Biographies

Harry was born at home, Pleasant Point, near Carberry Manitoba on May 3, 1924. He lived there until 1928 when his family moved to Woodpecker Point. That farm was located at SE 6 - 13 – 20 (Saskatchewan Municipality) NE of Rivers. He attended Oakleigh School for 1 1/2 years, then finished up to grade 10 at Little Saskatchewan in 1941. He took grade 11 by correspondence. Harry would ride his bike or take a horse and cutter to school. Occasionally he would ski. The school was a one-room building with no more than 20 students at a time. Childhood memories were weekend trips to Brandon by himself to visit his grandad; going to the Brandon summer fair, where the rides were only 15 cents and a dollar would last all day; swimming in the river; snaring gophers, hunting rabbits and riding horseback in the summer. In 1943, he volunteered to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. He trained in various places such as Brandon, Manitoba, Calgary, Alberta, Vancouver and Comox, British Columbia. In Calgary 1944, he graduated as a sergeant air gunner wireless operator. While training at the wireless school there, he met his future wife, Doreen. Harry was a member of the 436 Burma Star Elephant Squadron. In 1944 Harry travelled to Montreal, then to Halifax to board the ship that would take him to Scotland. Once there he travelled to Yorkshire, then to Southern England, flying from there to Cario and on to Karachie, India. After further training in India, he received his commission (pilot officer). His crew travelled to the Imphal (Manipur today) Valley where they supplied Randalay before moving south to Akyab (Sittwe today) and finally down to Ramree Island to supply Rangoon (Yangon today). During his tour in India, his squadron flew in and out of Burma in planes whimsically painted with the words “Canucks Unlimited” on the sides. They made treacherous supply drops to the troops (British and Indian armies) and people below. Some of the drops consisted of flour, rice, and non-perishable goods. These were air-free drops or by parachute; sometimes the planes were flying as low as 150 feet. The rice or flour was often double bagged so when dropped it didn’t get ruined. The planes would land on available runways to deliver oil and gas. In August 1945, several Dakotas of 436 RCAF squadron were on detachment at Toungoo in the Shan Hills about 130 miles east of Ramree Island. Their duty was to support Force 136, British led gorilla organization operating in that area. The detachment was assisted by other 436 Dakotas based on Ramree Island. The drop zones were located in deep valleys or on the sides of cloud observed hills. Hours of dangerous flying were frequently required before they could be found, often in range of Japanese ground fire. Harry served for 2 years as a WAG (Wireless Air Gunner) and completed his tour of operations in India and Burma. In 1946 he was honorably released and returned home. He had been neither wounded nor taken prisoner during WWII. The family donated some of his memorabilia to the Rivers Legion. Those items are in a shadow box and include Harry's: Burma Star badge, CVSM (Canadian Volunteer Service Medal) & clasp, RCAF operator wings and his Wireless Air Gunner badge. He was a proud member of the Rivers Legion Branch #75. After the war, Harry farmed with his father and brother. For the first 2 years he had cattle, but after that, he sold them and remained a grain farmer. Right after the war, he helped build houses at the Rivers Air Base PMQ's. Harry also worked at CJATC (Canadian Joint Air Training Centre) Rivers during the winter months from 1956 – 1969 cleaning runways and roads of snow and refueling aircraft. The snow was heavy in those days, and for one full week in the winter of 1955 – 1956, Harry was not able to make it home to the farm due to the heavy snowfall and blocked roads. Another winter pursuit included driving a taxi for Elliott’s in 1957. Harry also formed a company, BWP (Bate, Woods, Parker) Driveway, delivering motorhomes from Edson Industry during the years 1976 to 1981. At one time he drove a north and south route delivering Auto Trader magazines in Manitoba. He also spent about 5 years working for Barry Cubban Calendars making deliveries throughout SW Manitoba. Harry enjoyed curling all his life. Later, he became an avid golfer. A couple of curling events that he was most proud of were: First, being on the curling team that scored an 8 ender in the 1951 Cardale Annual Open bonspiel. The second event took place in 1985 when Harry skipped a rink, winning Bronze in the 55+ Provincial Games which took place in Flin Flon. When Harry passed away on February 12, 2002, he and Doreen had been married for 56 years. They had five daughters, Allison (Jim), Sandra (Merv). Debbie (Rod), Mary Lou (Rocky), and Laura Lyne (Jamie) and eleven grandchildren. Harry still has family connections in the Rivers area.

William James Douglas Spearin, youngest son of Howard and Mildred Spearin was born on the family farm NE 17-13-20 Feb 5 1923. He spent his early life there, and after graduating high school, he worked with his father on the farm, until he enlisted  April 21 1943 with the Royal  Canadian  Navy.

He served as an A/B Seaman on HMCS Ste. Therese K366/309.A river class Frigate, on Depth Charges Crew.  The ship’s purpose was to improve on the convoy escort in the North Atlantic.

The Ste. Therese was launched in October 1943 and commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy May 1944

After workups in Saint Margarets Bay,  Nova Scotia in July, it then proceeded to Bermuda to complete the process.  Returning in mid August to Halifax.

Ste. Therese left Halifax October to join convoy HX.317 for passage to Londonderry, Northern Ireland. There she joined Escort Group 25 and served with it in United Kingdom waters until February 1945, when she was reassigned to Escort Group 28, Halifax. She served locally with Escort Group 28 until the end of the war and, on  November 22 was placed in reserve.

Doug was discharged November 27 1945.

 After his discharge he returned to the farm. He married Margery Anne Lutes March 1948. They continued to  expand the farm and raise their family. They had three boys Jim 1949 Howard 1954 and Glenn 1956.

Howard and Glenn joined him in farming.

He died January 5 2002.

Veteran Banner Project 2025     Rivers and Area Veteran Memorial Banners

Arthur (Mick) Ward

Born:  August 2, 1921

Died:  January 15, 1977

My father was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta.  He and his younger sister were orphaned at an early age and ended up in a home in Edmonton.  In his teens he was sent out to work on a farm and did various other jobs as his teenage years went by, then he joined the Army at the age of 19.  He had a grade eight education.

He was with the Edmonton Fusiliers from September 1, 1940 until July 31, 1942.

Then on August 1, 1942 to May 31, 1943 he was with the Regina Rifles Regiment.

Lastly (encompassing the war years) he was with the Saskatchewan Light Infantry from June 1, 1943 until April 24, 1946.

He was wounded in the arm in Sicily.  

He met and married my mother in London, England after the war (1946).  She survived the Blitz, a soldier in her own right.

They came to Canada the same year they married.  

Medals received:  1939 - 1945 Star,  

                               Italy Star

                               France and Germany Star

                               Defence Medal

                               Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

                               War Medal  1939  -  1945

                               The Canadian Centennial Medal  1967

                               Canadian Forces' Decoration and Clasp

After returning to Canada from overseas my father left the service for a year.  He rejoined in 1947 and remained there until 1972.

After the Rivers Air Base closed he moved his family to the hamlet of Wheatland and opened up a gas station with a friend. 

A few years later he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in January of 1977.  He left behind six children, three of which reside in Rivers.  Dorrie passed in 2014 at the age of 88. 

Albert James (Doug) Treloar was born in a Brandon Nursing home November 12, 1921 to parents George and Jessie Treloar.  George served in WW 1 and came home with his war bride Jessie.  Doug was raised on his parents farm near Rivers and attended Rivers Consolidated school until Grade 10.  After he worked as a farm labourer for his father and then for Chester McFadden for 3 years.  Doug enlisted in the Army in Winnipeg on December 7, 1942.  Doug served in Canada, United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean area, Continental Europe and North Africa.  H was originally in Infantry then was moved to 77 Battery 3rd Field Regiment RCA as Lance Bombardier on the 25 pounder cannons.  He disembarked to overseas on July 1943 for the next 3 years.  Canadian troops provided support and cover for the infantry from the cannons.  They played a vital role in the 20 months Mediterranean Campaign which led to the liberation of Italy.  This campaign was Battle of Monte Cassino and Ortono.  He disembarked from Frrance at the end of the war on November 1945.  He served a total of 35-1/2 months, 26 of those overseas. He received CVSM metal and clasp, 39-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star.  Upon returning with no visual scars he applied to VLA to buy farm land.  He was successful in aacquiring farm land near his fathers in 1945.  Doug planted his first crop in 1946.  He married Mattie McMannis in 1951 and together they farmed and raised a family of 3 who all attended Rivers School.  Doug retired from the farm to Brandon in 1984 where his son Dave and wife Donna took up and are currently farming today.  Doug enjoyed those years farming and then many more in Brandon, curling, playing cards and visiting friends, always available to help Dave with the farm.  He attended many 3rd Field Regiment, RCA reunions reconnecting with fellow army gunners.  Doug passed away in 2004.

"Once a Gunner, always a Gunner"

Honored by his loving Family

Frank Madder was born in Spy Hill, Saskatchewan April 17, 1912. He was married to Rose Ross, with 2 young daughters under the age of 3 when he enlisted in Brandon during October 1939 at the age of 27. His younger brother Chuck and sister Rosalind (Mickey) enlisted along with him at the same time. Frank and Chuck were deployed together and served together in the same unit most of the time during the war, even occupying the same tank regularly. It is an absolute miracle that all three siblings returned home to their families in 1945. All three were sent to Borden, Ontario for basic training very shortly after enlisting. The boys left Borden on January 01, 1940 arriving in England mid-January.  The trip was several days by train to Halifax and 7 days by boat during which time they experienced severe sea sickness.  Once their ship arrived in England, they began their comprehensive training on the tanks. Both Frank and Chuck were gunners with 8th Field Regiment, 71st Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery (self-propelled) unit of the Royal Canadian Army.

Once their initial training had been completed, they were moved into the lowlands of Scotland for more extensive training. They saw their first combat when they deployed to Egypt in 1943 for the tail end of the Battle of El Alamein.  They initially fell under the command of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery with the British Army. The Canadians wouldn’t have their own high command until after they got back from North Africa.  With the success of the allies led by English General Bernard Montgomery (whom was well liked by the men) they chased the Nazi’s led by Rommel across Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Tunisia. During their time in North Africa, Frank became quite sick and was off duty for ‘a while’.  No official record could be found but it could have been a couple of months.

Their unit was eventually rolled into the 5th Canadian Army which next saw action when they were sent to Italy and took part of the Battle of Monte Cassino.

They entered Italy around Reggio de Calabria. They went up the Italian coast to just south of Rome where the Americans took over. They then travelled across the Liri Valley to the east coast of Italy on the Adriatic Sea. From there they went up from Bari to Rimini where they spent the winter. They then formed up with the Polish tanks to break through the German held Gothic Line in May 1944.  This victory gave the allies the all clear to go ahead with the D-Day Landings. They were forced into a bit of a stalemate in Rimini as winter set in. That winter was especially cold for Italy. The Canadians were with the Greek tanks at this point.

In February 1945 all Canadian troops were moved out of Italy in a secret mission called Operation Goldflake. During this operation, the troops were asked to take off/ hide all Canadian insignia which would indicate what unit they were with. They then quietly crossed the Mediterranean into southern France where they regrouped as the Canadian Corps I and headed into Holland. They formed up east of Amsterdam and began clearing Holland moving east. They made it into Germany and as far as the Rhine River before back tracking into Holland to clear some pockets of resistance (and to allow the food drops to be completed). They were 8 miles from a second re-entry into Germany the morning of May 8, 1945 when German armed forces surrendered unconditionally (Victory in Europe Day- VE Day).

   During his time overseas in the war, Frank saw more of the world than any young prairie boy would ever wish for. He served in England, Scotland, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, France, Holland and Germany.  He returned to Canada alongside his brother Chuck, where they were discharged in Winnipeg July 21, 1945 after being away from his young family for over 5 ½ years.

   Frank garnered 6 medals for his time in service. One is a recognition of voluntary service; one is to represent English expeditionary forces (similar to WWI where countries of the commonwealth came together to form a larger unit). There is one medal which says CIA SP (not sure what that is for). One is for action in North Africa, 1 for the Mediterranean Theatre and 1 for Germany.

After returning back to his family in Manitoba, Frank worked in Alexander as a grader operator with Whitehead Municipality from 1945 until they moved to Wheatland in 1951. Frank worked as a civilian in the steam plant at Rivers Air Base.  The family grew to 5 children aged infant to 19 while the family lived in Wheatland. Frank then became the first caretaker for the newly constructed Riverdale Hospital in November 1959. Frank, Rose and 3 children eventually moved into Rivers in 1961 with Frank working at the hospital until 1966. As his health continued to decline, less physical labour was obtained in the form of Clubroom Manager for Rivers Legion. A position which he would only hold for a little over a year before ill health and extended hospital stays would force him from the work force. Frank passed away at Riverdale Hospital on April9, 1968, at the age of 55. Frank’s beloved wife Rose lived a very full life, passing away a month shy of her 98th birthday in 2011. They are survived by their 5 children Myrt (Gerry) Smith, Pat Hillier, Jim (Mavis) Madder, Donna (Dave) Falkevitch and Bill (Charlene) Madder.

Basil Roy (Monty) Montague was born on December 14th, 1919 in the village of Haddenham in England. His parents were Edward and Elizabeth Montague. Monty and his sister Cecily, were raised on a farm in the Moline District.

He was mandated under the National Resources Mobilization Act in 1941. This Act was implemented in 1940, a mandated national registration of eligible men and authorized conscription (compulsory military service) for home defense.

Initially, NRMA troops were assigned to duties like guarding civilian internees, protecting airports and ports, and submarine patrol, rather then being deployed overseas. This was from June 19th, 1941 until January 5th, 1942.

The duty then changed and he joined the Canadian Army on January 6th, 1942 in Winnipeg and served as a gunner in the #10 District Depot, Royal Canadian Artillery from 1942, until the 16th of November, 1945.

He served in the United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean Area and Continental Europe.

He received the CVSM (Canadian Volunteer Service Medal) & Clasp. 39-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star.

He married Louise Wiens in 1942. They raised four children on the farm Jim, Darlene, Don and Brent.

In 1959 they moved to Rivers. Monty was an active member of the Rivers Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 75, a staunch supporter of the Rivers Lions Club, and a very active member in minor baseball.

He was a town councilor and worked at many jobs – the Alexandra Hotel, Town of Rivers Public Works, as well as CFB Rivers water treatment plant.

Monty passed away August 21, 2014 at age 94 years of age. He is buried in Rivers Cemetery.

Lawrence Earl (Larry) Bell was born in Erickson district on February 21, 1926.  He attended Grey school in Clanwilliam Lakelet before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1943 to 1945.  His Military training began at Winnipeg’s Naval Base HMCS Chippewa, transferring to HMCS Cornwallis, Nova Scotia for further training.  He served on HMCS Reindeer (sloop), HMCS Saguenay (destroyer), HMCS Stadacona, a dispersal base in Halifax, Canadian Naval Barracks at Buckmaster’s Field, St. John’s, Newfoundland, and HMCS Royal Mount (frigate) for the duration of the Second World War.  During that time he travelled to Bermuda, St. John’s on convoy duty, making 22 crossings of the North Atlantic Ocean.  His ship had one brief interlude when it connected with Group CI Striking Force in the North Sea.  Those convoys left St. John’s and picked up other convoys off Boston to take them to Liverpool and Plymouth.  The base on the other side was at Londonderry, Ireland.  They would go down the Irish Sea to pick up convoys (many of them empty) from Blackpool and Liverpool.  Some dispersed at Boston and some went on to St. John’s.  The Americans would bring convoys to Grand Banks, Newfoundland, and Canadians took them to Murmansk, Russia.  At wars end, Larry left the Royal Mount, staying through to its decommissioning at Halifax, and took the train back to Winnipeg.  He was award the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star with an Atlantic Bar on the Ribbon, the Volunteer Service Medal with a Maple Leaf in the center of the bar on the Ribbon and The Distinguised Conduct Medal.

After the war, he enrolled in a printing course through Ryerson Institute in Deloraine.  He was employed by several commercial Printing plants before he purchased the Gazette-Reporter in Rivers in 1956.  He married Jessie Veitch of Bradwardine and together they recorded the history of Rivers and surrounding towns for 30 years. (1956 – 1986).  During this time, they raised two children, Heather and James and have four grandsons.  Larry’s Legion involvement began after the war, joining Hugh Dyer, Minnedosa and later serving on executive in Dauphin, Neepawa and Rivers.  He printed several tabloid newspapers during his life time, Reveille, Obodo Oracle, and  Legion Chronicle 75.  His community involvement included Rivers Chamber of Commerce, St James Anglican Church, Rivers Masonic Lodge, Riverdale Hospital, the dam at Lake Wahtopanah and many sports groups.  He was an avid hockey player, curler, golfer and enjoyed cottage life at Sandy Lake.  He received his private pilot’s licence in 1983.

Larry endured the effects of Parkinson’s disease for several years and finally succumbed to pneumonia and passed away on May 31, 2005.

“A place for everything and everything in its place.”

 William McGreor Veitch was born in Glascow, Scotland on June 7, 1896.  He was the second youngest of seven children and immigrated to Canada in 1914 at the age of 18.  He came to the Tarbolton district of Manitoba and worked on the farm of his older sister and brother-in-law.

He enlisted on November 4, 1916 at the age of 20 with the Princess Patricia Camerons 174th battalion and later transferred to the 16th battalion at Dibgate on August 27, 1917.  His enlisted number was 693226.

He arrived in France on August 28, 1917.  He fought in such battles as Ypres, Amiens and Somme.  He was wounded three times and spent time in hospitals in Rowen and Bexhill, England and Beachy and Wimereux in France.  He was left with a permanent limp.

He was paid $15 per month.  He left England on December 22nd, 1918 with 14 days leave and was discharged on June 12th, 1919.  He was awarded two medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.  In 1980, he was presented with a life membership in honor of 50 years of service to the Bradwardine Legion.

On returning to Canada, he worked for the Manitoba Power Commission.  On January 30th, 1923, he married a local girl by the name of Ruth Mawer.  They purchased their first quarter section, S.E.5-12-22 in 1925.  There were married until his passing on June 30th, 1981.

He farmed with his son Alexander, until he retired in 1961.  Alexander farmed the land until his sons took over in the 1970's and his grandson still farms the land today.  They had two children, six grandchildren and many great grandchildren, many who still live in the area today.

Charles Howard (Chuck) Brown was born on July 14th, 1919 to Lawrence and Pearl Brown in Boissevain, Manitoba. His father was a grain buyer and was originally from Ontario and had come west to begin a new life. He had met Pearl Norris in Napanee, Ontario and together they were married in Melita.

He was one of 3 children, with a sister Viola and a brother Gerald.

He began his military career in March of 1940 at #1 Manning Depot, Toronto, Ontario and then came to Rivers, training with the Air force.  In that time, he met, Bertha Evans of Rivers. She was the first stenographer to work at the air base when it opened in early spring of 1941. They were married in the fall and he then went overseas in the Second World War. He was with 331 squadron and was in France, Germany, United Kingdom, Africa, North Africa (Algiers), then Continental Europe which included the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. Then back to Canada in late September 1945 and then he was honorably released on November 15, 1945.

He received the CVSM Medal and Clasp, the Defense Medal, the France and Germany Star.

He returned to Rivers and carried on with work and raising his family. He was involved in sports, with curling, golfing and baseball. He was the rural registrar for the Manitoba Baseball Association, along with Monty Montague who was the President and past president.

He was involved with the Rivers Legion Branch # 75, as a president and then Zone Commander for Zone 26, as well as the Welfare Officer for Branch #75. Fraternally, he was a Past Master of Rivers Masonic Lodge No 115, past principle of Rivers Mount Sinai Chapter No 8 RAM and a member of the Queen Esther Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.

He passed away January 9th, 1975and was buried in the family plot in Alexander Cemetery.

Len was born in Virden, Manitoba on April 30, 1922 along with his twin sister Bernice to Melville and Birdie Harvey.

He grew up with his family on a farm N.W ¼ section 36-22-12 west of Rivers.  This land was purchased by his grandfather, William Harvey in 1879 for $10.

He went to Lothair School and worked on the family farm, later driving taxi in Rivers for Earl Borrowman.

He enlisted in the service on July 29, 1942 and served in the Royal Canadian Navy on the H.M.C.S. Haida.  He was honorably discharged on October 16, 1945 as an Ordinary Seaman.  He received a voluntary Service medal & Clasp.

He married Alice Annetta Angus on November 3, 1943. They had on daughter, Lynn and two sons, Mel and Brent.

Upon discharge he got his electrician’s license and worked for the Department of National Defense at CFB Rivers and when that closed went to CFB Shilo where he retired in December, 1978 after 31 years.

He resided in Rivers his whole life.  He was a member of Rivers Legion #75 where he held several executive positions as well as Zone Commander.  He was a member of St. James Anglican Church, served on the town council, the school board and the curling club. He enjoyed curling, playing in the Brier playoffs.  In 1960, he and his team won the Dominion Legion and Championship in Summerside, P.E.I. and in 1965 they were runner up in Drummondville, Quebec.

He passed away on November 10, 1984.

May 31, 1921 - June 28, 2008

Lloyd joined the army in WWII, training with the First Division Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment at Fort Osborne and Fort Garry barracks Winnipeg and Camp Shilo. He served in front lines at Sicily, Italy, France and Holland from 1942-45 returning to the home farm after the war. He was nicknamed “Buck” and as a young boy operated the threshing machine or any other machinery with a motor on it as he was mechanically inclined. He also liked guns and target shooting.

Following the war he purchased Bradwardine Garage from Don Crawford, operating it from the farm for 21 years. He worked at Taylor’s Transport and Redline Transport as a mechanic until his retirement.  He was a member of Legion branches in Rivers and Kenton. 

Garnet L. Murray was born December 6th 1921 to Thomas and Emma Murray of Rivers. He was the youngest of 6 children and grew up on the family farm. He enlisted in the army October 21st 1942, joining the P.P.C.L.I. (Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry). He served in central Mediterranean, continental Europe and North Africa. He was with a peace keeping unit until his return to Canada in 1948. Garnet was wounded 3 times during the conflict. He received the Italian star, France and Germany star, 1939 to 1945 star, the voluntary service medal and the King George Vl medal for his service. 

He returned to farming in Rivers area after leaving the army. He married May Turney in 1950. Garnet and May had 4 children. Lee, Diane, Evelyn,  Tom. Garnet worked at the CFB in Rivers and farmed until 1967. He drove ambulance and many different pieces of equipment at the base. He the sold the farm and moved the family to Calgary. He worked there until his retirement. They moved to Beiseker, Alberta, and then to Disdbury, Alberta where passed on March 14th 1994 at 72 years of age. Garnet was a very sociable man and enjoyed family, friends playing cards and other hobbies. He was a long standing member of the Legion in both Manitoba and Alberta. Honored by his loving family.

Biography to Follow

Biography to Follow

John Johnson Halliday
20 December 1912 – 14 March 1978

John Johnson Halliday enlisted in the Canadian Army on 16 November 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He completed eight weeks of advanced training on 14 June 1943 and signed his Soldier’s Service Book at Camp Shilo on 19 May 1943. His regimental number was H103373.

John served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, taking part in active operations in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He served until the end of the Second World War and returned home without any injuries.

After the war, John became a farmer and continued to contribute to his community through his work and family ties.

Family connections still in the area:

Nephew in Rivers

Niece in Strathclair
Nephew in Dauphin

Medals (Left to Right):

1939–1945 Star
France and Germany Star
Defence Medal
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
War Medal

Honoured by the Halliday Family

Sapper Donald Hammond Young, H-36306
Royal Canadian Engineers

Donald Hammond Young was born on September 6, 1918, in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, and was adopted by the Young family of Shellmouth, Manitoba. Known for his athleticism and strong work ethic, Donald devoted his life to service, family, and community.

He enlisted with the Royal Canadian Engineers at No. 10 District Depot in Winnipeg on July 13, 1940. During the Second World War, he served overseas in the United Kingdom and continental Europe from 1941 to 1945. For his service, he was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Medal and the Normandy Campaign Medal. Donald was honourably discharged on January 9, 1946.

On July 12, 1947, he married Margaret Elizabeth Cumming of Lenore, Manitoba. The couple made their home in Rivers, Manitoba, where they lived for nearly all of their married life. Donald worked as an electrician at the Rivers Air Force Base until its closure, and later at CFB Shilo, retiring in 1981.

A devoted community member, Donald was a life member of both the Royal Canadian Legion and the Lions Foundation.

He passed away on January 11, 2012, at the age of 92, predeceased by his beloved wife in 2011. He is survived by his son in Souris, Manitoba, and his daughter in Calgary, Alberta, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who carry forward his legacy of dedication and integrity.

Bert was born in Bindloss, Alberta, on April 6, 1923. He grew up in Empress, Alberta, and Burstall, Saskatchewan, and completed all his schooling in a one-room schoolhouse. After finishing school in 1940, he moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta, where he worked at two different dairies. It was at the first dairy that he met the love of his life, Jennie Jolliffe. They were married on June 12, 1943, in Calgary.

Bert enlisted on October 20, 1942, beginning his basic training in Edmonton, Alberta. In January 1943, he was transferred to No. 2 Wireless School in Calgary, where he completed training in August 1943 as a wireless air gunner.

He was then posted to Lethbridge, Alberta, to complete the air gunnery course. After graduating in September 1943, he was transferred to Pennfield Ridge, New Brunswick. While flying in a Ventura bomber—an aircraft with no open windows—he became severely air sick, and as a result was grounded. Two weeks later, his former aircrew was tragically killed in a crash at McAdam, New Brunswick. After being grounded, Bert remained at Pennfield Ridge as a ground wireless operator.

In June 1944, he was posted to Montreal, Quebec, where he completed his wireless course as an instructor. Later that year, in September 1944, he was posted to Guelph and Mount Hope, Ontario. He returned to Lethbridge in November 1944 and remained there until the spring of 1945. Bert was next posted to Claresholm, Alberta, as an instructor, serving there until the base closed in April 1945. He was then transferred to Rivers, Manitoba. On November 17, 1945, he was honourably discharged from the Royal Canadian Air Force and transferred to the Reserve, General Section, Class E.

Bert and his family remained in Rivers, where he worked as Head Painter at the Rivers Base. When the base closed in 1971, he transferred to CFB Shilo, working as a painter for three years before becoming a building inspector, a position he held for seven years. Bert and Jennie raised four children: Judy, Ron, Coleen, and Greg.

Deeply committed to his community, Bert devoted much of his time to supporting seniors and volunteering where he was needed. He was a dedicated member of the Rivers Legion Branch #75 for 65 years, serving in several leadership roles:

• 1st Vice President – Jan–Dec 1950
  
  

• President – 1951
  
  

• Past Officer – 1951
  
  

He was awarded the Medal for Merit in 1980.

Bert passed away on April 10, 2015.

Farm Boy to Japanese P.O.W.  As printed in the Legion Magazine October 2014 By Joan Airey (slightly modified)

Two country brothers from Coulter in Southwestern Manitoba found themselves fighting for the same cause in World War II.

Because Jack Bennett was over in Bishopthorpe helping his uncle and aunts run their hotel for a few weeks, he ended up being drafted into the British army on October 17, 1940.  His brother William Henry was called to action joining the Canadian Army.

Jack’s training consisted of three months at Rhyl Kinmill Camp in North Wales.  He trained as an MT and Technical Engineer as an operator and driver.  There was very little training on firing guns, etc.  Jack was one of four who passed as a driver mechanic.  On February 24, 1941, Jack married Jennie Gair, whom he met in 1939 when he arrived in England.

Right after they married Jack, a soldier in the 5th Searchlight Company of the Royal Army left to serve in the Singapore area.  On February 15, 1942 the outfit he was serving with capitulated to the overwhelming Japanese forces. 

Jennie recalls: “ When Jack was taken prisoner of war I didn’t know for six months if he was alive.  The only correspondence allowed was a postcard.  I was only allowed 16 words on the postcards I sent Jack and I had to be careful what I wrote or they would destroy his mail.  When the war was over, piles of undelivered mail were found in the POW camps.”

Jack Bennett was one of thousands of men who built the bridge over the River Kwai, which is now a grim relic that inspired a celebrated novel and motion picture.  Seeking a strategic railway link between Thailand and Burma in World War II, the Japanese forced Allied prisoners of war, Asian soldiers and workers to lay more than 250 miles of track through malaria infested jungle.  Thousands died of malnutrition, disease and in Allied bombings that destroyed part of the bridge.

 “We carved a cross which we erected in the middle of the graveyard.  When we buried a prisoner, we wrote his name and where he was buried on a piece of paper.  These were stored in a quinine bottle by the cross.  When the bottle was full of names we buried it by the cross hoping someday the war would be over and our comrades’ graves would be marked.  Prisoners who died were buried in a rice sack made of rice straw.  Now the graves are marked and the Thai people care for the graveyard,” explained Jack.

Today the railway line carries tourists from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi near the bridge across the River Kwai, where neat rows of  gravestones mark the graves of about half of the 16,500 prisoners of war that died building the bridge of death.  Over 100,000 Asian soldiers and workers also lost their lives while working on the bridge.

“Treatment in the POW camps was inhuman, we were given one scoop of rice to eat three times a day.  On very rare occasions, we shared half a pig amongst six hundred men or we were fed marrow or cucumbers.  If you had ten cents you could sometimes buy a duck egg.” Said Bennett.

Prisoners’ clothing was a loincloth and wooden thongs.  Suffering from malnutrition these men toiled long hours building the bridge across the River Kwai.  Even prisoners who were ill with malaria were expected to work by catching twenty flies a day or they would get their face slapped.  Jack was one of those prisoners who eventually contracted and suffered from malaria.

“Prisoners caught stealing food were put into ‘hot boxes’ made of bamboo.  They couldn’t sit up, stand up or lay down properly and a hole was dug in one end for a toilet.  Others were sent to the guardroom to be kicked until they fell down and then kicked until they got up again.  Prisoners were forced to salute all Japanese soldiers.  Anyone trying to escape was shot immediately,” explained Jack bluntly.  Jack secretly borrowed a pencil from an officer in order to keep track of what life was like in his journal (see insert below for Jack’s journal) as a prisoner struggling for survival in a POW camp while helping build the bridge across the River Kwai.  If he was caught writing, he would have been severely punished.

Then in August 1945, two American soldiers and a Thai soldier freed the final prisoner of war campsite.  The POW’s next travelled by truck to Bangkok, flew to Rangoon and from there they sailed on the Cynthia to Southampton, England.  Jack returned home weighing only 89 pounds.  For his courage and heroism, he received the Kings Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Pacific Medal, Burma Bar and the Star Medal 1939-45.

Jack and Jennie Bennett eventually returned to Canada in 1946 and continued farming in the Coulter area. They had 3 children Joan, Christine and Steven. They moved to Rivers Camp Air Force Base where Jack worked at the Base. After the base closed, Jack worked in Brandon at the post office until retiring in 1972.

Jack never missed observing Remembrance Day and he took time to sell poppies in memory of his comrades who lost their lives to give us freedom until he passed away in August 2006.

Garnett Orville Scarrow was born November 23, 1919 in Arcola, Saskatchewan the son of Edward and Margaret (nee Hay).  He attended school in Spy Hill and Crosby.  He was in the service for 5 years with the Fort Garry Horse through France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Northwest Europe.

Landing in France on D Day June 6, 1944, Garnett was one of more than 15,000 Canadians who stormed Juno Beach in Normandy, France.  On August 31, 1946 Garnett received the “Belgium Croix de Guerrero with Leaf” for bravery in the operation north of the Antwerp Turnout Canal on the 29th of September 1944.  The citation reads “In every action this non-commissioned officer gave evidence of not only considerable fighting ability and skill but complete disregard for his own safety in his efforts to get the job done.”

Upon his return he started farming west of Binscarth, Manitoba in early 1946.  Later that year, December 28, he married Muriel Iris White of Binscarth.  He drove the school van for about 2 years.  Sons Brian and Wayne were born.  They moved to Brandon where he worked for C.P.R. and then the City of Brandon.  Daughter Kim and son Ross were born.  In 1961, they moved to Rivers where he worked at the Canadian Armed Forces base, as stationary engineer.  Dad was predeceased by mom who fought long and hard and lost her battle to stomach cancer in 1968.  In April of 1969 he remarried to Ilene Matheson (Robinson) of Binscarth. 

In 1971, the Rivers base closed at which time he was employed at A.C.C. and then Brandon Mental Health Centre as a stationary engineer.  He was the employed at the Canadian Forces Base in Portage while residing in Rivers, coming home on his days off until his retirement in 1984.  Dad and Irene would take their camper down to Rivers Lake and park it for the summer.  There would be lots of fishing, boat rides and grandchildren could be found hanging out. 

In years past, Garnett could be found down at the Legion various nights playing crib with his friends or taking on Grandsons Brendon and Bradley trying to beat Grandpa at the game.  Garnett enjoyed a good game of crib.  Dad was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion #75 for 65 years, where he volunteered for the weekly bingo for over 20 years.

Garnett continued to attend Fort Garry Horse reunions until age began to take its toll,  he saw his regiment for the last time in November of 2005 where was the Guest of Honor.  Garnett passed away December 30, 2009 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at the age of 90.

Second world War Battle Honours:  Normandy Landing, Caen, Carpiquet, Falise Road, the Laison, Boulogne 1944, Antwerp – Turnout Canal, The Scheldt, Woensdrecht, The Rhineland, Goch – Calcar Road, The Hochwald, Groningen, Oldenburg, Northwest – West Europe, 1944 – 1945, The Belgan Croix du Guerre with Leaf for gallantry at St Leonards.