Thursday, November 6, 2014 The Cloverdale Reporter 11
Remembering the sacrifice of our local veterans
W
My secret mission
hen we put out a call to local vet- girls assigned to the same work. We must erans and their families for profile never tell others where we worked or what submissions in hopes of sharing we did. We worked at a building off in the them with readers this Remembrance Day, we woods where no one would see it. It was didn’t know what we might discover. called “Sector” and we were taken there on One recent sunny afternoon, a woman the back of a truck. The gist of the program was protecting the named Virgina Olafsen came into our office, coast. The planes were used for accompanied by her son. dawn and dusk patrol. The pilot She dropped off a letter and a couple of photographs. had to “pipe in” – sing or talk so the direction finding stations It turned out she’s 93 and (D.F.) could get a fix on them. served at the airforce base on There were three direction Vancouver Island during the Second World War, on a top secret finding stations, two on the Island and one on the Mainland. mission. Looking back, she thinks They would pass the information she was selected to the post beto a D.F. station at Sector and cause she didn’t drink or smoke, it was passed to us so we could possibly making her less likely to divulge something she shouldn’t. track the plane on the big board – a map of Canada’s west coast. We invited her to sit down and We all enjoyed our work. I add a few more details to her stoguess it sort of made us special! ry. It turns out she and her late Virginia Olafsen I met my husband John Olafhusband John come from a famsen when we were both serving ily of airmen. in the air force at Pat Bay. The following is in her own words: We met on March 30, 1943 and married June 8, 1943. My dad’s message: “Wait six Virginia (Everett) Olafsen months.” But we didn’t. Born: Sept. 29, 1921. He was a good husband and father. I grew up in Ontario and I joined the We adopted a three-month-old girl in RCAF W. D. in October 1942. They told me I 1946 and a nine-month-old boy in 1947. I was perfect for special work, because I didn’t was so anxious for a family. drink or smoke. In 1951, ‘53, ‘55, and ‘57 we had four After my month’s basic training in Ottawa, boys born to us and in 1959 a daughter. I was posted to Patricia Bay Airport on Van- A wonderful family. couver Island. When we moved from Richmond to I was placed in a dormitory with other Cloverdale in 1988 we were moving to the
Virginia (Everett) Olafsen served with the Royal Canadian Airforce Women’s Division in the Second World War, when she was posted to Patricia Bay. She married her husband John, above right, in June, 1943.
country! My brothers Jack, Bob and Graham also served in the air force. Jack and Bob went overseas. Bob, Ernie and Gordon Olafson served in the air force. Gordon was shot down in the
Lest we forget...
plane and was a prisoner of war. He is buried in Belgium. Note: Virginia’s husband John passed away on May 4, 2001. For more veteran’s profiles, turn to page 13
Remembrance Day Ceremony Cenotaph, Museum Square 17710 - 56A Avenue
On November 11th, our Cloverdale Community will join all Canadians in a day of remembrance. We remember the ultimate sacrifices made by our fathers, our brothers, our sisters, our mothers, and our children — Canada’s brave men and women in uniform. We thank those who have given up so much for our great country and continue in service for the sake of freedom, and Canada’s important role as peacekeeper throughout the world. Please join us at the Cenotaph in Museum Square for our Remembrance Day service. Ceremonies begin at 10:15 AM, and we will observe two minute’s silence at 11:00 AM. Following the ceremony, the Legion Colour Party will lead the parade back to the Branch. At the Branch, there will be refreshments and entertainment. For more information call the Royal Canadian Legion at 604-574-5300 or see their website at www.cloverdale.bc.ca/legion.
604-576-3155 604-574-9802 5748 - 176 STREET CLOVERDALE, B.C. V3S 4C8
12 The Cloverdale Reporter Thursday, November 6, 2014
Remembering Thank You tthose hose past and present, w ho h avee served a ser ed our country. countr who have
THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION
The Parade will be led by the colour parties from the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary. Sargent at Arms Comrade Barry Zuk, Parade Marshal Zone Commander Dale Johnson, Master of Ceremonies Comrade Glenn Thomson. The R.C.M.P. E Division Pipe Band will be performing during the ceremonies. The United Church Choir will perform during the ceremonies. Juan Abriel will play the last post. The fly pasts will be presented by the Harvards and the Fraser Blues flying in second world war Navion Planes. The following Cadet Corps will be in attendance. 307 RCSC Mariners, RCACS Army Cadets and a part of Seaforth Highlanders, White 907, RCACS (Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron) 2812, RCACC Seaforth Highlanders.
Following the service the Colour Party will lead us back to the Cloverdale Branch where Susie Francis and the Versatiles will be entertaining from 3:00 pm. to 5:00p.m. The Ladies Auxiliary will have refreshments on sale. A Publicity table will be available inside the Museum promoting the Royal Canadian Legion. Comrades Bonnie Mac Millan, Debbie Dickison, and Anita Lewis will be available to answer any of your questions.
Branch #6 Cloverdale
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE Tuesday, November 11th, 2014
PARADE 10:15AM Begins at the Cloverdale Legion (17567 - 57 Avenue) to the Museum Square for the ceremony.
“We as Legionnaires honour our personnel who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, and our first responders. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the families of Corporal Nathan Cirillo, and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.”
You don't have to be a Veteran to join the Legion. You must be 19 or over.
We welcome new members. 17567- 57th Avenue • Lounge: 604-574-4828 Office: 604-574-5300
Remembering the sacrifice of our local veterans
Thursday, November 6, 2014 The Cloverdale Reporter 13
Cloverdale at war Hans Helin Anderson Hans was born on June 2, 1921. He enlisted in WWII with the Canadian Army in 1942. He received training at Shilo, MB, and Debert, NS. He served with the Seaforth Highlanders in England, Sicily, North Africa, and Italy, where he was taken prisoner Hans Anderson and held for 10 months. He was discharged in 1945. Hans is a member of RCL Branch 6 Cloverdale.
later he was posted to #3 Fighter Wing in Zwiebrucken, Germany where he stayed three years before transferring to the German Air Force to service Sabre aircraft acquired from the RCAF. Two years later he was posted to Portage la Prairie to be in charge of maintenance for SST. After two and a half years Ed took his discharge and moved to Surrey, B.C., where he worked for BC Transportation as a mechanic for the next 20 years. Ed joined Legion Branch 229 in Whalley in 1968 and then moved to the now defunct Newton Branch. When that Branch closed, Ed joined Branch 6 in Cloverdale and became a member of the Colour Party. He recently retired as Branch Sergeant-atArms.
Emerson Barden Derek Cook
Born in Saskatchewan in 1923, Emerson was only 19 when he enlisted in the Army. He fought four years in the Aleutian Islands, England, and France during World War II. One of his experiences included helping liberate a concentration camp in Germany. After the war, Emerson moved to Surrey, where he married his wife, Pat, in 1948. In 2005, he went back Emerson Barden to Holland for the 50th Anniversary of that nation’s liberation and met the Queen of the Netherlands. He lives in Cloverdale, where he is a member of Legion Branch 6.
Born: April 28, 1983, Luton, England. Served with: British Army - REME Rank: Corporal He was posted with the 7 Air Assault Battalion at Wattisham Airfield for five years. He was born in Bedforshire, and enlisted in the British Army in April, 2004. He served five years as an aircraft mechanic in the UK, and did two tours of Derek Cook Afghanistan. He was discharged in 2009, and emigrated to Vancouver. He’s been a member of Branch 6 Cloverdale for three years.
Edward (Ed) Bieker
Norma Cowley
Ed was born in Engelfield, Saskatchewan in 1931. He helped on the family farm until he enlisted in the RCAF in 1950 in Saskatoon, Sask. He took basic training and trade selection in Alymer, ON, and then went to Camp Borden to train as a Safety Systems Technician, completing his course back at Alymer. After qualifying, Ed went to the RCAF Station in Greenwood, NS, where he met and married his Ed Bieker wife, Jean. Four years
Norma Cowley
Born in Winnipeg in 1925, Norma worked for 17 months as a hospital switchboard operator with the Chorley Park Military Hospital in Toronto during World War II. She stayed in the CWAC for 32 years. In 1972 Norma moved from Kitchener, Ontario, to B.C. and went to work
at B.C. Tel. She lives in Cloverdale, where she is a member of Legion Branch 6.
JENNIFER LANG PHOTO
A selection of memorabilia and souvenirs of the First and Second World Wars Royal Canadian Legion Branch 6 Cloverdale members have donated to the branch over the years.
George L. Davidge George was born in Edson, AB, in 1925 and grew up there. After leaving school, George went to Vancouver to work with the Boeing Aircraft Company at Sea Island on PBY aircraft. He eventually returned to Edson and worked in an auto shop. George enlisted in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1944 when he was 20. After basic training, he George Davidge was posted to HMCS Cornwallis, NS, for four months before joining HMCS Oshawa in Halifax, NS, and serving on the high seas during World War II. George volunteered for Pacific duty at HMCS Naden in the Esquimalt Naval Base and completed four months training before being shipped to Edmonton. He was discharged in January 1946 and worked in a hardware and sporting goods store. George and his family moved to Vancouver in 1958 and he now lives in White Rock. George is a Life Member of the Naval Vets Association and is a recipient of the Queen’s 60th Anniversary Medal. In 2014 he was presented with a medal and
certificate of appreciation for his service in WWII, signed by the Prime Minister. He is a member of Legion Branch 6 in Cloverdale.
Thomas (Tom) John Finn Tom was born in Port Credit, Ontario on February 17, 1929. He joined the army in 1951 and served in Korea with the Royal Canadian Army’s 1st Battalion. After taking his release in 1954, Tom worked with Douglas Aircraft at Malton Airport until 1959 when the Avro Arrow program was cancelled. Jobs were Tom Finn few, so Tom re-enlisted and served with the RCRs and the Army Service Corps on peacekeeping duties in Europe and Cyprus. Although he was only a Corporal, he was awarded so many medals he was given the nickname “General”. After leaving the army, Tom and his wife moved to Richmond, B.C., where he worked for the next twenty years for Wright Canadian Ropes. He joined the Legion in Richmond but transferred to Branch 6 in Cloverdale. See page 14
Thank you for your sacrifices, and for keeping Canada safe.
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Remembering the sacrifice of our local veterans
14 The Cloverdale Reporter Thursday, November 6, 2014
three years. After completing basic training, Michael was posted to the Army base in Chilliwack and took part in the corralling of the riot at the New Westminster penitentiary in 1963. He attended several manoeuvres in Wainwright, AB, and worked for three months on the Alaska Highway helping to clean up and repair the area following the explosion of a U.S. Navy munitions truck trailer going to the naval base in Anchorage, Alaska. After taking his discharge in 1964, Michael worked as an elevator technician for seven years before starting his own elevator and mechanical maintenance business. He retired after 28 years and moved to Surrey. Michael is a member of Legion Branch 6 in Cloverdale, B.C, and is a member of the Colour Party.
Gordon Kendrick
FILE PHOTO
Former Branch 6 Sgt.-At-Arms Ed Bieker and Zone Commander Dale Johnson at last year’s Remembrance Day service in Cloverdale. From page 13
He served as the Sick and Visiting Chairman and part-time Sergeant-at-Arms. He later dedicated his efforts to looking after Veterans in the George Derby Centre, where he is a most respected volunteer who truly cares for the concerns of the Veterans. His dedication to the Veterans and the Legion earned Tom a Life Membership and he has also been awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
Michael M. Faubert
Michael Faubert
Michael was born in Port Arthur, ON, now Thunder Bay, in 1939 and grew up in Beadmore, ON. He enlisted in the army in 1961 and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers for
Gordon was born in Brantford, ON, in 1933. His family moved to Kamloops, B.C., in 1943. After leaving school, Gordon became an apprentice with an auto mechanic. When he completed the apprenticeship, Gordon joined the Air Force and became a flight engineer. Gordon served as a Master Warrant Officer Gordon Kendrick in Egypt during the Suez Crisis. After a career spanning 31 years, Gordon worked for several private companies as a flight engineer. He was awarded the Peacekeeping Medal, the UN Medal for the Middle East, the Queen‘s Commemoration, and the
Canadian Decoration. Gordon is a member of Legion Branch 6 in Cloverdale.
William (Bill) Kenneth McLellan Bill was born in Fort William, ON, in 1926. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve in 1944 and took basic training at HMCS Cornwallis in Nova Scotia. He was then shipped to Naden Naval Station in Victoria for service on HMCS Uganda as an Able Seaman patrolling off the west coast. The Uganda was scheduled to leave on a training mission to South America on the day World War Two Bill McLelan ended and the mission was cancelled. In 1946, Bill was based at the Naval Radio Station in Aldergrove and was then sent back to Naval Base Naden to decommission HMCS Mastodon shortly before he was discharged. He undertook to become a lineman through the DVA and worked in many communities throughout B.C. from 1948 until he retired in 1990. Bill has been a Legion member for many years, and is presently a member of Branch 6 Cloverdale.
Edwin (Ed) Perdue Ed was born in Vancouver in 1927. He enlisted in the Army when he was 18 and took
A grateful salute to our grandfathers, fathers, brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our peace.
Thank you to our Veterans.
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Remembering the sacrifice of our local veterans
Thursday, November 6, 2014 The Cloverdale Reporter 15
his basic training in Saskatoon. In 1944, he was selected to be a Driving Training Course Instructor and shipped to Woodstock, ON. In 1945 Ed went to Newmarket, ON, for three months of training in jungle warfare. After World War II ended he was sent to Vancouver to be discharged and then worked as a machine operator with Pumps and Power Ltd. for four years. Ed worked in a dry cleaning plant from 1949 Ed Purdue until 1954 when he became an optical sales person. He went on to be involved in regional and national branch management. Ed is a member of the Cloverdale senior citizens club and has been on the club’s board of executives for 14 years and served as President for eight years. Ed is a member of Legion Branch 6 in Cloverdale.
Frank James Redekop Frank was born in Burnaby, B.C. on Nov. 9, 1965. He enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1983 in Vancouver and after basic training in CFB CornFrank Redekop wallis, NS, was posted to CFB Petawawa for further training as a member of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s). He was rotated to CFB Lahr with his regiment in 1987 and retired in 1989 because of
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. On November 11
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Thank you, Veterans and Active Canadian Forces for your sacrifices of yesterday & today.
knee problems. Frank was awarded NATO’s Special Service Medal. He is a member of Legion Branch 6 and is Branch Past President.
Lionel B. Silver Lionel was born in 1926 in London, England. When he was 16, he enlisted in the British Army and received basic training in Scotland. After taking further intensive training, Lionel saw action in Sicily, Italy, and France during World War II. His unit was sent to Normandy to secure a bridgehead for the D-Day invasion and then was sent to secure a bridgehead on the Rhine River. When the war ended, Lionel was stationed in Essen, Germany, until he was shipped to London in 1948 Lionel Silver for discharge. Shortly after his discharge, Lionel married a girl he had met in Essen and in 1969, they came to live in British Columbia. Lionel worked in carpeting and flooring until his weak knees forced him to give that up. He then went to work at the Amherst Private Hospital until he finally retired at the age of 74. Lionel is a member of Legion Branch 6 in Cloverdale. – Sources: Except for Derek Cook’s bio, these profiles came from The Military Service Recognition Books, published in various volumes by The Royal Canadian Legion – BC/Yukon Command. We are also grateful for the assistance of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 6 Cloverdale.
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Surrey Remembers Surrey residents and their families are invited to the Surrey Museum and the Surrey Archives on Remembrance Day, before and after the service at the Cloverdale Cenotaph. Both buildings flank Surrey Museum Plaza, site of Surrey’s largest Remembrance Day service and are open to the public on Nov. 11 for Surrey Remembers, an annual day of special programming, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Inside the Surrey Museum (17710 56A Avenue), children can make peaceful crafts such as tissue paper poppies, thankful artwork, or write thank you cards that will be delivered to Lower Mainland veterans and their families. • View WWII documentary videos in the Museum’s theatre. • Enjoy tunes from the Hazelmere Heritage Fiddlers.
• Watch demonstrations of weaving and spinning in the Textile Studio. See a heritage loom used to rehabilitate veterans and try your hand at weaving on the Museum’s table loom. • Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. • Attend a presentation of B.C.’s Home Front with local author Sylvia Crooks. Join us in the Archives across the plaza for these activities: View wartime documents in our reference room, and warm up with coffee and tea in the multipurpose room. On Nov. 15, the Surrey Archives hosts Surrey: 1914-1918. It’s a more detailed look at Surrey during the years of the First World War. Also, from Nov. 4 to 15, the Surrey Archives hosts Duty, Honour & Izzat, an exhibit outlining the story of 500,000 Punjabis who fought alongside Canadians in the First World War. – Cloverdale Reporter
November 11
A time to remember A time to say
Thank You
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A Time to Reflect No words can express the gratitude felt for those who gave their lives for our freedom
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Unveiling of Cenotaph on grounds of Surrey Municipal Hall, 1920.
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Remembering local veterans 16 The Cloverdale Reporter Thursday, November 6, 2014
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Remembrance takes many forms. In the summer of 2012, Mike Stuyt wrote a poem, reprinted below. He now has it on a T-shirt, pictured at right.
Why we remember They leave family at home These women and men Traveling to all four corners of this blue planet Weapons of steel and wood Cloth to bandage wounds Some to conquer, others to bring peace Uniforms to rags they suffer They do what they have been told They suffer for doing it And too many died doing it We honour them with a tear We cry for our loss Flowers to say we still remember We buy poppies to support the survivors The survivors among us we salute We listen to the past and what they have to say They walk with us Once a year we gather to remember these fallen souls Let us honour the living We pray that the number of fallen and wounded soldiers get fewer and fewer
Thank You for giving us a country full of hopes and dreams. Today and each day you are in our prayers – God Bless! CLOVERDALE 5643 - 176 Street, Downtown Cloverdale 604.574.3443
Mike Stuyt White Rock
In Flanders Fields
ON THIS REMEMBRANCE DAY
We pay tribute to those past and present who served our country with courage and compassion
Lest We Forget
g
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
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Our thoughts & prayers are with our Veterans and those Soldiers who serve bravely in Canada & abroad.
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Remembering the sacrifice of our local veterans
Thursday, November 6, 2014 The Cloverdale Reporter 17
Lest we forget. B Y C O L . J O H N M CC R E E
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Join us for one minute’s silence
Lest we forget
Remembrance Day
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