D ay
MONDAY, NOV.11, 2024
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
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.
Pictures for this supplement were provided by the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives and by family members.
Honouring Lloyd Fairley: Merritt’s own soldier who gave his life for Hong Kong
Lloyd Fairley, the son of Jack and Helen Fairley, was born in Merritt around 1920.
He grew up and went to school here in town, and even earned himself a reputation as a very fine hockey forward.
He was listed as being the youngest player on his team, and yet could still play like a veteran player with blinding speed.
Not only that, but he also competed at a high level at the local Catalonian Games and even performed as a tap dancer and singer here in town.
After graduating from school Fairley became a telegrapher for the Kettle Valley Rail section of the CPR Railway and spent some time working in different KVR cities over the next few years.
However, at the outbreak of the Second World War, Lloyd enlisted as a signalman, eventually becoming a signalman for the Winnipeg Grenadiers in 1941.
In Fall 1941 under the cover of darkness, the Winnipeg Grenadiers set sail from Vancouver and landed in Hong Kong to became a part of the defenses for the city should the Japanese ever decide to attack it.
Coinciding with the attack on Pearl Harbor the day prior, the Japanese launched an invasion of Hong Kong on Dec. 8, 1941.
The British had massively underestimated the threat the Japanese army poised to Hong Kong, believing in their ability to defend the city.
It would end in a catastrophic defeat for the British, approximately 4,500 were killed or wounded and a further 10,000 men were
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‘In Hong Kong, China, his body lies’
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captured when the call to surrender was finally given on Dec. 25, 1941.
Lloyd Fairley was listed as one of the first Canadian casualties of the Battle of Hong Kong, having sustained an injury near the start of the battle.
However, for the next year, this was the last bit of information the Fairley’s received on their son from the government.
For months, Jack and Helen Fairley did not know if their son had been killed or was now a prisoner of war. It wouldn’t be until Jan. 6, 1943, that they finally received word that he had been killed in December 1941 during the attack on Hong Kong.
On July 1, 1946, a ceremony to honour the Canadians who died in defense of Hong Kong was held at the Stanley Memorial Cemetery where Lloyd Fairley is buried.
David Hogg, who reportedly knew Lloyd Fairly quite well attended the ceremony.
In 1950, on the anniversary of his death, the Merritt Herald printed a poem written by his family honouring Lloyd Fairley.
“In Hong Kong, China his body lies / In a lonely grave, ‘neath foreign skies / But memories are ours, to cherish yet / Loves greatest gift, remembrance.”
Nicola Valley men of the No. 7 Company of the Canadian Forestry Corps. The back row from left to right is comprised of Frank Dunnigan, Bernard Dunnigan, Archie Allan, Gordon Cameron, Tom Rodgers, Matt Ovington, Bill Dobbie. The middle row from left to right is comprised of Bob Hooper, Ray Fairley, Ernie Gavelin, Jim Kinnear, Captain Martin, Jack Greenwood, Hugh Campbell, Bob Walker, Edward Beckman. The front row from left to right is comprised of Kelly Clark, Tom Sanderson, Jim Maxwell, Paddy Kearns, Bob Fairfoull, Derry Ewart. Photo/Nicola Valley Museum & Archives
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Merritt dances in the streets as war ends
At 7:15 a.m., May 7, 1945, the people of Merritt woke to hear the shriek of the fire siren echoing throughout the city.
But the people of Merritt knew it wasn’t a fire, they had been waiting for this siren for a while.
The declaration of the end of the war in Europe had been expected for several days and this siren was alerting the people of Merritt that it had finally arrived.
Soon after, whistles from the local sawmills began to chime in, cadets on bicycles began riding through the streets, spreading the news that there was no school that day, for it was a day of celebration.
By 8:30 a.m., the celebration was in full swing. Mary Moyes told the Merritt Herald in 1982 that they remembered seeing people leave their work and begin to dance along Quilchena Avenue.
That night a parade started off from the old city hall down to the I.O.O.F. Hall, followed by a bonfire, a dance, and singing. Gloria Capp recalled visiting Merritt that night and recounted seeing groups of people driving up and down the streets singing, holding their hands high with the “V finger sign” or “peace” sign that was popularized by Winston Churchill.
The following day was the official VE Day, where a parade of groups led from city hall to the cenotaph where the flags of Canada, the US, China, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom were all on display.
were sung by church choirs and addresses were given some of the various clergymen. City clerk Agnes Dunnigan placed the wreath at the cenotaph. By noon the celebration gathered again at the I.O.O.F. Hall to hear the address from King George VI. The following day, businesses and schools reopened as normal.
Meanwhile, for those fighting in Europe it was a different experience. Dave Shuter was stationed at Apeldoorn in the Netherlands when news came down that his tank had been taken away.
Shuter and his men were held up in a trench and less than 1000 yards away he could see the helmets of German soldiers held up in their own trench.
Shuter and the other men went into the nearest town to celebrate, but unable to find any alcohol, toasted the victory with some juice.
Gaylord Blankenship was also stationed in the Netherlands when the news came down, he recalled that the soldiers were still quite careful as boobytraps left by retreating German soldiers were still out there. Blankenship recalled that there wasn’t much of a celebration, but he did recall standing around a bonfire drinking the beer that had been sent over from England for the occasion.
There was celebration as he returned to Canada however, at all stops across Canada there were celebrations and especially once he got back home to Merritt he celebrated with his friends and family.
Songs
Cameron Bridge NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
Smitty Bent and Dave Shuter
Gerrard, Charles, Bernard, Urban Guichon
Fred McDougall Gaylord Blankenship
Fred Geater
Elva & Sam Reid
George Hunter
George Kinvig Gordon Curnow
Eric Munro
Ernie Sing
Fabian LaRochelle Faye Gay Frank Archer
Alec McIvor, John (Tona) Garcia, Camp Borden, Ont. c. 1940
Smith Bent & tim Voght
Phillip, Willfred, Leo Boulanger
Melvin (Buster) Curnow
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Jessie Maxwell
Jack Lockhart
James Alexander Hogg
Jim Maxwell, Doug Maxwell, Ben Shaw Don Peerenboon
David Hogg
Charlie Stirling
Tona Garcia
Donna McLeod Dorothy Langstaff Earl Walker
Cecil Hunter
Chubb Kirby
Dave Forsythe
Charles Howse
Richard Jackson Sr. Don Faulkner Dave Shuter
Cecil Grinstead
Richard Jackson Jr.
David Moyes Denis Curnow Des Vicars
Dick Goodall
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Nellie Blankenship
Oliver Lindley Nelson Atkinson
Paddy Stirling
Norman Rogers Pat Carr
John Linney
Keith Huston
Johnny Curnow
Ken Berkley
Joseph Coutlee aka Young Joe
Ken Fairley
Jack Shaw
Jim Cartwright
Leslie Gerrard
Mae Elliott Lloyd Barrett
Major Harold Mathews
Lloyd Fairley
Matt Hogan
James Edward Dunnigan
Peter McDonald
Ralph Graham PTE J. McNaney
Ray Fairley
Rab Williamson
Ray Riley
Jim Moyes Jr.
Smitty Bent and Dave Shuter Gerrard, Charles, Bernard, Urban Guichon
Joe Quinville
James S. Moodie Stan Pattinson Ian Urquhart Roy Brown
Willie Fountain
Pete Meckler Cyril Cartwright
Mel Woodford Mike Bob
Kenneth Duncan Ellis & Lloyd Hoyne Ellis Norman and Allan Dixon Brothers Bill and Archie Allan
Mr. Mingay Russel Eagles
Paul Yemstrowsky
Robert Harold Hooper
Percy Joe
Erik Sigurd and Thorald Teit
Herman Earnshaw Hugh Vicars
George B. Armstrong
George Hogg
George Hazlehurst
Roberta Mathews Birk Geofrey Curnow
Bill Berkley Bart Dodding
Gordon Geater
Harold Mosley
Harold Hunter
Frank Dodding Fred Dodding Fred Gay J.J. Johnston Jack Ewart
6 returned men L-R: Ken Moyes, Gordon Cameron, Percy Boyd, Maurice Hunter, Billy Drybourgh, Ronnie Laidlaw
Henry Abel Birdie Alice Clarkson
Ralph Hack
George Cressy Jr., Lawrence Smith
John Dalton
Gilbert Woods
Thomas Rodgers
SSgt. Emmanuel McGee
Gord McDonald Sterling, Frederick Albert
Carl Mierau Pvt. Henry Swakum
Tommy Williams Walter Forsyth
Pvt. Henry Swakum & Friends
Archie York by the Ship Majestic
Stanley Reginald Smith Ted Taylor Teddy Gerrard
Barney Stirling Austin Williams
Bernard and Frank Dunnigan
Brian Dustin
Harold Newman Harry J. WinnyHarry Purvis
Earnest Sowerby
Jack Veale James Moyes Senior
Archie York by the Ship Majestic
William J. Koller
Austin
Bill & Jim Dunnigan
Bernard
Harold Newman
Harry J. WinnyHarry Purvis
Earnest Sowerby
Jack
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Henry Abel Birdie Alice Clarkson
Ralph Hack
George Cressy Jr., Lawrence Smith
John Dalton Carl Mierau Pvt. Henry Swakum
Tommy Williams
Walter Forsyth
Annie Lauder
Alec Cousin Jr.
Billy McLeod
Bill Palagain Bill Voght
Archie Hardy Sr.
Allan Leonard
Alexander Watson Lonie
Antoine Moses
Tom McGrath
Alphonse Garcia
Allan Eagles
Archie Allan
Andy Garcia
Alan Leonard Albert E. (Dick) Stapleton
Al Hartwell
Henry Castillou Henry Koller
Henry Ralph Blumenauer
Eddie LaRochelle
Edna Rawlings
Elizabeth Chaster
Elmer (Shorty) Jensen Reg Eagles
Robert Charters (Seated)
Jim Hardy
Cacuse Garcia
Ignatia (Lanigan) Grams
Jack Geater
Bertie Ware Ken Moyes
Les and George Griffiths
Joan Iver Hendy Archie McDougal
Gerrard, Charles, Bernard, Urban Guichon
J. Koller
Veterans find healing through axe-making
Veterans from across B.C. had a weekend getaway to forge axes, connections and camaraderie.
On the weekend of Oct. 26 and 27, the Veterans Artist Collective hosted an axe forging weekend for veterans at the Honour Ranch, located near Ashcroft.
From punching and drifting the axe’s eye to forging, grinding and tempering the blade, veterans had an opportunity to build resilience and their community through blacksmithing.
William Steed, the blacksmith that runs the program in partnership with Chris Hennebery from the Veterans Artist Collective, said the idea for the program came three years ago.
“Three years ago we did our first axe working and it was a success … they’re just a lot of fun,” he said. “We get a group of veterans and serving members together and it’s good for them, people get a lot out of it. They’re pretty impressed with themselves that they can pull something like this off, it’s good for their mental health.”
For Steed, programs like this allow veterans to connect with each other and create a sense of community among themselves.
“I think a lot of guys will tend to self isolate almost and they get in their own head a lot of cases and they’ll let past traumas or difficult situations that they were in get the best of them,” he said.
“Getting guys out, getting them active, teaching them new things to do and giving them some confidence goes a long way towards their mental health.”
With the military community being a brotherhood, Steed said that there is a lot of adjustment once you leave the career.
“I know I went through it and everybody I’ve ever talked to went through it, because these are your brothers and sisters and it can be very difficult for a lot of people,” he said. “So getting them out into a group of fellow veterans like this, we immediately have a common ground and everybody seems to get along really well.”
Steed, who is also a veteran, said there is a sense
Laísa Condé editor@merrittherald.com
Photos/Laísa Condé
HonouringourHeroes. Their courageand sacrifice willalwaysberemembered.
of pride after serving for the Royal Canadian Navy.
“It was a long time ago but the values and the work ethic that I learned in the military, I carry with me every day. I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that I don’t think about my military career or some of the things we’ve done,” he said.
“You’ll jog your memory of a situation or a place that you were and you find yourself thinking back to those times, you’re always coming back to it.”
Scott Case is one of the few veterans that participated in the axe forging program. Case, who served in the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps for 10 years, said he was motivated by Hennebery, whom he has worked with before, to participate in the veteran’s axe forging program.
“When we’re working together, we can try and increase veteran awareness of this program, so that they can find wellness and get back out into the community and enjoy See SACRIFICING Page 31
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Sacrificing yourself for others
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something new and different, getting hands-on experience,” he said.
For Case, being a veteran is an act of selflessness.
“I did what I did for the country so that other people wouldn’t have to,” he added.
Case has seen first-hand some of the challenges that veterans face while trying to fit back into society.
“They face issues of alienation on their own, they’ll often regress and they’ll stay out of society because they don’t feel they fit in anymore,” he added. “All of us are cut from a different cloth. We’ve seen a lot of things that most civilians don’t see, so it changes our lives.”
He highlighted the importance of events that are focused on rehabilitating veterans into their communities.
“Coming out to events like this gets us back into the community, even if it’s our own community,” Case said. “It still gets the guys engaged and taking care of themselves.
“If I could get more people to do stuff like this or the other venues that are out there for veterans it would be nice. There’s fly fishing, there’s equine therapy, there are so many different avenues that veterans can come out and be engaged again.”
Case emphasized the importance of Remembrance Day to him personally.
“Leading up to Nov. 11, I’m always thinking about, you know, my great grandfather, my grandfather, uncles, who all served in the First and Second World War,” Case said.
“It’s never about me, it’s always about the sacrifices that everybody else has made so that I’m still here, I’m alive. So I appreciate those men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.”
During Remembrance Day, Case reminds everyone to take some time and listen to what veterans have to say.
“Take the time to listen to veterans’ stories, especially the more senior ones that are coming to the end of their lives. Those stories are so important to keeping the memory alive, so that we don’t continue to make the same mistakes that were made in years past.”
Another veteran present at the program was See HONOURING Page 32
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Honouring those who passed
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Bill Hares, who served as a communications’ technician for the Canadian Armed Forces.
“For the last 10, 12 years, I’ve been a woodworker but then I heard about this (program) and well I thought that would be something different, a different set of skills,” he said. “I found out today that it’s a lot more arm strength than I thought, but it sounded like fun.”
Hares feels fondly of his time in the military.
“I enjoyed it, it was a career that I made friendships that I’ll have for the rest of my life,” he added. “Been in places that I would never visit normally. It started off as a job and turned into a lot more after that.”
He reflected on the importance of Remembrance Day and connecting with other veterans.
“I have friends, my wife has friends that are no longer with us. We honour them,” Hares said.
“There’s so many mixed feelings I have on what’s important when it comes to Remembrance Day. I remember my friends, and support those who are still doing their job and try not to cry.”
Saturday,November11 -10:50am LayingofwreathsattheCenotaph attheMerrittCivicCentre
Ceremonytotakeplaceoutsidethis yearand everyone invitedtoattend. Therewillbebarricadessetupsothatimmediateareaaround cenotaphis clearandthestreetwherecolorpartymarchesisleft clear Businesses,organizationsandindividuals maylaytheir ownwreathsthis yearif theywishtodoso.TherewillbeanopenhouseattheLegionLounge afterceremony. Everyoneis welcometoattend. Businesses,organizationsandindividualswishingtopurchasea wreath pleasecalltheLegionat250-378-5631oremailLegion096@outlook.com
REMEMBRANCE DAY
First World War Veteran Ralph Hodgson inspired a generation of war amputees
The War Amps
Ralph Hodgson (1895-1948) lived by the motto inscribed on his tombstone: “It’s not what you have lost that counts but what you have.” These words defined his life’s work, as he dedicated himself to ensuring that his fellow war amputee veterans could thrive despite their injuries.
Hodgson, a law student when the First World War began, quickly enlisted with Toronto’s 24th Battalion. In April 1917, he was wounded during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, resulting in the amputation of his right leg below the knee.
Hodgson became a founding member of The War Amps, an organization established over a century ago by amputee veterans of the First World War. Their mission was to unite, support and advocate for the rights of amputee veterans.
These First World War veterans played a pivotal role in welcoming and mentoring a new generation of amputees returning from the Second World War, helping them adapt and sharing their hardearned wisdom.
Hodgson was perhaps best remembered for greeting hospital ships as they returned with injured soldiers from the Second World War. His presence offered encouragement to these young men, helping them come to terms with their amputations and motivating them to move forward.
Cliff Chadderton (1919-2013), a Second World War veteran who lost part of his right leg in Belgium in 1944, vividly
recalled Hodgson’s unforgettable impact. “Our joy at being home was mingled with a bit of apprehension,” said Chadderton. “Then a strange and wonderful thing happened. Into the ward bounced Ralph Hodgson. Swinging between a thumb and a forefinger was a miniature artificial leg. Not only did Ralph walk, spin and dance, but he finished up by jumping off a waisthigh table.”
As The War Amps first Dominion Placement Officer, Hodgson travelled across Canada, tackling the challenge of unemployment for amputees from both world wars. “He kept plugging away until all amputees from the wars had found jobs, which Ralph thought should be rightfully theirs,” Chadderton noted.
For his remarkable efforts, Hodgson was awarded the Order of the British Empire, a distinction given to civilians who contributed to the war effort by supporting veterans and their families.
“Mr. Hodgson showed other war amputee veterans that their amputations wouldn’t hold them back from succeeding in life,” says Rachel Quilty, a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program. “He’s remembered not just for securing jobs for amputees, but for giving them the confidence and strength to persevere.”
Today, Ralph Hodgson Memorial Park in Port Hope, Ontario, stands as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary commitment to Canada’s war amputee veterans.
INDEPENDENTLIVING
Rachel Quilty, a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, pays tribute to Ralph Hodgson at Ralph Hodgson Memorial Park in Port Hope, Ontario. Photo/The War Amps
Sigurd Teit was a decorated soldier who spent most of his life in Merritt, even winning the Citizen of the Year award in 1992. He is one of the founding members of the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives. Photo/Nicola Valley Museum & Archives
REMEMBRANCE DAY
First poppy presented to Vietnam War veteran
“It’s an honour to be a veteran and serve the country I am from,” Richard Jackson Jr. said.
The First Poppy Ceremony in Merritt marks the start of Poppy Week, a tradition observed across Canada to honour veterans and raise funds for their support.
In Merritt at 10 a.m. on Oct. 22, Legion president Arlene Johnston put the First Poppy on Vietnam War veteran Richard Jackson Jr. “It’s a tradition right across Canada, and everybody’s got a set time and date to do it,” said Legion president Arlene Johnston. “All the poppy money we collect in Merritt stays in Merritt, and it’s for our veterans.”
Jackson expressed the significance of the event. “It’s an honour to be a veteran and serve the country I am from,”
said Jackson. “We always look forward to Nov. 11, we call it Remembrance Day here, and in states, we call it Veterans Day.”
Poppy boxes will be available at local businesses, including No Frills, Walmart, and Save-On-Foods, and residents are encouraged to support the initiative.
Johnston invited citizens to join the Legion and stay involved in their community year-round. “Support us and get involved in your community,” said Johnston.
“Always remember your forefathers, your grandfathers. November 11 is a special day all over Canada and the United States,” said Jackson.
TheScw’exmxTribalCouncilwantstoexpressonbehalfofallCanadiansourPrideinthishistory. Historyisimportant,thehistoryaboutNativeveteransandtheplacetheyservedwithhonor anddistinction,homeandabroadinthetimeofwarandinkeepingpeace. Morethan200CanadiannativesoldierswerekilledordiedfromwoundsduringtheSecond WorldWar.Nativesearned aminimumof18decorationsforbraveryinaction. Theyparticipatedineverymajor battleandcampaign.Oneachoccasionour soldiers overcamechallengesandmadeimpressivesacrificesandcontributions tohelpournationrestoreworldpeace.Inordertofightforourcountry,ourNativeVeterans hadtogiveuptheirNativeStatusontopoftheultimatesacrifice. Maywebringhomethesehistoricmemoriesofourancestorsandelders aswehonortheNativeVeteranstoday...
Thesepicturesrepresent just afractionofour NativeVeterans
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Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96’s president Arlene Johnston presented Vietnam War veteran Richard Jackson Jr. with the year’s first poppy. Photo/Herald file.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Merritt soldier’s legacy at Juno Beach
Leo Francis Boulanger was born in Merritt on May 15, 1920 to Evelyn and Wilfred Boulanger. He was one of thirteen children with six brothers and six sisters.
He was raised here in Merritt, completing school up to Grade 11, working in the grasshopper control before leaving to work at the mill at Youbou on Vancouver Island.
On January 8, 1942, Leo enlisted to fight in the Second World War. He listed his preference as being in the RCAF but ended up as a member of the Canadian Scottish Regiment.
He went through basic training at Fort Garry in Manitoba completing basic training in 46 days, in completing his basic training his military efficiency was listed as “fairly good” and his conduct as “good” and was also noted to “have possibilities”.
Private Boulanger then spent the next year stationed around British Columbia before being shipped overseas in September of 1943.
On June 6, 1944, Private Leo Boulanger was one of 14,000 Canadians who crossed the English Channel in the early hours and landed at Juno Beach during D-Day, the allied invasion of occupied France.
Unfortunately, Leo was wounded in the fighting and laid unconscious in a field hospital for three days before succumbing to his wounds and passing away on June 9, 1944, joining the 340 Canadians who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the invasion. He is buried at the Bretteville-Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, south of Caen in Northern France.
Cameron Bridge
NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
Bill Dunnigan, a pilot officer during the Second World War poses next to a Tiger Moth plane. Photo/Nicola Valley Museum & Archives
War veteran reflects on 25 years of service
Laísa Condé editor@merrittherald.com
At 91 years old, Merritt resident Cliff Cooper has lived through decades of history, much of it shaped by his own experience in the military.
A veteran of the Korean War, Cooper’s life has been a testament to duty, sacrifice, and resilience. He joined the Canadian Army at just 17 years old, eager to serve his country during a time of great global turmoil.
“There was nothing back in the day. There was no work, no nothing. So the best place to go was the military,” Harrison recalls.
“I joined in 1951 and the Korean War was on.”
He spent the next 25 years in the military, with much of his service spent in various posts around the world, from the cold, rugged terrain of Korea to missions in Germany, Cyprus and other places in Europe.
“I enjoyed (my military life). It was good,” Cooper added.
After 25 years of service, Cooper retired, but the experience of military life stayed with him.
Now, as a senior, Cooper is often found reflecting on some of the things he wishes the younger generation knew.
“I’d like to see more young people in the military career,” he said. “I served with lots of natives and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. They were good guys, we got along pretty good.”
For Cooper, on Remembrance Day, he urges for Legions and other veterans to get more involved in the Legions.
“The Veterans Affairs and the Legion are the ones that look after you when you get out,” he added. “They need to look after veterans, because a lot of them are sleeping on the streets right now because of the government.”
Cliff Cooper’s dedication to his country and his comrades has left an indelible mark behind, and his legacy continues to inspire those who hear his story.
We holddeartoustheeffortsand sacrificesourheroeshavemade,that anappreciationofthevaluesthey foughtforwillliveoninallCanadians.
The picture shows the B.C. Horse Batallion Merritt Major H. H. Mathews to the second right, Jimmy Smith, William Veale, Siderfin, and Cambell back in 1912. Photo/Nicola Valley Museum & Archives
REMEMBRANCE DAY
