the military and for information from AWACS and other Hahn of Edmonton and Rose Hahn of strengthening Canadian identity. More aircraft is piped. Toronto. Predeceased by his brothers, so, since the government is gaily Doug, Ron and his sister, Elaine Ruller. spending millions of dollars to help "We put in a big screen, two large assuage wrongs committed against command chairs just like you'd see on Ross retired from BF Goodrich after 36 certain ethnic groups. Star Trek, and they can now see in real years of dedicated service. time what the AWACS sees, what the The Harper government will spend $2.4- troops see," said Mr. Papiccio. He was a member of the Royal million in commemorative grants to Canadian Legion, Branch No. 50. accompany the apology for the The controllers can also direct attacks Komagata Maru incident of 1914, by From 1942-1946, Ross served from aircraft to support Canadian way of example. Yet it is unprepared to overseas with the Essex Scottish and troops. spend a fraction of that, a few hundred Queens Own Rifles Regiments. The military is also planning to use the thousand dollars, to perpetuate the system, along with missiles on the Ross's family will receive relatives and memory of what Canada has done ADATS firing units, to provide friends on Saturday, June 21, 2008 right, namely its contribution to the protection at the Vancouver Olympics from 10-10:45 am at the Henry Walser defeat of fascism in Europe and the in 2010. Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Pacific and halting the spread of Kitchener. communism in Korea. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 19 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 Rudyard Griffiths, co-founder of the War and/or the Korean conflict are other writings, I have called the region Dominion Institute, says that after 12 uneasy about how Canadians will Fortress Halifax. months of negotiations, the non-profit remember those battles when the Royal Navy Captain Donald McIntyre, organization was unable to secure a soldiers have passed away; the poll in his biographical book U-Boat Killer, commitment from Veterans Affairs for points out that veterans of the Second holds that "… the Second World War, the 2008-09 school year. The money is World War will all be gone by 2035. like the First, came perilously near to needed now to plan for the return of The disturbing results were derived being lost on the ocean trade routes." school in the fall and, without a from telephone interviews with those of commitment, Mr. Griffiths has been In Britain, the submarine peril us who volunteer in the Toronto-based forced to tell Veterans Affairs Minister presented a spectre of national Institute’s Memory Project, which Greg Thompson that time has run out. starvation and the absence of men and promotes remembrance of the nation’s materials of war. Winston Churchill Canada's veterans of war and military history. chillingly noted in his memoirs the Canada's young both deserve better I confess to being troubled, as well, by greatest threat facing the Allies: "The from the federal government. The aging the apparent lack of focus of the role of only thing that ever frightened me veterans represent a living memory of my home turf in Canada’s 20th-century during the war was the U-boat peril." Canada at its best. When young, they wars. The Port of Halifax stands without made great sacrifices on behalf of all of This region answered the call! In the question as our greatest fortress of us, and now that they are old, they are First World War, Halifax’s Pier 2 sent supply of men and materials in those prepared to share the memories of 284,455 uniformed personnel off to two world conflicts. Today, too few those sacrifices to benefit future war. In the Second World War, 494,000 Canadians recognize that. generations of Canadians. By its departed from Pier 21, which today indifference, the federal government Living at the crest of Dartmouth’s provides a "World War II Deck" yet the has told them that it would be better if Cleveland Crescent in the early years headline on its website labels the Pier they were a minority cultural group with of the Second World War, I was, when merely – as important as it is – a grievance. off to high school on clear days, given a "Canada’s Immigration Museum." Other panoramic view of the harbour jam- museums offer a look at remnants of Thursday, June 19, 2008 packed with transports. Warships, too, war, but there exists no reflection of the Globe and Mail were at moorings and at HMCS total magnitude of Halifax’s role in Section: Veterans Stadacona, awaiting the signal to those seasons that in earlier times proceed outbound in convoy for Great stirred deeply the Canadian soul. Britain. Fortress Halifax deserves Of those who gave their lives in war, remembrance boost Lurking enemy submarines also the majority sailed from Halifax. They awaited a signal, and many transports had the last glimpse of their homeland were destroyed en route. in a farewell to Nova Scotia, outbound from Fortress Halifax. Bedford Basin was similarly crammed with vessels heavy to the waterline with This region deserves to be atop the fuel, food and supplies in their hulls, nation’s honour role. The major result in along with decks silhouetted with the Battle of the Atlantic victory was the armour and tanks. enemy loss totalling 785 U-boats. At Pier 21, huge steamships – It’s not an extravagance to observe that occasionally the biggest of them, RMS the port’s noble, awe-inspiring effort in Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth the 20th-century wars was a major key This well-known photo shows a convoy of – loaded even more precious cargo; to the survival of the British Empire merchant ships getting ready to sail to there, Canada’s uniformed military and, later, the British Commonwealth. Britain from Bedford Basin, the splendid prepared for a flat-out, zig-zagging trip The facts suggest greater appreciation; harbour of Halifax,Nova Scotia. across the Atlantic, hoping to avoid and it is disappointing that the dramatic Credit: 'Nation Forged in Fire' by J.L. Granatstein and Desmond Morton otherwise outrun the somewhat slower scope of the port’s contribution to German U-boats carrying deadly Canada and its allies appears to be in A POLL of a different kind – taken from torpedoes. the twilight of diminishing interviews with a large dying segment remembrance. of Canada’s population – reveals that For me, the images of the port at that Second World War veterans are time bring along memories of the major The situation can be remedied. concerned Canadians are forgetting Western focus on the largest Massive and dignified inbound signage past sacrifices in battle. Veterans of "battleground" of the Second World should, in perpetuity, lead the way for that horrendous war are now War, the Battle of the Atlantic, a millions of travelling Canadians and octogenarians or older, and are confrontation given its name by visitors alike to a destination of passing at a rate of more than 500 a Winston Churchill. dramatic electronics and dazzling action displays, a place where all who week. The importance of this port in wartime – cherish the nation’s outstanding history bristling with guns, searchlights, air It should come as no surprise that a and heritage could view Fortress cover, raid sirens and the like – has not Dominion Institute poll has found that Halifax in thanksgiving, and learn of this been given the kudos it deserves. In those who fought in the Second World area’s finest hour. Page 20 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Second World War artillery veteran and Danielson have worked together enlisted and how they changed and Jack Wilcox in 2003 received the on drama presentations in the past. developed during their years of service Minister of Veterans Affairs When the chance came up to be and to provide the necessary Commendation for his journalism of involved in this project, he was thrilled background that would help a reader or history, heritage and remembrance. He to be a part of it. viewer to understand the larger context. lives in Merrickville, Ont. Danielson said he decided to write “The “For playgoers who know little or Friday, June 20, 2008 Long Journey Home” because he was nothing about the complex events of Jack Wilcox, The Chronicle Herald curious about the life of sailors on World War II, I have tried to weave in Section: Veterans board this ship, and it didn’t take long enough of the bigger picture that they before he realized there was a strong will understand its impact on the story’s Winnipeg play 'Wartime Tales' story behind it. characters,” said Danielson. is a tribute “I’ve sometimes described Morden as All the events included in the play are ‘a prairie town with a ship’,” he said. “In all historically true. truth, the ship was never here in the A true portrayal prairies, but there was a special bond between our community and the HMCS From the performer’s standpoint, Morden,” said Danielson. Pharaoh said presenting new and exciting material is a pleasure from an Town residents sent packages and artistic viewpoint. He added, however, letters to sailors on the ship and sailors the challenge with this play is re- responded. creating a story that happened a long Ed O’Connor, author of The Corvette time ago. Years and a sailor on the Morden, HMCS MORDEN during acceptance trials. “Some audience members will have Credit: www.navy.gc.ca noted in his book for several years after experienced the war and will remember the war he wrote to a young lady in MORDEN Manitoba. Have you ever these times very well, while younger Morden. wondered why there is a ship’s bell and generations may not know very much “I learned of Morden’s role as a “rescue wheel on display at the Morden Civic at all about this important time in our ship” under hazardous circumstances Centre? history,” he explained. and was very moved,” said Danielson. The story behind those war time “The memories shared by sailor Ed “This is a tribute to those who lived artifacts is being brought to life in the O’Connor and many of his RCN mates through war times, and they will want form of a new play called “The Long on corvettes inspired me to chronicle their story told well. My personal Journey Home.” their experience.” challenge and opportunity is to make this a true portrayal of the brave sailors Morden resident Larry Danielson has For Danielson, the playwriting process who served,” said Pharaoh. written the one-man play that depicts for a topic of this nature was complex, the courage of a young man in the but the most interesting part was the In “The Long Journey Home,” the battle of the North Atlantic, braving the research. His research led him to read character of Ted O’Brien derives in peril of U-boats and the danger of numerous other books dealing with the many ways from Ed O’Connor, a sailor storms to ensure food, fuel and critical Canadian Navy in World War II. He on HMCS Morden, noted Danielson. war supplies reached England. searched the Internet to reconstruct the “In his book, O’Connor said they faced log of Morden’s many Atlantic crossings two enemies - fierce storms and deadly During World War Two, the Royal and meet two men who served on U-boats. One might also add a third - Canadian Navy named its corvettes in corvettes during that time – Burt Jolly of boredom. I sought to capture all three honour of Canadian communities that Winnipeg (HMCS Rostern) and Harvey elements in my play,” he said. provided strong support for the war Hyde of Treherne (HMCS Kincardine.) effort. HMCS Morden was one of the Honour for Morden warships that helped to escort convoys “Throughout my research, I was looking Mel Reimer, president of the Royal across the Atlantic from 1939 to 1945. for actions or incidents that touch one’s Canadian Legion Morden branch, said heart. Fortunately, there were many, as Now, some 70 years later, the stories it is significant that Morden was among I collected stories about HMCS and experiences of a sailor on the the communities chosen by the Royal Morden, and some of them have HMCS Morden will be told by actor Nick Canadian Navy when naming its become scenes in my play,” he Pharaoh, who will perform the 50- corvettes. minute production at the historic explained. Royal Navy corvettes tended to be Kenmor Theatre in Morden June 27 to Danielson had several goals in mind named after flowers, but Canadian 29. when he began work on the script. He corvettes were often named for small wanted it to be interesting for people in The production is part of the Morden towns. the audience, regardless of their age Chautauqua Spirit celebrations as a and knowledge of the Canadian Navy Reimer said not many were named 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada. or the Second World War. after prairie towns and speculated that A special bond Morden’s presence during the war was Another focus from the outset was to a big reason. Pharaoh, who now lives in Winnipeg, depict what life was like for sailors who The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 21 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 “Morden had a pretty large presence in Many family members, friends and community and area and for the whole both wars, especially World War One,” neighbours were in attendance from the of Canada, now and for generations to noted Reimer. “I am not aware of any area and some traveled a great come. member of our legion that served on distance for the occasion. James You are welcome to stop by the library the HMCS Morden, but there were McNaught, a great grand nephew, to view the Memorial Frame and certainly prairie soldiers that were part came in all the way from Kelowna, recognize the contribution of Private of the battle of the Atlantic.” British Columbia. Niece Alice Chatson John Leslie Ball #835576. and nephew John Ball with wife Anne Reimer said the Morden Legion branch attended, as did grand nephew George Friday, June 20, 2008 plans to give special recognition to the Kennedy and great, great grand niece, Angela Bright, The Frontenac News community’s veterans when the play Section: Veterans Hannah McNaught. The procession debuts later this month. into the hall was led by piper Jim He said they are looking at holding a Austin, followed by the Royal Canadian reception for veterans after one of “The Dominion Website Relaunched Legion #137 Veterans from Napanee, Long Journey Home” performances in the Royal Canadian Legion Northbrook order to recognize their contributions Branch 328, family members, the and past accomplishments. Addington Highlands Library board and Reimer expects a lot of interest in the dignitaries. MC Bill McNaught production from veterans in the area as welcomed the crowd and the singing of well as war history enthusiasts and "O Canada" opened the ceremony. The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion other Legion groups. website has been relaunched this week A moment of remembrance and prayer with a whole new look and feel. The Like most other corvettes, Morden went was led by Reverend R.J. McNaught, to site not contains a lot more information to the scrap yard immediately after the observe the lives of Pte. John Leslie in a simple though perhaps War, but you can find the ship’s bell Ball, Pte. Charles Adam Gregg and overwhelming home page menu card. and wheel proudly displayed at the Pte. George Draper Quackenbush, the Morden Civic Centre. three young men from Vennachar, and Check it out, you may find something for all veterans who have served The play premieres at the Kenmor new. Canada. Thomas McNaught, a grand Theatre June 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2008 nephew, read the biography of Pte. and June 29 at 3 p.m. Webmaster Ball. The Memorial Frame was Section: RCL Friday, June 20, 2008 unveiled, and the Union Jack flag that Melanie Penner, Mordern Times had concealed it was presented to Section: Veterans Reeve Henry Hogg. Lancaster milestone gets gala treatment Bill McNaught, who is John Leslie Ball’s Denbigh ceremony great nephew and the individual most Recognizes Fallen WWI reposnsible for gathering all the Soldier material in the frame and organising the dedication ceremony, found himself with what he described as a “very heavy heart” on the day of the dedication. His father Herbert, John Ball’s nephew, who had worked with Bill every step of the way putting all the material together and was looking Credit: Cathie Coward, the Hamilton forward to playing a central role on the Spectator dedication day at Denbigh, took ill with Family, along with Addington Highlands There are only two. In the world. And a stroke just one week before the Library Board members and government Hamilton has one of them. representatives, gather around the ceremony, and was in serious condition Memorial Frame. in a Toronto hospital. Of the 7,300 Lancaster bombers that rolled off production lines in Canada The Denbigh Library now proudly As pictures were taken and and Britain in the Second World War, houses the medals and military refreshments enjoyed, Legion members only 17 Avro Lancs exist today. Only belongings of Private John Leslie Ball handed out a special maple leaf and two are airworthy. (July 15, 1891 – April 12, 1917) who double poppy pin to each one, served with the 4th Canadian Mounted symbolizing Canada and recognizing The Canadian Warplane Heritage Rifles, and was lost in the battle of Canadians who served in times of war, Museum in Mount Hope purchased one Vimy Ridge. Programs for the military conflict, peace, and all those of them with help from the Sully dedication ceremony, which took place who served at home in essential Foundation in 1977. This "Lanc" has last Saturday, included a picture of the support roles. Thank you to the family been housed at the CWH Museum grave of Pte. Ball at Quatre Vents of Pte. Ball for sharing the day and since 1979. Cemetery in Estree-Cauchie, France, events of this young man's life. This In the ensuing years, the plane was with the inscription, "In Memory of my history is of great importance not only restored to flying condition, and made Dear Brave Son". to those in the family tree, but for this Page 22 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 its first flight under Canadian Warplane Bill Lutes, the Hamilton-based technical The number of war deaths across the Heritage colours in September 1988. director and business manager of the globe over the past 50 years is likely The CWH Museum dedicated its Spitfire Band, credits much of the three times higher than commonly Lancaster to the memory of Pilot Officer group's success to its top-flight thought, a study in the British Medical Andrew Charles Mynarski, a musicians, and Erbe's charts. Lutes Journal says. posthumous recipient of the Victoria says that Erbe's updates of standards Contrary to military claims, death Cross. by the Dorsey brothers and Glenn counts during more recent conflicts Miller "have a more contemporary feel To celebrate the 20th anniversary of have not been falling as precision ... a punchier sound." the Mynarski Lancaster's restoration, weapons and other modern tactics took the CWH Museum is putting on the ritz In addition, the Paris-Port Dover Pipe hold, says the paper, which proposes a with a black-tie gala dinner and dance Band will perform. new method of calculating casualties. for 800 people in their 40,000-square- Rohrer indicated that dignitaries such Dr. Christopher Murray, a co-author, foot hangar. Headlining the Sept. 12 as local MPs, Minister of National says the two main ways of tracking event will be the Spitfire Band. Defence Peter MacKay and Prime violent deaths – eyewitness accounts In addition to this anniversary, the gala Minister Stephen Harper have been or and the claims of combatants – are rife will honour the 50 to 60 people who will be invited. Mayor Fred Eisenberger with problems. have been involved in the Lancaster and former lieutenant governor of Eyewitness accounts, which generally project over the past 31 years. This Ontario Lincoln Alexander have flow out through media reports, suffer night of nostalgia will also serve as a indicated they'll be there to salute the from the fact that there is often no fundraiser to keep the "Lanc" flying. "Lanc." reporter nearby, he says. "And the CWH Museum CEO David Rohrer If the immensely successful VE-Day combatants themselves have all sorts admits that keeping the Lancaster up in gala that was held in 2005 at the CWH of motives to either inflate or deflate the air for a total of 50 hours a year Museum is any indication, tickets to the their figures," says Murray, director of between May and Nov. 11 is an Lancaster gala should also sell out in the University of Washington's Institute expensive operation. less time than it took to drop a for Health Metrics and Evaluation. "Tallboy." Patrons can drop by for "It burns 220 imperial gallons of avgas He and his colleagues took a page from cocktails at 6 p.m. Dinner's at 7. (aviation fuel) every hour that it flies," public health assessments and looked said Rohrer. "There's 4.5 litres per Leonard Turnevicius writes on classical to household surveys in former war imperial gallon. And avgas costs about music for The Spectator. zones to seek more accurate death $1.65 a litre. counts. [email protected] "I just spent $100,000 last year on The paper looked at sibling histories Spitfire Band to swing at bomber's engine overhauls." from household information found in the special night 2002 and 2003 United Nations World This particular Lancaster was built in Showtime Health Surveys and applied it to 13 Malton in 1945, and was retired from conflict zones. active duty with the RCAF in 1963. It What: Lancaster Gala did not serve in the Bomber Command "When we looked at the raw data and With: The Spitfire Band during the Second World War. whether the sibling died from a violent When: Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. death, we found an incredibly revealing The Spitfire Band, named after the capacity of individuals to remember," legendary single-seat British fighter Where: Canadian Warplane Heritage Murray says. plane, has been in action since 1981. Museum, 9280 Airport Rd., Mount One of the band's founding members, Hope (Hamilton International Airport) The fact they were questioned in the late vocalist Jackie Rae, was a former context of other health-related issues, Cost: $100, senior $75 Spitfire pilot. The group has long been and not specifically about war, also renowned for its repertoire of swing-era Call: 905-679-4183 ext. 230 enhances the veracity of their accounts, tunes. Their arrangements are done by Murray says. trumpeter Micky Erbe, who at one time Friday, June 20, 2008 His paper has proposed a set of was the ensemble's musical director. Leonard Turnevicius, The Hamilton Spectator Section: Veterans statistical calculations that can be These days, the 19-piece big band is brought to a random sampling of sibling led by Laurie Bower of The Laurie histories in war zones to produce a Bower Singers fame. Death tolls during wars proper accounting of deaths. When The band has received kudos from inaccurate, study says they brought those calculations to bear people such as the late Mel Torme on 13 conflicts between 1955 and who, after having heard them, declared 2002, they found death figures – 5.4 that "the good old days never sounded million total – were three times those this good." George Steinbrenner, crusty that had been historically accepted. principal owner of the New York These figures ranged from 7,000 dead Yankees, flew the Spitfire Band to in one Democratic Republic of Congo Tampa Bay to perform a one-nighter on skirmish to 3.8 million dead in the his yacht. Vietnam War. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 23 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 Week Ending June 21, 2008 The paper estimates an average of the alone time. He also cherishes the remembers the VE-Day rejoicing 378,000 were killed by wars in each daily telephone conversations with his fondly. year between 1985 and 1994, family — his daughter Joan and sons “Everybody enjoyed it. Everybody knew compared to previous reports of Ivan and Aubrey. His wife Regina the war was won when we got to 137,000 deaths. (Louvelle) died in 1995, and he moved Germany. We knew they were beaten. from his longtime home in Black Duck Friday, June 20, 2008 We didn’t care too much then.” Joseph Hall , The Star Siding to the O’Connell Centre in Section: Veterans Corner Brook at age 80. It wasn’t just his immediate family in Newfoundland he was fighting for. His His tired legs could never again carry family in France, whom he had never him all those miles of fighting through Still proud to have served; before met, were also notified he was in France and Germany, but his mind is Veteran still going strong as battle. This French family had four men still as sharp as it was when he was in he turns 90 forced into combat by the Germans. charge of 27 men with the 59th Heavy Only one returned, he said. (Newfoundland) Regiment. When the war ended, he travelled The choice for Newfoundlanders to go 1,700 kilometres from Bergedorf, to war was voluntary, and LeCoure (he Germany, to Brittany; where he spent a was actually enlisted under the spelling week with his family. “Was I proud? I LeCour) was more than willing to sign hope to tell you, very proud,” he said of up. It is a decision he is most proud of his role in the war. “Did my family in and has never regretted. France appreciate it? Did they ever.” “Oh yes, I think I’d do it again because After a week there, he travelled back to it was for a good cause,” LeCoure told England for the journey home. The Western Star. “My relatives are all from Brittany, France, and I wanted to Upon his return, LeCoure worked go. I thought about my people over security at the Glynmill Inn for nine there, so I would do my best to help.” months before moving to St. John’s. After returning to the west coast, he He enlisted in June 1940 and served in made a living as a fisherman and England for four years. In 1944, he said farmer. He married in 1948 and later his artillery team of Newfoundlands went to work at the air force base in crossed the English Channel and Stephenville for nine years as a quickly landed themselves in a six- mechanic. week battle for Caen and then two Ron LeCoure, a veteran of the Second more weeks in the Battle of Falaise. He After that, he spent another five years World War, will celebrate his 90th birthday fought in 15 more battles to reach as a power lineman and worked one at the DVA ward at the Dr. J.I. O’Connell Hamburg, Germany, when the war year at the linerboard mill in Centre in Corner Brook Sunday. ended on May 8, 1945. Stephenville. He retired at 60. CORNER BROOK — Living to He laughed off the thought of being He has thoroughly enjoyed his 10 years celebrate a 90th birthday is an scared during those deadly battles. on the DVA ward, and plans to have accomplishment for anybody, but for many more good ones. “No, no, no, I never found it scary,” he one man who battled on the front lines said. “I couldn’t, I had to do what I had “Do I ever enjoy it,” he said. “It’s just during the Second World War it’s even to do. I was in charge of 27 men on the like home. Best 10 years of my life. more remarkable. gun.” There’s no worries.” At the Dr. J.I. O’Connell Centre DVA He vividly recalls the 11 and a half He gets regular visits from some ward last week, Sgt. Ron LeCoure sat months of sleeping without a bed and members of the Royal Canadian Legion straight in a chair beside his bed the times they had to dig their own here and Pete Fewer, who fought with ...while many other old comrades lay below-ground shelters. He said he lost the 166 (Newfoundland) Field Artillery, bedridden. eight men under his command — three is the only other Second World War His bed was a temporary resting place were killed and five more “lost their veteran he knows from the area. The for his uniform decked with gold stars minds”. two get together every now and again. and silver service medallions and a pair “They were all good friends, strangers “Sure, we talk about the war a bit, tell of books about the Second World War. before the war, but they were all some stories,” he said. “But, we don’t Other than a hearing problem, which Newfoundlanders,” he said. “They were talk about much now because he is was easily overcome by yelling at the the best ...good friends.” hard of hearing and I’m hard of hearing, distinguished soldier, he is still active so it is hard to communicate.” During the war, he said his family had and healthy — something he attributes no idea if he was alive or dead. There The veteran said today’s wars are only to not eating a whole lot and a daily was no communication and they were small compared to his day. But, he drink of brandy. only updated by reading newspapers. said, peacekeeping efforts are no less LeCoure spends his day watching and Because of those gruesome reports, important. “Somebody has to do it, if reading the news, but mostly he enjoys they assumed he was dead. LeCoure not she’d rise again,” he said. “I think Page 24 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending June 21, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 24 they should (serve in Afghanistan) the family members of soldiers who because the people over there are were killed on the line and are very outlaws, they are liable to rise again, important to our history. like Hitler. They’re keeping their eyes Patterson says it is also important to on them.” have someone like Thomson who can LeCoure invites all family and friends to search for these medals and bring them join him in celebrating his 90th birthday back to where they belong. during a party at the DVA ward of the He says they are currently looking to O’Connell Centre on Sunday from 2:30- get in contact with relatives of William 4:30 p.m Fraser Saturday, June 21, 2008 CORY HURLEY , The Western Star Saturday, June 21, 2008 Section: Veterans Ken Hashizume, Bayshore Broadcasting Section: Veterans

War Medal comes back to Kincardine

Another World War 1 medal is coming home this time to Kincardine. The medal belonging to William Fraser of Kincardine was bought by a local newspaper for 100 dollars after being notified that it was being sold on eBay. It was then given to the Kincardine branch of the Royal Canadian Legion last week for repatriation. Kincardine News Editor Troy Patterson says he received a call from St. George resident Dave Thomson who frequents the website looking for old war medals to repatriate. Thomson notifies local media when he finds a medal belonging to a soldier who lived there in order to have someone buy it and help repatriate it. Patterson says as a member of the Legion it is important to remember that this year marks the 90th Anniversary of the end of the first World War. With very few surviving veterans left from that era Patterson says people today should realize that there were Kincardine residents who gave their lives to serve and defend our country. Patterson says he is surprised that there are so many of these medals being sold on eBay. He says there was a time when war medals were not worth very much but sediments has changed quite a bit since then. He says these medals were given to The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 25