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<^ SUMMERLAND

During the War Years

*the Boer War *WWI

*WW II CONTENTS:

The Boer War 5 Boer War Information 5 Reunion Menu ^ Photograph of Veterans 5 "A Cup and Saucer" (belonging to Pres. Kruger) 6 World War I ? War Bonds lO Commemorative Scroll ]\ War Passes ]2 World War I Information 13 Summerland Honour Roll War Photos Jo World War I Veterans ]/ "Goodbye to All That" (story) 19 The Capture of Vimy Ridge 24

World War II 29 World War I Information 30 Recruiting Book : 31 World War II Newspaper Clippings (local) 32 World War II Veterans 35 Summerland Troop 38 World War II Tension in Summerland 40 Pacific Coast Militia Rangers 41 Commando Bay 45 Canadian Women's Army Corps 47 The Red Cross ^1 War Bonds ^3 The Home Comfort Club 55 D-Day 57 War Brides d4 The Legion "Wait for me Daddy" 69 Poetry 70 Remembrance Day 71 Summerland's Post-war Boom 77

Bibliography 79 THE BOER WAR

The Boer War began in 1899 in South Africa. It was a war between the Boers, Dutch settlers, and the Imperialist British. The central issue was the Transvaal Franchise, which was refused by President Kruger. The forces were unequal from the start, with 500,000 British soldiers and only 65,000 Boer soldiers, but because of the rough terrain, the Boers managed to keep the British fighting until May 1902, when the Boers accepted the loss of their independence by the Peace of Vereeniging. dznJ.

RE-UNION & BANQUET COAv\MEMORATING THE 5 OF THE PEACE OF VEREENIGir MAY 31st, 1902 1899 1966 HOST SUMMERLAND BRANCH No THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEC an to be held in the xani ROSEDALE ROOM

.-{e-Union and Dinner 64th Anniversary of the Peace of Vereeniging May 31, 1902

Armstrong Branch No. 35, Royal Canadian Legion — Host

Canadian Legion Hall Saturday, May 28th, 1966 ARMSTRONG, B.C. A CUP AND SAUCER by Marjorie Croil frog^Og| Report #48

This stor>' is concerned with a large pink, fluted cup and saucer made in Bavaria and dating from 1900, two years before the end of the Boer War. It had been in use in the residence of Oom Paul Kruger, president of the Transvaal in South Africa. Since it is so long ago, it may be forgotten that some 7300 Canadian volunteers went to the Boer War. Among these ranks was a 2nd Contingent of Mounted Rifles under Colonel Robert Canwright. This was part of the brigade commanded by General Smith-Dorrien that in June 1900 occupied Pretoria, capital of South Africa. Following the British take-over Col. Cartwright's batman took it upon himself to enter the official presidential house. He also took two cups and saucers. One set he kept. The other went to his colonel who brought it to when he returned from the war. The original Cartwright family migrated from Britain to New York in 1720. By 1750 they had moved to Upper Canada, settling east of Kingston on the Napanee River where they operated a sawmill and a grist mill for the government. By 1755 the mills were granted to them and the place became known as Canwrights' Mill. This is recorded in the diar\ of Mrs. Simcoe: day by day accounts written by the wife of the lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada 1792-96. (Incidentally Mrs. Simcoe says 'napanee" is an Indian word meaning 'flour'.)' Several generations later. Richard, a scion of the politically-minded suc• cessful Canwrights, was knighted. A cabinet minister, he became one of the Fathers of Confederation in 1867 and was the last survivor of that distinguish• ed assembly. When Sir Richard's son, Colonel Robert Cartwright retired in 1907 he

A cup and saucer (circa 1900) from the residence of Oom I'aul Kruger. Since most cups of that period bearing portrait.s had them opposite the handli. tli,- white handle with gilt trac• ings does not show in this photograph The white spots arc light reflcctioiiN Pkolc i» C*ri.

Large stone house built by Col. Robert Cartwright in Summerland after his retirement in 1907 Flicte ii CAni T pft to right, back row Lerc uu J- ft > Georee Bowers, moved his family and household effects to Summerland, B.C. Somewhere in the packing barrels were the pink cup and saucer from Africa. Fruit farming was in its earlier stages and presented a pleasant outdoor life. Eighty acres of land were bought, a large stone house built and an or• chard planted and operated. So the family lived there hospitably for many years. A mountain, a little lake and now a new subdivision in Summerland bear the name of Cartwright. Colonel Cartwright's death followed that of his wife, the former Ivy Lawes. Their elder daughter, Marion, continued to operate their orchard. She died in 1962. The house was sold, the contents dispersed. The unusual, much- travelled cup and saucer were given to a friend. Years later on a tour bus between London and Edinburgh, the recipient met a knowledgeable young man from Pretoria and told him about the cup and saucer. His quick reply was that the Kruger House Museum in Pretoria should be informed of it because they would consider it a valuable find. This all came to mind when the Summerland Museum was built in 1983. A letter went to the Kruger House Museum explaining how the cup and saucer had been acquired more than 80 years ago and admitting the act was reprehensible. Here is the gracious reply:

"Kruger House Museum, Church Street 60 West, Pretoria, R.S.A. 0002 21st November 1983 I have received your letter dated September 25/83. Thank you very much for letting us know of the cup and saucer which most probably belonged to the household of president and Mrs. Kruger. I usually am so thrilled to think that something of this museum has popped up like a cork or a bottle being picked up along the seaside com• ing from very far away. The descnption of the cup and saucer corresponds exactly to the one and only cup and saucer in our possession in store. Time has wiped out the way it came to you and for that reason too we are ver\ grateful for your generosity letting us know of the set. We are very interested in this matter and should you like to donate or sell it — if you can part with it after so many years — we would be ver\ thankful Will you let us know which arrangement can be made to please both parties. We wish you a very wonderful Christmas time amd peace for the coming year 1984. Yours sincerely, H. Turkstra (Miss)"'

Now came the difficult decision for the custodian of the pilfered articles. To a loyal Canadian the connotations and associations with an illustrious ear• ly family were of historical value to this country. Where did the set really belong? What does one do with 'spoils of war', particularly when small and fragile? Friends' opinions were divided. Well, the cup and saucer are in the Summerland Museum that opened to the public in 1984 while a picture of the historic chinaware with this story has been sent to the Kruger House Museum.

FOOTNOTES ' Robertson, J. Ross, biography and notes. Thi Diary of Mrs. John Graves Simcoe, wife of the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Upper Canada 1792-6. William Briggs, , 1911. pp. 270-273. ' In author's possession. WORLD WAR I IN WAR LOAN OR VICTORY LOAN DRIVES, THE QUOTA WAS ALWAYS EXCEEDED. $10,000

WAS CONTRIBUTED FOR WAR PURPOSE THROUGH RED CROSS, PRISONERS' OF WAR FUND

AND HOME COMFORTS CLUB. i X wltcmi^is scroll cotraneminates JL wasTOmibercdamcmgdwsew^ at€ie callofKmgand Countrq.leftall ^ttuas dear to ^lem^enduredlurdne^^ iaccd dan^ecand fitiallt[ passcdout of flicsi^ ofmcnlni the pafli of dxttq and sdf5acrifice,^vmgiipiJtdroiun lives dutadicrstra^^emfr^^ Let diose wlio comeafterscetoit diatHstiameljenot fct^ptten.

e- killed in WW I. ^(To be handed PAj i Royal irrri^rr:^.: Z^dSrr-:^.M,>r^UrA^/ C No j \ permission to be i o'clock..../..^..JX.^^%rh>J. o'clock.-^ A-^^...:. I purpose of going WORLD WAR I

1914-1918

The assassination of Arch-Duke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary

in Sarejevo, Serbia on July 28th, 1914, created a crisis which started

World War I. The Great War raged on for four years between the Central

Powers- Germany, Austria, Italy (among others), and the Allies- Britain

(and the Commonwealth), the United States, France and Russia.

After many brutal battles and much bloodshed on either side, the

Allies finally overcame the Germans. The Treaty was signed between the

Allies and the Germans in 1919.

Many young men from Summerland left to join the cause. Two-

hundred and forty-three citizens served in various capacities. See

Honour Roll.

WWI ACTIVITIES IN SUMMERLAND

At home, those who stayed behind also did much to help the war

effort.

**An Ambulance League was formed, which later became affiliated with

the Canadian Red Cross Society.

**A committee of the Patriotic Fund was formed to raise further

assistance to soldiers' wives.

**First Aid and Home Nursing were taught by St. John's Ambulance

Association.

**The Home Comforts Club sent hundreds of parcels to Summerland soldiers.

**The Junior Red Cross in the schools of Summerland was very active. SUMMERLAHD HONOR ROLL

XII.I.ES Kamllton, J.. B. 0. SougUi Gordon, J. Baxkwcll, a*orC« MUlltran, W. K. Hapar, T. 0. Barkwall, Harry Paxei, T. O. Uolntoah, D. J. Karr, Qordoa Andrawa, 3. Karron, D. Oallanrliar, Wm. Stavani John Harwood, A. Xaoz, T. Z. Joyca. X. Baa, Boas Dala, Oaorra 0. Tan Allan, K. X. Flffgla, H. A. Traffry, Joiaph CaUan, Bobt. nahar, Qaorra Clouaton, A. Eoiaer, Parcy Halt, 0. E. B. SIBD IB EOSVIXAI, WUaon, aaorra Kcliaod, Oao. H. Saasa, B. r. Affur, H. W.

•••'>Wteflj&i_ • kf?JmBi WOTTBDSD Kannady, I. O. Cralr, Jobs TUUara, O. BlTlaftoa, K. J. ttklnaoa, Wm. Snldtr, B. Bmltb, B. Vai-rlar, Bajlnald Kelson, A. B. Comer, Jobn Haddrall, Wm. Smitb, Harold Lawia, H. 8. aayton, Arnold HConro, B. Qrlavea, Wm. Clark, Joaaph rUke, H. Acland, 3. T. Tlnglay, A. Bedford 7ohnaton, E. BaudaU, B. Bcld, A. H. AaUton, A. A. Fos, r. BitcUs, Jaa. Callan, Oao. X,. I.ogle, O. Edward K. Coutts, Jamaa Brent, J. O. FMnnay, H. Bnydcr, HUton Fhlnnay, O. Hookbam, Q. B, Adama, Olaranoa Bantlay, O. B. SUMMERLAND HONOR ROLL

•PTE. GEO. E. M. LOGIE

tPTE. JOHN STEVENS tPTE. HERBERT A. FIGGIS

PTE. WM. H. MILLIGAN *GNR. HILTON SNYDER

tPTE. PERCY HOLDER •PTE. REG. VERRIER tPTE. W. E. GALLAUGHfeR

WORLD WAR I

NAMES ON CENOTAPH

Agur, fl.W. Gordon, J. Naper, F.C. Andrews, J. Gallaugher, W. Otterwell, T. Barkwell, G. Hall, G.E. Osier, R. Barkwell, H.D. Herron, D. Bridgraan Higgin, J.L. Pares, T.E. Holder, P. Callan, R. Harwood, A, Rea, R. Clouston, A.H. Rush, C.T.O. Johnston, E. Douglas-Hamilton, L.R.C. Joyce, M. Stevens, J. Deans, R. Dale, G.C. Kerr, G. Treffrey, J. Knox, G. Figgis, H.A. Van Allen, K.M Fitten, J. McLeod, G.H. Fisher, G. Milligan, H.W. Wilson, G. Mcintosh, D.J. Walker, F.R.

Miss De Thoren, **************

VETERANS

Acland, H.V. Coode, M. Harris, H. Acland, B. Collas, H. Harwood, T.R. Adams, C. Collins, M. Hayward, E. Agur, A. Cotton, A.F, Hayward, F. Agur, P. Craig, J.C. Henwood, Maud Anderson, A. Coutts, J. Heron, D. Angove, W. Hickey, T.F. Armstrong, E.M. Davis, C. Higgin, C.A. Atkins, B. Davis, S. Hookham, R. Atkinson, R.H. Darkis, R. Howis, H. Atkinson, W. Dunsdon, J. Hutchinson, N. Hutton, Major Baker, H. Elliot, A.K. Banks English, H. Jennings, H. Barkwell, R. Elliot, K. Johnson, C.J. Bartholomew, S. Johnston, L. Beattie, W.F. Featherstonhaugh, M. Johnstone Beer, A.J. Fenner, L. Bent, E. Fiske, H. Kean, J. Bentley, G.E. Ford, F. Kennedy, Dr. W. Bernard, W. Forsyth, J. Kennedy, J.C. Black, F.L. Fosbery, G. Kerr, C. Blacklock, J. Kinney, H. Blair, B. Garnett King,A. Borton, C.A, Gayton, A. Knox, T. Brent, J. Gayton, A. Knox, R. Brennan Graham, J.R. Brind, F. Grieve, A. Lewis, H.S. Brown, R.W. Grieve, W. Liddell, S.A. Lister, D. Callan, R. Haddrell, W. Lister, Rev. Cartwright, Col. Hatfield, L. Lister, E. Cascadden, G. Hatt, C. Lintern, J. WORLD WAR I VETERANS CONT.

Logie, E. Reid, A.H. Thompson, D. Loomer, G. Rennie, H. Thompson, Dr. Reynolds, H. Thornthwaite, H. McLeod, H. Ritchie, D. Tingley, B. McLeod, J. Ritchie, G. Tingley, R. McLeod, L. Ritchie, J. Treffry McKenzie, G.F. Robertson, G. Tullett, W.J. McKenzie, J. Rutherford, D. MacWilliams, C.A. Vanderburgh, Dr. MacWilliams, T.F. Sculthorpe, H. Verity, W. Simpson, H. Verrier, R. Mahon, M. Sismay, C. Villiers, 0. Marsden, T. Smith, E. Marshall, C. Smith,H. Walton, H. Mitchell, J. Smith, J. Watson, R. Munn, W. Smith, 0. Wharton, c. Munro, A. Smith, W. Webb, Capt. Munro, R. Snider, H. White, R. Munroe, F. Steuart, C. Whitfield, T. Steuart, D. Woodworth, C. Pentland, A. Steuart, R. Wright, Capt. Peters, S. Pollock, J. Tait, R. Phinney, C. Taylor, D. Phinney, H. Taylor

************** could come later, but to start with we wanted a whole week QoodLr 5o M DLl -Ted Lx«ie at least of unshackled, unconstrained freedom to take in all the sights. We ascended the stairs from the tracks to Jimmie Ritchie had promised to wait or me. It wasn't the station proper and the first person we saw was Matt too long a wait, just a couple of months, and as we had Galvin and Matt greeted us with open arms. already battled side by side on innumerable occasions in Matt's ordinary welcome left little to be desired, but many a hard fought tussle on the baseball diamond, it was when he went all out to make a person feel at home his only fitting and proper if we were to get mixed up in any amiability was really something to behold. Matt's training future brawling that this partnership be continued. I in civilian life had fitted him with a good humoured affabil• wouldn't be eighteen until November, and rather than run ity, he knew by experience just what line to take, how to foul of any Army red tape, it was decided that he would make a person feel that their particular problem was all postpone Ws enlistment in His Majesty's Canadian Ex• that really mattered, and his rapt attention gave one the im• peditionary Force until I had reached that desirable state pression that he had been waiting far too long for the of maturity. chance to once again renew this desirable friendship, Matt It was getting awfully late though, here it was 1916 had been a successful Bartender, but here he was now, all and the War might be over at any time. We held numerous dressed up in a khaki uniform and sporting sergeants discussions on this joining up business, which was the best stripes on his right arm. Matt told us he was a Recruiting outfit to get into, the main consideration being what branch Sergeant in the 143rd Battalion, C.E.F., commonly known of the servce would get us Overseas with the least possible as the B.C. Bantams. delay, we didn't want to be left stranded in Canada at the cessation of hostilities. We never had occasion to patronize Matt when he was on the job, we were much too young to enter his place I think that Jim must have seen a picture of our guns of business, but he had worked in Penticton and having in action, possibly a painting depicting brave soldiers firing married a Summerland girl, his visits to our home town their cannon at Balaclava, or maybe the heavy artillery were quite frequent and we had already become well pounding away at some Boer position near Ladysmith, at acquainted with his polished good humor and thought he any rate he was all for the R.C.A. I wasn't so sure, this sort was a swell guy, which he really was. of thing might mean horses and with the memory of Clipper and Slcylark decidedly clear and vivid, I was still a 'little We told him that we had come to town to join the fed up with mustangs, but eventually it was decided, come Artillery in a week or so, after we had done the town. He what may, we would join the artillery, hut as we were admitted he didn't know too much about our chosen branch both a little shakey we wouldn't enlist for a week or ten of the service, but he said he was glad we were enlisting days after reaching the City, we wanted to cruise around and how about going uptown and meeting some of the a little before taking the big plunge. In due course we boys. We were glad when he took complete charge. boarded the K.V.R. for Vancouver. We went for a short walk, then stepped into a bar We didn't anticipate any welcoming committee on and Matt introduced us to the Bartender. Beers were hand to greet us when we arrived, although we both had ordered and when Matt disappeared for a moment or so relatives in Vancouver, we hadn't advised them of our this gentleman volunteered some confidential information. contemplated visit. We wanted, on this our first visit to a Matt's Regiment, the B.C. Bantams, was due to leave for big city, to be unhampered by family ties, these restrictions Overseas most anytime. This was rather exciting news, and was readily confirmed when Matt returned. We adjourned a much better time that way, and Matt said this could be to further down the street where Matt had to see one of arranged quite easily, he would look after us. We com• the boys. promised, we would join up after we had eaten, we bought Matt a real good meal. One of the boys again happened to be a Bartender who was most apologetic to Matt. It seemed that he was sup• Matt knew his way around the Recruiting Centre and posed to have brought an address for him and he had everything was soon arranged to our satisfaction. He made forgotten it. He had a cousin in London, he informed us, sure we had our permission to return to Vancouver, "to and as the Bantams were leaving for England soon, he complete important personal business", within the week, wanted Matt to look him up. He promised Matt faithfully this missive being signed by the Officer in charge of recruit• to bring it tomorrow for sure, he most certainly didn't want ing. There remained, in our minds, the possibility that Matt to get away without it. Both Jim and I were impressed, the battalion might move within that limited space of time, here was an outfit that was almost made to order, maybe but as we told Matt we would willingly forego any local that Artillery deal wasn't so hot after all. sightseeing for the extensive, more desirable sea voyage to foreign lands, we needn't have worried, we had plenty of After a little more conversation, mostly about the time. Medical examinations passed, we left for Victoria impending departure of the Bantams, we bought the Bar• that night aboard one of the Princess boats. tender another beer and again adjourned, this time just across the street, where Matt and the Bartender had a It wasn't until we had been in the Army almost a private whispered conflab, finally Matt called us over. It month before we tumbled to Matt's superb skill and finesse seemed that this friend of Matt's had a relative, cousin or in landing recruits. For once, the Army recognizing the something, at Headquarters in Victoria, who gave out the possibilities of Matt's personal charm and affability, had word in strict confidence, that the 143rd were due for a placed the right man in the proper spot, i don't know move. Coming from Headquarters this really meant some• whether the Bartenders had a Union then or not, if they thing, our pre-conceived idea that the Artillery was the didn't that was a deficiency that Matt soon rectified, he best outfit to get us Overseas in a hurry seemed due for formed his own little group to assist him in swelling the an overhaul. We consulted the Bartender, he with the ranks of the B.C. Bantams. The way it was worked was so cousin at Headquarters. plausible, so natural that the future rookies never realized This authority admitted he wasn't too well posted on that they had been pleasingly shanghaid until long after the Artillery branch of the service, but his wife did have a they had "kissed the Book". Matt had enlisted his old brother who joined up with the R.C.A. about eight, no Bartender buddies as conspirators, and they handled every• ten, months ago, and he had been shipped to somewhere thing so credibly in such a matter-of-fact manner that any in Ontario, he didn't like it there very much, it was too idea of collaboration was never thought of, and we did cold for one thing. Matt was non-committal during this get over before most of the other outfits, although we did discussion, he didn't have to say anything. We had another experience four months of impatient waiting. round, the die was cast, to hell with the Artillery, good old Bantams, we would join the 143rd Battalion C.E.F., but Originally the B.C. Bantams had been formed to take first we would have that week we promised ourselves. care of the little fellow. Army physical standards required that a recruit be of a minimum height, and top brass be• Our new friend didn't think much of that idea, neither came concerned when it realized that a lot of good raw did Matt. Why not sign up, go to Victoria and get our material was available if that man power had only learned khaki, then return all dolled up in uniform, we would have to grow a little, and as the mountain wouldn't come to Mahomet, Mahomet better do something about lowering there'll be fun aboard ship tonight", a rather mystifying the height requirement for this one battalion. remark but one which we were to fully understand before the night had passed. Nick, Jim and I walked down town Theoretically the idea sounded alright, but after enlist• together and Nick gave us some Bantam history. ing a few hundred shorty recruits, the supply began to run low and in order to bring the regiment up to strength, Those who have visited Victoria, even in peace time, it was necessary to take on any size of volunteer as long soon realize that city is a sailors town, nearby Esquimalt as he wasn't below the lowered height specification. The being a base where friendly ships are refueled and pro• morning we reported in there was a Pay Parade and it was visioned and when the 143rd ran into recruiting difficulties, startling in the extreme to see a five foot two soldier fall in the authorities were not above looking anywhere for vol• alongside a skyscraper of an individual who towered over unteers to fill out their compliment and get Overseas. Even him by more than a good foot. We found out that the British Tars were welcomed and no questions asked, and Bantams had several characteristics that set them apart many a Limey deserted his ship to become a Canadian from other Units, disparity in height was only one of them. soldier under an assumed name, the difference in pay being the main inducement. Nick said these fellows were becom• Beacon Hill Park was where we lived, worked, but ing good soldiers, but they were a pretty tough lot most of not necessarily played. There were more outlets for amuse• them coming from the Scotland Road District in Liverpool. ment in adjacent Victoria and these we patronized. The huts in which we dwelt were divided down the centre by a ~~ Almost a year and a half later I had occasion to recall shoulder high partition, a platoon to each side, this cozy this conversation, the very first time I had ever heard of arrangement doing a great deal to foster intimate relation• Scotland Road. We had arrived at Lime Street Station, ship between the two platoons, especially after "Lights Liverpool, and were being transported by ambulance to Out", when a disgruntled soldier could be comfortably in Kirkdale where we would wait our turn for passage back bed and voice his disapproval of one of his com.rades in home by Hospital Ship. The driver, sensing that something arms who lived on the other side of the wooden barrier. was wrong with his vehicle, investigated and found that Quite often this vocal disagreement would erupt into a fist a wheel was about due to come off. Telling us that he fight, but it was a foolhardy person indeed that invaded would be back in about an hour with another ambulance, foreign territory irrespective of the justness of his cause, he struck out and we all piled out to learn our whereabouts. if he did he was most liable to be ganged up on and heaved Imagine my surprise to learn that we were stranded in back over the partition in short order, landing quite often Scotland Road. on some poor unsuspecting innocent who was only guilty I had learned quite a bit about this nefarious district of the crime of trying to get some sleep. Jim and I soon from the ex-sailors in the Bantams. This was the street found out that we had reason to be glad our bunks were where policemen, even in daylight, patrolled in pairs and on the outside, not in the middle of the hut. always, if possible, well away from the buildings and where The Corporal of the squad we were attached to, was "Bobby Bopping", was the main amusement of the good a real good scout and Nick soon became a good friend and ladies who lived there. This was a sport that needed little still is, he did all he could to help us get organized and equipment, just a flower pot and a window sill, the idea adjusted. Our first day was spent getting floor boards to being to knock the well filled earthenware flower pot on sleep on, blankets and some of our equipment, including the head of an imprudent Bobby, and if successful, giving Ross Rifles. By five o'clock there was hardly anyone left the marksman considerable pride of achievement and the in the hut and Nick volunteered the information, "Pay Day, poor constable at least a severe headache. I was beginning to wonder what kind of a reception home front. It would become so involved that the lights we were going to get when one inquisitive old girl, who would have to be turned on to enable the N.C.O.s to get had been investigating us, let loose with the cry "Can-eye- the combatants separated and the only thing that kept dee-ans" and in no time at all we were being besieged, these gentlemen from getting embroiled in the fray was and like the Greeks they came bearing gifts, but we did the fact that the ex-sailors did have a certain consideration not fear them. Soon mugs and bottles of all sizes and for rank. Occasionally an over-zealous Limey would take a descriptions were being thrust at us and with cries of " 'ere crack at one of the N.C.O.s but he was soon suppressed by luv, try a sip o' this" and with numerous other blandish• weight of numbers, and although Army Regulations forbids ments, they surrounded us with a variety of liquid refresh• an N.C.O. to strike a Private, mistakes are sometimes made ments, gin predominating. If we had tried to absorb one and I know that quite a number of errors were committed quarter of what we were being offered we would all have that night. been stretcher cases, but fortunately for our sobriety an• other ambulance arrived in time and we were able to escape Next morning thick heads were the order of the day. this mob of well wishers, for mob it had all the intentions All the ex-combatants seemed quite pleased with the suc• of becoming. I well remember one dear lady, jumping up cess of last night's free-for-all and another fight almost and down with a bottle of gin in her hand, shouting "Me flared up, caused by one of the walking wounded claiming old man's a Can-eye-dee-an" and I wondered if I had met he had a bigger black eye than the one sported by one of her loving husband previously in the ranks of the B.C. his previous opponents, that gentleman claimed it wasn't Bantams, it was useless to ask her name as all the sailor so, but if he "bloody well didn't shut up he'd soon bloody recruits when enlisting had done so under an alias. well make it." For Jim and I this was quite the baptism into Army life, slightly different and more exciting than "We got back to barracks fairly early that evening as some of the Sunday School picncs we had previously Nick said it would be a shame to miss any of the fun. We attended. didn't have long to wait as the Provosts had already started a shuttle service from downtown to the Guard Room, but We got our khaki and squad drill was our daily diet, soon it was evident that there wasn't going to be room for but most important of all was saluting by numbers. In everybody in the "Clink" so they began to sort out the those days, saluting was done by either the right or the left more deserving ones, retaining them in custody and releas• arm and after you had mastered the right side approach, ing the more genteel characters to be returned to their you had to do it all over again with the left, and by num• huts. bers. This was very important and considerable time was devoted to this particular portion of army training. We As this went on until way past midnight, it will be practised assiduously, we didn't want to lose the war by realized that those that did spend the night in the Guard reason of any careless saluting on our part. Room were the pick of the crop and under ordinary circum• stances a lot more would have been detained had there One morning we "Fell In", as usual and were sur• prised to find that only half the platoon was on parade been sufficient accommodation. and judging from the look of the other companies, the In the huts even after "Lights Out" had been sounded, Battalion had been suddenly depleted of a goodly portion fights broke out all over, not between different platoons of its fighting strength, "Shore Patrol", said Nick out of so much, but between members of the same side of the hut, the corner of his mouth, that didn't mean too much to us there wasn't enough time to carry the warfare too far until it was explained. The ships that the sailors had afield until matters had been satisfactorily settled on the deserted from were far away somewhere at sea, but their descriptions had been posted with all other British War• spoken we knew we had made a mistake, but I consoled ships due to enter Esquimalt. These, on arrival, would send ourselves with "Well, he wished us good luck anyway". a "Shore Patrol" to look for these elusive characters but to "Damn sight more than an officer would have done", said be forewarned is to be forearmed, and the Canadian Navy, James, speaking with all the experience of a veteran of on being advised of the approach of these British ships, no seven days service. doubt advised the Army who saw to it that their prized recruits suffered no harm and had a pleasant holiday in Came time to return to Victoria. We caught the mid• the unfrequented spaces of Beacon Hill Park. That morning night boat and for me at least things seemed to be different. we had a visit from the Shore Patrol who paraded up and Discipline had reared its relentless head, no longer could down the ranks of the 143rd Battalion but all in vain. The we call the tune, someone else was paying the piper. The little pigeons had flown the to return only when all free and easy Okanagan days had gone, the transition had ' was clear. been sudden and complete, a new life to lead, or rather to be trained how to conduct a different life with new, more [ Came time for us to return to "Vancouver, "to complete mature companions, new friends to be made, some to be ' important, personal business", and all dressed up in our retained, some to lose, but all to be remembered, this was new khaki. Fox's puttees, and swagger sticks, we descended what fate had in store for us. I also realized that when we on Vancouver all prepared to take over. Our arrival didn't returned things wouldn't be the same. seem to create any flurry and after a day or so of aimless They weren't. wandering, we checked in with our relatives, they at least appeared glad to see us.

We ran into Matt one morning, he had a couple of recruits in tow and was no doubt taking them around to meet some of the boys. We told them that the Bantams was THE END a helluva good outfit, they couldn't do better and the strange thing about it was we meant it. We had already made some good friends and even most of the Limeys were good Joes, as well as good fighters. from Ted Tells Tales, pp.17M83. One afternoon we were strolling along, ahead of us we could see a figure in blue and is we got closer we could see that his chest was well decorated with shiney medals. A couple of officers on entering the building in front of which the be-medalled gentleman was standing, saluted him, or returned his salute, we couldn't really tell which. This posed a problem, to salute or not to salute, we decided it wouldn't do any harm, so two of His Majesty's raw re• cruits peeled off two of the best salutes the doorman of the Vancouver Club had received for quite some time. He re• turned our salutes with even a better one and with a cheery "Good luck, boys", smiled us on our way. As soon as he had THE CAPTURE OF VIMY RIDGE

B. A. Tingley.

Vimy Ridge was an election a few hundred feet abovi the surrounding plain, about eight miles long, extending from the Souchez River in the north to the Scarpe River in the south. It was in northern France not far from the city of Arras. This section of the Western Front had been taken over by the ^-division Canadian Corps, commanded by General Byng, in October, I916.

The Ridge had been the scene of bitter fighting between the French and Berraans during the early years of the war and for the past two years theenemy had been adding to the natural strengh of the Ridge. In 1917, when the Canadians were planning an assault efl the Ridge, the Germans, generally, held the high ground which was of great value for artillery observation. The taking of ti Ridge would be a tremendous \rictory for the .

All through the early months of 1917» the Canadians were preparing their plans. Tunnels were dug to make safe passage of troops to the forward areas, many miles of light railway were laid, sappers placed miftes under German strong points to be exploded at zero hour. Vast numbers of guns of all calibres from the humble l6-pounder to the mighty 15-inch howitzer were assembled and hugh supplies of shells were stored in the forward areas.

The plan was that the Canadian Array would attack on a four mile front placing the First Division at the south end of la - 2 - the Canadian front and the Fourth Division at the north end of the Ridge near Souchez. Formations of the 17th British Corps would attack on the Canadian right covering the south end of the Ridge.

The attack was preceded by heavy artillery fire for two weeks. Night and day the shells roared overhead as our guns pounded enemy strong points, supply depots, billets, batteries and other targets. The shells "poured over our heads light water from a hose, thousands and thousands a day" was the comment'of one observer. A German historian designated this period as "the week of suffering".

At 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 9th, the attack commenced with the thunderous roar of the greatest artillery and machine gun barrage in history. In many cases, the enemy was stunned by the volume of shell fire and surrendered readily to our advancing troops. In other cases they resisted to the death. Generally, our objectives were reached according to the planned timetable but on the north end of the Ridge delay was encountered, "The Pimple", a high point, had been strongly forCified by the Germans with majiy machine gun posts and much underground protection. This hill could not be taken in spite of great effort and heavy losses. Difficulty was also met at Hill 1^5 not far away where a successful enemy counter attack held up the advance. This hill was later taken but the further assault on the Pimple was delayed

35 until April 12th. At that time in a blinding snowstorm, The Pimple was again assaulted and captured by the M+th, 50th and two companies of the k6th Batallions (good old W6th.') with the Canadians suffering heavy losses.

By April 1^-th, the entire Ridge was in Allied hands and the Canadian Corps had made a name in military history. Historians claim that the Canadian success was greatly aided by the Germans having feheir reserves too far to the r^ar. By the time they could be moved forward for counter attack, our new lines had been consolidated and we could direct the artillery on the advancing enemy. Nevertheless, in six days, the Corps had advanced ^500 yards and captured 5^ guns, IQh trench mortars, 12^- machine guns and ^000 prisoners. The Canadian casualties had been 10,602 - 3598 being killed. Much glory had been won by Canada's amateur soldiers and King George's congratulatory message stated, "Canada will be proud that the taking of the coveted Vimy Ridge has fallen to her troops".

As to my minor part in the operation, they could Just hs well left me with the French barmaid at the estarainet at Gouy Servins. I would have enjoyed it more too.'

My battalion, the ^•6th '^outh Saskatchewan, had been in the front line a week previous to Vimy Action. V/e had been pounded by trench mortar fire the whole time and had suffered some 200 casualties. That had been our "week of suffering" when it had not been my courage (if any) that sustained me so much as the rum ration. -1+ -

Because of these losses and our exhaustion, we were held in reserve and did not go over the top on the moaning of the 9th. However, that afternoon, troops of our 12th Brigade had been driven back by a counter attack and MA" and "B" companie^s of the hSth were rushed forward to regain the lost ground. V/e went up through a long tunnel, deployed and struggled forward through the mud without a supporting barrage trying to avoid water- filled shell holes as best we woikld. V/e faced machine gun fire and scattered overhead shrapnel but my section made it to the far lip of a gigantic crater which was our objective Joining up with the 38th batftallon. V/e had a shorter distance to travel than some of our boys and looking to the right we could see our line of troops moving forward with little groups of Germans working to their rear by short dashes from shell hole to shell hole. V/e blaz.ed^ away at them but as "Boche fever" is » more unnerving than "buck fever", I do not think I caused many German widows to mourn that day. History says the hSth also participated in the taking of Hill 1^5 but of this my memory is dim. (I was quite homesick by this time.')

The rest of the trip is a story of mud, cold, work parties and shell fire. By the time we were relieved on the iWth, war, for me, had lost all its glamour especially when I found the girl at Gouy had transferred her affections to a Kiltie.

2^ WORLD WAR II WORLD WAR II

1939-1945

In September of 1939, Great Britain and France declared war on

Germany. The Allies, in this world-wide war, which took place in

Europe, Asia, and part of the United States of America (Hawaii), were

France, Britain (and Commonwealth), USA, Russia and China. They

fought against Germany, Italy and Japan. The war in Europe ended in

May 1945. The war against Japan ended in September 1945.

Four-hundred men and fifty women enlisted in the various services

of the Second World War. Twenty-four of these who paid the supreme

sacrifice have their names on the cenotaph in Memorial Playground Park,

DAILY ROUTINE OF A SOLDIER'S LIFE AT -SHOREHAM. To the Titles of Well-known Hymns.

6 a.m.—Reveille—"Christians Awake, salute the happy morn." „ —Rouse Parade -"Art thou weary art thou languid."

7 a.m.—Breakfast—"Meekly Wait and Murmur Not."

8.15 ,, —C O s Parade—" when he Cometh.'

9 15 am—Manoeuvres—" Fiijht the Good Fight."

IMS ,, —Swedish Drill—" Here we suffer grief and pain.

1 pm.—DINNER—"Come, ye thankful people, come."

2.15 .. —Rifle Drill—"Go, Labour On."

315 ,, —Lecture by Officer—" Tell me the Old Old Story." 3-30 ,, —Dismiss-"Praise God from Whom all blessings flow." 5 P m.—TEA- -"What means this anxious eager throng." 6 pm.—Fcee for the Night—" O Lord how th.ankful we shall be." 6'30 ,, —Out of Bounds—" We may not kuo-v, ve cannot tell."

10 p.m.—Last' Post—" All are safely gathered in."

"JO.IS ••—Lights Out—"Peace. Perfect Peace.''

10.30,,—Inspection of Guard—"Sleep On, Belovedf' • SHU " merry and Bright- I ^0 II Recruiting

the Okanagan.

Lift /hn„v4^CJIlAi.f^. At. J2>

a.^LLu^

AIL

M at. At llfM

9 2 *** THE VANCOUVER SUN; Sat., Dec. 18, 104:. SUMMERLAND PALS BOTH RCAF GUNNERS

Two paiR, vpternn«i of a year's service In fhe R. McCtitcheon on the left, and Sgt. A. B. Cold' ileiitlans with the Wildcat Squadron of the well, started school together at Summerland, and now are both air (ftmners. They arrived ICAF, hope to man the same bomlier when overseas with a recent contingent ot Canadian hey head for littlcr's fortress. Pilot Officer W. airmen. Passing Mourned Memorial bervlce KILLE^ OVERSEAS Held For PO Alex Smith, Surpmerland 8UMMERLANI>—On Sunday af• ternoon a memorial service was held In St. Andrew's church, West Sum• merland, for PC Alex "Sandy" Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Smith, who was lost> over Essen, Germany. The International Red Cross re• cently forwarded definite Informa• tion of the city and place where his grave Is located. Members of the local Legion, the I. O. O. P., of which he was a mem• ber, and the Rebekahs attended the .service. The Rev. D. C. Davld.smi conduct• ed the ceremony and Alex Steven, who knew the young officer since hlfl chlklhood here, delivered the ad- dres.s. Mrs. L. Fudge sang Tenny• SGT. Rl'SSEI.l. McI^AClIIAN son'."; "Cras-slng The Bar." Sgt. Mol^nohliin, 20. jinii «f The church wa.s filled to capacity rO GEORGE PRINGLE Mr. and Mra. A. Mrljirliinn of by the many frlend.s of the family Summerland, was klllod over- who attended. Many more had to PEACMLAND—The death. In ac• nrnn rerrnlly wlien liU plane stand outside the doors of the bulld- tion, of Pilot Officer George Pringle, rolllded In maid nlr with an- InK. R C. A. F, has been felt very keen• oilier while on prarllso flljche. Cunimlngs, of Vancouver, jolmtj her ly In this community. He was on Iln was burled Drrember S, In here. > leave of absence from the United the RAF ReRlonal C'^-metery The funeral was held today, church here, which was his first at Oxford, RiiKlnnd. Thursday, from St. Stephen's Angli• charge, and his congregation and can Church, West Summerland, the many friends he had made were Edurated In Sunnnerland, be conducted by the Rev. W. 8. hoping to welcome him back after later worked with bis father Beanies. Arrangements were made the war Is over. Durliig his year In the greenhouse business. by Sqd. Ldr, the Rev. Father Clin• In Pcnchland he won all hearts by Mrljirhlan rerelveil bis air ton, of Western Air Command, Van• his sincerity and friendly Interest gunner's wing In August 1»I3, couver. The local branch of the In young and old alike. His ability going overseas at the begin• Legion, of which Postmaster Hickey, as an athlete made him the Idol of a veteran of the la.st war. Is a mem• ning of September. the young people, while his example ber, paraded for the service and was a force for good In all hU work members of that body acted as with them. Both he and his broth• pallbearers: Fit. Lt. Croll, S. A. er, John, played for Summerland Mncl>onald, Charles A. Steuart, A. ba.sketball team In the winter of W. Nlsbet. 8. W. J. Feltham, and 1940 and 1941. He left Peachland O. Fcrrster. In June of 1941 to Join the air force The firing party for the grave-' and won hLs commission upon grad• SUMMERLAND — People of side service came from the military uation. This Is the first loss that Summerland were again saddened camp at Vernon. Peachland has had In the present by war news this week, when ano• ' Mrs. Hickey will return shortly war. ther Summerland man, 8gt. Ernest to her two children at Moncton, P. Hunt, WAO, was reported killed N. B. In action. Messages of the sincere The remains were escorted to sympathy of a great many people, Summerland by Fit. Lt. B. O. West- friends of the family, have been gate, a crtnrade of the young Sum• sent to the young mane parents, merland ainnnn. Mr. and Mrs. E. Hunt. ' Young Summerland Sgt. Hunt was born In Summer- land 27 years ago and attended school here, getting his matricula• Airman "Missing" tion before he left for Vancouver SUMMERLAND — Flying Officer Island where he worked for a time Robin Agur, wireless air gunner In before enlisting. FIf. Sgt. "Andy" Wilson the R. C. A. P., has been reported ' He Joined the R.C.A P. In May. Is Reported Missing missing. 1941, and passed his examinations to FO Agur Joined up about three qaallfy as a wireless air gunner In Another ont.slniulltig Prnllclon years ago. He and five others were the spring of this year. He was' niid Simunorland athlete ha.s paid chosen fropi the coastal patrol over• at hlsthome on embarkation leave tlie .siiprrme .sacrifice for King and seas to enter the ferry command, .last June before he left for over- Country. and he wrote Interestingly to hia ' seas. TliLs week word wa.s recelve

FO Keith MacDougall. R. C. A. F., one of Pentlcton's and Summer- land's outstanding all round ath• letes. Is reported rhLsslng following air action overseas, according to word received Tuesday by his wife here. He Is Uie son of the late A. L. MacDougall, who for many years was the president of the Penticton Co-operative Growers. Before his enlistment two years Bgo, FO MacDougall was cold stor• age engineer at the Summerland Co• operative Growers. He received much of his training for this post with the Penticton Co-op. In the realm of athletics Y)e was outstanding. He was the playing captain of the Summerland Mer• chants' Ba.sketball team which won the provincial senior "B" title In the 1940-41 sea.son. On this team was Vpl II. Scrlvcr Sjt. RoR-i McLarlilan PO George Pringle, who was killed on service with the R. A. F. some .«?lionn here are two Riimmerlnnfl men who nre repnrlril as casiml- months ago. tlrs overseas. Vp\. II. A. "Bob" Rrrlver, son of II. 8. Srrlvcr, West FO MacDougall played basketball Siinimerlnnil, was rrporlrd wounded In SIrllv, AuKnst 2. lie. enlisted In Penticton before going to Sum• In Vanrouvrr. March 1910, with the Senforlh lllKblnnders. He Is 22 merland. He was also proficient yrnrn ot nut and was born In Siiinnirrlnnd. <>!. Srrlvrr was a nirm- at swimming, tennis and a niunber brr of the Riimmrrland Mrrrlisnis na.ihctbnil Icani. Ills eldest sister, of other sports. Muriel, Is In the R.C.A.F. women's division, Trlnce ICdnard Island. When at the University ot AU SrI. Ross Slirldon Mrl.arblnn, 21, navUnlor In Ibe R.C'.A.F U the berta he played witl] the varsity son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred nicl.arhlan, of West Summerland, and squad In Inter• Is now a prisoner of war In fiermany arrordinr to llie liilernallonal collegiate competition for the Ha ' Red Cross. Sgt. Mrl.arblan received bis high school edurallon In Cup. Summerland and eomplrtrd two years arts course at V.n.C. when he Joined the Dental Corps In Vnnroiiver. He iransferred to (be Air Force at Patrlrla Bay and afler eonipleling his Iralnlng went overseas In ini2. Ills hrolber, Pte. I). Mrl.arblan, overseas, recently transferred • o the radio division and ynolher brother Russell In (be RCAF Is an air gunner.

Last Rites Today:-' " For Airman In ' City Flier, Summerlana Summerland Man Missing in Air War Two British Columbia airmen. SUMMERLAND — Sympathy Is Fit .Sgt. Henrge James Flyers, son being expressed here to Postmaster and Mrs. T. F. Hickey otver th^ of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Byeis, 191,1 death ot their son. Fit. Lt. Laurence West Fifth, aiurF("3 Charles AVai^ F. Hickey and to hU wife," who ar• lUaphoiiir^uhoso wife, Mrs. W. rived here from Moncton, N. B., for n. UlnRboniP, lives at West Sum the funeral. The twenty-flve-year-old air of• mrrland, aie mlsslnR on active ficer was killed In a plane crash .service after air oprratlims over• at North Battleford, AUgust 2. seas. Air Force headquarters at He had served as an Instructional officer In the RCAF. ^t Moncton, Otiawa announced loday. N.B.. Weyburn, Sask., and North Fit.-Sgt. Ctcoipo Bypis, 2.3, and Battleford, Sask. He rose quickly his twin brother. Fit. Sgt. Bill in his training and was mentioned Byrrs cnllsird and trained lo- In the King's honor list of January, 1943. fiethor, and complelcd their first He took his public and high school operalloiial fllghls together on training here before Joining the ah- one of the gigantic raids on Han• force. HU brother, Sgt. Pilot Alan over. Hickey, Is how serving overseas with '111. tulns weie bnin In V'aiu-ou- the RCAF. Mrs. Laurence Hlck- vrr and alleiidrd KItsllniin High ey's sister, Mrs. E. R. Prince, of School. They enlisted In March, Ottawa, came with her to Sum• merland, and her aunt, Mrs E. H. into, and went overseas In No• vember, 1912. FLT.SGT. G. J. BVEBS WORLD WAR II

NAMES ON CENOTAPH

Agur,R. Hickey, L.G. Rumball, H. Hunt, E^ Blagborne, C.W. Smith, A. Boothe, G. Jewell, J.R. Smith, A.W. Brennan, T. Smith, E. McCutcheon, R. Clements, A. McDougald, K. Temple, A.J.C. McLachlan, R. Daniels, M. Merfitt, H.A. Verrier, C. Duncan, R.F. Powell, R. Wilson, W.D. Gould, L. Young, T.

***************

VETERANS

NAVY

Clark, Andrew Haddrell, Alan Stark, William Clough, Chris Heales, K. Stein, Gordon Charity, James Hornby, Cedric Collins, David Temple, Nellie (W.R.C.N.) Johnston, Lloyd Davidson, Williams Williams, Alex Davis, Frank Newton, Edward Daniels, Mike Rowley, Joan (W.R.C.N.) Elsey, Allan ***************

ARMY

Atkinson, Albert Brown, James Fudge, George Atkinson, Brian Fitzpatrick, Ross Allen, George Charity, Thomas Clement, Alan Gregory, Mark Bernard, Jack Caldwell, Clyde Gustavson, Okie Bernard, Joe Charles, Walter Gilbert,Page Beeman, Cliff Gould, Lloyd Borton, Hector Duxberry, Bernard Gould, William Bernhardt, Charles Dunn, George Gale, William Bernhardt, John Davidson, Lorne Blagborne, Bruce Daniels, Frank Hale, James Biagoni, Rocco Dickson, Albert Hannah, Thomas Buddingh, Nick Dunsdon, Steve Hannah, Ed Bonthoux, Emil Dennis, Charles Hannah, Charles Bonthoux, Harry 7 Dunham, Delmar Hannah, Francis Brennan, Thomas Derosier, Donald Howis, Jerry Brennan, Ed Hoffman, Mike Bleasdale, Robert Eckersley, Reg Haddrell, Claude Barkwill, Robert Evans, William Haddrell, Charles Beeman, Fred Evans, Wilford Haddrell, Ed Howis, Harry WW II MM VETERANS CONT.

Inglis, Earli Miller, A. Strachan, William McNeilly, Bryce Sharp, A.H. James, Art McCutcheon, William Sharpe, C. Jones, Dennis McCutcheon, Hugh Stewart, Clyde Johnston, Eric Munn, David Sheldrake, Stan Jewell, Ron Myers, Syd Steuart, Frank Jewell, William Mitchell, Austin Schouten, Dick Johansen, Herman Steeves, Fred Nelson, Tom Smith, William Kean, Fred Nicholson, Ken Slater, James Kean, Alex Newport, Ron Temple Capt.A.M Kennedy, Roy Turner, Lewis Oliver, Oscar Thompson, Earle Loomer, Ian Thomas, Gilbert Lewis, Pete Plunkett, Ed Thompson, Dave Lewis, George Postruma, George Thompson, Percy Logie, Ed Perry, Lorne Thompson, N.R. Laidlaw, Gerald Tweedie, John Ramsay, William Tilbe, Frank Mountford, Gordon Ramsay, Tom lavender, Wes. Mountford, Len Ramsay, Robert McLachlan, Don Russell, William Woodbridge, Cyril Medley, Alf Reed, Elmer Wilson, Ted Morelli, Mario Ramsay, Murray Wilson, Woodrow Morgan, Rowland Ruppel, Aaron Wilson, Wes Morelli, Barney Welsh, Maurice Maxim, Tim Smith, Wes White, Wm.J. Miller, Jack Smith, Earle White, Russell Murray, Charles Scriver, Robert Murfitt, Herb Strachan, James ***************

C.W.A.C.

Baldwin, Ruby Gould, Jean Thompson, Noreen Gould, Amy Daniels, Gladys Verrier, Ruth Strachan, Betty Pitfield, Helen ***************

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

Agur, Robin Betuzzi, Charles Dunsdon, Art Agur, Pat Broderick, Jack Darke, Clayton Agur, Don Borton, Verne Dodwell, Peter Armstrong, Norman Dodwell, Charles Ashford, Rev. W.R. Croil, Thomas Dennie, Douglas Clark, George Dee, John Borton, Wm.Jr. Charles, Lawrence Boothe, Ken Caldwell, A.B. Fenwick, A. Boothe, Gordon Flamank, C.G. Blagborne, Charles Duncan, Robert Fisher, Bruce Butler, Alan Dunsdon, Phil Bergstrom. Brant Dunsdon, Jack Gartrell, Lloyd Gould, Les WORLD WAR II ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE CONT.

Huva, Gerhardt Nisbett, Pat Wright, Howard Huva, Reuben Wellwood, Roy Hickey, Lawrence Powell, Reece Wellwood, Stan Hickey, Alan Powell, Richard Walden, Frank Hunt, Ernest, Jr. Pitfield, Tom Walton, Ed

Johnston, Don Rumball, Dale Young, Thomas Jr. Rumball, Les Kean, David Rumball, Harold Knowles, Shelley Smith, Arthur Lewis, Lou Smith, Harold Lemke, John Smith, Eric Laidlaw, William Smith, Edward Smith, Alex McLachlan, Ross Smith, Gordon McLachlan, Russell Strachan, George Morgan, Gordon Simpson, Arthur Morgan, Howard Schwass, Fred Mayne, James Steuart, Ken MacKenzie, Allan McDougal, Keith Temple, Jack McKechnie, Max Taylor, Dave McCutcheon, Robert McDougald, Jack Verrier, Charles McDonald, Don Vanderburgh, Dr.A. Mclnnis, Glen

**************

R.C.A.F. (W.D.)

Angus, Nancy McLarty, Ruth Scriver, Muriel McPhillips, D. Scriver, Mary Dickson, Margaret Slater, Betty Doherty, Florence Munro, Sybil Strachan, Janet

Hermiston, Helen Nisbett, Joan Tomlin, Eileen Harvey, Winnie ORIGINAL SUMMERLAND TROOP "C" SQUADRON THE BRITISH COLUMBIA DRAGOONS NOVEMBER

Back Row Ed Donald Norman Orville Bill Unknown Unknown George (civvies) Bradbury- Orr Dickinson Dunham Bradbury ** Haddrell

Back Row Johnnie Dick Marino Norman Frank Ron Jack (uniform) Betuzzi Smith Biagioni Thompson Dickinson Taylor Dunsdon

Front Row Clyde Reggie Stan Lorne Dennis Walter Don Bill (s tanding) Caldwell Eckersley Taylor Banks Nield Bleasdale Munro Borton

Front Row John George Bill Dan Jack Art (kneeling) Caldwell Uenike Rippin Cavani Bernard Dunsdon

** could be Jim Clark Ranks - Sgt. Bill Borton Sgt. Clyde Caldwell LCPL Jack Bernard LCPL Art Dunsdon LCPL Dennis Nield 0

59 BRITISH COLUMBIA DRAGOONS

IN THE MAJOR WARS IN WHICH CANADA HAS PARTICIPATED.THE CANADIAN ARMY HAS RELIED UPON ITS VOLUNTEER MILITIAMEN TO STEP FORWARD AND ANSWER THE CALL TO ARMS.THE MILITIA REGIMENTS HAVE ACQUITTED THEMSELVES BEYOND ALL EXPECTATIONS,AND TYPICAL OF THEM IS THE BRITISH COLUMBIA DRAGOONS. ALTHOUGH RAISED IN 1908 AS CAVALRY IN THE OKANAGAN VALLEY,THE REGIMENT FOUGHT AS INFANTRY IN THE MAJOR BATTLES OF THE CANADIAN CORPS IN FRANCE AND FLANDERS. DURING THE INTERWAR YEARS,RECONSTITUTED AS CAVALRY AND RENAMED THE BRITISH COLUMBIA DRAGOONS,THE REGIMENT CARRIED ON ITS TRADITIONAL ROLE,MAINTAINING ITS EFFICIENCY AND NUMBERS IN SPITE OF NUMEROUS DISADVANTAGES WITH WHICH ALL MILITIA REGIMENTS HAD TO CONTEND. ON THE OUTBREAK OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR,THE DRAGOONS AGAIN OFFERED THEIR SERVICES,AND ULTIMATELY SERVED FIRST AS A MOTORCYCLE AND THEN AN ARMOURED UNIT. THE LATTER WAS A COMPLETELY NEW ROLE,AND IT IS A TRIBUTE TO THE SKILL AND INGENUITY OF ALL RANKS THAT,AFTER TRAINING BOTH IN CANADA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, IT WAS ABLE TO PREPARE ITSELF FOR COMBAT UNDER CONDITIONS FAR DIFFERENT FROM THOSE ENVISAGED IN THE PRE-WAR ERA. ON MAY 2^th,19fJ4,THE B.C.DRAGOONS WENT INTO ACTION IN ITALY,THE LIRI VALLEY OPERATION WAS INDEED A TEST OF WORTHINESS IN WHICH THE DRAGOONS DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES AND LEFT NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER OF THEIR CALIBRE AS A FIGHTING UNIT. JAPANESE^ GERMANS KEEP OUT OF

TENSIONS RAN HIGH IN SUMMERLAND, AS WELL AS THE REST OF CANADA,

SIGNS SUCH AS THIS WERE PLACED ALL OVER THE VALLEY. LONG-TIME

GERMAN AND JAPANESE CITIZENS WERE SUDDENLY THOUGHT OF AS WAR

CRIMINALS EVEN THOUGH MANY HAD BEEN BORN AND RAISED IN CANADA.

P.C.M.R.

On February 25, 1942, it was announced to the public that an auxiliary of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers, had been created for the purpose of defence. In the first four months in British Columbia, 10,000 men had been sworn in as rangers. All rangers received no money for their services. The Summerland Pacific Coast Militia Rangers Company, the 87th Company was commanded by Capt. S.A. MacDonald.

OFFICERS Officer Commanding: Captain S. A. MacDonald Adjutant, Lieutenant S. P. Thomas Detachment Commanders Lieutenant W. G. Snow, Lieutentant R. H. J. Richards. Lieutenant A. K. Macleod. Company Sergeant Major, D. L. Sanborn. Company Quartermaster Sergeant, W. Atkinson, Staff Sergeant,?. Lotl. Also recorded as officers are the following—)enkinson, Fitz• patrick, Feltham, Wilson, Higgin, Brown, Towgood and Charles.

P.C.M.R.

Photograph taken in 1940s

Can you identify anybody?

Mill Amy Gouid and~MUa~Jean Gould'ehlisted at J),ckaic) Kun the same time together but now Amy Is a cleric in Vancouver gnd Jean Is busy in the Q.M. stores of aa army camp near Kingston. The two sisters were to• gether for a short holiday here in September. • • Imm Sunmerldnd • • • I found Miss Edna Gould very canny In releasing Information about her sisters in uniform although It la bruited about that when on leave Amy proved that her C.W.A.O. trainhig is definitely helpful In household By Frank Haiklnsf