PAGE TWENTY FOUR The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015
Memories of First World War shared during presentation in Erin by Olivia Rutt
ERIN - During the First World War around eight million people lived in Canada; eight million people with different perspectives of the war.
On Oct. 29, Phil Gravelle and members of the town’s heritage committee spoke about life in Erin from 1914 to 1918 as well as local wartime newspaper coverage. Gravelle explained the local newspaper ran letters, ads and articles on life during the war, including advertisers who used the war as “commercial promotion,” letters from soldiers and calls to action by many groups. “Once the war got going there was usually two full pages of war news … it was a constant stream of news,” he said. DOUG KIRKWOOD
“There was tales of heroism, foul deeds by the enemy, glorious victories and general slaughter.” Gravelle also spoke about notable Erin citizens who enlisted, such as Sgt. Frank Belway, Arthur Berry and Hugh McMillan. Belway, who was the manager of Stanley Park, earned the Distinguished Flying Cross in WWI for flying low over enemy lines under heavy machine gun fire, to get exact information on the positioning of their troops, explained Gravelle. The night was also an opportunity for locals to bring in mementos and heirlooms from the Great War. DOUG KIRKWOOD Doug Kirkwood, service officer for the Erin Legion, has kept many keepsakes from the war, from his collection and those given to him by others. He brought in a book entitled The People’s War Book written in 1919. The book is significant because of when it was published, Kirkwood said. “In 1919, somebody published a book about the war. It’s full of pictures about the war and it’s pretty well beat up this one. It’s 1919 so that’s just after the war ended, in fact some of the troops are still overseas at that time and the Spanish flu was going full blast at that time,” he explained.
Kirkwood, who served in the Canadian Forces reserve for seven years, was a young boy in Erin during the Second World War. “I remember the war, I was young. I remember in Erin the army coming through Erin. They’d come from camp Borden … They would set up a field kitchen behind one of the houses,” he said. Kirkwood also brought a 1908 and 1915 edition of a first aid training book given to soldiers when they enlisted. DOUG FOLLETT Three service medals, obviously worn, are now behind protective plastic held by Doug Follett. The medals belong to his late father, John Follett, who served in the British Army during WWI. “He was in the rifle brigade … towards the end of the war he, for reasons unknown to me, switched to the Royal Army Medical Corps,” said Follett. A farm labourer before joining the war, John immigrated to Canada after he was de-mobilized in 1920. After the war, John was a gardener in downtown Montréal, explained Follett. His medals include the blue, white and red 1914 Star medal for those who served in France or Belgium between Aug. 1914 and Nov. 1914, the blue and yellow British War Medal for those who served in WWI, and the rainbow-
Honouring those who fought for peace “The secret of forever happiness is freedom. “We are grateful. ” The secret of freedom is brave courage” In appreciation of our Veterans who served our
In appreciation of our brave Veterans who Marymount, Guelph country. served our country from the Board of Directors, Staff & our Agency Volunteers. From the Board of Directors, St. Joseph, Guelph Staff & our Agency Volunteers. St. Mary Immaculate & St. Joseph, Elora Nov. 11th 10:30 am - Parade St. Joseph, Acton
11:00 am Cenotaph Service
Fergus Legion Br. 275
Remembrance Day Activities Sunday, November 8th
Remembrance Church Service at 11:00 a.m. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church 325 St. George St. W., Fergus
Arthur Legion Br 226 281 George St., Arthur 519.848.5052
Lest We Forget...
DOUG FOLLETT
coloured Victory Medal given to those who received the 1914 Star. Follett explained the medals were given to him by his sister - and he plans to pass them on to a new generation. “I’m hanging on to them to pass on to one of the grandchildren,” he said. Although his father did not speak about the war, Follett said he does know John was posted in Salonika, now Thessalonika, Greece, for some time. “He didn’t talk much about the war, so I don’t know much about what happened,” said Follett. CHUCK SIMPSON Sergeant at Arms for the Orangeville Legion, Chuck Simpson displayed letters between George Candlish Taylor of East Toronto and Taylor’s mother, father and sisters. Taylor was killed in battle in April 1917. Simpson’s collection includes a letter that Taylor’s mother wrote to him on March 25, 1917 - but it was returned to her with the words “killed in action” written in cursive on the front of the envelope. Simpson explained the letters are important keepsakes
that help encourage remembrance. “These are their actual words,” said Simpson of the significance of a first-person account of the war. “Some of his letters at the beginning of the war are long, but near the end it’s like ‘got to go dad, something’s going [on],’” he added. MARY BARNSTAPLE A child’s doll with a leather body, real hair and ivory teeth was owned by Mary Barnstaple’s mother. Barnstaple said her mother was six years old by the end of the war and did not have many memories from that time. She explained her mother had two brothers that left for the war and survived, and another brother who trained for the war but never ended up fighting. “It’s just a memento from my mother,” said Barnstaple. “It’s just amazing that so many people dedicated so much effort to the war and lost so many family members … “[My mother] was lucky, her two brothers came back and a third one enlisted and was in training but then the war was over.”
Thank You to the Veterans of Yesteryear & Today
Our Freedom... ...Their Sacrifice
Remembrance Service at 12:30 p.m. Belwood Cenotaph Both services will be preceded by the Fergus Legion Branch 275 Colour Party
Wednesday, November 11th
Remembrance Day Service at 11:00 a.m. Fergus Cenotaph The Colour Party will form at Fergus Legion Branch 275 at 10:00 a.m. Members welcome to march. For information regarding the Colour Party contact Conrad Sawyer 519-787-2106
Remembrance Dinner
Fergus Legion Banquet Hall Social from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker - Elsie Dandy Tickets $12 (tax incl.) Available from Ray Pearse, Executive or Bar Steward Veterans and Care Givers Dinner is complimentary (with dinner ticket) Please contact Veterans Service Officer Ray Pearse 519-843-5297 to reserve
ORANGEVILLE • FERGUS • GRAVENHURST
helping communities meet the challenges of growth and change
82 Wellington Road 7, Elora • 519-846-2636
Take time to
Remember SUTHERLAND INSURANCE since 1870
240 Victoria Rd., N., Guelph 519-822-0160 www.sutherlandinsurance.com
The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015 PAGE TWENTY FIVE
Uncovering the stories behind the names on the Rockwood cenotaph by Jaime Myslik
ROCKWOOD - GuelphEramosa heritage committee members spent two years researching and working to bring to light the lives of the soldiers listed on the Rockwood cenotaph. Gordon Carothers, Dot Daynard and Joyce Blyth, with the help of other community members and township council, spent hundreds of hours gathering, researching and editing information to publish the book Remembering the Fallen: A tribute to the soldiers remembered on the Rockwood cenotaph. “One of the things was that we really wanted to know how they were connected to Eramosa Township and there are some neat stories about factories they worked in or farms they worked on before they went over,” Daynard said. “I love those personal stories in it.” Carothers added, “The idea was to bring it to life.” The project began in September 2012 when a former principal of Rockwood Centennial Public School inquired about the lives of the 24 soldiers whose names were on the cenotaph. It was former councillor John Scott who, “picked up on the idea that we needed more research on these names and it was he who sort of ... had the ground work done and then he passed it over to the heritage committee,” Blyth said. A military contact in Ottawa researched all the names on the cenotaph in military records and passed on his findings to the committee in point form notes, including some of his own comments as well. However, the language was specific to the military and difficult for a layperson to
understand. “Unless you’re in it daily you have no idea what it’s saying, so we figured it had to be translated into plain ordinary English and also it told noth-
Carothers, the lead researcher on the project, said it was easier to track down the information for the First World War because all of the records are unsealed.
Remembering the fallen - The Guelph-Eramosa heritage committee has published a book that tells the story of every soldier on the Rockwood cenotaph. RIGHT: Committee members, from left, Gordon Carothers, Joyce Blyth and Dot Daynard spent two years working on Remembering the Fallen: A tribute to the soldiers remembered on the Rockwood cenotaph. photo by Jaime Myslik
ing about who the men were in the township,” Carothers explained. “We thought we would go through and try to identify more about the men because when you read the initial point form stuff, they’re just a series of soldiers who happen to live in Eramosa Township or were connected to it.” The committee used the military records as the seed to dig deeper and learn as much as possible about each of the soldiers and his connection to former Eramosa Township.
We Will Remember Them Sat. November 8th CENOTAPH SERVICE & PARADE Service at 10:45 a.m. Interdenominational Service at the Legion Hall at 12:00 noon.
Wed. November 11th CENOTAPH SERVICE 10:45 a.m. Erin Legion Branch 442
519-833-2212
12 Dundas St. E., Erin
Always Remember Wellington County’s Cruise & Tour Specialists
123 Metcalfe St. N., Elora | 519.846.5307
Remember the sacrifice of those who defended and all who are defending Canada, ensuring we have our freedom.
Dr. Linda Franchetto Dr. Linda Franchetto
Dr. Linda Franchetto
519-846-8400 Next to the
Next to Fax:the 519-846-8480 Grand River Grand RiverRd. 7, Unit #2, Elora 6484 Wellington Raceway Raceway www.eloragorgeanimalhospital.com www.eloragorgeanimalhospital.com www.eloragorgeanimalhospital.com
“Because all the men are dead ... the government sites do contain more information on them so you can go through Veterans Affairs and get information on them that’s more in line with their military activity,” he explained. He had access to information like war diaries, which allowed him to “go in and see regiment-by-regiment, battalion-by-battalion, day-by-day, hour-by-hour” activities of the troops. While this didn’t go into specifics about any one sol-
dier, if Carothers knew the regiment or battalion of a soldier on the Rockwood cenotaph, he could track his movements throughout the war. “And some of them, you find some very interesting, very detailed stories about how the men died,” he added. In one case, Remembering the Fallen identifies two First World War soldiers on the cenotaph who enlisted on Oct. 8, 1915 in Rockwood and their ID numbers are consecutive.
James Albert Gamble enlisted with the number 127203 and John Wilfred Oakes enlisted with the number 127204. “So there’s a good chance they knew each other,” Carothers said. “They’re both in the line-up together and signing-up in Rockwood on
the same day.” But he was unable to find any further information. For the Second World War, it was a different situation altogether. Many WWII veterans are still alive so the records are
Continued on page 30
You can make our home your home & still enjoy your freedom & independence
Traditional NOT Institutional | Respite OR Full Time Care
HILLSBURGH REST HOME To be a part of our extended family, call or visit: 82 Trafalgar Rd., Hillsburgh | 519.855.4556 www.hillsburghresthome.com
A small family home run with ...
On November 11th
We Remember John Nater Perth—Wellington
Lest We Forget H.W. NEFF DIED 5TH OF MARCH, 1945 AGE 20
They have our thoughts and prayers. War is a terrible thing, but it reminds us how fortunate we are when our loved ones are at home safe and sound. We join the rest of the community in wishing our troops safe deployment, and we thank those veterans who have gone before us to ensure our freedom. Proudly serving Centre Wellington with two newly renovated and comfortable locations. Fergus - Elora 519.843.3100 | 519.846.5352
THANK YOU to our veterans for their sacrifice. We remember the fallen and are grateful for our freedom.
29TH ARMD RECONNAISSANCE REGT.
67 Watson Rd. (at Taggart), Guelph 226-706-8922
519.848.3620 | wellington-north.com
PAGE TWENTY SIX The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015
Great War veteran Frank Lambier decorated for bravery, gallantry by Patrick Raftis
We Shall Not Forget!
Remember & Honour Our Heroes! EST. 1967 109 St. Andrew St. W., Fergus 519-843-1225 • www.ronwilkinjewellers.com
PALMERSTON - It’s not hard to see why local residents are proud of decorated First World War veteran Francis Russell Reid Lambier. Better known as Frank or “Tack,” Lambier’s record indicates he turned down promotions, risked his own life to save a wounded comrade and was decorated twice for bravery. In Palmerston, both the Royal Canadian Legion branch and, as of Oct. 23, a street in the local industrial park bear his name. According to a biography prepared by local historian Chad Martin, Lambier left his job as a printer and traveled to London, Ontario to begin training for the Great War on Sept. 21, 1915. Martin notes that numerous others from Palmerston did the same that year, with 23 enlisting. Only 12 would return home. Martin writes that Lambier excelled in training and was promoted to Lance Corporal on March 10, 1916 while sta-
May we never forget the selfless contributions of the men & women who fought for our country.
Remembrance Day Closure Town of Minto Administrative Office will be closed Wed. Nov. 11, 2015
Remember Our Veterans “Canada’s Most Patriotic Village”, recognized as such because of Arthur’s extraordinary effort in World War II. With a population of about 900, Arthur had 100 men and women in the armed forces, most of whom were overseas. We celebrate, honour, and thank our Veterans.
tioned in Guelph. In early April he sailed from Halifax to Liverpool, England on the HMT Olympic (sister ship of Titanic) where upon arrival he was assigned to further training in a reserve battalion. Lambier was attached to the 73rd Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, part of the famous Royal Highlanders of Montreal. While training, Lambier returned to
“Today the Vimy Memorial stands on the very spot Lambier and the 73rd struggled to such a victory,”
his preferred rank of private in what appears to be the result of a disagreement with another non-commissioned officer. In August, 1916 Lambier headed to the front lines in France with the 73rd. Their first taste of action came Aug. 17, when they were shelled while scouting near Ypres. Within two days of starting out for the front, the 73rd Battalion had already lost three officers and eight men, while 20 were wounded. The unit moved on to the Somme in October before being deployed ER BI M on Dec. 23rd to LA K AN FR occupy the lines
Honouring Our Veterans
We will always remember their contributions and sacrifices. WE REMEMBER THEM.
Need a hot meal? Floor swept? Transportation? Call the VON We can return the support to you and your family.
ARTHUR TRAVEL SERVICE
DECORATED Lambier receives a bar to his military medal from the Prince of Wales.
189 George St. ARTHUR 519-848-3938 1-800-665-5582 www.johnfsmithins.ca
“In the stress of battle, with the enemy’s batteries booming and death lurking ... Lambier rose to the true greatness of his heroic resolve to bring relief and assistance to a wounded soldier in the peril of his own life. His magnificent display of tenacity and courage at a critical moment has written the word ‘Hero’ in letter of fire.”
Lest We Forget Lest We Forget 519-323-4019 Birmingham Retirement Community
356A Birmingham St. E., Mount Forest
www.birminghamretirement.ca
of his own life. His magnificent display of tenacity and courage at a critical moment has written the word ‘Hero’ in letter of fire.” For his acts on that day, Lambier was awarded a bar to his Military Medal, a recognition only ever afforded to 848
War.” At the dedication of Frank Lambier Court on Oct. 23, Town of Minto Mayor George Bridge called Lambier’s performance during the Great War “an amazing example of heroic action by a Canadian solider.”
Remembrance Day is always a very important day in the life of our school, our community and our country. We remember the Canadians who served our country in war and in peace and those who serve today. THE LAMBIER FAMILY Floretta Lavina (Hollinger) Lambier and Francis Russel Reid Lambier with children(from left): Helen, Evelyn, Clarence and Earl
of the Canadians who gave their lives & futures so we may live in peace
COTTON’S AUTO CARE CENTRE (2013) Inc. Krown Rust Protection 490 Eliza Street, Arthur | 519.848.3515
In remembrance for all who have served. And those who went before us, they shall not grow old, as we grow old. We shall remember them! Thank you to all who are serving in the Forces today!
Corby Law
In support of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 of ARTHUR
519-843-4400
Insurance
B.A., LL.B., LL.M.
Arthur Public School
Students, Staff & Parents
Remember 905 Gartshore St. | Fergus 519.842.2550 www.fergusprinting.com
Wellington-Halton Hills www.tedarnottmpp.com 1.800.265.2366
1 800 551-3651
A Day to Remember
...We Remember...
TED ARNOTT, MPP
theosticgroup.com
Home Auto Farm Commercial
G. WILLIAM CORBY
On Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the Canadians who serve today, and who have served their country in battle and in peacekeeping operations around the world. We shall never forget their sacrifice.
WEAR A POPPY
181 St. Andrew St. E. Unit 3, Fergus For more info dial toll free 1.888.506.6353
other Canadians. Martin notes Lambier “showed how a small-town boy raised with a hard work ethic could have the determination to get the job done, and help his fellow man no matter what the odds. “There truly is no possible argument against why he was honoured with having the Royal Canadian Legion in Palmerston named the Frank Lambier Legion. Martin continued, “Francis ‘Tack’ Lambier holds every right to be considered a Canadian hero, and we hold every right to consider him a great part of our community; not because he fought in a Great War, but because of what he did within that Great
Canada’s Most Patriotic Village
www.arthurtravel.com
Our gratitude to veterans who have served to ensure our freedom
ognized Lambier’s “conspicuous gallantry and determination during a successful daylight raid near Souchez, Feb. 4, 1917,” which resulted in his being awarded the Military Medal for individual acts of bravery and devotion under fire. “This man was the first bayonet man of a bombing squad,” the dispatch states. “He displayed much coolness and bravery and although a bomb exploded just in front of his face, nearly blinding him, he carried on until the objective was reached. He insisted on remaining on duty after returning to our lines.” While recovering, Lambier went to a non-commissioned officer training course and was again promoted to Lance Corporal on April 7, 1917 and rejoined the 73rd. On April 9, Lambier took part in the attack on Hill 145, the highest point and most heavily fortified position along Vimy Ridge. “Today the Vimy Memorial stands on the very spot Lambier and the 73rd struggled to such a victory,” writes Martin. The 73rd was disbanded and dispersed amongst the remaining Royal Highlanders Battalions, with Lambier
transferred to the 42nd Battalion. At his own request, in August of 1917, he was demoted back to private. At Arras the 42nd was tasked with attacking and capturing a maze of trenches at Monchy-le-Preux. A dispatch on this battle recommended Lambier “be awarded for conspicuous bravery at the front - that of rescuing a wounded comrade under the deadly fire of the enemy’s batteries. “In the stress of battle, with the enemy’s batteries booming and death lurking everywhere, Pte. Lambier rose to the true greatness of his heroic resolve to bring relief and assistance to a wounded soldier in the peril
Grateful to all Veterans, Recognizing the Fallen Soldiers, Proud to be serving
170 Smith St. ARTHUR 519-848-2665
Remembrance Day
at Arras. Fighting was steady into the New Year of 1917. On Feb. 1 Lambier was among 100 men of ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies moved back from the lines to begin practice as raiding parties. “He excelled at this raiding action and it proved to be one of his shining successes,” states Martin. A dispatch dated March 26, 1917 rec-
The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015 PAGE TWENTY SEVEN
For all that happens in life ~ speak with our Insurance Specialists to get the coverage you need. Competitive rates. Multi-policy discounts.
Financial
Investment Retirement Life Planning
YOUR PARTNER IN FINANCIAL SECURITY Elora 519 846-5031 | Fergus 519 843-2540 | Guelph 519 824-3630 | Shelburne 519 925-3033
A Time to Remember! We invite you to pause with us at 11am on November 11th to observe the “2-Minute Wave of Silence” as we remember those men and women who sacrificially served their country with great courage in the wars. Our thoughts are also drawn to those men and women who are presently serving this great nation on foreign soil as well as here at home. We especially think of our own from Centre Wellington today, men and women from the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 229 – Elora and Branch 275 – Fergus. Thank you for helping us to keep alive the memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who are active today in our community supporting residents and local groups throughout the Township in significant ways. We say a humble, heartfelt thank you as we ‘remember’.
Township of Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton Councillors Don Fisher, Ward 1 Kirk McElwain, Ward 2 Mary Lloyd, Ward 3 Fred Morris, Ward 4 Stephen Kitras, Ward 5 Steven VanLeeuwen, Ward 6
PAGE TWENTY SIX The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015
Great War veteran Frank Lambier decorated for bravery, gallantry by Patrick Raftis
We Shall Not Forget!
Remember & Honour Our Heroes! EST. 1967 109 St. Andrew St. W., Fergus 519-843-1225 • www.ronwilkinjewellers.com
PALMERSTON - It’s not hard to see why local residents are proud of decorated First World War veteran Francis Russell Reid Lambier. Better known as Frank or “Tack,” Lambier’s record indicates he turned down promotions, risked his own life to save a wounded comrade and was decorated twice for bravery. In Palmerston, both the Royal Canadian Legion branch and, as of Oct. 23, a street in the local industrial park bear his name. According to a biography prepared by local historian Chad Martin, Lambier left his job as a printer and traveled to London, Ontario to begin training for the Great War on Sept. 21, 1915. Martin notes that numerous others from Palmerston did the same that year, with 23 enlisting. Only 12 would return home. Martin writes that Lambier excelled in training and was promoted to Lance Corporal on March 10, 1916 while sta-
May we never forget the selfless contributions of the men & women who fought for our country.
Remembrance Day Closure Town of Minto Administrative Office will be closed Wed. Nov. 11, 2015
Remember Our Veterans “Canada’s Most Patriotic Village”, recognized as such because of Arthur’s extraordinary effort in World War II. With a population of about 900, Arthur had 100 men and women in the armed forces, most of whom were overseas. We celebrate, honour, and thank our Veterans.
tioned in Guelph. In early April he sailed from Halifax to Liverpool, England on the HMT Olympic (sister ship of Titanic) where upon arrival he was assigned to further training in a reserve battalion. Lambier was attached to the 73rd Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, part of the famous Royal Highlanders of Montreal. While training, Lambier returned to
“Today the Vimy Memorial stands on the very spot Lambier and the 73rd struggled to such a victory,”
his preferred rank of private in what appears to be the result of a disagreement with another non-commissioned officer. In August, 1916 Lambier headed to the front lines in France with the 73rd. Their first taste of action came Aug. 17, when they were shelled while scouting near Ypres. Within two days of starting out for the front, the 73rd Battalion had already lost three officers and eight men, while 20 were wounded. The unit moved on to the Somme in October before being deployed ER BI M on Dec. 23rd to LA K AN FR occupy the lines
Honouring Our Veterans
We will always remember their contributions and sacrifices. WE REMEMBER THEM.
Need a hot meal? Floor swept? Transportation? Call the VON We can return the support to you and your family.
ARTHUR TRAVEL SERVICE
DECORATED Lambier receives a bar to his military medal from the Prince of Wales.
189 George St. ARTHUR 519-848-3938 1-800-665-5582 www.johnfsmithins.ca
“In the stress of battle, with the enemy’s batteries booming and death lurking ... Lambier rose to the true greatness of his heroic resolve to bring relief and assistance to a wounded soldier in the peril of his own life. His magnificent display of tenacity and courage at a critical moment has written the word ‘Hero’ in letter of fire.”
Lest We Forget Lest We Forget 519-323-4019 Birmingham Retirement Community
356A Birmingham St. E., Mount Forest
www.birminghamretirement.ca
of his own life. His magnificent display of tenacity and courage at a critical moment has written the word ‘Hero’ in letter of fire.” For his acts on that day, Lambier was awarded a bar to his Military Medal, a recognition only ever afforded to 848
War.” At the dedication of Frank Lambier Court on Oct. 23, Town of Minto Mayor George Bridge called Lambier’s performance during the Great War “an amazing example of heroic action by a Canadian solider.”
Remembrance Day is always a very important day in the life of our school, our community and our country. We remember the Canadians who served our country in war and in peace and those who serve today. THE LAMBIER FAMILY Floretta Lavina (Hollinger) Lambier and Francis Russel Reid Lambier with children(from left): Helen, Evelyn, Clarence and Earl
of the Canadians who gave their lives & futures so we may live in peace
COTTON’S AUTO CARE CENTRE (2013) Inc. Krown Rust Protection 490 Eliza Street, Arthur | 519.848.3515
In remembrance for all who have served. And those who went before us, they shall not grow old, as we grow old. We shall remember them! Thank you to all who are serving in the Forces today!
Corby Law
In support of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 of ARTHUR
519-843-4400
Insurance
B.A., LL.B., LL.M.
Arthur Public School
Students, Staff & Parents
Remember 905 Gartshore St. | Fergus 519.842.2550 www.fergusprinting.com
Wellington-Halton Hills www.tedarnottmpp.com 1.800.265.2366
1 800 551-3651
A Day to Remember
...We Remember...
TED ARNOTT, MPP
theosticgroup.com
Home Auto Farm Commercial
G. WILLIAM CORBY
On Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the Canadians who serve today, and who have served their country in battle and in peacekeeping operations around the world. We shall never forget their sacrifice.
WEAR A POPPY
181 St. Andrew St. E. Unit 3, Fergus For more info dial toll free 1.888.506.6353
other Canadians. Martin notes Lambier “showed how a small-town boy raised with a hard work ethic could have the determination to get the job done, and help his fellow man no matter what the odds. “There truly is no possible argument against why he was honoured with having the Royal Canadian Legion in Palmerston named the Frank Lambier Legion. Martin continued, “Francis ‘Tack’ Lambier holds every right to be considered a Canadian hero, and we hold every right to consider him a great part of our community; not because he fought in a Great War, but because of what he did within that Great
Canada’s Most Patriotic Village
www.arthurtravel.com
Our gratitude to veterans who have served to ensure our freedom
ognized Lambier’s “conspicuous gallantry and determination during a successful daylight raid near Souchez, Feb. 4, 1917,” which resulted in his being awarded the Military Medal for individual acts of bravery and devotion under fire. “This man was the first bayonet man of a bombing squad,” the dispatch states. “He displayed much coolness and bravery and although a bomb exploded just in front of his face, nearly blinding him, he carried on until the objective was reached. He insisted on remaining on duty after returning to our lines.” While recovering, Lambier went to a non-commissioned officer training course and was again promoted to Lance Corporal on April 7, 1917 and rejoined the 73rd. On April 9, Lambier took part in the attack on Hill 145, the highest point and most heavily fortified position along Vimy Ridge. “Today the Vimy Memorial stands on the very spot Lambier and the 73rd struggled to such a victory,” writes Martin. The 73rd was disbanded and dispersed amongst the remaining Royal Highlanders Battalions, with Lambier
transferred to the 42nd Battalion. At his own request, in August of 1917, he was demoted back to private. At Arras the 42nd was tasked with attacking and capturing a maze of trenches at Monchy-le-Preux. A dispatch on this battle recommended Lambier “be awarded for conspicuous bravery at the front - that of rescuing a wounded comrade under the deadly fire of the enemy’s batteries. “In the stress of battle, with the enemy’s batteries booming and death lurking everywhere, Pte. Lambier rose to the true greatness of his heroic resolve to bring relief and assistance to a wounded soldier in the peril
Grateful to all Veterans, Recognizing the Fallen Soldiers, Proud to be serving
170 Smith St. ARTHUR 519-848-2665
Remembrance Day
at Arras. Fighting was steady into the New Year of 1917. On Feb. 1 Lambier was among 100 men of ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies moved back from the lines to begin practice as raiding parties. “He excelled at this raiding action and it proved to be one of his shining successes,” states Martin. A dispatch dated March 26, 1917 rec-
The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015 PAGE TWENTY SEVEN
For all that happens in life ~ speak with our Insurance Specialists to get the coverage you need. Competitive rates. Multi-policy discounts.
Financial
Investment Retirement Life Planning
YOUR PARTNER IN FINANCIAL SECURITY Elora 519 846-5031 | Fergus 519 843-2540 | Guelph 519 824-3630 | Shelburne 519 925-3033
A Time to Remember! We invite you to pause with us at 11am on November 11th to observe the “2-Minute Wave of Silence” as we remember those men and women who sacrificially served their country with great courage in the wars. Our thoughts are also drawn to those men and women who are presently serving this great nation on foreign soil as well as here at home. We especially think of our own from Centre Wellington today, men and women from the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 229 – Elora and Branch 275 – Fergus. Thank you for helping us to keep alive the memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who are active today in our community supporting residents and local groups throughout the Township in significant ways. We say a humble, heartfelt thank you as we ‘remember’.
Township of Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton Councillors Don Fisher, Ward 1 Kirk McElwain, Ward 2 Mary Lloyd, Ward 3 Fred Morris, Ward 4 Stephen Kitras, Ward 5 Steven VanLeeuwen, Ward 6
PAGE TWENTY EIGHT The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015
A time to reflect: local woman recounts family’s proud war history by Chris Daponte
FERGUS - For Elora’s Susan Hamilton Shepherd, Remembrance Day is a time to be thankful for the sacrifices of those who fought overseas in various conflicts. “It’s just a time to remember and reflect,” she said. It’s also a time to pay tribute to her own family’s role in the First and Second World Wars.
Each year, as Nov. 11 approaches, she takes out the familiar box containing her relatives’ wartime photos, letters and other mementos, and reflects on the past. “I think of my (late) parents,” Susan said. “This time of year they kind of always kept things upbeat, but you could tell there was more to it ... there was kind of a sadness there.”
Take time to Remember Staff & Students St. John Catholic School Arthur
Commemorate Remembrance Day
Susan’s parents, Elsie Hamilton (nee Saunders) and Wilfred Hamilton, took part in the Second World War, as did three of her mother’s siblings. Her grandfather Richard “Harry” Hamilton (Wilfred’s father) fought for Canada in the First World War and her great grandfather (Elsie’s grandfather) Bernie Saunders fought in the Boer War. “I think we’re warriors,” Susan says of her family’s military history, before adding with a smile, “not by choice.” Her mother’s family was from Beckenham, in the London borough of Bromley, England. Elsie, a radar plotter with the Royal Air Force, and her siblings Charlie Saunders (Royal Engineer in the British Army), Fred Saunders (air
“That’s what happened in England - everybody had to step up to the plate.”
840 Tower St., S Fergus
Mike Brown
519-843-1365
mike@agrifarms.com Diane Gray
Real Estate isn’t Black & White, it’s Brown & Gray
Thank You Veterans
Pryde TRUCK SERVICE LTD
535 Glengarry Cres., Fergus
(519) 843-3500
force) and Daisy Saunders (army), were all part of the English forces in the Second World War. “That’s what happened in England - everybody had to step up to the plate,” Susan said. She is uncertain of the exact circumstances, but at some point during the conflict in Europe, Elsie met Wildfred Hamilton, who was fighting with the Canadian army. A Fergus native, Wilfred enrolled on Oct. 14, 1940 and fought in France, Germany,
WIFRED AND ELSIE HAMILTON
Italy and Holland. He was discharged on Sept. 17, 1945. While Susan’s parents were falling in love, her uncle Charlie was fighting in the Pacific theatre in Asia. He was eventually captured by Japanese forces. After the fall of Singapore in February of 1942, Charlie was one of many prisoners of war (POW) sent to work on the Thailand-Burma railway, nicknamed the “railway of death,” which helped supply Japanese forces in Burma. “I just can’t fathom it,” Susan said of the conditions her uncle endured. “We don’t understand it ... we have so much in [Canada], it’s hard to realize what they went through.” Letters from her uncle Charlie to her mother Elsie changed in tone over the years, from upbeat to dis-
heartened. “Don’t worry Elsie, we shall all be home again soon ... I’m still at sea. I don’t know how long for ... I shall be glad to get to where we are going ... there’s not much to write about,” Charles wrote on Nov. 28, 1941, just nine days before the official start of the Pacific War. On Sept. 13, 1945, roughly a month following Japan’s surrender, and after several years as a POW, Charlie wrote of his first plane ride and expressed regret that he missed the wedding of Elsie and Wilfred. “Dear, it is great to be free again after a long time of hell and slavery. I am alright in a hospital camp. Don’t worry,” Charlie wrote, adding his captors “have been beasts to us.” Charlie would return to England a few months later,
CORPORATION OF
The Town of Grand Valley
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Thank You Veterans
Remembrance Day Service at the Grand Valley Cenotaph November 11, 2015 at 10:30 A.M.
Proud to be part of Canada’s Most Patriotic Village ALL TREAT FARMS LIMITED 519-848-3145 7963 Wellington Rd. 109, ARTHUR
In the event of inclement weather the service will be held in the Grand River Room at the Grand Valley & District Community Centre, 90 Main St. N.
55 Minto Rd. PALMERSTON
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED FOLLOWING THE SERVICE.
519.343.5888
We will Remember them
Brenmar Transit Inc. Harriston 519.338.3336 Locally Owned & Operated!
RICHARD (“HARRY”) HAMILTON
where he started a family. Meanwhile, Wilfred Hamilton returned to Canada shortly after war, followed by his new bride Elsie, and the couple settled in Fergus. For years they were both members of the Fergus Legion. While her parents are gone, as is her uncle Charlie, Susan said her family in Elora keeps in regular contact with relatives in England. She is thankful all her family members returned home from the war, but she is also mindful of countless other families - both in Canada and abroad - that were not so lucky. Susan said she often thinks about the young soldiers who left for war and never again returned home to their loved ones. Quiet reflection will occupy a portion of her time the week leading up to Remembrance Day, but Susan also planned to take part in public services, including the Nov. 5 ceremony at the county museum in Aboyne to commemorate the war dead from Wellington County. “People gave their lives ... so others could have freedom,” said Susan. “We can’t forget that.”
“Serving Seniors Since 1968”
NOVEMBER - Honouring our Veterans
Please take time this November 11th to remember the service and sacrifice of our armed forces, past and present. They served so that we may have liberty, democracy and the rule of law.
Eden House
NURSING HOME RETIREMENT HOME “A Nice Place to Live”TM
michael.chong@parl.gc.ca
866 - 878 - 5556
519-856-4622
admin@edenhousecarehome.ca
Lest We Forget www.edenhousecarehome.ca
The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015 PAGE TWENTY NINE
Nurse Marjorie McLean served on ‘floating hospital’ in WWII by Marjorie Clark PUSLINCH - Marjorie McLean was born at Ladner, BC, on March 25, 1903. She was the second child of Duncan McLean and his wife, Margaret (née Clark) McLean of the Badenoch district of Puslinch. Marjorie was of Highland Scottish stock. Her greatgrandfather was Donald McLean, one of the first six Badenoch settlers. Her grandfather was “Little Peter” McLean, also known as “Peter the Councillor” McLean, as he was a member of Puslinch council. Her parents returned east and McLean grew up on the farm in Badenoch and attended Badenoch School. She completed grade 10 at the Guelph Collegiate Institute in 1917, at the age of 14. During 1918-19, she attended business college in Guelph. Her first job was as a stenographer and book-keeper at Harris Woollen Mills in Rockwood in 1924-25. From 1925 to 1929, she was stenographer and book-keeper with the Department of Agriculture in Milton. In 1929, McLean enrolled in nursing school. She graduated from the Hamilton General School of Nursing and received her registration on July 15, 1932. From 1932 to 1937 she was employed as general duty nurse and dental assistant at Mountain Sanatorium in Hamilton. For four months in 1937, she worked as a surgical nurse at Herman Keifer Hospital in Detroit but returned to Canada to become an operating room nurse and assistant superintendent at Essex County Sanitorium in Windsor. From 1942 to 1944, McLean was employed as first aid nurse by the Ford Motor
THE LADY NELSON
Marjorie McLean
“As well as being a terrifying nightmare, it was an adventure.” Company in Windsor. She gave up the security of this job and the comfortable lifestyle that went with it during the Second World War, when she enlisted in the Canadian forces in 1944, reporting for duty on June 15. Second Lieutenant Marjorie McLean nursed at Ipperwash Military Hospital, which was attached to the military hospital in London, Ontario. She was promoted to Lieutenant on Aug. 10, 1944. On Oct. 17, 1944, she was posted to the Military Hospital in Weston, Ontario (now part of Toronto). On May 12, 1945, she was assigned to the Embarkation Travel Unit and on June 6, 1945, she left port on the first of three trips on the Canadian Hospital Ship, Lady Nelson. Throughout the Depression in the 1930s, prior to the advent of the war, travel overseas was still largely the prerogative of the wealthy, not something a girl raised on a farm, or even a nurse, could
afford. The war brought this opportunity. As well as being a terrifying nightmare, it was an adventure. Like most Canadian and American servicemen and women, Marjorie made the most of her chance. And, she kept souvenirs. It began with letters from the Department of National Defence, verifying her enlistment and date to report for duty; then cards from her coworkers at Ford Motor Co., wishing her well when she left the company; and a typewritten list of the required items in an enlisted nurse’s outfit and receipts for purchase. The Lady Nelson was the first of a fleet of five Caribbean cruise ships known as the “lady ships,” owned by Canadian National Steamships. In March 1942, it was torpedoed and almost sunk dockside by a German U-boat in Castries Harbour in St. Lucia. The ship was raised, towed to Mobile, Alabama and refitted as the first of Canada’s two floating hospitals, the second one being the Letitia. The Lady Nelson was re-launched in April 1943. Operated by the Royal
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11th Parade 10:45am Cenotaph Service 11:00am Auditorium Service to follow
HARRISTON LEGION
6458 Wellington Rd. 7 Elora 519.846.5393
Stephen O’Donnell Construction Inc.
Canadian Navy, it was staffed with 70 medical personnel and held a surgery, x-ray equipment, autoclave facilities, pharmacy, as well as patient wards, storage for medical supplies, kitchens and dining room. Within the next three years, it transported 21,099 wounded Canadians home. While with the navy, McLean used layovers in England to see the sights, attend the theatre and make a trip to Edinburgh and Inverness in Scotland, the land of her ancestors. McLean pasted her keepsakes into a scrapbook that has survived to this day. It is a trip back in time to look through it. In April 1946, with its work completed, the Lady Nelson was transferred to repatriation duty, carrying healthy personnel home. After its war work ended, the ship continued to ply the Caribbean until November 1952 and was finally scrapped in 1968. McLean was transferred from active to reserve status on March 12, 1946. She was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and
We honour their service & appreciate our freedom 519-848-3062
Like us on Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30; Sun 11-5 519-848-2660
www.sussmansofarthur.com
Collins Barrow Wellington-Dufferin 0342 Gerrie Rd., Elora, ON, N0B 1S0
Tel: 519.846.5315 Fax: 519.846.9120 www.collinsbarrow.com
A TIME TO REMEMBER OUR THOUGHTS &
PRAYERS ARE WITH THE VETERANS
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
Please join us in a day of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.
BRUCE H. ENGLAND Funeral Director
Lest We Forget 519.323.2631 | 294 Main St. S., Mount Forest WWW.ENGLANDFUNERALHOME.COM
On November 11 Please Remember our Fallen
Date: Time: Location:
Saturday, November 7th, 2015 10:45 a.m. The Rockwood Cenotaph (at Main Street South and Guelph Street in Rockwood)
Parade participants will assemble at 10:30 a.m. at the Rockwood Post Office. The parade will proceed to the Cenotaph, which is located at the corner of Main Street South (Highway 7) and Guelph Street in Rockwood, Ontario. Residents are invited to the service at the Cenotaph which will begin promptly at 10:45 a.m. Following the service, refreshments will be served at the Church Hall at St. John’s Anglican Church (on Main Street) all are welcome. Please note, the Ministry of Transportation and County of Wellington have authorized the Township of Guelph/Eramosa to temporarily close a portion of Highway No. 7, between Fourth Line (Wellington County Road 44) to Milton Eramosa Townline in the Township of Guelph/Eramosa during the Service. In addition, there will be temporary road closures on local streets surrounding the Cenotaph during the Service. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. The Township of Guelph/Eramosa and the Grade 7 & 8 classes of the Rockwood Centennial Public School will also be holding a Service on November 11th at 10:50 am the public is welcome to attend.
A Time To
Remember & Thank Our Veterans Dr. Novak’s Family Dentistry
Thanks to Our Veterans
BR. 296 Agenda for Remembrance For more info. call 519-338-2843 or Day email: legion296@wightman.ca
Lest We Forget
294 Mill St. E., Suite 202, Elora • 519-846-9421
about 1954, she was confined to a wheelchair. Despite this, she continued to write to friends and relatives. McLean made frequent trips to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, as well as to Westminster Hospital in London, Ontario for treatment and several times was taken by ambulance in emergency situations. McLean died on Feb. 15, 1967, at the age of 64. Her war-time scrapbook is safely held in the Wellington County Archives. This is an edited version of an article by Marjorie Clark (with files from Lois McLean and The National Archives of Canada) originally published in the 2015 Wellington County History journal (Volume 28).
REMEMBRANCE DAY BANQUET WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11th Social Hour 6:00pm Dinner 7:00pm Tickets $18 each Children under 12 $9
Driving Shed & General Agricultural Buildings
ARTHUR
Clasp on April 11, 1946. In 1947, McLean developed an acute case of rheumatoid arthritis. At that time, there was little available to treat the disease, except cortisone, which had a very harsh effect on the stomach. By March 1948 the condition was considered chronic and not yielding to treatment. McLean was no longer able to work at the Ford Motor Co., where she had returned. With her brother, Peter, who was also single, and her brother-in-law Elgin Patterson, McLean purchased a house on Victoria Street in Morriston. She suffered a great deal, as the joints of her hands and feet became swollen, deformed and immobile. By
1-800-461-9701 www.pettapiece.ca
We remember all of those who risked – and lost – their lives fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today. Lest we Forget.
PAGE THIRTY The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, November 6, 2015
Local soldiers’ stories told in book Continued from page 25 sealed, meaning the heritage committee had to find alternative sources of information. For example, Carothers learned that Sergeant Donald Fraser Titt died on a plane that crashed in Cumbria in the Lake District of England. The location is now the most visited war plane crash site in Britain. “You can find out about him specifically because he was a crew member of that plane or on that plane so he’s mentioned there without going into the sealed records that the government won’t let us see until everyone from World War Two is long dead,” Carothers said. The committee also sent out an appeal for information to people in the township and four families responded. Carothers also looked up the surnames of the soldiers in the phone book and called the phone numbers hoping for a connection, and he found information for one soldier. Carothers also gained access to another soldier’s family letters and war information because the soldier was the uncle of an acquaintance. In other cases, it was near impossible to gather any additional information beyond what was in the military record. Carothers said he searched through inter-
net sites and the Wellington County Archives garnering whatever information he could. In each case where Carothers researched and found new information about a soldier, he tried to confirm that information in at least two other records. “I tried to find preferably three data sources for each
design was carefully thought out by the committee. “I wanted a black border because traditionally in Victorian times and Edwardian times the black border was for a death notice, so that’s why the black line,” Carothers said. Blyth suggested the bright red poppy to add a pop of colour and the deep symbology of the flower.
“These men fought and died for our country and township, the least we can do is fund this book which brings their stories to life.” - MAYOR CHRIS WHITE
item to confirm that that was what went on,” he explained. “You’re trying to cross reference it to make sure it’s as good as you can get.” Mark Hunt of the GuelphEramosa fire department has an extensive collection of photos from the Second World War. He supplied the majority of the photos from that war for the booklet. “They had a board made up there of the [soldier’s] names and their ranks and their photographs, so Mark gave me the originals that he had,” Carothers explained. Even the book’s cover
“We were also lucky and very proud of the council and township; you’ll notice in here there’s no names, no political statement, no politician writing anything, no mention of that and it was all funded by the township,” Carothers said. Mayor Chris White added, “These men fought and died for our country and township, the least we can do is fund this book which brings their stories to life.” Remembering the Fallen: A tribute to the soldiers remembered on the Rockwood cenotaph is available for free at the Guelph-Eramosa office in Brucedale.
Stumpf, Mack among ‘the fallen’ memorialized (Robert) John Stumpf Robert Stumpf was born in Milton in 1893, the son of Robert Reuben and Margaret Annie Stumpf (of Rockwood). The family later moved to Rockwood. Prior to volunteering for overseas service, Stumpf worked as a clerk and had served three years in the Infantry. He volunteered for overseas service in Guelph in January 1915. Private Stumpf was initially assigned to the 9th Reserve Battalion on Aug. 27, 1915 for basic training. He was subsequently transferred to the 34th Reserve Battalion and then the 10th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment). Records indicate he arrived in France at Le Havre on March 17, 1916 and on May 16 he was treated for influenza. After recovering, he rejoined the 10th Battalion. On Sept. 27 Stumpf was admitted to a field ambulance station suffering from wounds. According to the Official Canadian War Diary he died the next day. He is buried in the Contay British Cemetery in Somme, France.
BORN: May 2, 1893 ENLISTED: Jan. 16, 1915 DIED: Sept. 28, 1916
Gordon Earl Mack
BORN: April 28, 1925 ENLISTED: Aug. 14, 1943 DIED: Feb. 21, 1945
Gordon Earl Mack was born in 1925 to George Ernest and Jennie May (nee Lillie) Mack of Eramosa Township. In 1943 he enlisted with the 11th Field Regiment (Artillery) in Guelph. On June 26, 1944 he embarked for England from Halifax. He was later assigned to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Regiment which was involved for months in the liberation of the Netherlands. His letters home mentioned grim conditions at the front. In the final days of Operation Veritable (Feb. 8 to 21, 1945), his regiment was involved in exceptionally heavy fighting. Trooper Gordon Earl Mack was killed in action on Feb. 21, 1945 near the town of Keppelen, Germany. In a letter to Mack’s parents, his Captain spoke highly of Mack and described how his four-man squad was advancing along the side of a road when they were hit by an artillery shell. Mack was initially buried in the village of Louisendorf and later reburied in the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands.
Wellington Advertiser Remembrance Day feature ad
REMEMBRANCE WEEK Place a Tribute Candle for the 475 Names of the Fallen from Wellington County Tuesday, November 10 at 5:30 pm
Candles will remain lit through to November 12.
Tour our First World War exhibit: Far From Home, A Soldier's Life at the Front, 1914-1918 In observance of Remembrance Day Museum and Archives is closed on Wednesday, November 11
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Wellington County Museum and Archives is located on Wellington Road 18 between Fergus and Elora T: 519.846.0916 x 5221 TOLL FREE: 1.800.663.0750 x 5221 www.wellington.ca/museum
ALTERNATE FORMATS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
1/2 page ($934.08) - 6 columns (10.25 inches) X 8 inches tall - 3 columns (5.042 inches) X 16 inches tall