Keith Anderson was born in 1923 in Briercrest, SK.  He joined the RCAF in October 1942 in Moose Jaw.  He was trained as a Wireless Electrical mechanic (W.E.M.) in Moose Jaw for 6 months, and then moved to Montreal for basic training.  After 10 months in Montreal, he was sent to Jarvis, Ontario, for Bombing and Gunnery School, where he serviced Ansons and Lysanders.  He volunteered for overseas duties in 1944 and was posted to England with 426 Bomber Squadron, working on Halifax and Lancaster bombers.  After D-Day he transferred to 409 Nighthawk Squadron, “to see more action”, where he worked on Mosquito fighter/bombers.  As the war progressed, the squadron moved across Europe, through Belgium and Holland, and into Germany when the war ended.  He returned to England, then to Halifax, and then Regina, and was discharged in October, 1945.

Medals:

• 1939-1945 Star
• France and Germany Star
• Defence Medal
• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
• War Medal 1939-1945
• Bomber Command Bar

Corporal Mansell Clifton Biden December 28^th, 1910

Cliff, as dad was known in the army, enlisted in December 1939 at the age of 28.  Sometime in 1940 he was transferred to No. 1 Sub Depot M.T. Stores Company, 1^st Canadian Base Ordinance Division, Canadian Army in England.  Later he was trained as a medic.  

While in England, he was carrying out practice exercises for the invasion, acting as clean-up crews to the bombed cities; clearing debris, burying people from mass bombings, and reassuring the citizens.  In August of 1942 dad was informed that his brother Byron, a wireless operator and gunner in the air force was shot down and killed over Germany.  Adding to the trauma was that all his brother’s possessions went missing.  Henceforth he always kept a framed photo of Byron in a prominent place in our home.

The 1^st army was involved in the invasion of France at Normandy.  From there they pushed their way up through coastal France to Belgium and then into the Netherlands on their way to Germany itself. 

Glimpses of Dad’s service seem to mirror this trajectory.   His supply unit landed  the 2^nd day.   He volunteered to recover dog tags and tag bodies on the beaches. The beaches were extremely dangerous: covered in mines, with shelling from up to five miles away and dangerous sniper fire.  Also, when on foot doing recovery he had to carry extra medic gear and as a driver making multiple trips often carrying dangerous loads such as fuel. He mentioned how amazed he was at the goods that were being unloaded out of American ships landing nearby. 

He travelled through France and witnessed the total devastation of communities … like Caen, that was 80% destroyed.  They entered a transit camp (a waiting ground for transport to concentration camps). I think this was Westerbork, Netherlands as the 1^st army was there.  He said the people imprisoned looked like they were no longer part of the human race but detached somehow in their immeasurable suffering.

As everyone did, he experienced many traumatic events. The worst was when several of his friends were killed by mines in front of him. Unbeknownst to us, as he did not speak of it till well into his 80’s, this event haunted him throughout his life and probably was part of the reason he was diagnosed in his 80’S with PTSD. 

He was involved with providing food to people in the Netherlands during the starvation winter of 1944-45.  Food, he said, was also parachuted in and people made themselves sick eating too much too soon. 

Dad was discharged in late 1945.  On the 40^th anniversary he went back to France for the commemoration. The tour included the Netherlands where Canadians were honored. 

Dad married Marjorie Toder in June of 1947 and moved to Moose Jaw in 1949.  Moose Jaw gave him a fresh start at life, he referred to it as, “Great Country”.  My father later had the job of caretaker at the Armories. 

When he died on July 27^th, 2005 at the age of 94 the Legion put their flag at half mast as he was the oldest living Legion veteran in Moose Jaw at that time.   To truly honor a person you must walk awhile in their shoes.  Thank-you for allowing me to do this.   

 

Special thank-you to my second cousin, a veteran, for helping me understand.

Gwelda Biden Hales representing Marjorie Biden (deceased wife), Audrey Biden, Grant Biden and my deceased brother Greg Biden. The family of Mansell Clifton Biden

Medals:

Sgt. Hugh Cairns, VC was born in England in 1896 and emigrated with his family to Saskatoon in 1911.  On the 2nd of August, 1915 he and his brother Albert enlisted in the 65th Battalion CEF.  Upon arrival in England he was sent as a replacement to the 46th Battalion CEF in France.  In January of 1917 he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his action in leading a party to resupply troops critically short of ammunition.  During this he was wounded.  Recognized for his leadership he was promoted and by the time the battalion arrived at Valenciennes he was a sergeant.  The Battle for Vallenciennes was the final one before the Armistice.  It was for his actions here he would be awarded the Victoria Cross.  Named in his memory is a lake in northern Saskatchewan, a school and a street in Saskatoon, and an avenue in Vallenciennes, France.

Medals:

• Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
• Victoria Cross (VC)

The youngest of nine children, including eight boys, Don had a lot to live up to. Five of his brothers had enlisted in WWI, with three returning home. Even though he was old enough to enlist by 1916, his mother refused to send yet another son off to war. The 1920s were good to Don. He played hockey in California and received his pharmaceutical degree from the University of Saskatchewan, married at St Joseph Church in Moose Jaw in 1928, and moved to Mankota to begin his pharmacy career. The great depression however, was not kind to him or his family, losing the drugstore and finally moving his growing family into the home of his brother, Emmett in Moose Jaw. Eventually they moved to their own home but moved almost every year, probably due to the inability to pay rent. Unable to be hired as a pharmacist, he struggled to support his family. Prior to enlisting Don had served in the militia with the King’s Own Rifles of Canada, Interestingly, the outbreak of WWII found the KORC critically short of equipment, to the point where the influx of volunteers practiced drills and performed sentry duty carrying wooden cutouts in the shape of rifles. Much as WWII was a terrible experience for all, for Don it provided a much needed source of steady income to help support his family. Upon his discharge, he did not go back to pharmacy, instead becoming a trainman with the CPR until his retirement in 1963.

 

Medals:

• Defence Medal
• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
• War Medal 1939-1945

Edward was the seventh of nine children, born and raised in Broadview, SK. Enlisting on Apr. 12, 1918 in Moose Jaw, and formerly employed as an electrical and steam engineer, he served as a sapper with the 2nd Canadian Railway troops. Sappers were adjunct military engineers such as tunnellers, railway troops and foresters. Collins departed on the SS City of Cairo from the Port of Montreal on Sept. 26 along with 1075 other young soldiers. Soon, nearly all on board were sick with the Spanish flu, resulting in 34 deaths while crossing. One of those was Edward James Collins who died on Oct. 8, 1918, and is buried at sea. As with all who were buried at sea, Edward is memorialized on the Halifax Memorial. His Silver Cross and plaque are now archived at the Saskatchewan Military Museum in Regina. For more info: http://www.sscityofcairo.co.uk/thegreatwar.php

Medals:

• Military Medal

Emmett was the fourth son of Matthew and Margaret Collins of Broadview, SK. A student at law at the time, he enlisted in Moose Jaw on July 28, 1915. On Feb 8, 1916 he was promoted to Lance Corporal but soon gave up his stripes to go overseas, becoming a private with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

The night of July 16/17, 1916, Emmett suffered a concussion, temporary blindness, and myalgia, severe pain. His diagnosis of “shell shock” resulted in his discharge on April 30, 1917. Upon discharge Emmett completed his law degree and was called to the bar both in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, soon practicing in Moose Jaw with “Collins and Church”. Prescribed morphine after his discharge, he soon realized he required more support for both his physical pain and emotional flashbacks. Like many veterans at the time he found himself trying to recover with no social programs or social safety net supporting mental health. Emmett’s suffering continued for 20 years. Upon the outbreak of WWII he was hired by the federal government of the day and worked in Ottawa until his death in 1945.

Emmett was yet another casualty of war, with an invisible disability. Lest we forget.

The eighth of nine children, Leo was born and raised in Broadview and didn’t enlist until May 7, 1918 at the age of 22. He joined the 260th Battalion of the Canadian Rifles, sailing out of Vancouver to Vladivostok. The purpose of the Russian front was to provide support to the “White Russians”, those supporting the Tzarist regime. Leo was hospitalized for about a month for a medical condition but soon rejoined his ranks.

Labour unions in Canada’s largest cities were sympathetic to the Bolsheviks, influencing a mutiny by the 259th Battalion in Victoria, the day of boarding. Thirteen soldiers were arrested, the ring leaders court-martialled, and the remaining members of the two Quebec companies were escorted aboard their ship by soldiers with fixed bayonets. Troops saw little action while in Russia, mainly being responsible for guard duty and administration.

Leo departed for home on May 9, 1919. He also served in WWII with the RCAF, supervising Air Force building construction in Canada, and continued with his law studies. He articled in Regina, was admitted to the bar in 1949, and was employed by the Saskatchewan provincial government until his retirement in 1963.

LCol. David Vivian Currie, VC, was born in Sutherland, Saskatchewan on 8 July 1912. When the Second World War broke out, he was a mechanic working in Moose Jaw, and was serving with the local militia regiment, the King’s Own Rifles of Canada. He volunteered for active duty and was transferred to the South Alberta Regiment as an officer.  While initially trained as an infantry officer, his unit was rerolled to armoured reconnaissance and he became an armoured officer. When his unit was rerolled prior to D Day to an armoured (tank) regiment, he was already a major and was given command of “C” Squadron, South Alberta Regiment (SAR) 29th Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment.   Following the victory of the Falaise Gap, Currie continued to fight through battles for the channel ports and into Holland and the Battle of the Scheldt. In December of that year he was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George VI for his gallant leadership throughout this battle.   After the war he worked in Quebec until being appointed Sergeant-at-Arms of the Canadian Parliament, a position he held for 18 years. Currie also served as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Saskatchewan Dragoons from 1972 to 1980. He died in Ottawa on 24 June 1986, and that year the Moose Jaw Armoury, where he started his military career, was named the Lieutenant-Colonel D.V. Currie VC Armoury. Currie Avenue in Saskatoon is also named in his honour.

 

Medals:

• Victoria Cross (VC)

William (Bill) Fedyk was born in Moose Jaw on October 17th, 1921. The family moved to a farm near Ardill, SK in 1922, where Bill went to Sully School and Lake of the Rivers School until completing Grade 8. In 1937, he left the farm to look for work. Bill enlisted February 24, 1942 in Moose Jaw, SK in The King’s Own Rifles of Canada and transferred to the 28^th Canadian Armoured Regiment (British Columbia Regiment) of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. Bill completed his basic training on April 30, 1942, and joined the BCR in Debert, NS on May 30, 1942. He completed his basic armoured training June 21, 1942. Bill shipped out from Debert, NS to England on August 21, 1942 and arrived in the UK September 1st, 1942. He served as a Loader Operator in a Sherman tank crew for the duration of the war. Bill first saw action in August 1944 in France during Operation Tractable. He served with the 29th Canadian Armoured Regiment in the pursuit of German forces through France and Belgium, through the winter 1944/45 in the Netherlands and into Germany in the spring 1945 until the end of the war. Then, as part of the Canadian Army Occupation Force, he remained on duty in Germany and the Netherlands until he returned to Canada and was discharged in January, 1946. Following the war, Bill took up farming in the Ardill area until retiring to Moose Jaw in 1998. Bill passed away in 2011 at the age of 89.

Medals:

• 1939-1945 Star
• France and Germany Star
• Defence Medal
• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp
• Good Conduct Medal

Jack was born at Stony Beach on April 21, 1922, on the farm to which his parents came from Ontario in 1912. His father is a native of Clandeboye, Ontario, and his mother is the former Mildred Marjorie Sedore, of Sutton West. He received his education at Stony Beach Public School, Belle Plaine High School, and then attended the Aeronautical School at Moose Jaw. On the completion of his course, he joined the staff of the Prairie Airways, of Moose Jaw and Regina. In October, 1940, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was winged at Dauphin, Man., July 14, 1941, and left for overseas, arriving in England, September 1st. The next April he was sent to the Middle East on operations. On July 14, 1942, he was taken a prisoner in Africa and confined to an Italian camp for over a year. Escaping on September 9, 1943, he finally arrived behind the Allied lines on November 18. He was sent back to England in December and from there home, arriving in Stony Beach on January 24, 1944. Less than two weeks after returning home, on February 5, he married Miss Ruby Read of Bethune, Sask. The young couple moved to Ottawa where Flt. Lt. Harlton did instructional work for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Medals:

• Pilot’s Flying Badge
• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
• L. Medal

John Alexander Irwin was born on October 10th, 1895 in Middlemiss, Ontario and his wife Mary Bridget Irwin (Fallon) was born on October 13th of that same year in Edinburgh, Scotland. They were married on April 15th, 1919 in Edinburgh, Scotland. John was in the Canadian Army and fought in World War I in France, Belgium and Germany. For his service he earned the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. Mary was performing in pantomimes in the theatre in Edinburgh and working in a munitions factory. John and Mary lived in Moose Jaw for 27 years. In 1934 they had adopted their daughter Dorothy Anne Irwin, who grew up in Moose Jaw and later attended the local teachers’ college beginning her life-long career as an educator. Their family home always had an open-door policy for visitors. During World War II several English families from the local Air Training Base called it home. Sunday open houses were a regular occurrence with singing around the piano and the sharing of rationed food. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church could always count on extra accommodations when needed for visiting clergy at John and Mary’s house. Mary was also a dedicated volunteer with the church and performed a wide variety of roles for the parish. John operated a successful auto parts business in Moose Jaw for several years (from the very early 1940’s until the mid 1960’s) called City Auto Parts. His shop was located at 118 Fairford Street West in the now empty lot in between the old former fire hall and Heritage Insurance. This lot is across the street from the current Safeway store. In their retirement, John and Mary lived in several communities in Western Canada. When each of them passed away however (Mary-March 21st, 1985 and John-May 29th, 1991) they were buried next to each other at the Sunset Cemetery in Moose Jaw. - Vincent Paul Kreiser, Grandson

Ralph Alexander Johnstone was born in Moose Jaw, SK son of William & Clara (Lillico) Johnstone.  Ralph came from a family of 9 children. Ralph was employed as a truck driver & butter wrapper at Johnstone Dairies – where his father and two brothers were owners.

Ralph signed up with the RCAF in Regina July 14, 1941.  He indicated at that time he wanted to stay flying after the war.  July 23, 1941, he received his pilot license. Ralph then went to #2 Manning Depot in Brandon MB, then to No.2 ITS in Regina, #19 EFTS in Virden MB. June 27, 1944, he attended Sydney NS with 128 Squadron. Aerodrome Defense Course.

July 27, 1944 Typhoon IB MN 156 – anti-diver patrol mid-air collision with another typhoon.  In a letter dated August 04, William & Clara Johnstone were informed of Ralph’s mid-air collision and death in Denton Crt, Kent, England.  Ralph was subsequently buried in England.

– Geri Musson

John Campbell Kinloch, born in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, embodies the spirit of devotion and courage that defines our nation's veterans. Kinloch's journey is one of steadfast commitment and honorable service, leaving an indelible mark on both his comrades and the pages of history.  As a devoted husband to Annie Kinloch and a skilled boilersmith, he called 13 Brown Street, City View, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, home.

When he volunteered in the fall of 1915, he declared his birth as May 12, 1875 (40 years old) but his real birth date was May 12, 1867 (48 years old).  He likely did this to ensure he was accepted which demonstrates his patriotism to Canada.  Enlisting as a Private, he embarked on a path of dedication and advancement. Kinloch's journey led him to the forefront of duty during World War I in Europe. Through his commitment, he ascended the ranks of the Canadian military over the course of his service.

He enlisted with the 68th Battalion and eventually was transferred to the 2nd Tramway Company of the Canadian Engineers. His leadership abilities shone as he earned the rank of Sergeant by April 13, 1918.

Kinloch's gallant and distinguished service in the field was mentioned in a Despatch by Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig, an accolade he received on November 8, 1918, and is immortalized in the London Gazette. John Campbell Kinloch's legacy embodies dedication, sacrifice, and honor.

Sgt Arthur George Knight, VC, originally from Sussex England, at the age of 25, in 1911, he decided to move to Canada, where he lived and worked as a carpenter in Regina. Three years later he enlisted in Regina on December 19, 1914. He was posted to the 46th (Saskatchewan) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force for training.    He became a member of the 10th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force on September 28, 1915.   He was a leader and was promoted Sergeant in November of 1917. That month he was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre for bravery. He was twice wounded, in November 1916 and again in December 1917. He fought at the Somme, Vimy, Passchendaele, Amiens and finally at the Drocourt-Quéant Line.   This very gallant NCO was subsequently fatally wounded. Named in his memory is a lake in northern Saskatchewan, a mountain in Jasper Park, and two streets in Regina, Knight and Sussex.

Medals:

• Victoria Cross (VC)

Thomas Gowan McKee was born July 13, 1915 in Rouleau, SK. Tom was the second child in a family of nine children. Family was always important to Tom. Much of Tom’s youth was spent in southern Saskatchewan including Rockglen, Maple Creek and Moose Jaw. During the depression, Tom worked with his father and brothers in northern Saskatchewan logging in the Prince Albert area.

Tom was honourably discharged from the army in 1945 with the rank of sergeant. Following World War II, Tom trained as a barber. Tom worked at the Connaught Barbershop which was in the Walter Scott building on High Street East. Tom enjoyed carpentry, golfing, and gardening.

Medals:

• C-in-C Certificate for Gallantry

Frederick Hayward McWilliams was born in Moose Jaw on May 4, 1925 and died February 17, 2014. He was the youngest of 8 children and grew up close to Central Collegiate High School in a house that his parents built.  Fred and his wife, Sonia raised 4 children in the very same house.  He graduated from King George Elementary School and then Central Collegiate High School.

After serving in WW11, he studied Optometry at the University of Toronto and convocated in 1948.  He married Sonia Mary Huly on Sept 7, 1948 and they went on to celebrate 65 yrs. of marriage. He enjoyed spending time with his patients and practiced for 50yrs. Fred served on the board of SK Association of Optometrists, SK Heart & Stroke Foundation.  He was most involved with the Moose Jaw Lions Band Assoc; he served as President. The band took three trips to Europe (1964,1970, 1974). He could also be found at the curling rink during the winter.  Fred was a loving and honourable man who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He was very generous in helping his family and community.

May he continue to rest in peace and be confident that his honesty, work ethic, generosity, empathy, and kindness lives on in his descendants. - John McWilliams

Pte William Johnstone Milne, VC, was born on December 21, 1892 at Wishaw Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland. In 1910 he immigrated to Canada, where he worked on the Kirkland farm 40 kilometres west of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. On September 11, 1915, he walked to Moose Jaw to enlist.  Private Milne embarked for England on October 23, 1915, with the 46th (Saskatchewan) Battalion, and was later transferred to the 16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion. He fought in the trenches in the Ypres Salient in Belgium. The 16th Battalion also took part in an attack on the Fabeck Graben Line in September, 1916 and on Regina Trench in October, 1916 in the Somme area of France, before being relieved and moved north to the Vimy sector, north of Arras.   Private Milne was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross and his name is listed on the Vimy Memorial.   Private Milne was the first soldier who had served with the 46th (Saskatchewan) Battalion to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Medals:

• Victoria Cross (VC)

Gus served in WWII from June 1943 to October 1945.

This banner acknowledges and honours the service of the hundreds of Saskatchewan citizens who chose to serve Canada since its inception. Specifically, this banner honours those who wore the cap badge of The Saskatchewan Dragoons, past and present.  This banner spans all expeditionary operations, domestic operations, conflicts, peace support operations, and training exercises.  This banner honours the service of all those members who may not have achieved individual accolades or acknowledgement but have contributed to the success of the Unit.  Working in crews, teamwork is a core value of cavalry units and as such, the sacrifice of these soldiers exemplifies prioritizing the team over the individual. These soldiers shared in the challenge, they shared in the fear, they shared in the experiences of those that earned acknowledgement and honours. To them, we say, “FIRST IN – LAST OUT”

Cecil Nesbitt Staples was born February 26, 1919. He was raised on a farm southeast of Moose Jaw in the Petrolia District where he attended school and played ball on the local team.

He joined the army in November 1940 and transferred to RCAF November 1941. After training in Edmonton, St. Thomas, and Mont Joli he left for England January 1, 1944.

Cecil was discharged from the RCAF September 1945 as a Leading Aircraftsman and returned to work on the family farm.

He joined the Petrolia baseball team, and it was at a local ball tournament he met the love of his life, Marjorie Duncan, a teacher at Pasqua. On January 9, 1948 Cecil and Marj were married, they stayed on the farm and raised four children. While farming he also worked at CPR, drove taxi and hail adjusted. They enjoyed square dancing where they made many lifetime friends. Cecil and Marj travelled to New Zealand, Hawaii, Maritimes and wintered in California, Arizona, and Texas.

When at home they loved to spend time with family which had grown by 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

They sold the farm in 1975 and moved to Moose Jaw where Cecil enjoyed working in property management. They were able to live independently until Cecil’s passing in May, 2015. Although Cecil found it difficult to speak of his time during WWII to his children he did open up and shared memories and pictures with his grandchildren.

Ray Taylor had an amazing career in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel after 37 years of service in 2002.  After beginning with the Queen’s Own Rifles in 1967, Ray joined PPCLI in Germany.  After his return from Germany, he returned to the Security Branch and was posted to Cold Lake, Alberta, and then Trenton, Ontario as Base Security Officer. During his time in Trenton, he oversaw aircraft security for the Royal Family while they were in Canada and Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau when he left Canada.  Ray spent many years based in Ottawa in the Privy Council Office and at Canadian Forces Headquarters. He did a wide variety of jobs in Ottawa: undercover surveillance, counterintelligence, intelligence analyst, senior briefer of the most senior Canadian Government officials, a tour with the United Nations, and training diplomats on how to stay safe in foreign countries.  His next posting was as Intelligence Liaison Officer in London and then he was back to NDHQ in Ottawa and Staff College in Toronto. During this time in Ottawa, he was known as the preeminent Middle East intelligence analyst and became head of the Soviet Air Forces Analysis Division.  His next big move was to Winnipeg, as the Air Command Intelligence Officer.  Here, he managed the entire intelligence function and all the intelligence resources for the Royal Canadian Air Force.  His career concluded in Washington, DC where he served as Chief of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Liaison Office. He was known to have contributed significantly to the process of intelligence and cooperation between the United States and Canada.

Ray Taylor worked hard for his country and was involved in every international military event from the Cold War to the Balkans War, including Cyprus, Egypt, Lebanon, Guatemala, Rwanda, Kosovo, and Bosnia, to name just a few.  He earned many accolades and decorations over the course of his career, including the Peacekeeping Decoration for the Nobel Peace Prize and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.  He was most proud of being awarded the Legion of Merit (Officer), by the United States for his service in Washington.  This award was created for citizens of other nations to honour “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States.”  The Legion of Merit had never been awarded to a serving, non-retired, individual.

Ray Taylor was a veteran of the Canadian Air Force, Army and Intelligence branches and was an outstanding positive leader.  Thank you for your service, Sir.

Our father, Arthur George Wilson, was born to William and Annie (Sherris) Wilson on Nov. 8, 1923.  He was raised on the BW Bar ranch south-east of Coderre, Saskatchewan with 4 sisters and 3 brothers.   George was only 17 when he and two brothers joined the war effort on June 19, 1941. They were sent to Portage la Prairie and then on to Camp Borden for basic training.  George and Dave became part of the 9th Armored Regiment of the BC Dragoons. Their younger brother, Mac, served with the North Strathcona Lighthorse Tank Corp.

By early November 1941, the Dragoons were boarding the “H.M.T. Andes” at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  A convoy of USA warships escorted them and other troop ships. About mid-ocean they were met by British naval vessels who took over, delivering them safely into Liverpool, England on November 22.  It was at Marlborough, Wiltshire and Aldershot, Hampshire, where training with tanks, signaling and weapons was carried out.  Whenever he was on Leave, George would head into a city or up to Wishaw, Scotland to visit his paternal grandfather and family.

After nearly two years in England, the time came to board the “Samaria” traveling to Naples, Italy.  From there, the regiment fought their way through to France and later the Netherlands. During the years at the front, George was wounded once, thankfully not seriously.  V-E Day on May 8, 1945, brought relief that the war in Europe was over. The BC Dragoons joined other Canadian units in moving approximately 140,000 German prisoners-of-war from the Western Netherlands to Germany.

All three brothers returned home with the Five-Year Medal and Clasp, the Defense Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, and the Italy Star, France & Germany Star and 1939-1945 Star.   After being discharged Dec. 7, 1945, George returned to ranching, taking over the family homestead. He knew a lot about horses.  Often, he would be called to stock sales to help identify a colt.  With one look he could tell who its Sire and Dame were, just by its features. He settled many disputes.   On February 12, 1948, George married Fernande Marie Gaucher, daughter of Rosalphe and Bertha (Arguin) Gaucher.  They had 3 children, living first on the ranch and later in Coderre.  George was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Coderre Branch #22 and one of the founding members of the Coderre Lions Club.  After a battle with cancer, George passed away May 10, 1979.

Trooper David Guy Wilson was born July 25th, 1922 and raised southeast of Coderre, Saskatchewan on the BW Ranch along with his 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

On June 19th, 1941, David Guy Wilson and his 2 younger brothers. Malcolm Douglas and Arthur George went to Regina to enlist to fight in the Great War.  They were sent to Portage la Prairie and then to Camp Borden for basic training.  Dave and brother George were assigned to the 9th Armoured Regiment of the BC Dragoons, while Mac was assigned to the Strathcona Light Tank Corp.  Leaving from Pier 21 in Halifax they arrived in Liverpool on November 11th, 1941. Dave soon found himself in battles in France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium, and the central Mediterranean. On December 7th, 1945 Dave was discharged and returned home.

On October 24th, 1947 Dave married Therese Lepine, they lived on the ½ section farm, Dave had acquired from the VLA, till their house burnt down.  They then moved into Coderre, where Dave farmed from town and Therese ran the telephone exchange. On June 28th, 1969, Dave passed away, leaving behind Therese and 4 children.

Medals:

• 1939-1945 Star
• France and Germany Star
• Italy Star
• Defence Medal
• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp
• War Medal 1939-1945

Malcolm Douglas Wilson (Mac) was born at the BW Bar Ranch which is six miles south-east of Coderre, SK. Mac, along with brothers David and George, joined the army in June 1941. He trained with the Lord Strathcona Horse Corps in Regina, Portage La Prairie and Borden to be able to fill any position in a Sherman tank. On December 8th 1941 he sailed for England on the “Pasteur”. Two days later Mac celebrated his seventeenth birthday at sea drinking stale flat draft beer out of an aluminum mess tin. What a celebration! After further training in England, he headed to Europe to fight in the Italian Campaign.

After 18 months of battle, 4 Christmases, 4 birthdays and 2 wounds he said goodbye to Italy on February 18th, 1945. Landing in France he fought through Belgium and then to Holland. As part of the Canadian humanitarian effort Mac came to the aid of many including a young Dutch family. In May 1995, Gerdine Koopmans, the daughter of the family located Mac through his nickname “Lucky” in an ad in the Legion magazine. After 50 years she finally located him to thank him and they met in August of 1995. Gerdine attended Mac’s 90th birthday party. May 8th of 1945 was VE Day and Mac stayed behind to transport civilians back to their homes and to escort German soldiers out of Holland. On January 19th, 1946 he returned home to his family. He was two months into his 21st birthday.

Mac married Lil and they had 5 children. Both maintained a lifelong association with the Legion. Mac was awarded the Palm Leaf to the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his long and exemplary service to the Legion. Mac passed away on September 30th, 2015, two and a half months shy of his 91st birthday.

Medals:

• 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Italy Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, Victory Medal, Queens Jubilee Medal