Lest We Forget
Kerrobert’s surviving WWII veteran
JohnTomecek of Kerrobert is one of the few remaining WWII veterans; he will soon celebrate his 102nd birthday on November 28. Premier Scott Moe sent John a certificate congratulating him on his upcoming birthday. John moved into Kerrobert’s longterm care facility on September 7 of this year. Prior to that, he had lived in Pioneer Haven since August 9, 2015.
His son Glen, also a resident of Kerrobert, said his dad keeps his mind active. “He watches Jeopardy every chance he gets. He’s pretty sharp for being 102.” John also enjoyed Facebook and YouTube.
John was born on a farm near Glenside, Sask. on November 28, 1919. He enlisted in the army in Regina on March 12, 1942, at the age of 18. He was a private with the Prince Albert Volunteers and Moose Jaw Kings Own Rifles Regiment. He took six weeks of basic training and was accepted in the military band as a bandman.
granted to any rank in the Naval, Military or Air Forces of Canada who voluntarily served on Active Service from September 3, 1939, to March 1, 1947. John has been a member of the Kerrobert Branch No. 88 for many years.
After the war, John moved back to Glenside, where he became an elevator agent. He met his life partner, Marjorie, and they were married in Saskatoon on a cold day in February 1948. Their first years of marriage were spent in Glenside, Sask. In 1966 they moved to Kerrobert, where he has resided ever since. He has two children and two grandsons and is a retired UGG elevator agent.
Glen said his dad was also an amateur radio operator and fixed radios and televisions for many years. “He also made a lot of friends while working at the grain elevator. He pretty much outlived most of them,” he said.
John and his wife were both members of the Legion and attended all the Legion activities, volunteering throughout the years. His wife passed away in 2014.
He was discharged in February 1946 and received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, which is
His son Glen said his father went from Prince Albert to Vernon, and ended up on Vancouver Island. The army discovered John had musical ability and appointed him as bandmaster acting Lance Sergeant with pay during the last year of his service in Canada. Glen said his dad learned how to play the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and piano while in service and entertained the local troops. After the war, he played in a few local bands.
John’s musical aptitude was recognized and enhanced during his time as bandmaster in WWII; his love of music lives on to this day. “Every Saturday, there is a polka fest on cable that he enjoys watching,” his son Glen said. “He amazes me every day.”
John Tomecek of Kerrobert received a certificate from Premier Scott Moe congratulating him on his upcoming 102nd birthday, which he will be celebrating on November 28.
John Tomecek when he was in the army.
JOAN JANZEN
YOUR SOUTHWEST MEDIA GROUP
No public Remembrance Day service this year for Kerrobert
BY BOBBI HEBRON Kerrobert Recreation Director
Halloween brought us many great costumes, happy kids, good visiting and no tricks! One may think that the lack of tricks was due to the concern of a toilet paper shortage, but I’d like to think that we have put that behind us!
Covid Guidelines
The Government of Sask current Covid guidelines have not changed in the last few weeks. They remain as follows
1. Masks must be worn at all indoor public spaces unless:
a. Under 18 years who are actively eating, drinking or participating in sports.
b. Over 18 years who are actively eating or drinking.
c. Over 18 years and organization has implemented a proof of vaccination or negative test requirement. This is up to each organization to monitor.
i. This includes the Kerrobert Tigers, the Kerrobert Ice Dawgs and the Mighty Ducks recreation hockey teams, the Kerrobert Curling Club, the Kerrobert Shuffle Club and the Walk this Way organization.
ii. Over 18 years must wear a mask during public skate time as there is no organization in charge to ask for proof of vaccination.
2. A proof of vaccination or negative test policy will be implemented for public access to the Kerrobert Museum, Courtroom Gallery, Kerrobert Double Take Out Lounge and all public events held at the PCC. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the proof of vaccination or negative test requirement.
Kerrobert Memorial Arena
Without the RAGE team we have more open ice slots than previous years however three AA teams have helped to fill the extra time. Renting our ice is an important part of covering our expenses but not the only means to bring in revenue; thanks to our billboard advertisers, provincial grants and our supportive surrounding RM’s, including the RM of Progress, Oakdale and Mariposa, we can continue to operate our facility. Be sure to check on the online calendar on the Town of Kerrobert website to see the current game schedule.
If you are interested in joining the Men’s Curling, starting a Women’s league, a Mixed league, Seniors league, or Family league, we need to hear from you so we can find out the interest in running these programs. Please contact Mark Neumeier at 494-7356 or Brennan Murphy at 834-7044 or Drew Heidt at 8347780 if you are interested in learning more.
Kerrobert Library, Courtroom Art Gallery & Museum
The Kerrobert Courthouse Restoration Society and Town of Kerrobert are currently looking for donations to replace the front entrance stairs. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far! For more information or to make a donation, contact the Town of Kerrobert at 834-2361.
Prairieland Community Center
Walk this Way has started at the PCC and runs every Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 – 11:00. This program is free to everyone thanks to Sask Lotteries and is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to stay active throughout the winter by walking at the hall. Please call the Rec Office if you are interested in hearing more! The Shuffle Club has also started and they are looking for new members! If you are interested in joining, please call the Recreation office and we will pass your name onto the organization. They play Monday afternoons in the basement of the PCC. There are two big public events coming up at the PCC including the Winter Market on Nov. 17 and the Town Christmas Party on Dec. 3. Both organizers are very busy with preparations and the events will no doubt be enjoyed by many!
Every year, The Royal Canadian Legion conducts the Poppy Campaign, along with thousands of Legion members who volunteer from coast to coast to coast, to raise funds in support of Veterans and their families. Poppies are distributed freely, but generous donations are invaluable. Kerrobert Legion Branch #88 members will pick up the poppy boxes following Remembrance Day and they wish to thank everyone for their support year after year. The poppy campaign has consistently run in Kerrobert since 1926 and despite not holding a public Remembrance Day service this year, the tradition of Remembrance will continue, and Canada’s Fallen will not be forgotten. The Kerrobert Legion Branch #88 encourages all residents to observe a moment of silence on November 11, to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Sask Health Line – 811
211 Saskatchewan – 211
(National Indian Residential School Crisis Line & other Mental Health Services)
Farm Stress Line - 1-800-667-4442
West Central Crisis Center – 1-306-463-6655
West Central Crisis (after hours) 1-306-463-1860 (24 hour line)
Kerrobert Food Bank 306-834-5294 or 834-8292
Kerrobert KidSport – 306-834-2344
Recreation on call phone – 306-834-8355
Kerrobert Food Bank NOVEMBER 9th DATE ONLY
Please call 834-5389 or 834-5056
at 306.834.2361 or email: kerrobert.admin@sasktel.net
Tara Neumeier, Chief Administrative Officer
100-year anniversary of the poppy
Did you know people started wearing poppies a hundred years ago, in May of 1921? Poppies grew on the battlefields around gravesites after the end of the First World War. The poppy pin became an international symbol of remembrance after the Royal British Legion was founded.
In late 1914, the fields of Northern France and Flanders were once again ripped open by guns blazing and fighting. Once the conflict was over, one of the only plants to grow was the poppy, a perennial plant.
A French woman named Anna Guerin championed the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, resulting in the Royal British Legion ordering 9 million poppies in 1921 to use
for fundraising. In 1922 a British army officer established the Poppy Factory in Richmond, England, where disabled former soldiers made silk poppies. To this day, the factory employs disabled veterans producing wreaths for the Royal family and Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.
Many history buffs credit Canadian surgeon and soldier John McCrae for popularizing the poppy when he wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields” during World War I. Canada became the first country to support the poppy as a symbol of remembrance on July 6, 1921.
In November 2021, the Royal Canadian Legion distributed 20 million traditional poppy pins across Canada. The poppies aren’t sold but are offered for distribu-
tion or donation. No dollar value is placed on the poppy; instead people make a donation, and the funds raised are used locally.
In recognition of the 100th year of the poppy, the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) has made available a commemorative coin from the Royal Canadian Mint, a stamp from Canada Post, and the Legion has unveiled a digital art initiative called “The Immortal Poppy.”
Approximately $17 million is raised every year in Canada through the Legion’s poppy campaign. This year a replica of the original cloth poppy pin from the First World War has been produced. It is very different from the lapel poppy of today and is made available this year as a special commemorative item.
Hall!
LUSELAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Back row (Left to Right)
Garrett Flueny, Jayden Olfert
Matthew Siwak (Lieutenant)
Steven Meissner, Brenden Obrigewitch Devon Townsend Front Row (Left to Right)
Nick Anderson Brad Galbraith (Captain)
Matthew Rumohr (Chief)
Missing:
Randy Gottfried, Brian Gottfried
Matthew Thrun, Garret Walford
Christopher Brost, Kevin Sloboda
Austin Gleave, Adam Franko
The Kerrobert Courthouse Restoration Society presents 2021 FESTIVAL OF TREES LIGHTING IT UP
Neil Kennedy, Koby Reiber
Thursday, December 2 nd
Keagan Bazylinski , Kirk Meyer
Shane Bardick
Trees on Display from 2:00-8:00 PM (can view after this date during Town Office hours)
DODSLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
From left to right
Library Open from 2:00 - 8:00 PM for Take and Make Kits for Kids/Teens/Adults. There will also be treats.
FREE Public Skating from 2:00 - 4:15 PM
Fire Chief Vic Sittler, Shane Kruesel, Jarret Johnson, Deputy Chief Grant Sittler, Deputy Chief Grant Christison, Michael Bowden.
TOBOGGANING (weather permitting) from 3:15 - 5:30 PM Beside Courtyard and Rink.
Hot Dog Sale from 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Missing:
Courtyard Will Be Lit Up at 6:00 PM Covid
Steven McMillan, Caleb MacDonald, Cory Turk, Dean Ellis, Devon Lovenuk, Jordan Halter, Kaid Hoffman, Patrick McGrath, Ryan Neumeier, Trent Nienaber, Travis Kennon
Tyler Srigley, Ryan Webber
The Legion’s 100 year anniversary commemorative poppy.
JOAN JANZEN
YOUR SOUTHWEST MEDIA GROUP
OPINION
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
Injustice is like a grain of sand
“History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.” - Sydney J. Harris, an American journalist who lived from 1917 - 1986.
As Remembrance Day dawned, I listened to a number of Holocaust survivors tell their stories. A male survivor recalls attending his first day of school in 1934, at which time Hitler had been in power for a year. From that time forward, privileges were taken away from the Jewish people. They were prohibited from going to any public facilities such as theatres, restaurants and even some grocery stores.
“I saw one movie by the time I was 18 years old,” he recalled. Within a few years, he wasn’t allowed to attend school and high school graduates were forbidden from attending university.
“After 1936, Jews were not allowed to use public transportation, and it became im-
possible to have a normal life,” he said. They were unable to congregate in groups and were forced to wear a star, which was sewn on to their clothing. They were labeled as “traitors”.
Jews experienced censorship and were not allowed to have newspapers or radios, so there was no access to communication from the outside world. On November 9, 1938 “all hell broke loose” he said, as stores and synagogues were set on fire. This survivor said, “Everybody felt it was their patriotic duty to report Jews for small infractions, even children. There was no court that would uphold your rights.”
Air raids took place twenty-four hours a day, but Jews were not allowed access to bomb shelters. People huddled in shelters would not let any Jews in.
Hedi Fried is another survivor who had been telling her story for thirty years. “In the beginning people didn’t want to listen to what happened,”
the woman said. She eventually became a psychologist, and reminisced about growing up in a small town, living peacefully with all kinds of minorities, but things quickly changed.
“An injustice is like a grain of sand in your hand. You can’t feel the weight of it,” she said. “But injustices have the tendency to multiply. As long as life isn’t at risk you continue; you live with it. But injustices become more and more, and in
the end you can’t bear it. That’s why it’s important to act while there’s still time. And if one compares then to the present, there are so many similarities.”
Looking at the world she experienced déjà vu. “What I see is small, and the things that I once saw are big. There are so many similarities and it could happen, maybe not the same way,” she mused. “What is true has become a lie. Is it true that Auschwitz never happened?” After the war, elementary students in Germany were not taught about the camps.
Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New York Historical Society, said “Anti-Semitism was introduced at the earliest possible moment in the education of children.” Eventually people became desensitized and even the most well-meaning people thought comparing Jews to a poisonous mushroom seemed normal. She noted the goal of Nazi propaganda was to demonize Jews and to create a climate of hostility and indif-
ference toward their plight. As early as August, 1920, Hitler compared the Jews to germs, stating that diseases cannot be controlled unless you destroy their causes.
One survivor said he tells his story so it won’t happen again. But he also said, “People are cruel. They want to have their own way and it can happen if condoned by politicians. The only message I have to give anyone is to be on guard.”
Survivor Hedi Fried observed, “It may look terrifying but we can’t be scared. Take the bulls by the horns; fight against it.”
She sited education as a long term solution, noting young people need to learn how to be more active, to be there for each other, have more empathy and hopefully have a moral compass.
I’ll let you pause and reflect on these stories which were told decades ago. Lest we forget and allow history to repeat itself.
On October 26-29, the Kerrobert SLC spearheaded their annual “We Scare Hunger” Food Bank Drive for the local food bank. The staff and students of KCS have brought in 181 items and were able to deliver those items last week. Way to go!
We will remember them.
We salute those who fought for our freedom so we may live in peace.
This special edition of The Chronicle is dedicated to the men and women from our region that so bravely served our country. Some of them paid the supreme sacrifice. They were more than soldiers, they were sons and daughters, husbands and fathers. They came from towns and hamlets that are no longer. We can never begin to repay them, but we can remember them, every ONE of them.
Private Howard Roy Prescott Army
Kerrobert, Saskatchewan
Died: November 1, 1944
Commemorated at Bergen op Zoom Canadian war cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Howard Roy Prescott (b.1921) was KIA 19441101, the day before his 23rd birthday, at Oude Molen and is buried at Bergen op Zoom Canadian war cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. His parents Fred Joseph and Ellen Christina (Oberg) Prescott came from Deerwood, Crow Wing Co., Minnesota, in 1917. Howard was born at Kerrobert and farmed with his family before being called up for NRMA training at Regina early in 1943.
Kerrobert, Saskatchewan Died: July 20, 1941
Commemorated at Agira Canadian War Cemetery, Italy
L9905
Private (Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps) Denys Richard Duckett (b.1922) of Kerrobert died 19430725 of wounds incurred three days earlier and is buried at Agira Canadian war cemetery, Enna, Sicily, Italy. He was the son of Richard and Margaret Joyce Duckett. Denys was born at Garmston, Shropshire, England, and came to the Kerrobert area with his family at the age of four. He was farming when he enlisted at Saskatoon late in 1941. His family returned to Shropshire after the war.
Rifleman Herbert Hubert
Hugo Hilbach Army
Kerrobert, Saskatchewan
Died: April 22, 1945
Rifleman (Regina Rifles) Herbert Hubert Hugo Hilbach (b.1915) of Kerrobert was KIA 19450422 at Groningen during the liberation of the Netherlands and is buried at Holten Canadian war cemetery, Overijssel, Netherlands. Herbert was the son of William and Wilhelmina (Salzwedel) Hilbach, a German couple who came to Saskatchewan via the United States and homesteaded SE36-35-23-W3 north of Kerrobert. Herbert was farming when he enlisted at Regina early in 1942. His younger brother Rudolph also served overseas in the Army.
Rudy signed up in the army on November 19, 1941. He was only 20 years old. He was enlisted with the British Columbia Dragoons, an army tank regiment.
He served in Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and North Africa. He was assigned to a tank regiment on the front lines.
From a letter sent home at Christmas time, 1943, Rudy was in North Africa. He makes mention that the people don’t wear shoes there, and also that he was so thrilled to be able to pick oranges from the trees in an orchard not far from where he was stationed. He says the first morning he awoke early at 5:00 a.m. and snuck down the road to the orchard and filled his kit bag. He also mentions in this letter to his parents, that there was lots of dates, figs and lemons. He goes on to say, that he really didn’t care for the country, but that it was a great experience.
Your West Central Voice The Chronicle The Oyen Echo
Position: Industrial Mechanic
Overview:
Upon his discharge March 8, 1946, when he returned to civilian life, he married Margaret Bosch, and with the help of the VLA (Veteran’s Land Act) they purchased land south of Smiley, Saskatchewan. Together Rudy and Margaret raised six children on their farm.
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Teine Energy Ltd has an immediate position opening for a full time Industrial Mechanic for the Kindersley Area. The successful applicant will report directly to the Maintenance Foreman.
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• 9 days on, 5 days off (Minimum 9 hours/day)
• Minimum 5 Years of maintenance and mechanical experience
• Journeyman in heavy duty, gas compression or automotive an asset as well as pump maintenance andoverhaul experience
• Basic computer skills required with good understanding of Microsoft Office
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Please apply online by November 21, 2021 and submit your resume to www.teine-energy.com/careers
We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted. A detailed job description will be given if contacted for an interview.
3000, 520 – 3rd AVENUE S.W., CALGARY,
Private Denys Richard Duckett Army
Rudolph (Rudy) Schmidt Royal Canadian Air Force
We will remember them.
Norman MacKenzie was born in Gairloch, Scotland, July 3, 1891. He came to Salvador, Saskatchewan, where his sister and brother-in-law Christina & Alex Fowler had a homestead. Norman joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Regina on June 3, 1916. On June 9, he had a medical exam at Camp Hughes, Manitoba. He was noted as being 5’9”, 150 pounds with fair complexion, brown hair and blue eyes, and was declared fit for service.
He was assigned to the 195th Battalion, 15th Reserve as a Private. The 195th Battalion became the 5th Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment. He sailed for England from Halifax on October 31, 1916, and arrived in Liverpool on November 11. He was “taken on strength” of the 32nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force and then the 15th Reserve Battalion on January 4, 1917.
He arrived in France on March 5, 1917, and joined his unit in the field on April 5. The following description of the Battle of Vimy Ridge is from Pierre Burton’s book “Vimy”:
“On April 9 at 6:00 AM, 49,000 Canadian troops left their trenches to attack Vimy Ridge. The 5th Battalion (Saskatchewan Regiment) formed part of the 2nd Brigade, under the 1st Division. An ordinary Private carried a rifle, 120 rounds of ammunition, two mill bombs, five sandbags, forty-eight hours’ rations, a waterproof sheet, gas mask, smoke helmet, a ground flare, a filled water bottle and pick and shove. The equipment weighed at least 40 lbs.
line, was assigned the longest advance of the Vimy
Private Norman, Mackenzie Army
Salvador, Saskatchewan
Died: Apr 28,1917
Commemorated at Vimy Memorial, France
“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.”
– John McCrae
Inscription – His name as it is inscribed on the Vimy Memorial (2010). Over 11,000 fallen Canadians having no known place of burial in France, are honoured on this Memorial.
Ridge attack, over 4,000 yards. They advanced up the ridge through driving wind, snow and sleet until they had taken almost the entire crest by mid-afternoon. The 5th Battalion reached their objective, and by 2:00 PM, Canadian soldiers held Vimy Ridge. The battle left 3,000 Canadians dead and another 7,600 injured”.
On April 28, the 1st Division was assigned to capture what was known as the “Arleux Loop.” The following account is from Norm Christie’s book “For King and Empire”:
“The 5th attacked to the north of the village. At 4:25 AM, they advanced through uncut German barbed wire into the village. By 6:00 AM, Arleux was completely in Canadian hands. One thousand Canadians were killed, wounded or missing during the action”.
That same day it was reported from the base that Norman MacKenzie had been killed in action. He had served with his unit for 23 days in the field. He was 25 years old. His mother was awarded his medals and decorations, the British War Medal, Victory Medal, and a plaque, scroll, and Memorial Cross.
As there is no known grave, he is commemorated by name on the Vimy Memorial in France as well as by name on the Luseland cenotaph. His family placed a plaque in his memory on his family’s gravesite in the Salvador cemetery in 2016. His name is also inscribed on page 285 of the Book of Remembrance of the First World War in the Memorial Chamber of the Parlia
Sergeant Ronald Everett Cunnings
Royal Canadian Air Force
Major, Saskatchewan
Died: Feb 29,1944
Commemorated at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery, United Kingdom
Submitted by Barb Fowler, great niece of Norman
Murray Stewart Dewar
Royal Canadian Air Force
Dodsland, Saskatchewan
Died: January 11, 1943
Commemorated at Hoosier Cemetery
Murray Stewart Dewar, born July 2, 1920 at Dodsland, Saskatchewan, grew up on the family farm in Hoosier, Saskatchewan. After completing his education at Hoosier High School in 1939, Dewar worked on the family farm for a year before working at the Kerr-Addison Gold Mines in Virginiatown, Ontario as a miller. Following enlistment at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan October 4, 1941, Dewar served with the Royal Canadian Air Force (Per Ardua Ad Astra) attached to No. 10 Service Flying Training School at Dauphin, Manitoba as a Sergeant during the Second World War. Under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Dewar attended No. 2 Initial Training School before advancing to No. 15 Elementary Flying Training School, both in Regina, Saskatchewan, learning navigation and training on Tiger Moth and Fairchild Cornell aircraft. Dewar transferred to the No. 10 Service Flying Training School at Dauphin, Manitoba where he flew Harvard and Cessna-Crane aircraft. On January 11, 1943, Sergeant Murray Stewart Dewar died during an instrument training test when his Cessna-Crane crashed north of Ashville, Manitoba. A student pilot and in only his fifteenth month with the Royal Canadian Air Force, Dewar is commemorated at Hoosier Cemetery, Saskatchewan. Son of James S. and Ruby Doris (nee Taylor) of Hoosier; brother of Charles Donald, Gordon Taylor, Mildred Doris, Julene Mary, Claire Elaine and Lois Audrey; he was 22 years old. Citation(s): War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.
We
Royal Canadian Air Force
Dodsland, Saskatchewan Died: December 16, 1943 Commemorated at Harrogate (Stonefall), Yorkshire, England
James MacKay, born April 13, 1920 at Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland, came to Canada with his family in June 1925, settling in Saskatchewan as homestead farmers. MacKay completed his education at Viewfair School at Dodsland, Saskatchewan in 1936 before working as a farm labourer on the family farm at Dodsland. Following enlistment at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan December 28, 1942, MacKay served with the Royal Canadian Air Force attached to the No. 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron (On Wings of Fire) as a Flying Officer (Air Bomber) during the Second World War. Part of Bomber Command’s No. 6 (R.C.A.F.) Group and based at RAF Lintonon-Ouse, Yorkshire, England, the squadron flew Lancaster bombers in bombing raids over France and Germany. On December 16, 1943, Flying Officer (Air Bomber) James MacKay died after his Lancaster bomber crashed in bad weather at Yearsley, North Yorkshire following a raid on Berlin, Germany. He is commemorated at Harrogate (Stonefall), Yorkshire, England, on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall, Nanton, Alberta and on the Dodsland Memorial, Saskatchewan. Only son of James Donald and Catherine (nee Campbell) MacKay of Dodsland; brother of Elizabeth and Kate MacKay; he was 23 years old. MacKay Lake, near Thompson Lake, Saskatchewan is named in his honour. Citation(s): 19391945 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, General Service Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Flight Sergeant John Palmer
Royal Canadian Air Force
Dodsland, Saskatchewan
Died: September 1, 1943
Commemorated at Poix-de-Picardie Churchyard, France
William John Poulin of Dodsland, Saskatchewan served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War as a Flight Sergeant Navigator attached to #158 (R.A.F.) Squadron. The squadron took part in many major raids on naval and industrial targets, including the first 1,000 bomber raid, as well as minelaying operations. Poulin was killed in action September 1, 1943 when his Halifax aircraft crashed in France, due to enemy action, while engaged in night operations to Berlin, Germany. The son of Skinner Poulin, a businessman from Dodsland, William John Poulin was 21 years of age and is commemorated at the Churchyard at Poix-de-la Somme, Somme, France.
July 5, 1943
at Cassino Memorial, Italy
Frank Theodore Peter Netzel served as a Private with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, 9th Field Ambulance during the Second World War. He was killed in action when his Red Cross ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea enroute to the invasion of Sicily, July 5, 1943. Private Netzel has no known grave, he is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy. Of the 49,261 members of the Commonwealth forces who died in the fighting in Italy, nearly one-tenth have no known grave. The 4,054 names recorded on the Cassino Memorial include those of 194 Canadians. Frank was the son of Theodore J. and Stella Netzel husband of Mabel Cecilia Netzel and father of Kenneth of Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan; he was 29 years old. Prior to enlisting in the army Frank worked as a Section Hand with the CNR in Blue River, British Columbia and Mount Netzel northwest of Blue River was named in his honour.
Flight Sergeant William John Poulin
Royal Canadian Air Force
Dodsland, Saskatchewan
Died: September 1,1943
Commemorated at Poix-de-Picardie Churchyard, France
William
John Poulin of Dodsland, Saskatchewan served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War as a Flight Sergeant Navigator attached to #158 (R.A.F.) Squadron. The squadron took part in many major raids on naval and industrial targets, including the first 1,000 bomber raid, as well as minelaying operations. Poulin was killed in action September 1, 1943 when his Halifax aircraft crashed in France, due to enemy action, while engaged in night operations to Berlin, Germany. The son of Skinner Poulin, a businessman from Dodsland, William John Poulin was 21 years of age and is commemorated at the Churchyard at Poix-de-la Somme, Somme, France.
Sergeant
Sergeant James MacKay
Private Frank Theodore Peter Netzel Army Dodsland, Saskatchewan Died:
Commemorated
Gunner Nelson Steele Allcock Army
Kerrobert, Saskatchewan
Died: July 20, 1941
Commemorated at Dodsland, SK
L255 Gunner (2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery) (Nelson) Steele Allcock (b.1918) of Kerrobert died 19410720 and is buried at Brookwood military cemetery near Woking, Surrey, England. Allcock was a despatch rider and died at Lewisham hospital two days after his motorcycle collided with a bus. Steele was born at Pasqua (east of Moose Jaw) to Thomas Everet and Ethel Beatrice Allcock, attended Avoca school, and had just started farming on his own when he enlisted at Regina in 1940. Thomas homesteaded SE16-17-24-W2 northwest of Belle Plaine before resettling just west of the Ermine siding southeast of Kerrobert.
Flying
Officer
Robert Donald Keith Hanbidge
Royal Canadian Air Force
Kerrobert, Saskatchewan
Died: January 8, 1945
Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial near London, England.
Keith Hanbidge (b.1921) of Kerrobert was KIA on January 8, 1945. Hanbidge’s Lancaster failed to return from a night raid on Munich. Keith was a student when he enlisted at Saskatoon in 1941.
He was the only son of Robert Leith and Jane (Mitchell) Hanbidge. R.L. (Dinnie) Hanbidge QC (1891-1974) was lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan 1963-70. He was born in Bruce Co., Ontario, to parents who hailed from Wicklow, Ireland. He came west in 1909, articled with F.W.G. Haultain and settled at Kerrobert in 1914. Hanbidge was a Conservative MLA 1929-34 and a federal candidate in 1945. Dinnie acquired his unusual nickname while playing with the Regina Rugby Club, forerunner to the Roughriders.
Flying Officer
Donald Kenneth Robertson
Royal Canadian Air Force
Edmonton, Alberta Kerrobert, Saskatchewan
Died: Nov 2,1942
Commemorated at Monachorum Cemetery; Devon, England
Donald Kenneth Robertson was born May 20, 1919 at Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, the only son of Kenneth and Florence Wilhelmina “Wilma” (nee Coe) Robertson, and brother of Margaret Elizabeth Laura, Dorothy Wilhelmina, and Alex Roberta Robertson.
Raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Donald joined the 19th Alberta Dragoons under the Non-Permanent Active Militia in 1935 and completed his early education at Garneau High School in 1938. While studying commerce at the University of Alberta, Donald joined the Cadet Officer’s Training Corps in 1938 and trained at the Royal Canadian School of Cavalry as a Lieutenant in 1939 before enlisting at Edmonton November 4, 1940.
Commissioned August 8, 1941, Donald served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War as a Flying Officer attached to No. 175 (R.A.F.) Squadron (Stop at Nothing). Based at RAF Harrowbeer, Devon, England with 121 Wing and the Second Tactical Airforce, the No.
175 operated Hawker Hurricane, taking part in airborne operations during the D-Day Allied landings in Normandy in June 1942 and in attacks on enemy shipping.
On November 2, 1942, Donald Kenneth Robertson died after his Hawker Hurricane aircraft dove into the ground during a canopy exercise at Elverton and crashed near Tavistock, Devon, England. Donald was 23 years old. He is commemorated at the Buckland Monachorum Cemetery, Devon, England.
Citation(s): 1939-1945 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, General Service Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp
Major, Saskatchewan Cemetery. PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
Monument at Kerrobert Legion Hall
Warrant Officer Class II
James Joseph Zunti
Royal Canadian Air Force Luseland, Saskatchewan
Died: Nov 23,1943
Commemorated at Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery , Germany
James Joseph Zunti, born February 2, 1916 on the family farm near Luseland, Saskatchewan, completed his early education at Deer Lodge School near Luseland in 1930. He studied at the University of Saskatchewan School of Agriculture in 1939 before going into partnership with his father on the family farm. Single and living on the family farm, Zunti enlisted at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan June 4, 1941. Zunti served with the Royal Canadian Air Force attached to No. 50 (R.A.F.) Squadron (Sic Fidem Servamus) as a Warrant Officer Class II (Air Gunner) during the Second World War. Operating with No. 5 Group Bomber Command, the No. 50 Squadron flew Avro Manchester and Avro Lancaster aircraft on night bombing offensives over Germany from RAF Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, England. On November 23, 1943, Warrant Officer Class II (Air Gunner) James Joseph Zunti died after his Lancaster crashed following a night raid on Berlin, Germany. Shot down outside of Berlin, Zunti is commemorated at the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. Eldest son of Jacob and Maria ‘Nettie’ (nee Bründler) Zunti (died 1928) of Luseland; stepson of Paula Josephine Zunti of Luseland; brother of Anna, Gordon, Edward, Mary, Bertha, Jacob, Wilfred and Eliza Zunti; half-brother of Hedwig Paula and Fridolin Martin Zunti; he was 27 years old. Zunti Lake, Saskatchewan is named in his honour. Citation(s): 1939-1945 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
We will remember them.
Luseland Veterans
Killed in Action - 1914 to 1918
Walter Boulton
David Gordon
George Gordon
Harry Hoddinott
Bert Mathews
Rupert Nelson
Walter Penrice
John Philips
Killed in Action - 1939 to 1945
Kenneth Aldridge
Jack Coady
Allan Creighton
Keith Danielson
David Gillingham
Robert Land
Lawrence Marshall
Lawrence Ryan
Tony Siegel
James Sim
Everett Bates
Doug Bell
John Bineider
Mary Bineider
Walter Boulton
Bob Bruton
Andy Budd
Henry R. Budd
Mike Busch
Bert Callum
Archie Campbell
J.D. Campbell
R.A. Campbell
Jack Coady
Nelles Culp
Edwin A. Danielson
Keith Danielson
R.J. Davidson
R.A. Dixon
Nick Dvorak
William Eby
Alex Engelhart
David Eurich
Glenn Ferguson
John Ferguson
Margaret (Ferguson) Honeker
James Finley
Adam Flahr
Alex Gerlinsky
Adam German
Bill German
Gilbert German
John German
Mike German
Gerald Gerrard
Lawrence Gerrard
David Gillingham
Dr. E.R. Graham
Robert Haugen
John Herner
Flight Lieutenant Robert James Land
Royal Canadian Air Force Luseland, Saskatchewan Died: Jan 14,1945 Commemorated at Oldenzaal Roman Catholic Cemetery, Netherlands
Memories of WWII veteran Ralph Hamel
BY JOAN JANZEN
Lucille Knorr of Kindersley received the surprising news that a book had just been published about her dad’s WWII bombing mission. After a time lapse of 75 years, this certainly was unexpected news. After all, Ralph Hamel had passed away in 1968.
The book is called - Luck is 33 Eggs - Memories & Photographs of an RCAF Navigator. It’s written by WWII navigator Robert J. Middleton (better known as Bob), and co-authored by his son Dan Middleton.
The title - Luck is 33 Eggs was chosen because after each of the crew’s 33 night raids and debriefing, each crew member feasted on one real egg (which were rationed) along with bacon. It was considered very lucky to return and enjoy their breakfast.
Lucille received the sad news of Robert Middleton’s recent passing on Wed., Oct. 13, 2021, at age 98. His son Dan said Robert, “broke the surly bonds of earth”, to navigate among the stars in heaven that he had trusted many years ago.
Bob Middleton lived in Scarborough, Ontario up until his passing. Lucille discovered Bob had been a member of her dad’s bombing crew, along with five other men. The remaining crew consisted of Ray Rose from Victoria, B.C. - bomb aimer, Don Rambough from Gananoque, Ont. - pilot, Jack Cornock from Torontorear gunner, Ken Smith from Windsor, Ont. - wireless operator, and Art Morency, from Montreal - flight engineer. Ralph Hamel was the mid-upper gunner, the only crew member from Saskatchewan, and by far the eldest member, at the age of 37 years.
A “crewing up” assembly was where the crews were formed. About 75 to 80 guys, all with different trades, gathered inside a huge hall, and the fellows were told to find crew partners. It took five minutes to choose who they wanted to spend the rest of the war with, but they would soon become like a band of brothers. This 7-man crew began doing raids together in August of 1944.
In the book, Bob expresses his surprise that Ralph, as a Saskatchewan wheat farmer from Rose Valley, with a wife and five kids managed to get into the RCAF. Although farmers would have been considered as an essential service, Ralph obviously was willing to put his life on the line for the war effort.
Ralph and his wife Evelyn’s family would eventually include nine children: Sheila Deschner, Lucille Knorr, Moira Trevalean, Dave, Ron, Royal and Alvin. Sheila Deschner, Ron, Don and Roger are now deceased. A few years after the war ended, the family moved to the Coleville - Kindersley area.
Lucille was the sibling who received a text from a cousin asking her to send her contact information, which was then forwarded to Bob Middleton. Shortly afterward, Lucille received photos of her dad’s war time efforts, and was told about the recently published book. Robert’s son, Dan, offered to send her and her family members copies.
There were more pleasant surprises in store for Lucille! She and her son Wade, who resides in Ottawa, travelled to the Trenton Air Force Museum this past July, where they met with Dan and Robert Middleton.
“It was a blessing from God to me,” Lucille said. “It reached a hand out from the past and brought my daddy alive again.” She was also pleased to see her father honoured in this way, since he had not received an honour guard at his funeral because he wasn’t a member of the Legion.
It also brought back many memories for Lucille, even though she was a young pre-schooler when her dad was in the war. “My mom seemed to sense when my dad was on a bombing raid, because she couldn’t sleep,” Lucille recalled. “I slept with her. I was only four, and I’d wake up at night and she’d be crying, but I didn’t let her know I was awake. The next morning she would hear Lorne Green’s voice on the BBC news saying his squadron had been on a raid. You had to have a licence to have a battery operated radio at that time and you saved your battery for morning broadcast so it would last.”
Lucille’s family had a constant reminder of the war nearby. “Our area was a training centre for fighter pilots,” she said. “We listened to them all day. It was entertainment for us as kids, but it must have been a sad reminder for my mom.”
Ralph and his crew completed their last mission on Feb. 27, 1945. The pilot of each crew had to complete
35 missions for the crew to finish their tour. Until December of 1944, crews were required to complete 30 missions on a tour, but this increased to 35 at that time. This crew had completed 33 missions together and their pilot had completed 35 operations. When the war ended, Lucille’s dad was home on furlough; she will never forget the joy everyone experienced that day!
Flight Sergeant Raymond Ranger
Royal Canadian Air Force
Coleville, Saskatchewan
Died: October 4, 1943
Commemorated at Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium
Raymond Ranger, born October 20, 1921 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, completed his education in Kindersley in 1937. Working on his father’s farm near Coleville, Saskatchewan, Ranger enlisted at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan July 7, 1941. Ranger served with the Royal Canadian Air Force attached to No. 427 (Lion) Squadron (Ferte Manus Certas) as a Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator) during the Second World War. Part of No. 6 (R.C.A.F.) Group, Bomber Command, the No. 427 flew Wellington and Halifax bombers from RAF Leeming, Yorkshire, England. On October 4, 1943, Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator) Raymond Ranger died during air operations to Frankfurt, Germany when his Halifax bomber failed to return to RAF Leeming. Ranger is commemorated at Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium. Son of Ralph and Hortense (nee Bourgon) Ranger of Coleville, Saskatchewan; brother of Robert, Alfred, Gaston and Real; he was 21 years old. Ranger Lake, along the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan border is named in his honour. Citation(s): 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Photo of Robert Middleton, Lucille Knorr and her son Wade Knorr meet at an outdoor restaurant in Trenton.
Pilot Officer Keith Thomas Bielby Air Force
Kelfield, Saskatchewan
Died: Aug 17,1944
Commemorated at Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, England
Private Anton Reiter Army
Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan
Scott, Saskatchewan
Died: Nov 24,1943
Commemorated at Tramping Lake (St. Michael’s) Cemetery, Canada
Anton Reiter, born September 23, 1922 at Scott, Saskatchewan, grew up on the family farm at Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan. Single, he was still residing at Tramping Lake when called up under the National Resources Mobilization Act. Reiter enlisted at Regina, Saskatchewan January 4, 1943. He served with the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps attached to the 1st Battalion, Prince Albert Volunteers, as a Private during the Second World War. Based at Terrace, British Columbia for recruitment and training, Reiter took part in amphibious training exercises on the Skeena River. On November 24, 1943, Private Anton Reiter drowned while crossing the Skeena River from Ferry Island during a training exercise. One of two soldiers who drowned during the crossing, Reiter is commemorated at Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan. Son of Fred and Eva Reiter; brother of Jacob, Valentine, George, Albert, Joseph, Gabriel, Katie, Magdalena and Eva Reiter; he was 21 years old. Citation(s): War Medal.
We will remember them.
Private Denny Leo Murphy Army
Kelfield, Saskatchewan
Died: Oct 3,1918
Commemorated at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, France
Warrant Officer Class II
Chester Bruce Gowrie
Royal Canadian Air Force
Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan
Died: Dec 20,1943
Commemorated at Gosselies Communal Cemetery, Belgium
Private George Walter Schman Army
Denzil, Saskatchewan
Died: Feb 17,1945
Commemorated at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Holland
George Walter Schurman, born June 12, 1918 at Denzil, Saskatchewan, completed his education in 1935 before working on the family farm at Denzil. Single and a farm labourer, he enlisted at Regina, Saskatchewan March 12, 1942. Overseas in May 1944, Schurman served with the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps attached to the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada (Ullamh) as a Private during the Second World War.
Corporal Frederick William Heath Army
Kelfield, Saskatchewan
Died: Oct 11,1918
Commemorated at Ramillies British Cemetery, France
Flying Officer Lawrence Harvey Ollenberger Air Force
Macklin, Saskatchewan
Grosswerder, Saskatchewan Vancouver, British Columbia Died: Dec 6,1956
Commemorated at Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Burnaby, Canada
Lawrence Harvey Ollenberger was born June 5, 1931 at the family homestead north of Saint Anthony�s Church near Grosswerder, Saskatchewan and grew up in the Macklin district, attending Palm School near Grosswerder. He moved to Vancouver, British Columbia with his family in 1943 where he enlisted July 28, 1948. Ollenberger served with the Royal Canadian Air Force attached to the No. 423 All Weather Fighter Squadron (Quaerimus Et Petimus) as a Flying Officer during the Cold War. Based at RCAF St. Hubert near Montreal, Quebec, the squadron flew CF-100 Canuck aircraft on air defence duties over North America. On December 4, 1956, Flying Officer Lawrence Harvey Ollenberger died following the crash of his CF-100 Canuck near Bedford, Quebec. Ollenberger is commemorated at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby, British Columbia. Son of Georgius �George� Henry and Agnes (nee Butvilofski) Ollenberger; brother of Joseph, Edward, Bernard, Albert, Arthur, Eleanor, Rita, Karl and Dolores Ollenberger; husband of Marie-Jeanne (nee Gill) Ollenberger and father of Deborah Charlene Ollenberger, both of Macklin, Saskatchewan; he was 25 years old.
Private Sylvester John Macey Army
Kelfield, Saskatchewan
Died: Dec 20,1916
Commemorated at Ecoivres Military Cemetery, France
Lieutenant Harold Edgar La Duke Army
Kelfield, Saskatchewan
Died: Aug 10,1918
Commemorated at Bramshott (St. Mary) Churchyard, United Kingdom
Private James Charles Graham Army
Kelfield, Saskatchewan
Died: Aug 9,1918
Commemorated at Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France
Research from Canadian Fallen Heroes and The Canadian Virtual War Memorial
The Kerrobert Travel Club is selling Mom’s Pantry for a fundraiser. If you would like to order, please contact smithlyndsay@hotmail.com or order online at www.momspantry.ca Order #341200 Group Passcode #24625
All orders must be received by Friday, November 19th, 2021 with a delivery date around Dec. 6th to 10th, 2021.
"I'm with ___" (T-shirt phrase)
"Comin'
ape?
60 Teachers' favourites
61 Theatre sell-out signs
63 "Love Story" composer Francis
64 Tammy Faye Bakker's club
Oil Infrastructure Program Expanded to Support Carbon Capture
Last Thursday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that pipelines transporting carbon dioxide (CO2), whether for carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) or enhanced oil recovery (EOR), are now eligible for the provincial Oil Infrastructure Investment Program (OIIP).
The OIIP was introduced by the Ministry of Energy and Resources in 2020 and offers transferable oil and gas royalty/ freehold production tax credits, at a rate of 20 per cent of eligible costs, for qualified infrastructure projects that significantly increase provincial pipeline capacity. Government investment follows up-front private investment and, so far, has successfully attracted over $76 million in private investment in Saskatchewan.
“Today’s announcement delivers on a key commitment made as part of our provincial CCUS priorities, announced in September, and will strengthen Saskatchewan’s position as a global CCUS leader,” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said.
“We expect this to lead to significant investments in new energy projects that contribute to a strong, sustainable Saskatchewan, as the energy sector continues to achieve its emissions goals.”
Saskatchewan is a world leader in CCUS, particularly around CO2 for EOR, which produces approximately 82 per cent fewer net emissions than traditional oil and gas extraction methods.
Over the last 25 years, provincial EOR projects have sequestered more than 40 million tonnes of CO2 and resulted in over 100 million barrels of incremental oil production.
The Government of Saskatchewan expects that CCUS projects will attract provincial investment of more than $2 billion and sequester over two million tonnes of CO2 annually.
OIIP, when fully applied, will assist in generating a total investment impact of at least $500 million in new and expanded pipeline capacity in Saskatchewan, while allowing for further industry adoption of CCUS for reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and CO2 deployment in EOR.
Applications under OIIP will be accepted until March 31, 2025, and credits earned will expire on March 31, 2035.
For additional information on OIIP, please visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/ agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/ oil-and-gas/oil-andgas-incentives-crown-
royalties-and-taxes/ oil-infrastructure-investment-program.
