Government of Saskatchewan

Editor'sNote

At this time of the year, we take time to ponder on the great sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom during the epic battles fought in WWI and WWII. It is a sobering thought to reflect on just how much was lost by those valiant soldiers who served and all those that assisted in the war efforts, as well as contemplate on the life and freedom we still continue to enjoy, decades later. The cost of our freedom came with a bloody price and should never be taken for granted.

Threats of war and rumours of war have loomed overhead throughout the centuries, but we have not yet seen another world war declared since the end of WWII on September 2, 1945, although the escalation of tensions around the globe loom closer everyday.

It is just as imperative now to pay homage and give thanks to our war heroes, those that were lost in battle and those that still serve, as well as remember those who continue to serve others: our military, local police force, health care providers and emergency medical services. We appreciate your service for the betterment of us all.

In the pages of this Remembrance Day section, there are exceptional stories that speak of sacrifice and human loss, as well as many that highlight the resiliency of the human spirit. We would like to thank our journalist Jason Antonio for his well-researched and written contributions, as well as extend our appreciation to Richard Dowson and some of the other contributors for the content they have provided.

We could never forget to highlight the great work that our local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 does in their dedication to serving Veterans, including serving military and RCMP members and their families, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our community and our country.

Please remember to buy a poppy in support of our local Legion; donations collected during the Poppy Campaign go to Veterans and their families within our community and to help ensure Canadians ‘never forget’.

As well, make time to attend the Remembrance Day Service this year and support our local Legion.

Lest We Forget! We Will Remember Them!

Joan Ritchie, Editor Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Marching Men

by Marjorie Pickthall

Under the level winter sky I saw a thousand Christs go by. They sang an idle song and free As they went up to calvary.

Careless of eye and coarse of lip, They marched in holiest fellowship. That heaven might heal the world, they gave Their earth-born dreams to deck the grave.

With souls unpurged and steadfast breath They supped the sacrament of death. And for each one, far off, apart, Seven swords have rent a woman’s heart.

In Flanders Fields

BY JOHN MCCRAE

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.

Tragic Irony of Navy Service in World War Two Two Moose Jaw Sailors – Tragic ‘Firsts’ in WW 2

By Richard Dowson

Boy Sailor Woodward, #2938, at Esquimalt, B.C. 1937 Petty Officer Second Class, Fireman Second Class Roger Joseph Bergin, United States Navy

Able Seaman Rodney Woodward, Royal Canadian Navy Killed July 19, 1940

The First Moose Jaw man killed in action in World War Two was Able Seaman Rodney Woodward who grew up on First Avenue and graduated Central Collegiate. A Royal Canadian Navy sailor. Rodney was loan to the Royal Navy and served aboard the Fleet Tender, HMS Watchful.

Rodney and the HMS Watchful crew made several trips to the beach at Dunkirk between May 27 and June 4, 1940 saving solders.

Just six weeks later, on July 19, 1940, Able Seaman Woodward was killed when HMS Watchful was strafed by two German Messerschmit aircraft near Yarmouth, England.

The War Against Japan

Fireman Second Class, Roger J. Bergin, United States Navy, Killed in Action December 7, 1941

The First Moose Jaw man killed in action against the Japanese in World War Two was Fireman Second Class, Roger J. Bergin, United States Navy. Roger grew up on Lillooet Street, completed his elementary schooling at St. Agnes School and attended high school in Detroit, Michigan. His brothers served in the Canadian Army.

Bergin died at Pearl Harbour when his ship, the USS Arizona was sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy on December 7, 1941

Irony

Both were Moose Jaw sailors. Both were killed in action. Both died serving aboard a non-Canadian ship.