CANADIAN MILITARY HISTORY GUIDE Remembering Canadian Heroes - A tribute to unforgettable contributions
Honour those who gave their lives to serve our country. At HUB, our vision is to be everywhere risk exists—today and tomorrow. Helping protect what matters most. We are an international organization and we are proud to support Wounded Warriors Canada through the Canadian Military History Guide. We want to sincerely thank Wounded Warriors for providing better access to mental health services for thousands of Canada’s injured Veterans, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, other First Responders and their families each year. Steinbach 204-326-3425 197A Main Street Beausejour 204-268-2476 415 Park Ave Portage la Prairie 204-857-6801 237 Saskatchewan Ave E Unit 3 Kildonan Place 204-988-3460 84-1555 Regent Ave West Southdale 204-988-1180 140-115 Vermillion Road Risk & Insurance | Employee Benefits | Retirement & Private Wealth hubinternational.com Find HUB insurance brokerage offices in communities throughout Manitoba and Winnipeg. Grant Park 204-988-4806 3180-1120 Grant Ave Kenaston 204-985-8443 1650 Kenaston Blvd Unicity 204-985-8428 6-3647 C Portage Ave McPhillips 204-633-4005 1-2521 McPhillips Street Bison 204-253-7171 80 Bison Drive
www.militarysupport.ca 1 Dear Valued Supporter, Thank you for supporting Military Support Publications’ Canadian Military History Guide Project to raise funds for Wounded Warriors Canada. Military Support Publications is an organization dedicated to supporting Canada’s Veterans and coordinated this special project resulting in a donation of over $125,000 to Wounded Warriors Canada to help provide mental health services for our injured Veterans, First Responders and their families. Our Canadian Military History Guide contains original articles from Canada’s storied Military History. Whether you supported this project by purchasing an advertisement, or acted as a project sponsor, your support helped make a difference. Thank you. Respectfully, Mark T. Fenety Executive Director Military Support Publications Dear Valued Supporter, Thank you for supporting Military Support Publications special project to benefit Wounded Warriors Canada. Wounded Warriors provides mental health services for our injured Veterans, First Responders and their families each year. Our range of clinically facilitated programs have been developed to support their unique needs. Our programs support individuals, couples, spouses, surviving family members, and children of those who serve, or have served, our country and communities. Results are life-changing and at times, life saving. Wounded Warriors has helped over 77,000 Veterans since it’s inception and provides an average of 330,000 hours of mental health clinical treatments per year. Supporting Wounded Warriors leads to better access to care and a shared understanding among our Veterans, First Responders and their families, that help is available. Your support is sincerely appreciated. Thank you. Respectfully, Stephen Topham National Partnership Director Wounded Warriors Canada
Canadian Military History Guide 2 A message to our readers from author and editor, John Goheen and graphic designer, Markus Fahrner. In this edition of the Canadian Military History Guide, it is our hope and intention to profile people, events, and initiatives that promote remembrance and inform. In these pages, readers will find a broad range of topics and themes to consider, from a survivor of the ill-fated Dieppe Raid, to the first great Canadian Pilgrimage to Europe, to the ferocity of Hill 62, and to a baboon named Jackie who served on the Western Front. More than sixty years ago, the CBC produced a radio documentary series entitled, In Flanders’ Fields. In the program’s introduction the narrator, commented, “it has been said that we, as a nation, lack heroes. This is not so. We simply lack respect for our past to a degree that blinds us to the recognition of those heroes that we have.” It is our hope and intention that this digital edition helps Canadians recognize, honour, respect, and remember the men and women who served our nation in the past and in the present, at home and abroad, and in war and in peace. Lest we Forget John Goheen and Markus Fahrner A MESSAGE TO OUR READERS
www.militarysupport.ca TABLE OF CONTENTS Editor’s Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Publisher’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ONTARIO SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Great Pilgrimage - Dominion Command’s First Pilgrimage of Remembrance . . . . . . . . . 6 “My Friend Frank” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Remembering the Few P7370 - the Battle of Britain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Is It Nothing To You...? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 First of Many. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Somme 1916 Death of a Regiment - Beaumont Hamel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Turning Point: Hill 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Against All Odds: Leslie Ellis, DCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Jackie The Baboon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Forgotten War: The 68th Battery in Russia, 1918-1919 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 MANITOBA SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Ted Conover - A Canadian in the Devil’s Brigade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 “The Missing” - Forty-Four Canadians in C40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Every Headstone has a Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 The Voice of an Angel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 “Das Blutbad” Somme 1916 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Thank You Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 First Nation Soldiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA and BRITISH COLUMBIA SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 How Well Do We Remember? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Last Post in Flanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Ops On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Return of a Tiffy Part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Forgotten Memorials in Normandy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 The Evolution of War Comics: From Propaganda to Realism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX - ONTARIO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX - MANITOBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 4 kanaleaf.ca Proud to support Wounded Warriors Veteran owned and operated
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www.militarysupport.ca 9 more reverent. These were the first Pilgrims and they “were seen as far different, as they engaged in more solemn acts of remembrance.” There was a sacred nature ascribed to their sojourns. They often traveled with fellow grievers, stopping to place flowers or wreaths in the newly created cemeteries, speaking of their experiences in hushed voices. For mourning family members and war haunted veterans, these reverential trips were about seeking answers and finding closure.2 For those in attendance at the Dominion Convention, the prospect of a Pilgrimage must have stirred a mix of emotions at the prospect of returning to the sites of memory and mourning. However, there was also the opportunity to gather with old comrades and the thrilling prospect of a trans-Atlantic voyage and seeing Europe — something extraordinary for the average Canadian in the 1920’s. Pretty heady stuff indeed! Legion organizers would approach railway and steamship companies to seek out the best rates possible to ensure those who wanted to come could afford the fare. Planners faced a major setback soon after however, when the stock market crashed in 1929 and worldwide economic depression changed priorities for many Canadians; traveling to Europe was out of the question for those now out of work or those scraping by, lucky enough to have even a low paying job. Adding to the economic issues of the day, delays in construction and cost overruns of the Vimy Memorial meant that plans for a Pilgrimage, while not dead, were on hold, at least in the short term. Notwithstanding the challenges, the spirit of the veterans remained strong. Dreams for a pilgrimage were postponed but not forgotten. In 1934 a reunion of more than Pilgrims. The family of Piper James Richardson, VC at ADANAC Cemetery Thousands converge on the new Vimy Memorial
Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 10 75,000 veterans at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto celebrated and demonstrated their unity and comradeship. That same year, the magazine of the Canadian Legion, The Legionary, announced, “that the Canadian Legion is definitely organizing and conducting a Pilgrimage to the Battlefields for all ex-Service men and women in Canada.” Planners anticipated 5000 would make the journey. In the end, 6200 Canadians from all across the country paid $160 (the cost for all meals, sea and land transportation, accommodation and insurance) and signed on for the three and half week Pilgrimage in July, 1936. Considering the average yearly earnings for a man was less than $1000, shelling out 15-20 % of one’s yearly income, at the height of the Depression, was an impressive measure of the old soldiers’ desire to return. While the Nazis in Germany and Mussolini’s Fascist in Italy made world newspaper headlines, the Pilgrims made their way by rail and other means to Montréal where Europe bound ships awaited. They were hailed as the heroes upon their arrival in France on the 25th of July. A full itinerary was in store over the next few weeks with various ceremonies, commemorations, receptions, and side tours. But the crowning event would be the unveiling of the new Vimy Memorial the next day on 26 July, 1936. An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 French civilians joined the 6200 Canadian Pilgrims at the memorial site. The forerunner of the CBC, the Canadian Radio Commission, broadcasted the even live back to Canada, a remarkable feat in 1936. Among those Pilgrims in Mrs. Charlotte Wood of Winnipeg The Vimy Medal was distributed to Canadian Pilgrims
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 16 Our military, police, and first responders risk their lives to protect ours, and so today - and every day - we should thank those who serve and honor those we've lost.
www.militarysupport.ca 17 In cities and towns across the Netherlands, “Welcome Again” Committees ensured that every veteran would be looked after. The returning liberators were treated like the heroes they were. Most of old soldiers were “adopted” by Dutch families and invited into their homes to stay for the duration of their visit. A week of commemorative events culminated with one of the most magnificent televised spectacles I have ever witnessed. One of the key events of that week long tribute twenty years ago was a parade through the streets of Apeldoorn. This “smallish” city located just north of busy and bustling Arnhem is normally a quiet place. But in May, 1995 those 10, 000 veterans gathered in Apeldoorn for a parade, the likes of which will never be seen again. With a regular population of just over 150,000, the streets swelled with an estimated 350,000 cheering Dutch. They all came to see the Liberators again. What began as a parade soon resembled more of a “love-in” as it was hard to separate spectator from veteran. The old soldiers were organized into their old divisions with the 1st Division in the lead, followed by the 2nd, 3rd, 4th Armoured, and 5th Armoured Divisions. The parade snaked through the people packed streets for hours; it simply took that long to get through. The atmosphere was euphoric and I recall thinking then that I was witnessing something that would never be, could never be seen again. Some scenes forever etched in my memory include mothers literally handing their babies over to the veterans just so that their child could have the honour of being held by a Liberator. Trays of beer eagerly passed over the heads of the spectators into the hands of the marching and, seemingly always thirsty, veterans. MY FRIEND FRANK AND ME FRANK VISITS HIS UNCLE’S HEADSTONE AT DURY, FRANCE IN 1999 DUTCH POSTCARD FRANK BROUGHT HOME IN 1945 - THE SENTIMENT HAS NOT CHANGED
Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 18 CENTRAL OFFICE EASTERN OFFICE 26 Caristrap Street, Bowmanville, 25 Binnington Crt., Kingston, Ontario L1C 3Y7 Ontario K7M 8M9 Phone: 905.623.1666 Phone: 613.547.1153 www.ualocal401.ca
www.militarysupport.ca 19 Sore feet and aching hips were temporarily forgotten as these old soldiers defied their years and were young once more. Two young blonde Dutch women, in their twenties, with similar thoughts stood at the roadside putting their arms around the old soldiers as they passed and planted heartfelt kisses on the old boys, which, I am certain, recalled episodes fifty years before. There among the veterans was my old friend Frank. A Bren Gunner in the Westminster Regiment, Frank Whitford was not even twenty years old and had been in combat for almost a year in the Italian Campaign already, when his regiment, along with all the Canadians fighting in Italy, were moved to the Netherlands in March, 1945. Frank spent the next several weeks, usually cold and wet, fighting in the last actions of the war in Northwest Europe. While always very proud of his service in Italy, Frank experienced, and never forgot the gratitude extended by the Dutch in those last weeks of the war. That is why he returned to the Netherlands to attend the 40th and 45th anniversaries and would later attend the 55th and 60th commemorations but, I know, on that special 50th anniversary day in Apeldoorn in May 1995 my friend Frank experienced his finest hour. Before the parade the veterans assembled and formed up in their old units awaiting their turn to “march on.” Frank made his way through the cheering mob and various parade elements to find the 5th Division assembly area. The division, once known as “Hoffmeister’s Mighty Maroon Machine” in recognition of their wartime commander Maj. General Hoffmeister and the formation’s maroon coloured battle patch, was the last to march in the parade. Frank later told me how he approached a group of 5th Division veterans somewhere at the front and asked, “who is in charge of this outfit.” When nobody came forth, Frank, decisively announced, “ok you guys, fall in behind me.” And so that is how my friend Frank came to lead the entire 5th Division through Apeldoorn that magical day. Of course I did not know this until I watched the event live on television. There he was, ramrod straight, medals gleaming, his parade stick under his arm leading hundreds of his old comrades. While I was not surprised to see him in the parade, I did not expect him to have a leading role! Later, when he returned to Canada, I asked him just how he happened to have that parade stick with him. With a twinkle in his eye and slightest of grins on THE LIBERATOR ENJOYING DUTCH HOSPITALITY, MAY 2005
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www.militarysupport.ca 23 That we live in uncertain times today is sadly evident anytime a newspaper is read or the TV news watched. Threats to our security and freedom seem a part of our new world reality. However, today’s troubles pale in comparison with the situation faced by Britain and her Commonwealth seventy five year ago this summer and fall. While we know the outcome today, few in Britain had reason for optimism in those early summer days of 1940. Just miles across the Channel, Hitler was preparing his invasion forces. Just weeks before the German Army’s “Blitzkrieg” had routed the Dutch and Belgians in a matter of days and the French, who had the largest army in the world, in a matter of weeks. About 200,000 soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force and 140,000 French had just been evacuated from Dunkirk in early June. However, almost all their equipment was abandoned in France. The German victory was staggering and now Britain was alone. The fate of Britain and her Commonwealth, Western Europe and indeed the world would be decided by what happened next. Britain waited and the world watched. In his radio broadcast on18 June, 1940 Winston Churchill summarized the situation and what was at stake. REMEMBERING THE FEW P7370 The Battle of Britain
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www.militarysupport.ca 27 Most of the pilots were British but they also came from all parts of the Commonwealth – Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Rhodesia. While exact numbers vary depending on the source, more than 100 Canadians flew in RAF squadrons or in the RCAF’s 401 Squadron, our first and only operational squadron in the Battle. There were also pilots from the occupied nations of Europe. Poles, French, Czechs, and Belgians all flew with the RAF. And, while the US was neutral at the time, nine Americans risked the loss of their citizenship and lives to fly with RAF. Historians now define the intense air activity between 10 July and 31 October 1940 as the Battle of Britain. The RAF pilots flew multiple sorties each day and were almost always outnumbered as they engaged the huge German formations. It was not uncommon for a handful of RAF fighters to attack dozens of German bombers and their fighter escorts. Flying Officer William Lidstone McKnight, DFC and Bar, of Calgary was Canada’s ace of aces in the Battle. McKnight was credited with 18 victories as a member of 242 Squadron. He survived Battle of France and Britain but was shot down over the English Channel in January of 1941. He was the fourth highest scoring Canadian fighter pilot of the Second World War. The surviving pilots of No. 1 Squadron RCAF and their Hurricanes at the end of the Battle. No. 1 was the only RCAF squadron to participate in the Battle, though many more Canadians served in RAF squadrons.
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www.militarysupport.ca 35 Members of the RCAF, RCN, and the Army as well as veterans, cadets, dignitaries and the public gathered at The Air Forces’ Garden of Remembrance in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on 15 September to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. This anniversary commemoration marked the 67th consecutive service organized by the Air Force Officers’ Association and Battle of Britain Memorial Fund and supported by The Royal Canadian Legion, BC/Yukon Command, The Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans of Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. The ceremony began with a flypast followed by speeches by the Consul Generals of The United Kingdom, The United States, and the Republic of Poland respectively. A highlight of the afternoon was the lighting of the “Lamp of Brotherhood” symbolizing the peaceful brotherhood of all people. The lamp was cast from the doors of the abbey at Monte Casino which was destroyed during the war. As well, the poem High Flight was recited by Air Cadet F/Cpl. Sabrina Dammholz. The event concluded, naturally, with the RCAF March Past. REMEMBERING THE FEW IN VANCOUVER
Carpenters’ Local 1256 Honours & Supports our Wounded Warriors, Veterans, First Responders & Their Families STRONG. SKILLED. AS ONE. Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 36
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Dedicated to enhancing the lives of Canadian military personnel, Veterans and their families by harnessing the national capacity for research. CIMVHR: Serving those who serve us. L’ICRSMV, au service des personnes qui nous servent La mission est d’optimiser la santé et le bien-être du personnel militaire canadien, des vétérans et de leurs proches en mobilisant et en exploitant les ressources nationales en recherche. www.cimvhr.ca Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 38
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Heroes, we could never repay your courage; But we will never stop trying. Thank you. EllisDon is proud to stand behindWoundedWarriors Canada in honour and support of the Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families. Because they fought, we can live–and build–another day. Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 42 E: mail@unifor723m.org T: 416.348.9163 T: 1.866.841.4446 F: 416.348.9018 Proudly Supporting Veterans and First Responders Local 723M Office 62 Widmer Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2E9 www.unifor723m.org
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 46 Thank you to our Veterans. That flag flies free because of their sacrifices. Local 9548 Our military, police, and first responders risk their lives to protect ours, and so today - and every day - we should thank those who serve and honour those we've lost.
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www.militarysupport.ca 51 WAR DIARY INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY (Erase heading not required.) Army Form C. 2118. Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs., Part II. and Sta昀 Manual respectively. Title page will be prepared in manuscript. Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Remarks and references to Appendices 2353 Wt. W2544/1454 700,000 5/15 D. D. & L. A.D.S.S./Forms/C 2118
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www.militarysupport.ca 57 WAR DIARY INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY (Erase heading not required.) Army Form C. 2118. Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs., Part II. and Sta昀 Manual respectively. Title page will be prepared in manuscript. Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Remarks and references to Appendices 2353 Wt. W2544/1454 700,000 5/15 D. D. & L. A.D.S.S./Forms/C 2118
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 72 sarniaconstructionassociation.ca The Association Supports our First Responders and Military Families. CUPE 831 members across the City of Brampton proudly support our veterans and first responders. 305 WELLINGON STREET ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO N5R 2T2 Proud to Support the Wounded Warriors Association. Thank you to the Wounded Warriors Association
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Proud to Support Wounded Warriors Canada 202 Toryork Drive, North York, ON M9L 1Y1 Tel: 416-740-0598 www.local598.ca Championing Veteran-Owned businesses since 2016 IWSCC is proud to support the preservation of our Veterans’ dedication and sacri昀ce. Learn more about joining our na琀onal peer group of Veteran-Owned businesses at iwscc.ca Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 74 843 GUELPH ST. KITCHENER ON N2H 5Z2 SPIRAL PIPE & FITTINGS • CUSTOM FABRICATION • WELDING INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL PHONE: 519-749-2790 FAX: 519-576-4263 info@william radtke.ca WR ILLIAM ADTKE SHEET METAL LTD. Sensor Health Sciences would like to express their sincere gratitude to our Military and First Responders. Image by freepik.com Thanks for your support
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 76 Robert B. Routenburg Cell: 519-537-1712 185 Sydenham Street, Woodstock ON N4S 7B8 www.clroutenburg.com • info@clroutenburg.com Best Wishes from the Brantford Professional Firefighters Association Proud to support Wounded Warriors The Township of Havelock- Belmont- Methuen is Honoured to Support our First Responders. MacDONALD PLUMBING 40 Rex Tooley Lane Courtice ON L1E 0C1 Proud to support Wounded Warriors Canada 1170 Sheppard Ave. W, Unit 42, NorthYork ON Proudly serving the Durham region. Call for a free estimate: 1 888 430 1550 Proudly Supporting Wounded Warriors Supports Wounded Warriors
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 78 Niagara Region Police Association 1706 Merrittville Highway R.R. #2, Welland, Ontario L3B 5N5 Phone: 905-384-9800 Toll Free: 1-866-443-8066 Fax: 905-384-4082 E-Mail: nrpa@nrpa.on.ca Congratulations on the creation of the Canadian Military Guide. Thank you to all who serve! ~ Mayor Frank Scarpitti Proud to Support our Wounded Warriors 613-829-1920 • 1119 Baxter Rd., Ottawa ON
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 80 www.shelburnekitchens.com 42 Anderson Blvd. Uxbridge ON L9P 0C7 (416) 724-4666 www.northcountryslate.com 430 Wickstead Avenue, North Bay ON (705) 476-6466
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 82 Novatech is a proud supporter of the Canadian Military and Wounded Warriors Canada. 4179 Simcoe St. N Oshawa ON 905-655-3291 Proud to support Wounded Warriors 100 Industriel Blvd., Hawkesbury ON • (613) 632-2900 web-rpmr.ca 2119 County Road 15, Essex ON N8M 2X6 (519) 776-6473 • lapain.ca
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 84 REPRESENTING THE PIPING PROFESSIONALS OF SARNIA-LAMBTON SINCE 1946 UA LOCAL 663 519-337-6569 www.local663.com BUSINESS MANAGER: KAYLE MCDONALD BUSINESS AGENTS: SCOTT ARCHER JAMES WILLIAMSON Proud Supporter of our Canadian Armed Forces 138 Clarke Road, London ON N5W 5E1 (519) 453-1661 • trustthefrog.ca 310 Queen St. E St Mary’s ON N4X 1C8 519-284-2921 962979 Road 96 Lakeside ON N0M 2G0 (519) 349-2233
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 86 AUG. 2/3/4 HOGSFORHOSP I CE .COM HOGS FOR HOSPICE™ 456 Highway 542A Tehkummah ON P0P 2C0 (705) 859-3293 tehkummah.ca Thank you to our Veterans and First Responders PROUD TO SUPPORT The London Professional Fire Fighters are proud to support Wounded Warriors Canada
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 88 DPNVOJUZ Thank you to the Wounded Warriors Association 20 Corporate Park Drive, Suite 100-101 St. Catharines ON L2S 3W2 (905) 684-1111 • rankinconstruction.ca 29 Middletown Road, Dundas ON L9H 5E3 905-628-6688 • nevencustomhomes.com
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 90 1359 Osprey Drive, Ancaster, Ontario, L9G 4V5, 905-304-9449 www.desscocountertops.com, info@dessco.net 2485 Princess St. Kingston ON K7M 3G1 (613) 328-4101 New members welcomed 905-428-1118 WWW.FIREARMSOUTLETCANADA.COM 9541 Clapperton Road, Baltimore ON • (905) 409-0709 jeremy@gwcgroup.ca • www.gwcfoaminsulation.net 59 Kirby Ave., Unit 2A, Dundas ON L9H 6P3 (905) 628-3859
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 92 severn.ca Proud to support our Veterans 917 Lesperance Road Tecumseh ON N8N 1W9 • 519-735-2184 Dedicated to Those Who Served and to Those Who Continue to Serve “Lest We Forget” 31 William Street Sprucedale, Ontario P0A 1Y0 (705) 685-7901 We support the work of Wounded Warriors Canada Residential, Commercial & Industrial [ Veteran Owned & Operated ] www.waringelectric.ca 519-615-3838 318 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 4P4 519-474-7137 zpplan.com
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 94 Whiskey Bay Resort 1187 Adcock Drive Jocelyn Township St. Joseph Island, ON Email: hello@whiskeybayresort.ca Web: www.whiskeybayresort.ca the77store.com 1560 County Road 34 Ruthven, ON N0P 2G0 519-325-0100 Proud to support OUR MILITARY, POLICE AND FIRST RESPONDERS Trinity Communication Services Ltd. 6 Edvac Drive Brampton, ON L6S 5P2 (416) 503-9796 Honouring our Troops and Veterans Township of Chisholm 2847 Chiswick Line Powassan, ON P0H 1Z0 Telephone: 705-724-3526 Council and Residents are Proud to Salute the Veterans and the Legion. The Rotary Club of Kleinburg, Nobleton & Schomberg 5870 King Road Nobleton, ON 905-558-3070 Thank you to the Wounded Warriors Association ST. LAWRENCE TESTING & INSPECTION CO. LTD. Box 997, Cornwall, ON K6H 5V1 (613) 938-2521 Email: SLT@ontarioeast.net General Contractors & Construction Managers 14 Connie Crescent, Unit #2 Concord, Ontario L4K 2W8 T: (905) 761-6699 F: (905) 946-1087 Frank Scarmato President E: frank@northway.cc www.northway.cc northway Construction Company Limited 369 Hamilton Road London, ON N5Z 1R6 519-645-1200 We honour and remember those who served President: Ellie Bale CAO and Labor Relations Officer: George Gasbarrino General Counsel: Philip Wright Labor Relations Counsel: Carolyn Padgett Directors: Clayton Gillis, Pete Bishop, Judi Roberts, Becky Verreault, Ben Merchant, Derek Moyes, Kevin Alexander Executive Assistant: Sue Redman Member of Police Association of Ontario and Canadian Professional Police Association 4671 Palladium Way Unit 3, Burlington, ON L7M 0W9 Tel: 905-825-8789 Fax: 905-825-0826 hrpa@hrpa.com THE GEN. W. S IKORSKI POLISH VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION Stowarzyszenie Weteranów Armii Polskiej im. Gen. W. Sikorskiego 1551 STEVENSON RD N., OSHAWA, ONTARIO L1L 0N7 & 289 356 6399 email: polishvetshall@gmail.com Proud to Support the Wounded Warriors Association
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 96 Meetings 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month 7 P.M. at Dublin Community Centre Thank you to the Wounded Warriors Association Dublin & District Lions Club P.O. Box 64, Dublin, On N0K 1E0 • Website: e-clubhouse.orgésites/dublinon Paul Pritchard Owner Mobile (613) 293-0435 North Gower Ontario Office (613) 489-1858 Thank you to the Wounded Warriors Association We Serve Bridgeport Lions 34 Covered Bridge Drive West Monterose, ON N0B 2V0 Barrie Union Cemetery Co. Est. 1879 (709) 728-2810 info@barrieunioncemetery.com www.barrieunioncemetery.com Proud to Support Wounded Warriors FORMATT DRYWALL INC. 151 Brunel Road, Unit 3 Mississauga, ON L4Z 2H6 905-507-1515 Proud to Support the Wounded Warriors Association
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 98 25 Cuddy Blvd. London ON N5V 3Y3 Toll free: 1-888-517-8335 Email: saleslondon@canadasteel.ca web: canadasteel.ca Our military, police, and first responders risk their lives to protect ours, and so today - and every day - we should thank those who serve and honor those we've lost. 157 Woodlawn Lane, New Maryland NB 506-897-2433 • adventuretrailgear.com 2359 Royal Windsor Dr. Unit 29 Mississauga ON L5J 4S9 (905) 403-WOOD (9663) (905) 403-9991 Email: info@peeranisflooring.com Web: peeranisflooring.com 169 Elizabeth St. Midland ON L4R 1Y3 (705) 526-8321 jones-aluminum.com H.M. BODNAR DC Chiropractor 2351 Unit 9 Royal Windsor Dr. Mississauga ON L5J 4S7 (905) 823-8383 E. info@quinteortho.com T. 613-962-2040 F. 613-962-2039 PO Box 20024, 250 Sidney St., Belleville, Ontario K8P 3Z3
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Canadian Military History Guide - Ontario 100 Professional Listings AITCHISON LUMBER LTD 99 EMERSON ST HAMILTON (905) 528-5912 DRAYTON FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 89 WELLINGTON ST S DRAYTON MOOREFIELD (519) 638-5500 EDWARD ENGINEERING 755 CONNAUGHT AV SUDBURY (705) 523-4559 FIRST HEALTH CLUB Unit 1 - 3135 Universal Drive FIRSTHEALTHCLUB.COM (905) 602-0404 GLENGROVE PHARMACY 2760 YONGE ST TORONTO (647) 340-7272 LONG & MCQUADE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 2762 PRINCESS ST KINGSTON (613) 384-9225 METCALFE PHARMACARE INC. PO BOX 310 METCALFE (613) 821-1243 THE RIVERWOOD CONSERVANCY 4300 RIVERWOOD PARK LANE MISSISSAUGA (905) 279-5878 107 Shirreff Avenue, Suite 102B North Bay, ON P1B 7K8 705-498-6661 Booster Boxes A 1 MOBILE MACHINING CHELMSFORD (705) 855-0815 AJAX ROOFING OSHAWA (905) 427-2116 BRANTFORD CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP BRANTFORD (519) 753-7331 BROWN’S HOME HEATING & AC PICKERING (905) 428-0146 EQUIPMENT CORPS INC. STONEY CREEK (905) 545-1234 FRAN’S BOUTIQUE CAMBRIDGE (519) 621-6080 FULCRUM SEARCH SCIENCE INC. BRIGHTON, (416) 779-8505 GOODERHAM LUCKY DOLLAR GOODERHAM (705) 447-2337 GRANDMA LAMBE’S FRUIT MARKET MEAFORD (519) 538-2757 KEN MAYNARD INSURANCE BROKERS WOODBRIDGE (905) 851-0690 MILL STREET KITCHEN & BATH MISSISSAUGA (905) 812-7812 R & S MOBILE EMISSION TESTING CALLANDER (705) 477-7130 RICHARDS CUSTOM CYCLE & AUTO GORRIE (519) 335-6504 SENIORS CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE DRAYTON (519) 638-1000 TOWNSHIP OF SELWYN BRIDGENORTH (705) 292-9507 Business Patrons ACTION FLOORING KINGSTON AERO COVERS ATHENS PHARMASAVE B THOMAS BULLDOZING INC BECK’S CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD BONNIE MOORE BUBBLESEA ADVENTURES CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES LOCAL 1263 COL ENTERPRISES CONSTREL DDDG ENGINEERING SERVICES DIMENSIONS CARPET ONE FLOOR & HOME EASTON CLASSIC CARS ELSEN ELECTRONICS ENNS CABINETRY FINTEK BIO-ELECTRIC INC FIRE PATROL EQUIPMENT FORAN’S MARINE GLORIA VARGAS GOLDEN ACTUARIAL SERVICES HARRISON POWERSPORT HILLCREST RESIDENTIAL HOME INC INA CONVENIENCE STORE JIMBOS PUB EATERY JOHN BODDY HOMES JUST CATS PET SITTING SERVICES KAWARTHA UTILITY SERVICES L W BURNS FINACIAL SERVICES INC LAWRENCE ZIMMERMAN M & M MEAT SHOPS LTD MARTYN FUNERAL HOME MAX’S PAWN SHOP MEL MILHOMENS MINTS DENTAL DESIGN INC MISSISSAUGA TAEKWONDO MORRIS-LEE CONSTRUCTION CORP MUNICIPALITY OF KILLARNEY NEILSON PHARMACY NEWLIFE CABINETRY PAT BOLGER PLASTIGLAS INDUSTRIES LTD RED DOOR REALTY BROKAGE ROBO TECH FAB INC SACRED HEART CHURCH SEMPLE GOODER NORTHERN LIMITED SHADLOCK PHARMACY SIMCOE HERITAGE RETIREMENT HOME SISK ELECTRIC CO LIMITED THE FLOWER CELLAR TITANIUM TOOLS TOTAL LOOK UA LOCAL 67 VANGRO WELDING LTD WILLIAMS REPAIR SHOP THANKS for your support
www.militarysupport.ca 101 MANITOBA SECTION Sponsored by MB Businesses and Private Citizens
Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 102 CAPITALFORDWINNIPEG.CA 555 Empress Street , Winnipeg, MB R3G3H1 431 -816-0570
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Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 106 Expert In Electrical Services coboelectric.ca 204.918.2297 colin@coboelectric.ca We are service electricians based in Winnipeg providing services to commercial and industrial businesses throughout Manitoba and northern communities. Specializing in non-contact thermal imaging. Need someone to take on your electrical project from start to 昀nish? We design, build and service all electrical installations, whether it be a new build, improvement or addition. • Electrical Thermal Imaging Inspection • Ef昀ciency Manitoba Commercial Lighting Projects • Electrical Contracting Services
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Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 108 Kevin Gregory 204-740-0900 Barb Gregory 204-724-8773 www.gregorygroup.ca Serving the Weatman Area Kevin Gregory Personal Real Estate Corporation
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Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 110 Our military, police, and first responders risk their lives to protect ours, and so today - and every day - we should thank those who serve and honor those we've lost.
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Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 116 www.doortechltd.ca 530 Sheppard St., Winnipeg MB R2X 2P8 (204) 633-7133 Our services: Physiotherapy Massage Therapy Acupuncture/Dry Needling Pre/Post Op Rehab Vertigo Therapy Orthotics Complete Physiotherapy in North Kildonan 3-1115 Gateway Road Winnipeg, MB 204-661-1900 admin@completephysiotherapy.ca Complete Physiotherapy in Bridgwater 1-395 Centre Street Winnipeg, MB 204-306-3801 support@completephysiotherapy.ca Complete Physiotherapy in Stonewall 375 Main Street Stonewall, MB 204-467-8900 stonewall@completephysiotherapy.ca Online booking available at www.completephysiotherapy.ca Xjoojqfh!boe!Lfmpxob! mpdbujpot!qspvemz !ipopvst!! pvs!Wfufsbot
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Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 118 COUNTRY-GRAPHICS.COM 1.204.746.8231 + GRAPHICDESIGN + PRINTINGSERVICES Since 1978 Thank you to the Wounded Warriors for their efforts in supporting our Veterans and First Responders. 999 Fife Street Winnipeg MB R2X 2T5 (204) 783-3344
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Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 120 www.neweraagtech.com 507 3rd Avenue S Box 56 Swan River MB R0L 1Z0 (204) 734-6222 Proud to support Wounded Warriors
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Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 122 © 2024 McDonald’s Thank you for your Service, fromall of us at the McDonald’s restaurants in Brandon. Is Proud to Support Wounded Warriors, Our Manitoba Veterans and First Responders Unit 10 2579 Pembina Winnipeg MB R3T 2H5 (204) 269-7032 info@manderscherewyk.com manderscherewyk.com In war, there are no unwounded soldiers The Town of Winnipeg Beach supports our Canadian Military We are located in Morweena 1/2 mile South of the 329 on Road 2E Yard No 134060 PO Box 212, Arborg MB R0C 0A0 Ph. 204 364 2426 Cell. 431 737 0102 petkaurs@gmail.com www.petkaurepair.ca
www.militarysupport.ca 123 By John Goheen For the last twenty-five years, I have led groups of Canadians on Pilgrimages of Remembrance for the Royal Canadian Legion. These tours are designed to show Canadians the sites of sacrifice, meaning, and remembrance in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. A key aspect of these pilgrimages are visits to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission Cemeteries and memorials to the missing. In France alone there are 2945 Commonwealth cemeteries with another 625 in Belgium, and 476 in Holland. Of course, there is no way we can visit all these places; when you consider the sheer number of headstones in all those cemeteries, the scale of loss is staggering. But then each cemetery is made up of individual headstones and each headstone has its own story of sadness, courage, and suffering. As I walk along any row of headstones in any cemetery, I am always mindful that each headstone represents an individual, someone who had friends and family, someone who was loved and grieved and missed. The least I can do is read the name etched on the stone. I wish I knew their stories. More than a few times I have seen this inscription on a headstone, “To the world he was one, to us he was the world.” That person beneath a single headstone amongst hundreds and sometimes thousands of others meant everything to someone. It reminds me of McCrae’s line, “loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders’ Fields.” Every Headstone has a story
Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 124 Royal Canadian Legion Henderson Highway Branch #215 Serving Veterans, their families and the Community for over 75 years Lest We Forget 215 Maxwell King Drive East St. Paul, Manitoba 204-338-4667 • HendersonLegion.ca The Stonewall Legion Branch 52 proudly supports our Wounded Warriors
www.militarysupport.ca 125 I am mindful, and saddened, that I can’t know all their stories, but I try to learn some of them and share them with the Pilgrims on my tour. One story came to me years ago while reading Farley Mowat’s memoir, The Regiment. Many Canadians know Mowat as an environmentalist who wrote bestselling nature themed books such as Gorillas in the Mist, Never Cry Wolf, and Lost in the Barrens. But Mowat also wrote three incredible memoirs of his earlier life as a young officer serving in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, the “Hasty P’s”, in Sicily, Italy, and the Netherlands during the Second World War. The Regiment (1955), And No Birds Sang (1979), and My Father’s Son (1992) are incredibly written firsthand accounts. On the last pages of The Regiment, Mowat writes about a fierce local action in the final weeks of the war. The Hasty P’s were up against desperate SS troops, including some Dutch SS soldiers, in some woods outside of Nieuwmilligen, Holland. As Mowat observed, “each Nazi SS trooper knew well what his fate would be when Germany was gone, but for the renegade Dutchmen who had joined the SS that fate would be even more terrible. And so they fought this, their last battle, with particular savagery that only civilized men who have abandoned civilization can achieve.” The battle raged through the day but as dusk approached the Hasty P’s advanced to the other side of the wood; as the smoke cleared and the sounds of battle diminished, Mowat recalled:
Canadian Military History Guide - Manitoba 126 From the remote arctic tundra to the modern city, and everything in between. www.conprocanada.ca For the past five decades, Con-Pro Industries has built successful projects from the High Arctic to large urban centres, from expansive new builds to retrofits and renovations. Backed by 55 years of knowledge and experience, we leverage this expertise to help our clients navigate the construction process and achieve project success. Let’s work together. Call us at 204.233.3717 to begin turning your project dreams into construction reality. CORNISH LIBRARY RENOVATION & ADDITION WINNIPEG, MANITOBA SOUTHEST COLLEGIATE AND STUDENT LODGE WINNIPEG, MANITOBA STARBUCKS CORYDON AVENUE RETROFIT WINNIPEG, MANITOBA EAST ELMWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE WINNIPEG, MANITOBA Box 99 Reston MB R0M 1X0 (204) 877-3327 The Royal Canadian Legion Winnipeg Polish Canadian Branch 246 1335 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB Office: 589-5493 rclpolish246@mymts.net Hall Rental - Phone 979-5493 Large Kitchen-Ample Parking-Reasonable Rates Weddings – Socials – Showers Anniversaries – Receptions – Meetings Legion Pub: Monday & Tuesday CLOSED Wednesday & Thursday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Karaoke: Fridays & Saturdays 10 VLT’s – Pool Table
www.militarysupport.ca 127 Not far behind the lead troops Cpl. Finton, of the three-inch mortar platoon, found the frayed ends of a broken telephone wire leading from his mortars to the forward Observation Post. In a few moments he had spliced the raw ends together, and then suddenly his hands relaxed and let the thin cable fall to the sandy soil. His body slumped, falling forward on the wire that was already carrying the words of living men. He had come from the counties. He had joined his Regiment in 1939 and had fought with it and lived for it ever since that day. He was one of the last of the ‘originals’ and only a week earlier had refused his repatriation ticket-of-leave to Canada… On April 17, 1945, as the evening light dimmed over the forest of Nieuwmilligen, Cpl. Finton took his ticket – not one of leave – but one of transfer to that other, that swollen regiment of shadows that has grown through the red years even as the living regiment dwindled in death. As he had been amongst the first to come, now he was the last to go – the last to take his warrior’s transfer to the unseen ranks of the White Battalion. About an hour drive north of Arnhem, Holland is Holten Canadian War Cemetery. When I take my groups there, we always walk to Plot I, Row F, Grave 11 to visit Corporal Elwood Finton age 24,
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