MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021
Drawing by Monica Allen, Grade 12 Kindersley Composite School Student
We will remember them.
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!
Photo of Robert Middleton, Lucille Knorr and her son Wade Knorr meet at an outdoor restaurant in Trenton.
We salute those who fought for our freedom so we may live in peace. This special edition of Your West Central Voice 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.
Mickey & Pete Abelseth K.D. Acker
L.E. “Sparky” Ament
Melvin C. Annis
Harvey W. Balderston Allan Barry
Wallace S. Bruce Henry Buchanan
Campbell G. Casswell
John Chandler
Kenneth Christal Edna M. Clark (Higgins)
Floyd Clark M. Cole
Maurice Cook
Arthur A. Currie Mel Davison Ove M. deConnick Smith
Doris Baxter Charles Bernst Ernest Bowden Cliff Brick Harold Brick Roy Brick
Gunner Cecil Duffin
Kindersley, Saskatchewan
Died: September 22, 1944
Commemorated at Calais Canadian War Cemetery (Leubringhen), France
Earl Conrad Swalm, born January 29, 1920 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, completed his education at Merrington High School in Kindersley in 1937 before working on the family farm. Summoned to military service under the 1940 National Resources Mobilization Act, Swalm enlisted at the 120 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 31, 1941. After training in home defense along the Pacific coast, Swalm went on to serve with the Royal Canadian Artillery attached to the 58th Special Anti-Aircraft Battery as a Gunner during the Second World War. Landing in France July 30, 1944, Swalm joined the North Nova Scotia Highlanders as a Private under the 9th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. On September 22, 1944, Private Earl Conrad Swalm died during the capture of Boulogne and is commemorated at Calais Canadian War Cemetery (Leubringhen) Pas de Calais, France and at the Merrington Cemetery, Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Son of Samuel Sampson and Ethel Annie (nee Bawden) Swalm of Kindersley; brother of Hazel, Fay, Vera, Vivian, Lona and Reece; he was 24 years old. Swalm Lake in Saskatchewan is named in his honour. Citation(s): 193945 Star, France-Germany Star, War Medal 1939-45, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
CKindersley, Saskatchewan
Died: October 13, 1944
Commemorated at Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Holland
ecil Duffin Bourne, born April 5, 1919 at Eston, Saskatchewan, grew up in Kindersley, Saskatchewan where he completed his education. Single, he worked as a machinist’s helper with the Canadian National Railroad at Kindersley before enlisting at Rosetown, Saskatchewan June 25, 1941. Overseas in November 1941, Bourne trained with the 7th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment attached to the 67th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery in Scotland and England. Landing in France in July 1944, Bourne went on to serve with the Royal Canadian Artillery attached to 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment (18th Battery) as a Gunner during the Second World War. On October 13, 1944, Gunner Cecil Duffin Bourne died following an attack by German forces near the village of Hoogerheide, Holland during the liberation of Holland. He is commemorated at Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Son of Reginald Stafford and Celia Pearl Bourne of Kindersley; brother of William Richard, Inez Alice, Phyllis Margaret and Vera Audrey Bourne; he was 25 years old. Citation(s): 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Private John Affleck Buckham Army
Kindersley, Saskatchewan Died: May 2, 1916 Commemorated at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium
John Affleck Buckham was born March 5, 1889 at The Glebe, Selkirk, Selkirkshire, Scotland. Buckham came with his family to Canada in 1901 and first settled in Westmorland County, New Brunswick. Buckham lived in Kindersley, Saskatchewan before moving to Calgary, Alberta. Living in Calgary with their parents, Buckham and his brother, Thomas, enlisted on March 9, 1915 with the 50th Overseas Battalion. Going overseas to England in October 1915, Buckham went on to serve as a Private with the Canadian Expeditionary Force attached to the 49th Battalion (Edmonton Regiment) during the First World War. Part of the 7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division, the battalion landed in France in October 1915 fighting in the trenches along the Western Front in France and Belgium. On May 2, 1916, Private John Affleck Buckham died of gunshot wounds at No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station and is commemorated at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Son of Gideon and Elizabeth (nee Lauder) Buckham of Calgary; brother of Euphemia, Charlotte, Jessie, Bessie, Private Thomas Buckham (49th Battalion) and Isabella; he was 27 years old.
Fairmount, Saskatchewan
Died: February 26, 1945
Commemorated at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Holland
Edward Max Ellefson, born November 8, 1923 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, attended Prince Edward School in nearby Fairmount where he completed his education in 1940. Single and a farm labourer, Ellefson lived at Fairmount and worked in the district for the Millie Reed Farm at Netherhill, Saskatchewan before enlisting at Regina, Saskatchewan June 7, 1943. Ellefson served with the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps attached to the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada (Nemo Me Impune Lacessit) as a Private during the Second World War. Part of the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, the regiment fought at Hoogerheide during the Battle of the Scheldt in October 1944, later moving into the Reichswald Forest in early February 1945 during Operation Veritable. On February 26, 1945, Private Edward Max Ellefson died near Louisendorf, Germany following the breach of the Siegfried Line and capture of German fortifications along the west bank of the Rhine River. He is commemorated at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands and on the Columbaria at Eatonia, Saskatchewan. Only son of Edwin and Christina Louise Ellefson of Fairmount, Saskatchewan; brother of Evelyn Anne Ellefson; he was 21 years old.
Private Earl Conrad Swalm Army
Bourne Army
Private Edward Max Ellefson Army
WAR VETERANS
Pinkham
WWI (1914-1918)
Addison, Thomas Bruce, Joe Carpenter, Ben Carpenter, Sidney Derraugh, Robert Elder, Frank Fielder, Fred Gardiner, William Gilbertson, George Green, Arthur Green, John William Halliday, Finley Halliday, George Hummel, Clifford Johnson, Oscar Lenheiser, Herbert McKenzie, Donald Murphy, Charlie Murphy, Walter Nicholls, Joseph Reid, Fred Ritchie, Robert John Rowles, Charles Stapely, Alfred Townsend, Cliff Turner, Alfred Witmer, Harvey Wotherspoon, John
WWII (1939-1945)
Adams, Arthur Anderson, Thomas Anderson, William Appleby, Gordon Bruce, Lloyd Bruce, Maitland Cann, Curly Clarkson, Delroy (Roy) Clarkson, Douglas Clayton, Kenneth Clayton, Theodore Derraugh, Douglas Gilbertson, Jack Gregerson, Robert McPherson, G.D. Renwick, Verne Townsend, Robert Veldhoen, Cory
HONOUR ROLL
Appleby, Floyd Ellefson, Edward Lockwood, Duane Lockwood, Merton Renwick, Clifford
Info from “Echoes of Pinkham Pioneers”
Warrant Officer Class II
John Palmer
Royal Canadian Air Force
Eatonia, Saskatchewan Prelate, Saskatchewan Died: May 13,1943
Commemorated at Rotterdam (Crooswijk) General Cemetery, Netherlands
John Palmer (born as ‘Palamer’), born April 17, 1919 at Prelate, Saskatchewan, grew up on the family farm near Eatonia, Saskatchewan, completing his public education in 1936. Palmer first served with The King’s Own Rifles of Canada while working as a garage mechanic for Wallis & Cleland at Eatonia. Following enlistment at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan March 10, 1941, Palmer served with the Royal Canadian Air Force attached to No. 419 (Moose) Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) as a Warrant Officer Class II (Pilot) during the Second World War. Part of No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, the No. 419 flew Halifax and Lancaster bombers over industrial targets in Germany. On May 13, 1943, Warrant Officer Class II (Pilot) John Palmer died during air operations over Duisburg, Germany. Shot down by a night fighter, Palmer’s Halifax bomber crashed southwest of Spijkenisse and is commemorated at Rotterdam (Crooswijk) General Cemetery, Netherlands. Son of Steven Palamer and Annie (nee Domchewsky) Palamer of Eatonia; brother of Mary and Stacia; he was 24 years old. Palmer Lake in Saskatchewan is named in his honour.
WEBB, David Arthur
David Arthur Webb, born January 11, 1922 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, completed his education at Kindersley High School in 1940. Working as a bank clerk with the Kindersley branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, Webb enlisted at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, July 25, 1941. Webb served with the Royal Canadian Air Force attached to No. 38 (R.A.E.) Squadron (Forte Et Fidele) as a Pilot Officer (Pilot) during the Second World War. On September 21, 1944, Pilot Officer (Pilot) David Arthur Webb died after being shot down by German fighters near Oosterbeck in the Netherlands. On a re-supply mission during Operation Market Garden, Webb’s Dakota aircraft crashed on the Volkel airfield during the drop. Strafed by Focke-Wulf German fighters during his parachute descent, Webb is commemorated at Uden War Cemetery, Netherlands. Son of John Arthur and Sara Edith (nee Baxter) Webb of Fairmount, Saskatchewan; brother of Marjorie Anne and John Baxter (died in 1937); he was 22 years old. Citation(s): 1939-45 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example” - Benjamin Disraeli
Citation(s): 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Kenneth J. Drummond Robert England
William Fergusson
Norman Floate
Anne Fuhrman
Ray Fuhrman
Ernie Gard
Robert Gardner
Nick Getz
George Goddard
John Gordon William Gordon
Sam Grace
Ralph Gray
Harold Hawker
George Herman Alan Hubbel
Lloyd Hunter
Richard “Jack” Jones
Ronald Jones
Thomas Keslick Eugene Lea
Robert Lee
Nelson Lewis John Lupak
William “Bill” Marchant Harold Edwin Martin Vince May
Bert McBride
Donald McDougall
Charles McDowell Allan Mills
Melvin Morgan
Raymond Mylrea
William Owens
Philip Parton Gordon Pendree
Lorne Purdy Lewis Quinney Eva & Edward Reed
C.M. Richardson (Willis) Bob Salkeld
A.R. Sandbeck
Walter H. Seidel
Joe Shedlowsky
Donald Staples Joseph Staples
Michael Steffanick
Robert H. Story
Robert J. Story
LEA, Harlem Olaf
Harlan was born in Minnesota, USA, on June 29, 1918. He moved with his parents as a young boy to Smiley, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan for a year before joining the R.C.A.F. He served in England for three years as a radar mechanic. He passed away on June 24, 2009.
LEA, Merrell Arden
Merrell was born in Minnesota, USA, on July 8, 1921. He moved with his parents as a young boy to Smiley, Saskatchewan. He served in the R.C.A.F. in different parts of Canada and was on his way to the Pacific when the bomb on Hiroshima ended the war. He was a member of the Stoney Creek, Ontario Legion. He passed away on August 1, 1981.
LEA, Eugene Norman
Eugene was born in Minnesota, USA, on September 13, 1923. He moved with his parents as a young boy to Smiley, Saskatchewan. He served with the RCAF in England, Holland and Belgium. He was a member of the Kindersley Legion. He passed away on April 12, 1991.
William Story Fred Wake Ronald Wannamaker
Len Warman Douglas Webster G.A. Westman
Dave Whatley Robert A. Whatley F.Y. Wildman (Valleau)
Kerrobert’s surviving WWII veteran
JOAN JANZEN
YOUR SOUTHWEST MEDIA GROUP
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.
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 saxo-
phone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and piano while in service and entertained the local troops. After the war, he played in a few local bands.
He was discharged in February 1946 and received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, which is
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.
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.
Pinkham, Saskatchewan
Died: February 16, 1945
Commemorated at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Holland
Floyd Allan Appleby, born January 20, 1918 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, completed his education in 1935. Working at the oil fields in Turner Valley, Alberta and farming for his parents at Pinkham, Saskatchewan, Appleby enlisted at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan February 12, 1942. Appleby served with the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps attached to the 1st Battalion, The Regina Rifle Regiment (Celer Et Audax) as a Rifleman during the Second World War. On February 16, 1945, Rifleman Floyd Allan Appleby died of wounds at the Regimental Aid Post of the 2nd Battalion, The Glasgow Highlanders following the attack at Moyland Wood. Appleby is commemorated at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands. Son of Franklin Taylor and Minetta Adelaide Appleby of Pinkham, Saskatchewan; brother of Harold Franklin, Ralph William and Mrs. John Swift; husband of Alice Wilhelmina (nee Doupe) Appleby of Pinkham; he was 27 years old. Citation(s): 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
We will remember them.
Army
Kindersley, Saskatchewan
Died: September 2, 1918
Commemorated at St. Catharines (Victoria Lawn) Cemetery; Ontario, Canada
Frederick Harman Benson was born July 3, 1886 at Edenvale, Simcoe County, Ontario and moved west to work as a carpenter. Single and working as a carpenter, he moved to Kindersley, Saskatchewan where his sister, Ada, and his mother lived before enlisting there June 12, 1916. Overseas with the 210th Battalion in April 1917, Benson served as a Lance Corporal with the Canadian Expeditionary Force attached to the 49th Battalion (Edmonton Regiment) during the First World War. Landing in France with the 7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division, the 49th fought along the Western Front in France and Belgium. During the Battle of Amiens in August 1918, the 49th broke through a German trench line before capturing the village of Parvillers. On September 2, 1918, Lance Corporal Frederick Harman Benson died while fighting near Drury, France and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Son of John and Emma (nee Robinson) Benson; brother of Ada Louise, John Walkey and Catherine Mary Benson; he was 32 years old. Citation(s): Victory Medal, British War Medal.
Pilot Officer Donald James Campbell
Royal Canadian Air Force Kindersley, Saskatchewan
Died: February 16, 1945
Commemorated at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany
Donald James Campbell, born July 9, 1922 at Brock, Saskatchewan, completed his education at nearby Kindersley High School in 1939. Working for Macdonald’s Consolidating at Kindersley, Campbell enlisted at Regina, Saskatchewan February 2, 1942. Campbell served with the Royal Canadian Air Force attached to No. 198 (R.A.F.) Squadron (Igni Renatus) as a Pilot Officer (Pilot) during the Second World War. Part of 123 Airfield (123 Wing) under the Second Tactical Air Force, the Typhoon squadron operated from RAF Thorney Island, West Sussex, England in attacks on V-1 launch sites and enemy coastal radar installations. On February 16, 1945, Pilot Officer (Pilot) Donald James Campbell died during sweep operations over the Reichswald Forest. Crashing on Johann Jansen’s farm, Campbell is commemorated at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany. Son of James Campbell (veteran of the First World War) and Clara (nee Cyr) Campbell of Kindersley; brother of Olivina Jean Campbell; he was 20 years old. Campbell Rapids on the Paull River in Saskatchewan is named in his honour. Citation(s): 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, General Service Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
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.
Rifleman Floyd Allan Appleby Army
Private Frederick Harman Benson
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.
Private Denys Richard Duckett Army
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.
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.
Flight Sergeant 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.
Rudolph (Rudy) Schmidt Royal Canadian Air Force
“In Flanders Fields, the Poppies Blow…”
By Mallory Cawthra
At the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month, Remembrance Day is observed every year in response to the end of fighting during the First World War, known as the Great War. It has been 103 years since the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, signalling a cease fire between the allied powers and the central powers. Lest we forget. Remembrance Day is a time to remember, reflect and honor those brave men and women who served during the First World War and subsequent wars. Ten percent of the Canadian population died during World War I. The red poppy is an enduring symbol of remembrance and is traditionally worn on the left shoulder close to the heart, to honor the sacrifices made by those who didn’t make it home, as well as our Canadian Veterans. Every year the Royal Canadian Legion has poppies available for those who wish to wear one, and donations are also accepted to support Veterans and their families.
There are still Canadian veterans alive that served during World War II and the Korean War. There are some Canadian Veterans that currently live in Leader and the surrounding communities that served in places like Afghanistan. Even if you are unable to attend a service this year, it is important on Remembrance Day to take some time to honour those who paid the ultimate price and those that have served and continue to serve our country.
On November 11th, 2021, starting at 10:45 a.m., there will be a Remembrance Day Service at the Leader Community Centre – the address is 402 First Avenue West - in the Town of Leader.
There will also be a service starting at 10:45 a.m. on November 11th in the Village of Abbey at the Abbey Business and Community Centre (ABC Centre). The address is 336 Cathedral Avenue, and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) regulations will apply. For those who cannot attend, the service will be livestreamed on the Abbey Sask Facebook page.
The men and women from Leader area who paid the supreme sacrifice. We will always remember.
Signalman Oscar Albrecht Army Leader, Saskatchewan
Died: Jul 17, 1944
Commemorated at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, France
Oscar Albrecht, born January 24, 1919 at Leader, Saskatchewan, completed his education in 1936 at Leader. While working for Pioneer Grains there, Albrecht joined The King’s Own Rifles of Canada (M.G.) in 1940. He went on to work for Gas City Flour Mill in Medicine Hat, Alberta before returning to work at Pioneer Grains as a grain buyer. Following enlistment at Regina, Saskatchewan February 17, 1942, Albrecht served with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals attached to the 2nd Canadian Divisional Signals as a Signalman during the Second World War. Landing in France June 25, 1944 with the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Brigade, the Signals advanced towards Carpiquet, stringing signal lines and providing radio communications for the Allies during the capture of Caen. On July 17, 1944, Signalman Oscar Albrecht died during an assault near Caen and is commemorated at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, Calvados, France. Son of the late William Albrecht and Christine Lehr (Albrecht); brother of Amelia, Fredica, Jacob, John, Lena, Christina, Bertha, Lydia, Rose, Matilda and Pauline; he was 25 years old. Citation(s): 1939-1945 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
O1918
at Leader, Saskatchewan, completed his education at Mendham, Saskatchewan in 1933. Single, he lived at Leader where he worked on the family farm before moving to Claresholm, Alberta in 1937 to work as a tinsmith helper. While living in Claresholm, Helmer enlisted at Victoria, British Columbia May 21, 1942. Overseas in July 1944 with the Royal Canadian Signals, Helmer went on to serve with the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps attached to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment (Pro Jure Constans) as a Private during the Second World War. Landing on Juno Beach in France June 6, 1944 with the 8th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division, the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment went on to take part in Operation Windsor and the attack on Carpiquet airfield. Moving into Holland during the Battle of the Scheldt, the regiment advanced into Germany, returning to liberate Zutphen, Holland in April 1945. On April 5, 1945, Private Otto Helmer died of a fractured skull when his motorcycle collided with a military vehicle while delivering a dispatch under blackout conditions near Almen, Holland. Killed instantly, he is commemorated at Holten Canadian War Cemetery, Holten, Netherlands.
N1916
on the family farm at Prelate, Saskatchewan, completed his education at Prelate in 1932. Working on the family farm with his father, he married in December 1941. Following enlistment at Regina, Saskatchewan, Knobel served with the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps attached to the 1st Battalion, The South Saskatchewan Regiment as a Private during the Second World War. Overseas in July 1943, the battalion landed in France July 8, 1944 where it fought with the 6th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. On July 20, 1944, Private Norman Peter Knobel died and is commemorated at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, Calvados, France. Son of Bartley Charles and Byrdie Knobel of Prelate; brother of Frederick Charles, Leonard Henry, Evelyn, Charlotte and Dorothy Knobel; husband of Eva Grace Knobel and father of Charles James Knobel; he was 28 years old. Knobel Lake, west of Deception Lake in Saskatchewan is named in his honour. Citation(s): 1939-1945 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Barry Cocks was the fourth born of seven children in the family of David and Esther Cocks of Leader, Saskatchewan. Barry was working in his father’s dray business in 1942 when he was called up for NRMA training in Regina, Saskatchewan. He was sent into action at Camp Vernon in 1944.
Barry was part of the Regina Rifles, a regiment of the 3rd Canadian Army. On D-Day, the Regina Rifles landed on Juno Beach, Nan Green Sector. They had been tasked to capture Caen, which was French city 10 miles from the coast of Normandy.
Barry was killed in action by a sniper, near Caen. When Barry was shot, his good friend Alfred Nagel also of Leader, Saskatchewan, was able to carry him to the safety of a church. This is the place that Barry passed away. The pastor of the church promised Barry that he would send his pack back to Canada to his father. The pastor kept his word and his pack arrived back in Leader for Barry’s father, David.
Cocks Lake, along the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan border is named in his honor (Latitude 59 31; Longitude 105 32).
Gunner Nelson Steele Allcock Army
Kerrobert, Saskatchewan
Died: July 20, 1941
Commemorated at Dodsland, SK
L255Gunner (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.
West Central Voice
He was the only son of Robert Leith and Jane (Mitchell) Hanbidge. R.L. (Dinnie) Hanbidge QC (1891-1974) was lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan 196370. 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.
Position: Industrial Mechanic
Overview:
Teine Energy Ltd. (Teine) is a privately-held company in strategic partnership with Canadian Pension Plan Investments (CPP Investments). With productive assets in Alberta and Saskatchewan, we are a low-cost operator, focused on scalable, long-term profitability. At Teine, we are driven by our most important asset – our people. Our young, dynamic team thrives on industry disruption and works together to find innovative solutions to everyday challenges. Continual improvement is in our DNA. Integrity, accountability, and humility define our character and teamwork is our keystone. We are a proud employer of energy professionals and embrace Canadian’s demand for domestically produced environmentally responsible, and ethically sourced energy.
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.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
• This is an hourly contract position
• Company must be Incorporated
• 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
• Must have effective communication skills, be organized, able to work alone with minimum supervision
• Must supply own truck with tools, generator or inverter, air compressor, cell phone with good data plan and laptop
• Will need to have H2S, First Aid/CPR, Fall Protection safety tickets up to date before starting
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.
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
Private John George Bichler Army Leader, Saskatchewan Died: July 18, 1944 Commemorated at Brettevillesur-Laize Canadian war cemetery, France.
JohnGeorge Bichler was the son of Carl and Phyllis (Turnbach) Bichler who came from North Dakota to the Liebenthal district, where John was born, moving to Leader in 1934. John was farming when he enlisted at Regina in 1942.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – Adoption of Bylaw No. 08/21 to Amend the Town of Leader Official Community Plan and Adoption of Bylaw No. 09/21 to Amend the Town of Leader Zoning Bylaw
The Weekly Bean
Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Leader intends to consider the adoption of a bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan and a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 05/16 under the Planning and Development Act, 2007.
INTENT/REASON OF OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT:
To update portions of the plan that refer to the Leader Hospital and Medical Clinic with Leader & District Integrated Healthcare Facility and to add cannabis related uses to the Commercial and Industrial Development
INTENT/REASON OF ZONGING BYLAW AMENDMENT:
To change portion of the CS - Community Service District to a new District to be called, NC - Neighbourhood Commercial District and to amend discretionary use standards for development to include cannabis regulations.
AFFECTED LANDS
The 400 and 500 block of Main Street East.
PUBLIC INSPECTION:
Any person may inspect the proposed bylaws to amend the Official Community Plan and the Zoning Bylaw during regular office hours at the Town of Leader municipal office.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Council will hold a public hearing on November 23, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the Leader Community Hall to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed Bylaws. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing (or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing).
Issued at the Town of Leader this 2nd day of November, 2021. Erin Romanuik, Administrator
Sergeant Ronald Everett Cunnings
Royal Canadian Air Force
Major, Saskatchewan
Died: Feb 29,1944
Commemorated at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery, United Kingdom
Lance Corporal Walter Celeste Heinzman
Army
Leader, Saskatchewan
Died: August 19, 1942
Commemorated at Dieppe Canadian war cemetery, Hautot-sur-Mer, Seine-Maritime, France
NormanMacKenzie 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.
The 1st Division, on the right of the Canadians’ line, was assigned the longest advance of the Vimy
TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST VILLAGE OF BROCK
Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are paid before the January 10, 2022, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.
Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4 (3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.
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 Parliament of Canada (Ottawa).
Submitted by Barb Fowler, great niece of Norman MacKenzie.
Dated this 4th day of November,
Charlotte Helfrich, Administrator
* On January 1, 2022 the 2021 taxes will become arrears and be added to the amount required to remove the
and
accrue as applicable.
Dated this 2nd day of November,
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.
Sergeant James MacKay
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.
Lest We Forget
DAY NOVEMBER 11, 2021
Remembering
Private Frank Theodore Peter Netzel Army
1943
FrankItaly
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 Murray Stewart Dewar
Dodsland, Saskatchewan Died: July 5,
Commemorated at Cassino Memorial,
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
Flying Officer
Clifford Leonard Horncastle
Royal Canadian Air Force Edmonton, Alberta Eston, Saskatchewan Died: Nov 3,1942
Commemorated at Brookwood Military Cemetery, England
Clifford Leonard Horncastle, born September 25, 1918 at Eston, Saskatchewan, moved to Edmonton, Alberta as a child where he completed his education at Strathcona High School. Working at T.C. Eaton’s in Edmonton as a clerk, Horncastle enlisted June 3, 1940. Horncastle served with the Royal Canadian Air Force attached to No. 414 Army Co-operation Squadron (Totis Viribus) as a Flying Officer (Pilot) during the Second World War. The squadron flew Curtis Tomahawk and North American Mustang aircraft on photo reconnaissance, gathering intelligence on enemy-occupied targets. On November 3, 1942 Flying Officer (Pilot) Clifford Leonard Horncastle died after the rear engine of his Mustang exploded on take-off from RAF Tangemere, Sussex, England. Horncastle is commemorated at Beechwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England and on plaques at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church and at Government House, Edmonton. Two chandeliers are dedicated to his honour at St. John the Evangelist Church. Only son of Leonard Henry and Jessica (nee van Hees) Horncastle of Edmonton; he was 24 years old.
Thursday, November 11 - 10:45a.m.
The Eston Legion will be holding a short outdoor service at the Legion Cenotaph.
The Legion Hall and Clubroom will be CLOSED to the Public.
The Cenotaph will be lit up with Remembrance candles throughout the day and into the evening.
If you would like to donate to the Eston Legion Poppy Fund please contact Garnet Keeler at 306-402-7404
Thank you for your continued support to the Eston Legion Branch #155 DUE TO COVID 19, PLEASE MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING
Ramblers team up with Eston Legion
Everyone is excited about the upcoming hockey season, and there’s a surprise in store for the fans; the Eston Rambler Sr. Hockey Club is teaming up with the Eston Legion. Jason Beckstrand, a member of the Eston Rambler hockey executive club and president of the Eston Legion, explained.
“On Saturday, November 13th at 8:00 p.m., the Eston Legion will play against the Rosetown Redwings at the AGT Community Centre,” he said. The Rosetown team is new to the league this year.
“The Ramblers Sr. Hockey Club teamed up with the Eston Legion, and with the help of Supreme Source for Sports in Kindersley, purchased a set of jerseys,” Beckstrand explained. These jerseys are made in a Remembrance Day theme, complete with the Rambler Logo, Legion crest and poppy.
The evening will include a 50-50 sponsored by the Legion, with a guarantee of $500. “Colleen Swan is going to be doing the Last Post before the game, along with ‘O Canada’,” Beckstrand said.
He also said they’re keeping the jersey design as a surprise, to be unveiled at the Nov. 13th game. “We’re happy with the way the jerseys turned out,” he said.
After the game, Sam Somerville will be auctioning off the jerseys to the public, so fans are encouraged to stick around. This will be a fundraiser for both clubs and followed by free Smokey-on-a-bun for everyone to enjoy.
“We had seen similar games in the NHL that do this for Remembrance Day for veterans, and the Jr. Klippers did something similar a few years ago. We had it on our radar last year, but last season was eliminated,” Beckstrand said. “I think everybody is really excited about the upcoming hockey season!”
JOAN JANZEN
Your Southwest Media Group
A photo from a past Rambler night with WWII Veteran Bill Jeffery (now passed on), dropping the puck.