special features - 2015 remembrance day
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Honouring all those who laid down their lives in world wars
Remembrance Day 2015
in MemoryStandingstrong
OJ REALTY Ann
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National War Memorial in Ottawa
Why Remember?We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument.
These wars touched the lives of Canadians of all ages, all races, all social classes. Fathers, sons, daughters, sweethearts: they were killed in action, they were wounded, and thousands who returned were forced to live the rest of their lives with the physical and mental scars of war. The people who stayed in Canada also servedin factories, in voluntary service organizations, wherever they were needed.
Yet for many of us, war is a phenomenon seen through the lens of a television camera or a journalists account of fighting in distant parts of the world. Our closest physical and emotional experience may be the discovery of wartime memorabilia in a family attic. But even items such as photographs, uniform badges, medals, and diaries can seem vague and unconnected to the life of their owner. For those of us born during peacetime, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives.
We often take for granted our Canadian values and institutions, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice. The Canadians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief that the values and beliefs enjoyed by Canadians were being threatened. They truly believed that Without freedom there can be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom.
By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve. They believed that their actions in the present would make a significant difference for the future, but it is up to us to ensure that their dream of peace is realized. On
Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve.
During times of war, individual acts of heroism occur frequently; only a few are ever recorded and receive official recognition. By remembering all who have served, we recognize their willingly-endured hardships and fears, taken upon themselves so that we could live in peace.
The meaning of their sacrificerests with our collective national consciousness;
our future is their monument.
Source: www.veterans.gc.ca
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WE REMEMBER
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The battle of Monte Cassino (also known as the battle for Rome) was a 157 day assault against Hitlers army during the Italian campaign in WW2. My father, Corporal Robert Ralph Taylor, was there serving in the Canadian Perth Regiment in 1944.
My father never spoke of his experience there. He never told me how he hated lying in a wet, mud-caked, wool uniform that stank of sweat and that chaffed his neck till it was raw. He never said how numb his fingers got on the trigger of his rifle during that bitterly cold February when he watched 1400 tons of bombs drop on the hill top Abbey and strained to see his enemies through the driving rain. He never said a word about being terrified while wading through the swift, cold currents of the Rapido River and how he couldnt swim. I never heard him say anything about a steep, rocky hill strewn with boulders, cut with ravines and gullies filled with gorse or shoe box mines and hidden barbed wire and booby traps. There was no discussion around seeing his comrades and commanding officers blown to pieces beside him. He never once said I took another mans life so I dont know if he did or not. What words are there to explain these things? My father never spoke of the war. My father drank.
I barely knew my father until I was 7 when he joined AA and became my dad. I remember as a kid looking in the old dented, tin box that held his badges, medals and old coins he kept in the upstairs bedroom of our old farm house. At the time, it didnt interest me one little bit so I never asked him about this stuff. I grew up, became a nurse and moved from my Ontario home to BC. Yearly visits back east were spent visiting mom and dad but the talks were about what was happening in the present not about the past. Then dad died suddenly at age 72 from a heart attack and mom moved here to be
The Battle of Monte Cassino A Daughters Journey Into Her Fathers Past
Bonaire, Suite, Italy
it was the blank, staring eyes. The men were so tired that it was a living death. They had come from such a depth of weariness that I wondered if they would quite be able to make the return to the lives and thoughts they had known. These too included the eyes of my father, my dad.
Our visit to Italy took place in September of this year. Monte Cassino will forever remain in my heart and soul. It took a tour of the war cemetery and standing in front of the graves of 800 Canadian soldiers with the Abbey in the backdrop where I finally got it. These graves were filled with kids just barely old enough to leave home. We saw where the Canadians drove a tank into the river to support a Bailey Bridge creating a crossing for the allies to advance, then we went up to the Abbey itself.
What I leave you with is this, in life my father was silent, in death I heard him speak. I know what
happened to you now dad. Thank you for serving our country to make sure we had a better life. I share my story so we can all remember, lest we forget.
Submitted by Joan TaylorDaughter of Robert Ralph Taylor
closer to us 5 kids who were by now all living out west. She was retired and lived modestly but comfortably due to dads army pension. After mom was gone and all my fathers siblings passed there was suddenly no one to ask.
It took planning a fun vacation to Italy this past year that caused me to think hey, wasnt dad in Italy in the war? My older brother had information about dads
regiment and where he had fought. Since I was going there, I decided to have a look at this. Where exactly was Monte Cassino and what had happened? This began my journey to find out what happened to dad.
The set up to this story and battle, were the Canadians landing in Naples and traveling north. The plans to move through Italy were made difficult by treacherous terrain and Italys wet season. Making matters worse, the Germans, diverted the Rapido River to flood the only 2 paths up into Rome and also had destroyed all bridges. In the middle of this line of defense was the town of Cassino, 125 km south east of Rome. Overlooking this town stood an ancient monastery atop a hill built in the sixth century known as Monte Cassino. Its view held strategic value. Approaching enemy advances could be detected from quite a distance. The town of Cassino was thought to block the path of advancing allies to Rome.
The battle for Monte Cassino was one of the longest and bloodiest battles the allies were involved in during the Italian campaign in WWII. It began in January and ended in May 1944. At the end of the four battles there were seventy-five thousand casualties. An eyewitness who saw survivors descending from the hill wrote It was more than the stubble of beard that told the story:
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Corporal Robert Ralph Taylor and wife, Kay
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Our father, Frederick Charles Wood, was born April 16, 1921 in Regina, Saskatchewan. When he was a young boy, his parents separated and he, along with his mother and sister moved to Vancouver to be close to his mothers family. They were not well off and dad always said he joined the army to get a new pair of boots. He didnt see his father again until they met during WWII.
In 1940, while he was stationed in England, dad received a letter from his cousin telling him that his father was also stationed in England. They got together in a village pub and had a great visit and they kept in touch. When dad moved to Campbell River in 1946 to work on the John Hart project, his father came
to visit and also went to work on the project.
Dad rarely talked about the war and it obviously affected him as it did many others. When he was shipping supervisor at the mill he had a man working for him who was
Frederick Charles WoodApril 16, 1921 June 21, 1998
As we approach this solemn day of Remembrance many of us can
remember at least some of the 114,000 Canadian men and women who laid
down their lives for the ideals that brought our nation to engage in war. To
those who paid the supreme sacri ce, we pay our deepest respect a
nd as
we remember them with sorrow, we remain conscious of our own sac
ri ce
and service. Thus we remember with sorrow and pride -- that pride
which arises with recollection of your personal service to your country and
fellowman.Fortunately a vast majority of Canadians do not remember w
ar or the miseries that it entails. We are indeed lucky that today Cana
dians have known a longer period of peace than at any time in our his
tory.
Others in the world however are not as fortunate. We cannot help but
think of all the horrendous and murderous acts that are taking place in
almost every other part of the world. The assassinations and attempted
assassinations; the completely ridiculous Falklands Islands situation; the
bombings and murders in our mother countries; the highly volatile Middle
East con icts, which could precipitate us into a war which is frighten
ing to
comprehend. And so while the Poppy is basically a symbol of Remembr
ance, it should also cause us to stop and re ect,
especially to think about why all these
young Canadians gave so freely of their lives and made the sacri ce
s
they did, especially as Canada was the only nation in the world that had
completely volunteered service in her forces overseas.They fought and died liberating millions of people from opp
ression and to tried to create a world a little better than the one they knew
. But they also died so that today, we can continue to enjoy the freedoms w
e have. So that our homes would be safe; so that we could acquire an educ
ation; so that we worship the way we want to; so that we can make friends
with whomever we please. It should be easy to realize that their desire th
at we might live in freedom and in peace, was more important to them than
life itself.
At this time we should not dwell upon, nor think only of the past. We
must think of the future, not only the future of our own country but the
entire world. We must think about how we, as individuals, can work for
a better united country and world peace. We should pause to think of our
freedom and its privileges loyalty, peace, goodwill, friendship and indeed
the whole value of our freedom.Freedom for many today is synonymous with license. The,
"I can do anything I want, anytime, regardless of its effect on any
one else or our country way of thinking. This is not acceptable. Our freedo
m, symbolized by the poppy is a gift given to us by those who paid the
supreme sacri ce of their lives. If we acc
ept this gift we must also accept the
responsibility to protect it and use it to the utmost level of our capability.
So on this November 11th we are being asked to remember. We are being
asked to think about our community involvement, our sense of responsibility
as Canadians or as people of other nations living in this great free land of
Canada. We are being asked to use the freedom we enjoy to help mankind,
to work toward even greater understanding, to promote the dignity of man,
but above all else, ever strive to promote the true spirit of freedom and
world peace.These few words are dedicated to those who fought that we
might live in freedom. It is their valour that we must remember, for
if we do not remember, they will have died in vain.
Remembrance: by F.C. Wood
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The men and women of the Canadian Forces have demonstrated time and again that they will rise to any challenge. Let your Canadian Forces members know you appreciate their service.
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on the other side. They got talking and realized they were in the same battle literally shooting at each other. He also told the story of watching his good friend, Dick Kelton, ride his motorcycle right into enemy lines and was unable to do anything about it. Luckily, Dick survived the POW camp and they met up after the war.
Dad served with the Seaforth Highlanders in North Africa and Italy and was part of the forces that liberated Amsterdam on May 5th, 1945. He never forgot that day. Dad was a member of the Legion and worked for veterans all his life.
Royal Canadian Legion #137301-11 Avenue, Campbell River
We welcome community members to join us as we serve those who have served our country.Call 250-287-4671 to inquire about a social membership.
In memory of all our Veterans
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After 36 missions over Germany piloting a Lancaster bomber, and two crashes, Bob Ostler never expected to survive the war. Before his quiet passing at age 81 he commented that Life doesnt owe me a thing. I never expected to get back to my family in Victoria and it is a miracle that I have lead such a long life.
Bob Ostler was not only a distinguished WWII veteran but as well a pre-eminent citizen of Campbell River. He served his community well as a mayor for eight years and later as a private citizen and Freeman of the City. Ostler was born in Victoria on 12 September 1920 and died on 17 November 2001.
As an 18 year-old he yearned to fly and in the spring of 1939 he was recruited into Victorias famous Major Biggs Boys group and sailed for England where he underwent pilots training. He served for the six war years with the Royal Air Force and the final years were spent piloting a Lancaster on bombing sorties over enemy territory. His bomber crashed twice, once due to friendly fire, and each time the crew managed to make their way back to #15 Squadron at Mildenhall, U.K.
In recounting his experiences to Ken Stofer, author of The Biggs Boys, Ostler tells of a particularly unnerving experience when he was piloting a loaded bomber on a daylight raid to Leipzig in the summer of 1944. I was flying in very tight formation. We had cookies on board, 4,000 pounders plus 500s and incendiaries. We took a direct hit on the bomb bay. I was tucked in so close that it blew out both of my motors on the port side and took off one tail plane. We were on the run in and my bomb bay doors were open and remained jammed. The concussion split my
cooling systems, white smoke poured from the port motors and I had to feather. The rest of my flight disappeared in the distance and we were left limping along on two motors. I couldnt take evasive action but an aircraft, about 1,000 feet above me, saw the predicament we were in and turned around to cover us and started dropping metallic window. This screened out our plane from the German anti-
aircraft guns. Ostler said they were too badly beaten up to get home and as they were losing
height rapidly they circled and landed on a soccer field about 30 miles from Vught in Holland.
This near tragedy had its funny side, said Ostler The crew were in brace position and by this time
Bob OstlerSeptember 12, 1920 November 17, 2001
Flight Lieutenant
Robert Ostler
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Im bringing the Lanc in on only one starboard inner motor. Im coming in wheels-up and theres a drainage ditch at the end of the field. We ploughed right through breaking the persplex off in the nose and scooping up mud. I was buried in the cockpit. When I cleared the mud out of my eyes and eased myself out of the ooze I could see the crew running like hell down the field. I guess they thought we were going to blow up.
Funnily enough we had landed in the middle of an artillery barrage between the New Westminster Regiment and German artillery.
The photo on this page of the crashed bomber on the soccer field turned up recently on the Internet. It emerged, thanks to an intense web search in England
by a young man named Kelvin Josh. He had befriended Ostlers former tail gunner Les Hamilton
who had flown on all 36 missions. Hamilton was now 85 years and anxious to reconnect with his former squadron
leader. Apparently a Dutch family living near the crash site took several pictures
of the Lancaster. The pictures remained in the family archives for 70 years. It took a computer literate grandchild to connect the pictures with a web search conducted by Mr. Josh. The Ostler family in Campbell
River treasure these photos. War records at the Air Association headquarters show Ostler crashed only once.
These photos plus flight records forwarded to the family will be in valuable in clearing up errors in Ostlers RAF history.
Ostler had many stories to tell including another similar crash landing in occupied France at a British aerodrome called B26 for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, (DFC ).
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bob Ostlers Story Part II The story of his second crash is also recounted in The Biggs Boys where Ostler described a gripping account of a landing in occupied France.
We used to mark a lot of our own targets. We were equipped with all sorts of gadgets like GS and H2S. On this particular night I was target marking. No one was supposed to be over the target other than ourselves and we were about to mark the target with flares. The target was Dresden as far as I can recall. We arrived right over target on our ETA and prepared to drop flares.
We hadnt actually dropped a single flare, when all of a sudden all hell broke loose. Evidently a squadron had come in early and 500 feet higher and let everything go on an unmarked target. To this day I dont know who the hell they were. But the end result was they put two incendiaries inside our aircraft, two 500-pounders through my port wing and one through my starboard wind. I lost 800 gallons of gasin ten minutes the gauges had flopped. We had two fires burning and I could taste the gas in my mouth. But, we never blew up. The crew shovelled one incendiary through the rear escape hatch and the other one never went off. The arm was taken off my chair, it wiped out our auto pilot and we were in a real mess.
I could look out at the port wing and there were holes in it that a guy as big as I am could walk through. Why the bloody wing didnt fall off I dont know. We were in big trouble. The plane was still flying and I still had full control but there was no way I was going to get back to England. I didnt have enough fuel to get halfway back. Ill never forget that date, November 4, 1944. It is indelibly written in my mind.
Mac, my navigator set a course for a British aerodrome in occupied France called B26, designated B for British. We started back and about halfway there we were picked up by German night-fighters. I couldnt take evasive action. I knew if I started to corkscrew I would lose a wing. They made two runs at us. The kite got hit but without more serious damage than we already had. Nobody was wounded. Without being able to take evasive action we were just damn lucky, thats all. Thank God there was a layer of 10/10ths cloud below us and I just slid the Lanc over very carefully into the cloud and evaded them. Mac was one of the best navigators you could wish for. He was deadly accurate and got us back on course. What we didnt know was that we had lost our antenna. We could send but we couldnt receive.
Our call went out Mayday! Mayday! We were Mayday-ing our fool heads off and getting no response and yet Mac was absolutely certain we were dead over the top of Base 26. We were now down to 1200 feet and running on an oily rag as the saying goes. There was nothing in the tanks. I was just about to bail the crew out. I couldnt leave it any longer or they wouldnt make it. Suddenly there was a light from the ground. I gambled
and went around again and saw a second one come on and as soon as I saw that I came in and landed. I put the Lanc down and before we got to the end of the runway, all four fans quit turning. They towed us off with a tractor and wrote the aircraft off on the spot. Apparently B26 had a power failure. They had received our Mayday and were talking back to us but without our antenna we didnt receive anything.
We had gone down on the 4th of November and of course my parents were notified I was missing, however a wonderful thing happened. All my family were sitting down to Christmas dinner when there was a knock on the door. It was a telegram to say I was safe. It was delivered by hand on Christmas Day, which I thought was incredible. I still have that telegram.
It was the Dresden trip that earned Ostler the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), but he didnt get up to Buckingham Palace for the presentation ceremony. In 1945, after serving six years overseas, he returned to Canada and transferred to the RCAF where he was based at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. When the peace agreement was signed with Japan he retired from the service and moved back to his home in Victoria. He finally received his DFC late in 1945 at a ceremony held at Government House with the Lt. Governor, W.C. Woodward presenting the award.
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Remembrance Day was fi rst observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. It was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
From 1921 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. In 1931, Alan Neill, Member of Parliament for ComoxAlberni, introduced a bill to observe Armistice Day only on November 11. Passed by the House of Commons, the bill also changed the name to Remembrance Day. The fi rst Remembrance Day was observed on November 11, 1931.
Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, confl ict and peace. We remember the more than 1,500,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nations history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifi ce.
The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Replica poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to provide assistance to Veterans.
Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada. It is also a statutory holiday in three territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) and in six provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador).
The national ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Governor General of Canada presides over the ceremony. It is also attended by the Prime Minister, other government offi cials, representatives of Veterans organizations, diplomatic representatives, other dignitaries, Veterans as well as the general public.
In advance of the ceremony, long columns of Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP offi cers, and cadets march to the memorial lead by a pipe band
10 Quick Facts on Remembrance Day
and a colour guard. At the end of the ceremony, they march away to offi cially close the ceremony.
Some of the 54 Commonwealth member states, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, observe the tradition of Remembrance Day on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Other nations observe a solemn day but at different dates. For example, ANZAC Day is observed in New Zealand on April 25. In South Africa, Poppy Day is marked on the Sunday that falls closest to November 11.
Many nations that are not members of the Commonwealth also observe Remembrance Day on November 11, including France, Belgium and Poland.
The United States used to commemorate Armistice Day on November 11. However, in 1954 they changed the name to Veterans Day.
They gave their tomorrows so we could have our today
Thank you.
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Thank you.Thank you.
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They shall not grow old, as we that are left to
grow old, Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun and in
the morning, We shall
remember them.
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John Delmar OsbourneJohn Delmar (Bob) Osbourne served overseas in the two Great Wars. He served with the 7th Battalion in World War I and was awarded the Military Medal and Bar and the British War Medal and Victory Medal which he earned by reason of service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I.
In World War II, he joined the B.C. Regiment of the Duke of Connaughts Own Rifles. He was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and the War Medal 1939-1945, awarded for service with the Canadian Army (Active) during World War II. The discharge certificate states his rank as Sergeant. He served in Canada, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
Volunteer Service Medal
British War Medal
War Medal1939-1945
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Remembering those who defended our freedoms
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Thank-you for all those who fought for our freedom.
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Thank you to all present, past and future service men and women.
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Give pause on Remembrance DayThroughout history, millions of soldiers have marched into wars to protect the freedoms of their countries. Remembrance Day is a solemn time to commemorate those soldiers achievements and sacrifices and to pay respects to soldiers who died in battle.
In the United States, people honour their present and past military on Veterans Day. In British commonwealth countries and territories, including Canada, November 11 is known as Remembrance Day. Since the end of World War I, memorials to remember those of the armed forces who fought in battle and perished in the line of duty have been dedicated on this day.
Armistice Day originsRemembrance Day was once known as Armistice Day because it marks the signing of the armistice that put an end to the hostilities of World War I. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, guns fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare between the Germans and Allied troops. The armistice agreement was
signed in a French train carriage at 11 a.m. Later, the carriage where the historic event took place was placed in a specially constructed building to serve as a monument to the defeat of Germany. Although it was moved by German forces and later destroyed during World War II, after that war ended a replacement carriage, correct in every detail, was rededicated on Armistice Day in 1950.
Remembrance Day evolutionArmistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day after World War II to commemorate soldiers from both world wars. It is now used as a way to pay homage to any fallen soldier.
Each year a national ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, a monument erected as a memorial to soldiers buried elsewhere. The Queen will lay the first wreath at the Cenotaph, while others will leave wreaths and small wooden crosses.
In Canada, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in many provinces and territories. Official national ceremonies are held at the
National War Memorial in Ottawa. Events begin with the tolling of the Carillon in the Peace Tower, during which members of the Canadian Forces participate and congregate at Confederation Square. Similar ceremonies take place in provincial capitals across the country. Very often moments of silence are offered for lost lives.
What about the poppies?One of the unifying symbols of Remembrance Day is the poppy that is worn to honour lost soldiers. The bold, red color of the flower has become an enduring symbol of those who died so that others may be free.
The poppy became a symbol for a specific reason. Some of the most concentrated and bloody fighting of World War I took place in Flanders, a region in western Belgium. As a result of the fighting, most signs of natural life had been obliterated from the region, leaving behind mud and not much else. The only living thing to survive was the poppy flower, which bloomed with the coming of the warm weather the year after fighting in the region had ceased. Poppies grow in disturbed soil and can lie
dormant in the ground without germinating. Without the war, they may have never come to the surface.
John McCrae, a doctor serving with the Canadian Armed Forces, was moved by the vision of poppies flowering in Flanders and wrote a poem titled In Flanders Fields. After the poem was published, it received international acclaim, and the poppy became a popular symbol of those lost in battle.
Men traditionally wear the poppy on the left side of the chest, where a military medal would be placed. Women wear it on the right side because that is where a widow would wear her husbands medals.
Remembrance Day is celebrated every year, providing people humbled by the sacrifices of soldiers an opportunity to remember those soldiers efforts to secure freedom.
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Robert LewisLeft, George, Jack and Robert (Bob) Lewis World War II Veterans. Below, pictured with the Judge (P.E. Lewis) World War I Veteran.
World War II veterans, from left, Carl Kolonsky, Ted Lavender, Bob Lewis and Ted Turner occupy front-row seats during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of The Netherlands at Spirit Square earlier this year.
1440 Redwood StreetCampbell River 250-286-1151
Honouringour veterans.
Canadians remembering
Canadians
972 Shoppers Row, Campbell River 250-286-3293 7190A Market St., Port Hardy 250-949-7231
Auto Service2244 S. Island Highway
WILLOW POINT250-923-4421
We Remember.
107-250 Dogwood St., Campbell River250-287-3530
or Toll Free 1-888-766 Feet
Lest we forgetour fallen comrades who gave their livesfor our freedom!
42 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 www.CampbellRiverMirror.com
In honour of our Veterans,
we remember & ank you.
In honour of our Veterans,
we remember & ank you.
Surprise Mom !
Petals Flower Shop#120-1260 Shoppers Row 250-287-7567
Fresh, Convenient, Local
Beautiful arrangements fromCampbell Rivers ONLY downtown fl orist.
Spoil her with a great gift from our wide selec-tion of ladies accessories including handbags,
scarves and jewellery.
Open AND Delivering on Sunday MAY 10.
LEST WE FORGET
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Schedule Of EventsRemembrance Day
7:00 am Happy Hour (Comradeship) 8:30 am Breakfast 9:30 am Parade Announcements 10:00 am Marshall for Parade behind Old Post Offi ce 11:00 am Ceremony at the Cenotaph 11:30 am Return to the Legion for Comradeship and ongoing 2:00-7:00 pm Dance: Beat-on-Music Hall 12:30 pm Lunch prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary 5:00 pm Dinner by the Ladies Auxiliary Salisbury Steak Dinner $7 per person 6:00 pm Sing Along. Music by Kims Karaoke
Support. Freedom. Peace of Mind.
Find out more about The Berwick Way Ask one of our Senior Living Experts Today!
Ratet ex eum consent fuga. As eumentur, culpa aut quisciis denti repe eum que labor aut ipitaecatur?
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JOB BRC-17331 BERWICK BY THE SEA AD CLIENT: BERWICK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
PUBLICATION: TBD INSERTION DATE: TBD
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Visit BerwickRetirement.com
Support. Freedom. Peace of Mind.
Find out more about The Berwick Way Ask one of our Senior Living Experts Today!
Ratet ex eum consent fuga. As eumentur, culpa aut quisciis denti repe eum que labor aut ipitaecatur?
1 3 5 3 1 6 T H AV E N U E , C A M P B E L L R I V E R | 2 5 0 . 8 5 0 . 1 3 5 3
Visit BerwickRetirement.com
JOB BRC-17331 BERWICK BY THE SEA AD CLIENT: BERWICK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
PUBLICATION: TBD INSERTION DATE: TBD
TRIM: 5" X 3.2" PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE INC. @ 250-382-1103
Remembrance day is very poignant for our family. Not only did both of my grandparents enlist and serve, but several uncles did as well. Despite the fact that two uncles spent much of the war
as POWs, both in Germany and Japan, we were very fortunate that all of our family members returned home aft er the war. Relati vely in one piece but with emoti onal scars which meant many
of their stories were kept from us unti l long aft er we were adults. My grandparents Elmer and Jean served together in service, and as partners in life. Aft er my grandfathers unexpected death in 2001, the cemetery in Brooks Alberta skipped a grave secti on in the military area, so that when
my grandmother died in 2009 she was able to be interred alongside her husband. Side by side.
Remembering the sel ess, supreme sacri ce of our veterans past and present.
#1-1040 9th Ave., Campbell River250-287-2240
www.campbellriverfunerals.com
www.CampbellRiverMirror.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | 43
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Capt. Donald Dashwood Jones
on wedding day
Capt. Dashwood Jones then bombardier in artillery
Sergeant Donald McRaeNorth West Mounted Police
WWII Spotter boat along the BC Coast looking for
Japanese submarines
Aircraft for spotting Japanese subs off the
BC Coast
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44 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 www.CampbellRiverMirror.com
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250-287-839617th & Tamarac, Campbellton
SalutingOurVeterans
Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre1444 Island Highway, Campbell River
LEST WE FORGET
Honouring those who serve.
Thank you to all who served and
sacrificed for our country.
~ Located in Alder Medical Center ~277 Evergreen Road, Campbell River
250-287-3222
EVERGREEN
November 11th, A dAy we remember.
Affordable Monitoring & Response Service
LAWRENCE DASHWOOD-JONES
778.235.4931
A Life in ServiceAs a youngster, I couldnt wait to join the local army cadet corps and so I backed up my birthdate by a year and from then on through cadets, the militia and the regular army it remained in place. It wasnt until I joined the RCMP that my false birthdate caught up with me but they didnt send me home as I was already in Depot Division in Regina.
The reasons for my being so keen regarding the military were all due to family history; my father at the outbreak of WWII was in the Horse Artillery wherein, although hard to imagine they were still pulling artillery gun set-ups with teams of horses. My great uncle Willie served in the Royal Navy in WWI and my aunt Mary & uncle Vic served in wartime. On Remembrance Day all through my youth, my folks took me to the Service rain or shine.
My great grandfather, Sergeant Donald McRae served under Sir Sam Steele in the Northwest Mounted Police so even the police connection was in the family.
Over the years, the WWI vets have become reduced in number as is now the case with WWII vets. Lest we forget should ring in our ears and that rings true when you think of the wars that still go on today; why, with all our science, technology, and brilliant minds are we still going to war with somebody, somewhere? I dont have any pat answers but we need to get one because after WWIII there wont be any remembrance day, just nuclear winter!!!
Left to right: Uncle Vic, my mother and Aunt Mary
www.CampbellRiverMirror.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | 45
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William Roddick (top left of centre) with
New Westminster Sea Cadet Corps band
William Roddick at New Westminster Cenotaph November 11, 1949
Throughout the year, and particularly during Veterans Week, Canadians come together as a nation to honour and remember Canadas Veterans, war dead and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf in times of war, armed conflict and peace.
Take time to remember
May we never forget
1690 Maple St, Campbell River250-286-7229
OPEN FROM DAWN TO DUSK 6:30am - 9:00pmTyee Plaza 250-286-6711 1319 Island Hwy.www.bannersfamilyrestaurant.com
In war there are no unwounded soldiers.Thank you
Honouring
ALL who served
LocallyOwned for31 Years
DOGWOOD PET MARTPET MARTCampbell Rivers FavouritePet Food and Supply Store
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 2ND & DOGWOOD250-287-7405 www.dogwoodpetmart.ca
OPEN NOON-5 REMEMBRANCE
DAY Net weight 15.4
lbs 8 (20 cm) wheels Padded seat and
backrest Ultra-light frame Maximum weight
capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Walkers
Single & Double
Wheel Size 12" Front 16" Rear
Maximum Speed 16-18 kph
Maximum Capacity Up to 200kg
At Rivercity Mobility we are proud to keep our veterans moving. Ensuring their independence with a full range of mobility devices, electric scooters, power chairs, lifts, ramps and accessories.
Serving Campbell River, Courtenay and northern Vancouver Island, Authorized Dealer for over 400 Leading Brands. Full repairs and maintenance.
Power Wheelchairs
Padded back, seat & armrests Solid tires Swing-away
footrests
778-346-1073#1454 Ironwood St. Campbell River. CR Common Mall
Stuart Shelly Dean
46 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 www.CampbellRiverMirror.com
250-287-7755200-1260 Shoppers Row
www.tkslaw.com
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Inventory of wars in contemporary history
Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that todays soldiers make and on the sacrifices of all those who preceded them.
The deadliest war: The Great War of 1914-1918 is the greatest drama known to Europe in terms of the number of deaths. The totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century and the Second World War are the direct consequences of this war. But it was the Second World War that was the deadliest, with more than 55 million deaths, of which 30 million were civilian.
The most remembered war: This is the Second World War because of the atom bombs dropped on Japan and because it left its mark on three generations. Fortunately, those who remember it also remember the slogan No more war!
The bloodiest battle in Canadian history: The Battle of the Somme took place from July 1 to the end of November, 1916. On the first day of this battle, the 1st Newfoundland Regiment was virtually annihilated in the village of Beaumont. Machine guns, barbed wire, trenches, and massive artillery shelling resulted in ferocious fighting marked by heavy loss-es. Some 24,713 Canadians and Newfoundlanders died in the battle.
The largest naval battle: The greatest naval concentration of contemporary history was deployed in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean area on September 21, 2007. This unprecedented demonstration of power by the United States against Iran included three aircraft carriers supported by about 40 escort vessels and nearly 100 aircraft.
Thanks to the generosity of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, you can now search the Canadian Virtual War Memorial to find where a veteran is buried. This site is a registry of the graves and memorials of more than 116,000 Canadians who served valiantly and gave their lives for their country.
The purpose of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (CVWM) is to rec-ognize and keep alive the memory of the achievements and sacrifices made by those who served Canada in the defence of freedom and so have contributed to the development of Canada as a nation.
The virtual memorial also contains images of individual Canadians and their experiences. You are invited to send us digital images of photographs and memorabilia relevant to Canadas war dead.
To start, search the Canadian Virtual War Memorial by filling out the search form at www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/col-lections/virtualmem
Tips for Searching
Only use information that you are sure about.
Searches are not case sensitive. Search criteria may be entered in upper, lower or mixed case.
A Surname or part of a Surname is required to successfully complete an inquiry.
If you are unsure of the exact spelling of the Surname, try using the first two or three letters of the Surname.
A maximum of 500 responses will be provided for each search.
Providing a Given Name or an Initial will help narrow down the number of search responses.
You can search by full Given Name or part of the Given Name.
Separate multiple Given Names by a space. Do not use commas or periods.
If you are unsure of the exact spell-ing of the Given Name, try using the first two or three letters of the Given Name or try using Initial.
At least one Initial should be used. Separate multiple Initials with a space. Do not use commas or per-iods.
Multiple Given Names or Initials in the wrong order will cause an inquiry to miss the required record.
If the surname contains spaces (e.g. Le Blanc), it may appear in the database with or without the space (Le Blanc or LeBlanc).
If the surname contains a period as in St. Pierre, it will appear in the database as St(space)Pierre.
Try using Wild Cards.
A Wild card is a term used to describe a search technique which enables a range of names to be matched from a fragment of a name. % can be used to replace a string of text within your search. This technique ensures that the widest range of records are searched in an attempt to find the correct one.
Example: Entering a Surname as %donald will return the following search responses:
DONALD DONALDSON
MACDONALD MCDONALD
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to speak the words but to live by them.
1325 Island Hwy, Campbell River, 250-286-4777
QUALITY IS OUR RECIPE
ClaireTrevenaMLA North Island
908 Island HighwayCampbell RiverV9W 2C3
250.287.5100or 866.387.5100Fax: [email protected] www.clairetrevena.ca
In memory of those who gave their lives so that we
may live in peace.
Assisted Living Services For The Elderly & Housebound
Josie Coak778-346-4446 [email protected]
LEST WE FORGET
www.CampbellRiverMirror.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | 47
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During WWII, the Canadian Government felt it was necessary to ration certain goods. This was done to ensure there was a large enough
supply to meet both military and civilian needs. Food rationing came into effect for Canadian civilians in 1942. More than 11 million ration
books were distributed. Typical items that were on the ration list included meat, butter, sugar, tea and coffee.
1260-Shoppers Row #110, (250) 286-1233
phototechprints.ca
We dont remember days, we remember moments.
850B - 12th AvenueCampbell River, BC
V9W 6B5Member
Ph: 250-286-3636www.joannejohnson.ca
JOANNE L. JOHNSON~ Notary Public ~
Remembering those who serve.
R.H. Printing Ltd.Printers, Designers & Publishers
250-287-2427www.rhprinting.ca
The greatest gift in life
is to be Remembered
(250) 287-8221 1456 Ironwood St(Campbell River Common)Open 7 days/week
To schedule with Yvonne call 250.204.3332 or [email protected]
Yvonne PelletierPaulLicense #67748
Honouring the memories of all who served
Lest we forget...
Brian Shaw & Andy Leitch#1631 Island Hwy., Campbell River
250-287-8807www.mackieresearch.com
our fallen comradeswho gavetheir lives
for our freedom.
940 Island Hwy. Shoppers Row 778-346-3366
Thanks to all who servedand are serving.
48 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 www.CampbellRiverMirror.com
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Canada's Veterans, Brave and ProudEach year, from November 5 to 11, hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events will take place across the country to commemorate Veterans week. These are opportunities for all Canadians to recognize the contribution our Veterans have made and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifi ce on behalf of Canada.
There are so many ways to remember and honour our Veterans:
Wear a poppy.
Attend your local Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11th.
Thank a Veteran by sending a postcard for peace.
Teachers - order some of our free learning materials and use our Teachers Guide to lead your classroom on a remembrance journey.
Students - read one of our
remembrance newspapers written just for K-2, K-Grade 6 and for Grade 7 and above.
Talk to a friend or relative who served with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan or in other areas of confl ict.
View our Heroes Remember videos and listen to Veterans talk about their experiences.
Plant your own Garden of Remembrance.
Visit the remembrance challenge page where you will fi nd videos and images you can use to create a mashup, build a virtual scrapbook, a fan site or just decorate your own Web space. Share what you build with others and link back to our site.
www.CampbellRiverMirror.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | 49
We Will Remember.
The Campbell River Mirror salutes our veterans and those who serve.
LEST WE FORGET
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Tom Boyes
Ucluelet Guard
No. 2 Mess Hall
1790 D Tamarac Street Campbell River250-287-SCAN (7226)
Peace to each many soul that sleepeth, Rest to each fait hful eye that weepeth
260-1400 Dogwood St. 250-286-9917londondrugs.com
Lest We Forget.
They gave their lives so we can live ours.
2280 Island Hwy. Campbell River DL30675
1-888-307-5728www.coastlinemazda.com
2785 N. Island Hwy., Campbell River DL#7755email: [email protected]
250-287-9527 TOLL FREE 1-877-777-9527
Honouri ng our Ve
terans
Delaney Relocation & Home Support Services Inc.
www.delaneyrelocation.com
Campbell RiverDIANE ROGERS250.204.0066
CourtenayANNE DELANEY250.339.1188WINNE
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ommerce
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INESS
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Lest We Forget
Ucluelet Camp
1940s Tank
50 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 www.CampbellRiverMirror.com
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2nd Battalion Canadian Scottish Army
In memory of RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Lukey
who died in his countrys serviceon April 3, 1945.
Canadian Scottish Army 1940
Motorcycle School November-December 1941
We ShallNever Forget
TYEE PLAZA1245 SHOPPERS ROW 250-286-1760
If fortune is adverse, front its blows
with brave hearts Cicero
250.830.0044Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre www.riptidemarinepub.ca
Marine Pub, Grill, Catering & Liquor Store
In honourof our
Veterans
Suttons Campbell River Funeral Home250-287-4812
www.suttonsfuneralhome.com
Elizabeth Pryor (nee Bromhan) was awarded the Land Army Medal for her exemplary service in the
UK Land Army during World War II. Larry Lundrigan, Queens Own Rifles, service in Korea, presented the medal while she was in Yucalta Lodge.
www.theliteshop.ca 250-287-9905
Locally Owned and Operated!
We will always remember.
582 South Dogwood St, Campbell River
www.CampbellRiverMirror.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | 51
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by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.
In Flanders Fields
Please wear a poppyby Don Crawford, 1960s
Please wear a poppy," the lady saidAnd held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,Her face was old and lined with care;
But beneath the scars the years had madeThere remained a smile that refused to fade.
A boy came whistling down the street,Bouncing along on care-free feet.His smile was full of joy and fun,
"Lady," said he, "may I have one?"When she'd pinned it on he turned to say,
"Why do we wear a poppy today?"
The lady smiled in her wistful wayAnd answered, "This is Remembrance Day,
And the poppy there is the symbol forThe gallant men who died in war.
And because they did, you and I are free -That's why we wear a poppy, you see."
"I had a boy about your size,With golden hair and big blue eyes.
He loved to play and jump and shout,Free as a bird he would race about.
As the years went by he learned and grewand became a man - as you will, too."
"He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile,But he'd seemed with us such a little while
When war broke out and he went away.I still remember his face that day
When he smiled at me and said, Goodbye,I'll be back soon, Mom, so please don't cry."
"But the war went on and he had to stay,And all I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight,(I can see it still in my dreams at night),
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire."
"Till at last, at last, the war was won -And that's why we wear a poppy son."
The small boy turned as if to go,Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight,But your son - did he come back all right?"
A tear rolled down each faded check;She shook her head, but didn't speak.
I slunk away in a sort of shame,And if you were me you'd have done the same;
For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed,Though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid!
And so when we see a poppy worn,Let us reflect on the burden borne,
By those who gave their very allWhen asked to answer their country's call
That we at home in peace might live.Then wear a poppy! Remember - and give!
Share online:Use Facebook,
Pinterest,Twitter, YouTube, Instagram
and show you rememberCanadas Veterans.
Post photos, videos, and messages using the hashtags #ShowYouRemember and #ShowYourThanks.
1241 Ironwood Street, Campbell River 250-287-8819
Remembering those whoprotected us;
Honouring those who continue to do so...
Community its who we are
DL#10790
570 13th Avenue
250.287.9511tyeechev.ca TYEE
CHEVROLET | BUICK | GMC
52 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 www.CampbellRiverMirror.com
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In honourof those who
saved the worldIn life one man can seldom seeHis impact in societyOur soldiers fi ght to blinded eyesTo allow us all to live our livesTaking up arms against a foeTo save us from the pain they knowTo give us all out libertyThey bear the brunt of miseryNo greater duty can one bearAn act of courage few would dareEndless sacrifi ces for 4 yearsKeeping back our greatest fearsNovember 11th is a day of love To remember those now up aboveMen and women far too greatTo be remembered upon one dateNo words bring justice to their fi ght But I will try with all my mightTo bring them honour for the daysThey fought to alay such evil waysNo act of love could be so grand As one brave soldiers fi nal standSo now I will say at lastWe must remember what has past Those who have died and those who liveAnd all the thanks to them we giveThey are all those who meet the call Preserving good for one and allSo on this day I ask you prayFor heroes of our memoryThank for your sacrifi ce
It was this act that gave us life.
A poem by Mike
Remembrance Day
NOVEMBER 11
POPPY MOBILE GIVING PROGRAMBritish Columbians can use their mobile phones to text donations to the Legions Poppy Funds.
For many years, British Columbians have been proud-ly wearing their poppies and showing they remember,
says Jim Howard of Vancouvers Poppy Fund. This year weve added a new and easy way for you to give.
You simply text the word POPPY to 20222, reply YES to confirm, and a $5 donation will be added to your mobile
phone bill, explains Howard. We receive 100% of the donation.
The mobile giving program, made popular by disaster relief efforts in Haiti and Japan, is part of a brand revitalization project at The Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command.
Newly appointed Executive Director, Inga Kruse says the Legion is giving their brand a facelift that includes the introduction of new technology and new, more modern ways for supporters to remem-ber, join and give.
We want people to know were more than a social club, explains Kruse. Any Canadian over the age of 18 can join the Legionyou dont have to be ex-military.
The Legion in BC has 65,000 members, contributes $6.5 million to community programs each year and Legion members volunteer over 600,000 hours annually. One of the key programs that bene-fits from poppy fundraising is the Veterans Transition Program at the University of British Columbia, where returning veterans can receive free support, counseling and trauma relief as they transi-tion home and back to civilian life.
On this day, let us recognize the service and sacri ce of our
brave soldiers, and their families.
1384-16th Avenue, Campbell River
1-877-581-79221-877-581-7922www.stevemarshallford.com
PARTS & SERVICE
Private Jack Tufford
Hell breaks loose by Zen Karp (excerpt from H.L.I. and WWII)
Lest we forget.
On this Remembrance Day, I fondly and proudly reflect back on my Grandfather, Private Jack Tufford, who served in WWII.
On July 8, 1944, at the age of 24, the following events unfolded in Buron, France and this is an excerpt from The Remembrance Project and the chapter entitled Hell Breaks Loose by Zen Karp: As the wheat field came to an end, Private Jack Tufford and the rest of his section brought their weapons into their shoulders. They had so far made it through some of the enemys mortars and were in good shape to close the last few hundred yards to Buron. Without stopping, B and D Companies stepped out from the field of grain and it was at this moment the maelstrom of violence began.
From less than three hundred yards to their front, erupted a hail of withering fire into the leading platoons. It was the anti-tank ditch and from it, the SS raked over their exposed enemy while the Canadians could do virtually nothing. The rich, life giving soil absorbed gallons of blood.
Through German sights, Private Jack Tufford was just one of the Canadians who dropped like a sack within seconds of the first rounds being fired. He had been shot once, and hit by mortar shrapnel which ripped through his chest. Like many with him that day, he was stopped well before reach-ing Buron.
My Grandfather, as a result of his injuries, lived the rest of his life with one lung. As a young child, I would often ask, Papa, show me your scar from where you got shot in the War! but it was not something he wanted to talk about, being such a modest man.
I was the first born grandchild. Many more grandchil-dren and great grandchildren would follow, but he always made me feel like I was the only one. He and my grand-mother resided on the beach shores of Lake Huron in Kincardine, Ontario for the remainder of his life.
They both were active members of the Legion, playing crib daily, family outings to sing-alongs every Sunday night, formal events and attending the funerals of life long army friends he was fortunate enough to outlive.
He was notorious for having a joke or a saying every time you saw him, many of which I still remember to this day. There have never been the proper words to express my gratitude for his service to our country. He was a humble man who never demanded recognition or attention. He was loved by all and is missed dearly. I love you Papa, thank you for being the best grandfather!
250-914-3200 780-D 13th Avenuewww.tohear.ca
For those lost but not forgotten.
www.CampbellRiverMirror.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | 53
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We believe that when we stand united in acts of remembrance, we can make a world of difference.
This year, with continuing turmoil
worldwide, the need becomes even more apparent to keep November 11 aside for current & future generations to remember and appreciate their courage and sacrifices made in
the name of freedom.
ALL STORES WILL BE CLOSED NOVEMBER 11, 2015
In keeping with a tradition since 2001, all Quality Foods stores close each Remembrance Day to pause and reflect on the importance of the role of our past and present service men and women.
Whether in times of war or peace, we are ever grateful for these brave souls who put themselves in harms way for the greater good of all Canadians.
54 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 www.CampbellRiverMirror.com
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CRMN151106_A31CRMN151106_A32CRMN151106_A33CRMN151106_A34CRMN151106_A35CRMN151106_A36CRMN151106_A37CRMN151106_A38CRMN151106_A39CRMN151106_A40CRMN151106_A41CRMN151106_A42CRMN151106_A43CRMN151106_A44CRMN151106_A45CRMN151106_A46CRMN151106_A47CRMN151106_A48CRMN151106_A49CRMN151106_A50CRMN151106_A51CRMN151106_A52CRMN151106_A53CRMN151106_A54