Perth Courier

Perth Courier - World War Two, 1940 to 1945.

supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.

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Perth Courier, February 2, 1940

Seventeen Enlist in the Air Force

Majority Signing Up Here Were From Town of Smith’s Falls

The mobile unit recruiting here for the Royal Air Force on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday enlisted a total of 17 men, who were sent immediately to Toronto.  Men enlisted and their post office addresses are:

Perth:  C. H. Saunders and J.N. Dicola(?)

Lanark:  A.R. Small

Gratton:  C.L. Cole

Braeside:  E.J. Lavern

Franktown:  L.(?)H. Davis

Smith’s Falls:  F. J. Vinat or Vinal; H.G. Couch; G. I. Nichols; E. H. Blair; G.M. Haskins; A.E. Hodgins; J.S. McIntosh; J.G. Bradley; R.C. Deegan; C.E. Plant; and D.M.Deegan

Perth Courier, June 7, 1940

Killed in War Action

A Smith’s Falls Man Receives Word of Brother’s Death

W.J. Butterill of Smith’s Falls has received official word that his brother Clarence Butterill has been reported killed in action.  Mr. Butterill, a bomber with the Royal Air Force, is a Canadian who went to England seven years ago and later enlisted with the Royal Air Force.  This is the second fatality among men from this district. 

Perth Courier, July 12, 1940

John Kanelakos Seaman Gunner On Oil Tanker

Rejected as medically unfit for service with the C.A.S.F., John Kanelakos is now engaged in a service which carries enough of the elements of danger and adventure to suit any man. Completing a course at the merchant’s seaman’s gunners’ school at Halifax, he signed up immediately for a five year period or for the duration as a gunner in the joint employ of the Imperial Oil Company and the Dominion government.  His first assignment will be with the M.V. (merchant vessel) Vancolite. This is one of a number of oil tankers in the British service, transporting gasoline via the seas from producing points to parts where it is needed and such tankers are especially sought after by subs and air bombers.  The tankers constitute a section of the merchant marine, operating in and out of combat areas and is especially dangerous.  A direct hit by a bomb or submarine’s torpedo on such a boat almost invariably means complete loss of the boat, cargo and personnel.  Hence it would seem that Jack Kanelakos has selected a particularly dangerous section of the empire endeavors to use his talents.  Mr. Kanelakos was in town for the weekend and a few days this week and left on Wednesday to assume his duties on the above named tanker. 

Perth Courier, August 9, 1940

Reported Missing

Mrs. Richard Mills has received word that of her two brothers in the British Army, one, Corporal Duncan Sutherland, has been officially reported missing following the evacuation of Dunkirk.  Corporal Sutherland was a member of the 1st Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, a unit that was almost completely wiped out following the historic evacuation.

Perth Courier, September 2, 1940

Again In Uniform

Dr. Arthur C. Fowler, who offered his services recently to the military authorities, received notice last week to report this week to Kingston where he will be attached, for the present, to the headquarters staff of military district number three.  Dr. Fowler is a veteran of the 1914-18 conflict ; early in 1918(?) he sailed from Canada as a gunner with the 167th Battery of the Canada Expeditionary Force.

Sapper G. Noonan, Native of Perth, Died in England

Word has been received by George J. Noonan, manager of the Pembroke branch of the Bank of Montreal, of the death of his son, Sapper George Chapman Noonan, 28, R.C.E., somewhere in England as the result of a motorcycle accident.  Sapper Noonan, who has two brothers in the service, enlisted in Pembroke last winter with the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment and started an officer’s training course with that regiment. Finding it would take too long to take this course and get to grips with the enemy he transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers, Ottawa, as a sapper.  In January, he married Kathleen Burgess of Grand Falls, N.B. Four days later he left for overseas.  He had been stationed at Aldershot and later at Southampton.  Recently his letters home simply stated “somewhere in England”.  Immediate circumstances surrounding his death are not known as the only word was that received by his parents from the National Defense Headquarters.  Sapper Noonan was born at Perth.  He was the son of George J. Noonan and the former Helen Chapman and a grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. D.R. Noonan of Perth.  He was educated at Barry’s Bay Separate School and later attended St. Michael’s College in Toronto.  For the greater part of his life he had lived in New Brunswick, going to Pembroke a little more than a year ago with his parents.  Besides his widow and his parents he is survived by three brothers:  Donald of the Royal Canadian Engineers now in England:  Edward, of the Governor General’s Footguards, Ottawa; and Eric at home; and three sisters, Rev. Sister Ste. Madeline, Instructor at the Gloucester Convent, Ottawa; Mrs. Gerard Gorman, St. John, N.B.; and Helen, a nurse in training at Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Craig Greer Joins Ottawa Home Guard

Craig Greer of Maberly, one of the local men who was privileged to read his own obituary at the end of the 1914-18 war, was back in uniform again, having joined the Ottawa Home Guard detachment.  Mr. Greer was reported officially to have died  while a prisoner of war in Germany in 1918(?) and the Courier believes a memorial service was held following receipt of that news.  However, as in the case of Mark Twain, there was exaggeration and Craig survived the ordeal of the prison camp and returned to Canada.  Last week, an advertisement appeared in the Courier whereby men were sought for home guard duty at Ottawa and among those from that town and district who were accepted were:  Arthur St. Pierre, Mississippi Station; Fred J. Armstrong, Elmsley; Craig Greer, John Campbell, and Sid Howe, Maberly; Thomas Moore, William Lee, Walter Chalmers, and Jack Richardson, Perth.

Perth Courier, February 27, 1941

Captain Gemmell Is With British Forces In Sudan

Capt. T.R. Gemmell, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.K. Gemmell of Perth and a graduate of the R.M.C. at Kingston, is at present acting commander of an artillery battery of 100 men of the British forces from India, operating out of the Sudan.  Since leaving Canada several years ago, he attended an officers training school in England; saw active service with the Indian forces at the Khyber pass, also at Peshawar; was transferred to Aden(?) then back to India and last August was moved to the Sudan, that move being, in all probability, a part of careful and thorough preparation for the present offenses in eastern Africa.  (A letter follows giving some of his experiences, but is not transcribed.)

Perth Courier, April 24, 1941

Photo William D. Hagyard

William D. Hagyard received his wings at a graduation ceremony at #2 Service Flying Training School at Uplands, Ottawa on Friday afternoon.  He is the 19 year old son of Dr. and Mrs. H.C. Hagyard of Perth and a graduate of Perth Collegiate and joined the services last September.  At present, marking the conclusion of a lengthy period of strenuous training, he is at home here, on leave until the middle of May.  Leading Aircraftman Hagyard is the second Perthite to receive his wings in the R.C.A.F. and is the first man to graduate with that rank under the commonwealth training scheme.

Cpl. D.A. Blake Smiley is spending a furlough at his home in town. 

L.A.C. Johnny Robinson, R.C.A.F., who has been at Rockcliffe, has been transferred to Brandon, Manitoba.

James O’Gorman left a few days ago for an eastern port, in the Canadian naval service. 

Perth Courier, May 1, 1941

Robert Braley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Braley, Drummond Street, has joined the radio technical department of the R.C.A.F., Ottawa.

Stanley Rogers left Toronto on April 19 for Prince Albert, Sask., for another phase of aircrew training at No. 6 Empire Flying Training School.

Mrs. William Cuthberton of Perth has received word of the safe arrival in England of her husband Major William Cuthbertson, formerly of Climax, Sask.  He was in the contingent landing in England a few days ago and is commanding officer of a road construction unit, the group being completely equipped to start building or repairing roads in the corps area.  Equipment taken overseas by this unit includes steam rollers, tractors, etc.

Private Elmer Taylor, P.L.D.G., Farnham, Quebec, visited relatives at Perth during the weekend.

Perth Courier, May 8, 1941

Gerald E. Young of Ottawa, who was rescued after the recent sinking of a ship at sea, in which about 122 military personnel are believed to have been lost, is a son-in-law of the Town Clerk and Mrs. Ed Young of Perth. He is a native of Smith’s Falls and has been associated with the Stores Audit Branch of the Department of National Defense in Ottawa for the past 13 years.

Perth Courier, June 12, 1941

For a War Pilot, R.A.F.

If I must die

Let it be a swift and shattered flight

Through the smoking, violated night

In a rush of spaces

Let not my face

Be warped with fright.

But, at God’s height

And far beyond the blight

Of this mad, murderous race

My name in flames, fire-bright

If I must die

Gretchen Wellman, Jr.

Perth Courier, June 26, 1941

Receives Wings

Robert Elmer Drysdale, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Drysdale, was one of a number of pilots who graduated from #7 Service Flying School at MacLeod, Alberta on Friday.  Sgt. Drysdale, a student of the P.C.I., Perth, enlisted at Ottawa on Sept. 13 with the R.C.A.F. and was sent to Brandon, Manitoba.  After four weeks he transferred to Vancouver, B.C., where he was until December 23; then he was sent to Regina.  After training there until January 27, he was transferred for further flying instruction to Ft. William, Ontario.  From there he was able to come to Perth for a five day leave to visit his parents.  He left on April 27 to complete his training at MacLeod, Alberta.  Now he is home on a ten day leave previous to resuming R.C.A.F. duties at an eastern point.

Receives Wings

Lawrence J. Rathwell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Rathwell was among those who received wings in a graduation class of bomber pilots at #5 Service Flying Training School at Brantford on June 14.

Proclamation To Be Read at Town Hall at 3 p.m. on Friday

Mayor W.C. McLaren informed Perth council on Monday evening that he had received a notice from Brigadier Logie Armstrong, officer commanding military district #3 that an armed party from district headquarters would visit Perth on Friday afternoon, July 4.  At 3:00 on Friday afternoon the party will present to Mayor McLaren a proclamation which he will read to the people from the steps of the town hall.  Members of council and other citizens were requested in a notification to attend at the time of the reading of the proclamation.  Delivery and reading of the proclamation, which will stress the immediate need of men for the Canadian army, is an up to date version of an old time custom and will be carried out through the Dominion, today (Thursday) and Friday.  In Canada’s early days when freedom was threatened the system of calling the citizenry to the defense of their homes was for a horseman to gallop to the outlying districts with an official proclamation that was read to the public from the town hall steps.  Today, when Canada’s freedom is again threatened, the same system is being used, but with the modern twist that the delivery will be made by motorcycle couriers in battle dress.

Perth Courier, July 31, 1941

Lance Cpl W. Arthur Pope of the C.A.R.T.C., Peterborough, spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pope, Craig Street.

Perth Courier, August 7, 1941

Cpl. Delbert Lake has returned to St. John, New Brunswick after spending two weeks at his home in Fallbrook.

Murray A. McLean, of the R.C.N.V.R. of Toronto, is spending this weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.V. McLean.  A transfer from Toronto to the east coast is in prospect for Mr. McLean in the near future.

Perth Courier August 28, 1941

W.J.S. Rogers, formerly of Perth, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Rogers, R.R.4, Perth, was one of a class of leading aircraftmen receiving pilot’s wings at a ceremony at Number Four Service Flying Training School as Saskatoon, Sask., on Wednesday of last week.  On Monday of this week he was granted a commission as pilot officer and after a week’s holiday will resume his studies at Toronto.  Wing Commander Ernest McNab, D.C.F., leader of the first Royal Canadian Air Force squadron in Britain, recently posted to Number Four School, officiated for the first time at a graduation ceremony.  Stanley Rogers, who was born at Evesham, Sask., is a graduate of Perth Collegiate Institute and previous to enlisting in the R.C.A.F. in December, 1940, was a sergeant in the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish.

Perth Courier, October 9, 1941

Wings Presented to Ronald Morris Code

Another Perthite, Ronald Morris Code, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code, received his wings at an interesting ceremony at Camp Borden, when among a large class of graduates in flying were representatives of all the provinces in Canada and of ten states in the U.S.A., received similar recognition on Tuesday evening.  Attending the ceremony from Perth were Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code, Miss Eleanor Code, Mrs. Amanda Code, Miss Maud Code, and Miss M. Brunet.  At present, Ronald is at home here on a ten day furlough, previous to reporting for duty at an eastern port.

Perth Courier, January 8, 1942

Edwin George Code of Ottawa, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code, has joined the anti-aircraft battery of the Cameron Highlanders.  He is the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Code to join the Canadian armed forces.

Perth Courier, Feb. 19, 1942

Two Perth Men Reported Missing After Air Raids

A casualty list published by the R.C.A.F. on Wednesday listed the names of Pilot Officer Robert Elmer Drysdale, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Drysdale and Flight Sgt. William D. Hagyard, son of Dr. and Mrs. H.C. Hagyard, as missing after air operations in which they had participated.  (Photos accompany article).  Parents of these two Perth boys received official notice from England late last week, to the effect that they had failed to return to their bases after air battles.  On Saturday Dr. and Mrs. Hagyard received the following cable from reliable sources in England:  “In big fight over enemy territory Bill’s machine hit at great height.  As he went down, continued wireless communication for five minutes.  Good chance, therefore, grounded safely.  Probably days, even weeks will elapse before definite news.  Will communicate as soon as I hear.”  Then on Monday further word was received from the same source that it was definitely known that Bill’s machine had landed safely in enemy territory and that he would therefore be a prisoner of war.  William D. Hagyard, a graduate of the Perth Collegiate Institute, joined the R.C.A.F. in September, 1940; he trained at various schools of the Commonwealth air training at Toronto, Dartmouth, Portage la Prairie, etc., and received his wings at Uplands, Ottawa in April, 1941, being the second Perthite to be “winged” during the present war and the first to graduate from the Commonwealth air training schools.  He went overseas in May, 1941, and on the completion of a further training period in England, was a participant in numerous bombing raids over enemy territory and was in patrol work over the Norwegian, Danish and Netherland coast lines.  As a flyer he was highly regarded by his superior officers, who in letters to Canada, commented on the “skill and daring” he exhibited in the course of his air force duties.  Interesting in connection with Flight Sgt. Hagyard’s plight in being shot down over enemy territory is the fact that in the channel engagement in the following days his roommate, Don Morrison, succeeded in shooting down two Messerschmidts.  Pilot Officer Robert Elmer Drysdale, also a graduate of the Perth Collegiate Institute, enlisted in the R.C.A.F. at Ottawa Sept. 13, 1940.  He trained in various Commonwealth air training schools in succeeding weeks; was at Brandon for four weeks; then at Vancouver until late December; was then at Regina for a month and then went to Fort William.  Late in March, and early in April he had a leave of a few days at his home here and then trained at McLeod, Alberta; until June 20, 1941 when he received his wings.  Came then a ten day leave at his home here previous to moving to eastern Canada.  He had the unique experience of going to England on a large liner and of returning to Canada after that liner was in collision with an iceberg a short distance from the Canadian coast; subsequently late in July, he made the crossing safely.  In England, in common with other airmen from the Dominion, he participated in further extensive training and was engaged in aerial duties with the R.A.F. until a few days ago when (it is believed to be during the fight of the German battleships Gueisenau(?) and Scharnhorst(?) and cruiser Prince Eugen(?) through the English Channel and the accompanying air battle between hundreds and hundreds of British and enemy aircraft) he failed to return to this base.  Both young men were deservedly popular in Perth and the sincere sympathy of the entire community is extended to the parents and other relatives.

Perth Courier, Feb. 26, 1942

Photo John L. Dunlop, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert(?) Dunlop, who arrived overseas recently. He is an air gunner with the R.C.A.F.

Perth Courier, April 2, 1942

In Bombing Raid

In a recent bombing raid, on the German port of Lubek(?) in the Baltic, where “so many fires were started we could not count them” the second pilot on one of the Wellington bombers, the biggest in action, was Flt. Sgt. W.R. Ferrier of Montreal. Flt. Sgt. Ferrier is the only son of Harry Ferrier, formerly of Perth, and a nephew of Walter Ferrier, for whom he is named, and who was killed in action in the Great War.

Perth Courier, May 21, 1942 

Parents Advised James A. Easton Killed Overseas

On Monday morning of this week, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Easton, Drummond Street, received the saddening news from the chief air officer at Ottawa that their son, Flight Sgt. James A. Easton had been killed on active service overseas.  Born in Lanark 26 years ago, the late officer attended public school there and moved to Perth with his parents when about high school age.  He graduated from Perth Collegiate Institute and was later employed in the office of the Andrew Jergens Co., Ltd.  He was very popular in town, was a junior baseball player for several years and was active in football and other athletics and his passing has been regretted sincerely by the hundreds of friends he made in town and district during his school years and subsequent years here.  Going to the United States, he was active in peace time aviation activities at Floyd Bennett’s air field in New York, graduating as a pilot in 1938 and being awarded then the trophy for proficiency in flying awarded annually by the Student Flyers’ Association of America.  Flight Sgt. Easton joined the R.C.A.F. in May, 1940, received his wings at Jarvin(?) in December, 1940 and was also a graduate of No. 1 wireless school at Montreal; his training, in addition to the two places mentioned, was at Manning Pool and Halifax.  He went overseas in September, 1941 and his achievements in the air resulted in his being promoted to Flight Sergeant some time ago.  In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, George of Perth and Kenneth of the R.C.A.F. Toronto, and two sisters, Misses Mary and Margaret at home.  Funeral service was at 2:00 p.m. (English time) on Wednesday and interment was at Docking Cemetery, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, England.  At an hour on Wednesday morning, corresponding to the time of the funeral in England, Rev. W.R. Alp, B.A., pastor at St. Paul’s United Church, conducted a service at the home of the deceased’s parents on Drummond Street, attended by the immediate relatives of the late Flt. Sgt. Easton.

Perth Courier, June 18, 1942

Photo Corp. Borden Tully, of the R.C.A.F., who cabled his parents Mr. and Mrs. James Tully, of his safe arrival in Colombo, Ceylon.  For the past two years he has been stationed in England.

Perth Courier, June 4, 1942

Photo Corp. Norman Moss, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Moss of Maberly, who arrived in England safely.

Perth Courier, July 2, 1942

Squadron Leader Harper is Now Reported Missing

Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross only two months ago, Squadron Leader Clifton Harper, D.F.C., of the Royal Air Force is reported missing.  He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Harper of Brighton and a nephew of Robert Ferguson and Sam and James Harper of McDonald’s Corners.  Squadron Leader Harper is reported missing following air operations in the Far East, according to a communication received by his parents.  No information was given other than that he was missing.  A former school teacher, Squadron Leader Harper joined the Royal Air Force prior to the outbreak of the war. He has seen action in England, the Middle East, Java, Sumaria and Singapore.  It was for distinguished action in the Far East during the Battle of Barma(?) that he was awarded the D.F.C.

Major Gemmell Stated Missing in the Middle East

Mr. and Mrs. R.K. Gemmell, Drummond Street, received word last week that their son, Major T.R.Gemmell, was officially reported as missing as a result of military operations in the Middle East on June 6. Major Gemmell, a graduate of the Perth public school, Runnymede Collegiate in Toronto, and the R.M.C., Kingston, had better than five years experience with the Royal Artillery.  Following his graduation from the R.M.C. in Kingston he was at Officers’ Training School in England for several months.  On April 1, 1937, with a Royal Military Detachment, he landed in Bombay; later he saw service in the famed Khyber Pass.  He was a veteran of the Abyssinian and Eritrean campaigns through which the Italians were chased out of huge areas of Africa.  Since those campaigns he has been engaged in operations in the Middle East.

Perth Courier, July 16, 1942

Prisoner Of War

Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Gemmell received a cable from England early this week conveying the official information that their son, Major T.R. Gemmell, previously reported missing as a result of operations in the Middle East, was now known to be a prisoner of war.

Perth Courier, July 23, 1942

Flying Officer M.A. McCallum Now In Egypt

A grandson of the late Rev. H. J. McDiarmid, former retired Presbyterian minister in Perth, Flying Officer Malcolm A. McCallum, C8063, R.C.A.F., attached to the R.A.F., has been in Egypt for about a month and has been promoted from Pilot Officer.  He graduated from Galt Collegiate, worked in the Imperial Bank there, in Brantford, Hamilton, and North Bay, where he enlisted.  He trained as a radio technician in Toronto.  Two days after last Christmas he left on a perilous voyage to England and was stationed in Wales.  In May, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas McCallum, Galt, were thankful to receive a letter from a stranger, posted in the U.S.A., telling he had seen two other Canadians in West Africa, well and in good spirits but anxious whether their parents knew their whereabouts and asked him to take a letter on his return airplane trip to post in the U.S.A.  He could not do that but promised to write the parents.  In about a week after their son was seen the parents had a letter, but unsigned.  Three uncles and an aunt as nursing sister from Rev. Mr. McDiarmid’s family, served with distinction in the Great War.  Their names are in the Perth Book of Remembrance and on a St. Paul’s Church memorial tablet. 

Perth Courier, July 31, 1942

Major T.R. Gemmell a Prisoner Of War

Mr. and Mrs. R.K. Gemmell received a post card on Tuesday from their son Major T.R. Gemmell, who is a prisoner of war in Italy, stating that he was slightly wounded but that his wounds were healing nicely.

Carleton Place Air Gunner Wins Decoration

Flight Sgt. Thomas O. McIlquham, a cool, 31 year old air gunner from Carleton Place, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for destroying two Nazi fighters, it was announced yesterday.  McIlquham is credited with shooting down a Focke-Wulf during the 1,000 plane attack on Cologne and a Messerschmidt in the assault on Bremen a few nights later.  Holding his fire on both occasions until he was sure his bullets wouldn’t miss, McIlquham ripped accurate bursts into each adversary. He is now in the hospital suffering from a delayed concussion and is counting the days until he can climb back in to the turret of his Halifax.  The doctors said he would be on his feet in the immediate future.  The raid was a hectic one for McIlquham.  Before he destroyed his first victim, he drove off another Focke-Wulf which made two attempts to shoot down his aircraft.  By the light of the full moon he spotted the Nazi 1,000 yards astern.  He waited until he was within 350 yards before he fired.  The fighter was forced to break off the engagement, but returned, firing all the time.  McIlquham pressed the buttons, and saw his bullets rip into the Nazi, who stalled and went into a flat spin.  His destruction was not confirmed because no one could keep it in their observation all the way down.  Half an hour later, McIlquham spotted another Focke-Wulf.  The Nazi attacked from below, astern, and again the Canadian gunner waited until his target was in close range.  He gave it a five second burst.  “Almost at once” he said, “the fighter stopped firing, caught fire, and dived.  I and other members of the crew saw it hit the ground and explode.”  McIlquham was suffering from concussion when he destroyed the Messerschmidt and was unaware of it until afterwards.  The night before his encounter he was hit on the head by a shell fragment, which ripped his helmet open.

Perth Courier, August 6, 1942

Sgt. Pilot Douglas Berlis Pilots Bomber to England

Sgt. Pilot Douglas A. Berlis, son of Rev. H.A. Berlis of Toronto, formerly of Perth, has arrived safely in Britain after piloting a bomber across the Atlantic, his father was notified by cable on Monday.  Sgt. Pilot Berlis attended collegiate in Toronto and the Perth Collegiate Institute at Perth.  Four years ago he won the Trinity University scholarship in moderns and graduated from the university with a B.A. Degree.  He took a special course in navigation before leaving for Britain. 

Perth Courier, August 13, 1942

Photo Pilot Officer Robert Elmer Drysdale

Mr. and Mrs. Alex Drysdale received a telegram on Saturday, August 1 from the Air Ministry stating that advice had been received from the International Red Cross quoting German information that their son Pilot Officer Robert Elmer Drysdale, J7592, had lost his life on Feb. 12, 1942 and that he must now be considered missing, believed killed.

Perth Courier, August 20, 1942

R.E. Whyte promoted to rank of Staff Sergeant

Word has been received here of the promotion at Glacia(?) Barracks, Halifax, N.S. of Sgt. R.E. Whyte to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Staff Sgt. R.E. Whyte is a member of the Atlantic Command motor transport of the R.C.A.S.C.  He is a son of Mrs. James Whyte and the late Mr. Whyte of  Watson’s Corners.  At the outbreak of the war he was operating a taxi business in Gowganda(?), Ont.  He disposed of his business and in June of 1940 enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and has been stationed at Halifax for nearly two years.

Israel Hoffman Commissioned as Pilot Officer in Air Force

Israel Hoffman, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Hoffman, Perth, received his wings at a graduation ceremony at No.8 Service Flying Training School  at Moncton, N.B. on Friday of last week and was commissioned a Pilot Officer the next day.  Pilot Officer Hoffman was born at Ottawa and came to Perth with his parents about 15 years ago.  Following graduation from the Perth Collegiate Institute, he was employed in Ottawa for a time.  On June 19, 1940, he enlisted in the Cameron Highlanders.  Subsequently, he transferred to the R.C.A.F., the transfer being effective in September, 1941.  His training in the air force was at Manning Pool, Toronto; the initial training school at Victoriasburg, Que.; and the services flying training school at Moncton from which he graduated on Friday.  Flying Officer Hoffman, with a large volume of flying hours to his credit at the time of graduation, passed in fourth position in a large class of graduates.

Perth Courier, August 27, 1942

A Former Rideau Ferry Boy Wounded at Dieppe

Mrs. Laura O’Moara of Rideau Ferry received word during the weekend that her son, Pte. Anthony Olden Thomlinson had been wounded in the commando raid at Dieppe last week.  He is 23 years of age and was born at Rideau Ferry and attended Perth Collegiate Institute in recent years.  While employed in the West he enlisted in the South Saskatchewan Regiment in April, 1940.  In December of that same year he went overseas with that unit.  He has one brother, Stanislaus, with an R.A.F. unit in India.  His father died in 1919 and his mother with another brother, Ronald, live at Rideau Ferry.  He has two sisters, Miss W. Thomlinson of Toronto, and Mrs. John Hoger(?) of Decatur, Illinois.

Sgt. Pilot W. P. Begley Believed Killed in Action

Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Presby that their nephew, Sgt. Pilot Wilson Patterson Begley, Quebec City, is reported missing, believed killed, after air operations on July 25.  Sgt. Begley was stationed in Cairo.  Later, Mr. and Mrs. Presby received word from the parents of the missing airman that information secured by the International Red Cross from Italian sources confirmed the fact that Sgt. Pilot Begley has lost his life in air operations on July 25.

Perth Courier, September 7, 1942

Pte. Edward D. Young Passed Away in England

Town Clerk Ed Young and Mrs. Young received a cable from overseas on Wednesday conveying the sad news that their son Pte. Edward D. Young had died in England that morning.  A member of the postal corps, Pte Young had been overseas only a few months; enlisting about ten months ago, he left Ottawa with an overseas contingent early in April.  In his last letter to his parents, Pte. Young mentioned that he was not enjoying as good health as usual but there was no further word of his being so seriously ill until the receipt of the cable on Wednesday announcing his demise.  Pte. Young was born at Perth 27 years ago; he received his education here and about four years ago joined the local post office staff; for the past two years he had been on the night staff of the local office and was a permanent member of the civil service.  Remaining to mourn his loss besides his sorrowing parents are six sisters, Miss Edna Young of the Wampole Company staff; Helen, Mrs. Frank Clyne of New York; Natalie, Mrs. John Flett of Perth; Marie, Mrs. Quentin J. Guilet(?) of Ottawa; Veronica, Mrs. Gerald Young of Ottawa and Miss Carmel Young of the local post office staff.

Perth Courier, September 24, 1942

Three pictures accompany this long article, which is not transcribed in full, only the first paragraph.  The pictures are of Pilot Officer Robert Elmer Drysdale; Flight Sergeant James Albert Easton; and Flight Sergeant William Dewey Hagyard.

Memorial Service On Sunday Drew Very Large Congregation

Urging that people at home match, as far as is humanly possible, the sacrifices of the men who give their lives overseas; that people lay aside their selfishness and dollar basis patriotism and neglect of the worship of God, to the end that the sacrifices made overseas be not in vain, Rev. W.R. Alp, B.A., gave an inspirational and thought provoking address and one in which he touched the sensibilities and affected the consciences of many who heard him at a memorial service in St. Paul’s Church on Sunday afternoon, in tribute to the memory of three young men from that church, Pilot Officer Elmer Drysdale, Flight Sergeant James Albert Easton and Flight Sergeant William Dewey Hagyard.

Perth Courier, October 1, 1942

P.J. McManus Is Commissioned As a Pilot Officer

Patrick J. McManus son of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. McManus of Perth and a former member of the Perth post office staff received his wings at a graduation ceremony at Brantford on Thursday, Sept. 24 and was commissioned as a pilot officer on the following day.  Pilot Officer McManus, a graduate of St. John’s School and the Perth Collegiate Institute, was appointed to the Perth post office staff in July of 1940.  In September of the following year he joined the R.C.A.F. and subsequently trained at Toronto, Guelph, Malton and Brantford.  Completing his training there, he stood fourth in his class ground school and was well up in the list in flying marks obtained.  Popular with his instructors and fellow students, he was co-editor of the station paper.

Rescued Trapped Rear-Gunner

A dispatch from London on Monday stated that Pilot Officer R.F. Jenner of Ottawa and formerly of Perth had rescued the trapped rear gunner of a blazing Stirling bomber after two crewmates had sacrificed their lives in the attempt.  The huge plane was forced to crash land in England after being badly damaged over the Continent.  Pilot Officer Raoul de Fonteny Jenner, 22, who received his commission a month ago, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred E. Jenner of Ottawa, formerly of Perth.  He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. in 1940.

Perth Courier, November 26, 1942

A Get-Together Overseas, Idea of Capt. A. Campbell

Writing from England a few days ago, Capt. Alex Campbell commented on the number of Perth men in the various armed forces there and suggested that it would be a wonderful thing if all of them could be assembled in London for a get-together on a suitable evening for a dinner and show or some similar evening recreation.  Capt. Campbell sought the addresses of local men in England.  He stated he was willing to contribute twenty pounds to the expenses of such a get-together if enough contributions would come from the Perth people to cover the rest of the costs.  Remembering a similar occasion of the last war, sponsored by Major Hoop or Hope in France, the local branch of the Canadian Legion looks with much favor on the proposal and is sponsoring an appeal to Perth citizens for contributions towards such an occasion.  Those who wish to make a contribution are asked to contact A.L. Code, president, or B.L. Ferrier, secretary of the Perth branch of the Legion.

Perth Courier, December 3, 1942

Injured in England

Walter McKee received word a few days ago that his son Warrant Officer Kenneth McKee had been injured in an accident in England and fortunately, was on the road to recovery.  Riding a motorcycle, he was sandwiched between two trucks; struck by one and thrown against the other as the two trucks converged on each side of his machine.  He suffered two broken bones in the right hand, a broken rib and other bruises and minor injuries in the mishap.

Perth Courier, December 24, 1942

Sergeant Pilots Norman Davis and D.F. Burchell Are Reported Missing

Photos of each officer

About six weeks ago word was received by the parents in Perth that two more Perth boys were listed as missing following an operational flight over Germany on November 9.  These were Sergeant Pilot Norman Davis, son of Mrs. E.B. Patermore and Sergeant Pilot Donald Fred Burchell son of Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Burchell.   Early this week the parents had received official notice that their sons were still reported as missing.  Both were in the (illegible word—same?) bomber.  Davis was not an original member of the crew of that bomber but was put in charge of that bomber for that flight.  Sergeant Pilot Davis was born in Perth 25(?) 26(?) years ago.  He enlisted at Toronto and trained at Manning Depot, Trenton, Victoriaville, graduating at Uplands on December 19, 1941, and went overseas in January, 1942.  He was employed by the Andrew Jergens Company here before enlisting.  Sgt. Burchell is 28(?) 26(?) years old and was born at Brussels, Ont., coming to Perth with his parents two years ago.  He received his training at Manning Pool, Toronto, Trenton, Winnipeg and received his wings at Mountain View on December 6, 1941.  He went overseas in January, 1942.  Included in the crew of Davis and Burchell in the Wellington bomber were Flt. Sgt. J.H.G. T - - - - of Ottawa; Sgt. W.S. Bourk, Winnipeg; Sgt. F.J. Wellwood, Whitechurch, Ont.; and Sgt. Norman Raitblat of Toronto.  Sgt. Wellwood has since been listed as a prisoner of war in Germany.

Perth Courier, January 28, 1943

Reported Killed in Germany

Photo Donald Fred Burchell

A few days ago Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Burchell received word from R.C.A.F. headquarters at Ottawa that that organization had been notified by the Geneva Red Cross that the body of their son Flight Sgt. Donald Fred Burchell had been buried in the new cemetery at Ewischmaka(?) in Germany, early in November.  Coupled with the report was the statement that the report had come from enemy sources and while it was not final, for official purposes would be accepted temporarily pending the receipt of other confirmation or news to the contrary.  Flight Sergeant Burchell was reported missing after an operational flight over Germany November 9, 1942; his parents were notified immediately and late in December his name was included in a published casualty list as “reported missing”. Born in Brussels(?), Ont., 26 years ago, a son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Burchell, the deceased airman came to Perth with his parents two years ago.  Enlisting in the R.C.A.F. he received his training at Manning Pool, Toronto; Trenton and Mountain View, receiving his wings at the latter school on December 6, 1941.  Included in the crew of the bomber in which he was flying and which did not return to England were Sergeant Pilot Norman Davis of Perth, reported missing; Sgt. F.J. Wellwood of White Church, Ont., listed as a prisoner of war in Germany; Flt. Sgt. J.H.G. Tesse(?) of Ottawa; Sgt. W.S. Bourk of Winnipeg and Sgt. Norman Gallblat(?) of Toronto.  Surviving besides his parents are one sister, Miss Francis Burchell and three brothers, Scott, Joseph and Peter Burchell, all of whom have the sincere sympathy of all their many friends in the town and district.

Perth Courier, Feb. 11, 1943

Perth District Men in Forces

Names of Perth District Men in Canadian or U.S.A. forces have been supplied to the Courier for inclusion in the list published occasionally since that list has been published in full in January are: (transcriber’s note:  see additional transcription of a full list)

Brown, G.K.

Brown, M.H.

Burke, E.A.

Claus(?), Norman Felix

Cooper, Vernon J.

DiCola, E.R.

Driscoll, James

Dufresne, Paul A.

Fife, George Bertram

Fournier, Joseph Ed

Grover, C.J.

Hanlon, Ralph

Harper, Earle H.

Holmes, Lawrence

Kirkham, Arthur

Kirkham, J. Ross

Lee, Joseph P.

Lee, Ronald M.

Lee, William J.

Leonard, Edward

Leonard, Patrick J.

Manders, Vera J.

McGarry, Andrew

McKerracher, Wilfred

Nagle, John Joseph

Paul, Arthur

Porteous, Lionel G.

Rathwell, James W.

Rodger, Leonard

Rothery, Ernest

Russell, Martin

Rutherford, Charles T.

Sparks, Sidney

Strong, Irene

Strong, Willard J.

Thompson, Murray J.

Turner, Ted

White, D.S.

White, M.H.

White, V.

Wrathall, E.L.

Perth Courier, Feb. 25, 1943

F.O. Norman Hartney Killed in Bomb Raid Over Enemy Territory

(Photo)

On February 15, Flying Officer Norman John Hartney, aged 22 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hartney, 95 Roseneath Gardens, Toronto, and grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Hartney of Perth was reported killed in a bombing raid over enemy territory. Flying Officer Hartney was born in Toronto and educated at St. Clare School, De La Salle, and Vaughan Road Collegiate.  He played hockey for the Columbus Boys Club and rugby for the Vaughan Road Collegiate and softball in the St. Clair League.  Enlisting in the RCAF in Feb., 1941 he trained at London, Chatham, N.B, and Belleville and was winged as an air observer at Mountain View.  He was commissioned a pilot officer the day after graduation.  His father, John Hartney, is a member of the composing room staff of the Toronto Star, a graduate printer of the Perth Courier and served overseas in the Great War with the Canadian Field Artillery.  Flying Officer Hartney is survived by his parents and one sister, Joyce.  Prior to enlisting he resided in Perth and for a term was a student in the Perth Collegiate Institute and a member of the rugby team and a participant in school athletics.  He was a nephew of Mrs. Helen Mullen, Grant Street, Perth.

Perth Courier, March 4, 1943

Squadron Leader Kenneth C. Wilson Rescued After Five Days on an Ice Flow

(Photo)

Squadron Leader Kenneth C. Wilson, younger son of Lt. Col and Mrs. E. H. Wilson of Perth, was rescued from an ice flow on Northumberland Strait on Monday afternoon after a harrowing five days on the floe after parachuting from a plane which he was forced to desert and the news of his safety, wired to Perth immediately, ended a period of suspense endured by his parents and hundreds of friends here since word reached Perth last Wednesday that he was missing after bailing out of his plane.  A Canadian press dispatch on Monday told of the rescue and the hardships endured by Squadron Leader Wilson and three other members of his crew:  “After drifting five days on an ice flow in the wintry waters of Northumberland Strait, four members of a crashed RCAF bomber were rescued Monday afternoon three miles off the New Brunswick coast and brought ashore at Cape Tormantine, N.B.  They were picked up by the ice-breaking car ferry Prince Edward Island after a searching air force plane sighted them and guided the ferry to their aid. The four men parachuted into the strait last Wednesday night after their twin engine bomber from the Dartmouth, N.B.air base ran into difficulties and had to be abandoned in mid air.   They were Squadron Leader Kenneth C. Wilson of Perth, Ont.; F.O. A.J. Barrette of Ottawa; P.O. William Augustus Richardson of the United States; and Warrant Officer Second Class Joseph Albert Dobson of Bathurst, N.B.  The aircraft was the one which unloaded its cargo of depth charges about a mile outside Charlottetown Wednesday night after it and three other planes in the squadron lost their way in the fog.  Two of the aircraft managed to land on Charlottetown airport and the third crashed about six miles from the home base at Dartmouth, killing the four crew members.  Despite their freezing ordeal on the surface of the ice cake, the four men were in remarkably good condition although suffering from exposure and frost bite.  Only one had to be carried aboard in a stretcher while the others were able to clamber on the rescue craft without assistance.  They were taken aboard about 3:00 Monday afternoon and brought ashore at Cape Tormantine. They were later rushed to the RCAF hospital at Moncton, N.B.  From information obtained from those aboard the ferry, it is believed the four flyers crawled on the ice after parachuting down and then made their way together.  It was some time Thursday before they were able to reach one another and make plans for their united actions, according to those reports.  The ice floe from which they were taken was only thirty yards square although substantial and thick enough to weather a light storm.  During most of the time they were afloat the weather was severe, with near zero temperatures and scudding snow squalls to make them more uncomfortable.  They had only one fire during the time they drifted up and down the strait with the winds and the tides, almost within sight of the shore.  It is believed they used their parachutes to kindle that one small blaze that kept them warm for a few minutes before the cold set in again.  All they had to eat were a few chocolate bars they had with them as they left the plane.  They rationed themselves strictly and lived on one quarter of a bar a day until they were sighted.  Then provisions were dropped to them from a hovering search plane and a few hours later the car ferry came crunching through the ice cakes to rescue them. What they used for water during their imprisonment on the ice is not known but presumably they were able to melt ice.  An attempt was made first to send a flying boat to their aid but this had to be abandoned because of the treacherous ice flow.  Then the ferry was signaled and called off course to rescue them.  Another C.P. dispatch on the same day stated that F.V.Barrette and P.O. Richardson were the two suffering from frost bite and that Squadron Leader Wilson and Warrant Officer Dobson were in nearly perfect physical condition despite the hardships of five days on the ice flow.”

Perth Courier, March 18, 1943

Vernon Cavanagh Gunner on that Corvette Regina

Daily papers on Saturday told of the success of the Canadian Corvette H.M.C.S. Regina in sinking its third submarine and there was keen local interest in the story of the exploit because Vernon Cavanagh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cavanagh of Perth is a gunner on that corvette.  The sub was an Italian and 20 of the crew were captured by the Regina.  Excerpts from the story told were:  First blood of the action was drawn by the corvette’s depth charge crews who sent their “ashcans” seaward with such effect that the submarine was forced to surface.  Then at close range, the corvette’s Oerelikon(?) guns went into action with deadly and telling effect.  In the words of Lt. Commander Freeland, the gun crews of the ship “cleaned up the submarine’s gun crews and officers very quickly”.  Immediately after the action, a tiny Italian flag was painted under a black cross on the Regina’s forward gunshield.  The flag was made purposely small to make room for more “notches” in case the corvette increases its bag.  Congratulatory signals were received from the Admiralty and the naval commander of the North Africa Expeditionary Force.

Perth Courier, April 15, 1943

Pte. Michael Mahon returned to Dartmouth, N.S. after spending his furlough with his parents Mr. and Mrs. T.V. O’Connor, 61 Craig St.

LAC Howard Radford of C.F.S., Trenton, Ont., spent last weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Radford, Dewitt’s Corners.

Photo Sergeant John Leonard Dunlop

Reported Killed

Sgt. John Leonard Dunlop, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Dunlop, who has been missing overseas since December 11, and who is now reported killed on that date according to a letter received by Mr. and Mrs. Dunlop from R.C.A.F. headquarters.  The letter from the RCAF casualties officer at Ottawa, states “The Royal Canadian Air Force casualties officer overseas has informed me that a report has been received from the International Red Cross Society which states that your son, Sgt. John Leonard Dunlop and the rest of the crew were killed instantly when their air craft crashed in the forest of Chatellion Sur Seine on December 11, 1942.  The report also states that your son was buried in the cemetery at Villiers LeDue(?) Cote D’Or District of Chatellion Sur Seine, Monthard, France.  Presumption of death action is being instituted by the air ministry and when your son’s death has been officially presumed you will be notified by telegram”.  Sgt. Dunlop was born in Perth 23 years ago a son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert J. Dunlop, Harvey St.  He attended Perth public school and collegiate institute and after graduation from the latter was employed at the plant of the Andrew Jergens Co., Ltd.  He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. in January of 1941 and trained at Picton, Debert, Halifax, Toronto and Jarvis, receiving his wings at the latter school.  He went overseas in January of 1942.

Flt. Sgt. W.R. Affleck, son of Reeve and Mrs. L.C. Affleck, of Lanark, has been officially reported missing overseas.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nixon received word last Saturday that their son Lance Corp. Eric Nixon, had arrived overseas.

Alan Cole, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Cole who went overseas with the Cameron Highlanders, celebrated his third birthday in the British Isles a few days ago.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Quatrocchi have received a cable from their son, Corp. Murray Quatrocchi, telling of his safe arrival overseas.

Mrs. Hubert Armstrong received a cable a few days ago from her husband Corp. H. Armstrong, R.C.A.F., stating that he had arrived safely overseas.

Perth Courier, April 22, 1943

Photo Flight Sgt. Walter R. Affleck

Walter Affleck Reported Missing

Official word has reached his parents in Lanark that Flight Sergeant Walter Raymond Affleck of the Royal Canadian Air Force is missing after air operations over enemy territory.  Flight Sgt. Affleck is a son of Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Affleck of Lanark and has been many months in active service.  He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. on his 18th birthday, October 19, 1940 and reported for duty in January of 1941, training at Brandon, Toronto, Moncton, Montreal and Jarvis where he received his wireless air gunner wings on November 8 with the rank of sergeant.  Proceeding overseas, he was attached to the R.A.F. and had many operational flights to his credit.  His crew, of which four were Canadians, was the veteran crew of his squadron.  He was promoted to the rank of flight sergeant early this year.  His pilot, Flight Sgt. M.E. White of Centreville, N.B., was recently awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for conspicuous work when their huge bomber became damaged on an operational tour but was brought back safely to base. Flt. Sgt. Affleck was born in Toronto in 1922, moving to Lanark with his parents in 1928 when The Lanark Era was purchased by his father.  He received his education at the Lanark Public and Continuation Schools and afterwards was associated with his father in publication of The Lanark Era.

Cpl. J.M. Bennett Died in England

Overseas for three years, Corp. J.M. Bennett died in England on Friday, April 16, according to a communication received by Mrs. Bennett from the Director of Records at Ottawa.  Corp. Bennett, a veteran of the First Great War, went overseas with the 7th Construction Company of the Royal Canadians Engineers.  His death was the result of sub-(unreadable word) hemorrhage.  In the last letter from her husband, Mrs. Bennett was advised he took sick on March 3, but she was unaware that he was seriously ill.  Copr. Bennett went overseas March 4, 1941.  He was born at Bathurst 46(?) years ago a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Bennett and on return from overseas in 1919 followed the carpentry trade.  He was married in England in 1919 to Maude James of Dorking(?), Surrey.  In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons, A.C.1 Ronald G.(?) Bennett, R.C.A.F., Moosebank(?) Sask. Howard and Bruce at home and one daughter Josephine at home.  Also surviving are three brothers, William of Brooke; Richard of Detroit; and John in Alberta.

A Watch Fob to Spr. F. Bennett

Sapper F.W. Bennett, formerly of Perth, and brother of Mrs. John Jackman, Mrs. William Hogan, Mrs. Guy Leonard and Miss Helen Bennett, all of Perth, was one of 197 Canadians to whom watch fobs were presented in England at a ceremony recently.  The watch fobs were donated by Hon. C.D. Howe, Canadian Minister of Munitions and Supply, himself an engineer who has followed closely the work of the Canadian sappers and were presented by the Commander of the Canadian Army, Lt. Gen. A.G.L. McNaughton.  Recipients were all of the Royal Canadian Engineers and had returned to England after two years of tunneling work to improve the defenses of Gibraltar.  Sapper Bennett was born at Perth, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Felix Bennett and grew to manhood here; for the past fifteen years, he had been employed in the northern Ontario mining centers.  His home town is Virginiatown, Ontario.  He has been overseas three years. 

Perth Courier, April 29, 1943

Sgt. Pilot Jack O. Munroe Killed Overseas

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Munroe received the sad news a few days ago that their son Sgt. Pilot Jack Oswald Munroe had been killed on active service overseas on April 19.  Deceased was born at Maberly 19 years ago; he attended Perch Collegiate Institute four years and then was for a year at Chesley High School enlisting in the R.C.A.F. after graduation.  Well known and highly regarded in Perth and district his death is regretted by many friends and the sympathy of the community is extended to his parents.

Flying Officer John McLeod Hogg Killed in Active Service in Africa

(Photo)

Late last week Councillor and Mrs. Hogg received the sad news that their son Flying Officer John McLeod Hogg, previously reported missing when he failed to return to base, after an operational flight, had been killed in action, and that the body had been recovered.  Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hogg have the deep sympathy not only of this community but of scores of people throughout the province in the death of their son one of this town’s outstanding athletes during and for several years after his collegiate career.  Among those many friends was Walter T. Brown chancellor of Victoria University, Toronto, who, when the late pilot was reported missing, wrote of his manliness, uprightness and integrity all of which character traits of his were so well known to his friends.  Dr. J.H. Hardy, principal of the Perth Collegiate Institute, said that John Hogg’s “great influence for good sportsmanship, his keen sense of justice and great loyalty meant much to the morale and character of the boys he worked with.”  The late flying officer, who was born at Sherbrooke, would have attained his 33rd birthday on April 18 if he had lived until that date.  He attended public school in Renfrew and Lindsay and came to Perth with his parents 12 years ago.  He graduated from the Perth Collegiate Institute and then took an arts course at Victoria University, Toronto, graduating with a B.A. Degree in the spring of 1941. He enlisted immediately with the R.C.A.F. training at St. Hubert, Victoriaville, Windsor Mills and Summerside, P.E.I., where he graduated with wings and commission on April 10, 1942.  Late that month he went overseas and was in operational training until September.  Late in November he was posted to an R.A.F. fighter squadron and transferred to North Africa, arriving there in December.  Since that time he has participated regularly in the operational flights of the fighter squadron to which he was attached and his successes were such as to result in his being promoted “on the field” to the rank of flying officer.  During his school and college years, the extra-curricular activities in which he participated and was a leader were various and numerous and included much of the athletic phases of school life.  He played handball and toured northern Ontario with a Smith’s Falls team; at local and county track meets he won many medals and cups; was intermediate and senior champion of P.C.I., winning the Girdwood Trophy in 1937.  Many of his athletic triumphs were in the high jump but at Victoria University he was captain of the rugby team in 1940(?), won his letter in inter-collegiate hockey and was treasurer of the men’s athletic union of the college.  At P.C.I. he was a member of the collegiate orchestra, captain of the cadet corps for two years and was also, for a time, secretary of the Hardy Y.M.C.  At the university his activities other than athletic included being vice president of the 4T1 permanent executive and president of the 4T2 spring executive.  He was a member of St. Andrew’s Church.  For six years he spent a portion of each summer as an instructor at the Ontario Athletic Commission’s provincial camp and Lake Couchiching near Orilla and the balance of those summers between university sessions was devoted largely to training track and field athletes at the P.C.I.  Flying Officer Hogg is survived by his parents, by one sister Miss Marion Hogg, who is in the third year of an honor course at Toronto University and one brother Douglas Hogg attending P.C.I.

Perth Courier, May 13, 1943

Photo

Seaman John Kanelakos

Seaman John Kanelakos of the D.E.M.S. (defensively equipped merchant service) who has been on active service since 1940, has been spending his first leave in three years in Perth, returned to the east coast on Saturday to report for active service.  Mr. Kanelakos has been on loan to the Norwegian merchant service in the capacity of gunnery and armament officer on a number of ships sailing under the Norwegian flag.

Sgt. Robert Milliken Reported Missing

Official word has reached his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.(?) H.(?) Milliken, Dundas Street, Trenton, Ontario, that their son, Sgt. Robert Clifton Milliken is missing after air operations over enemy territory.  27 years old, Sgt. Milliken was born at Ayr, Ontario, moving to Perth with his parents in 1935 and attending Perth public schools and P.C.I.  Prior to enlisting he was employed as a trainman with the C.P.R.  He enlisted in September, 1940, reported for duty in January, 1941 and trained at Ancienne Lorette, Montreal and Jarvis where he received his wireless air gunner wings June 10, spending three months operational training at Pennsfield ridge, proceeding overseas in November, 1942.  Since January, he has taken part in many raids over enemy territory in Germany, flying a Vont- - - -  bomber.  In a letter to his parents from his O.C.  he was reported to be “an excellent wireless operator air gunner, very keen on his job, popular with all of us and will be much missed.”

Perth Courier, May 20, 1943

F.O. John McLeod Hogg

Photo

Councillor and Mrs. Walter Hogg have received further information some days ago concerning their son Flying Officer John McLeod Hogg.  Flying Officer Hogg was reported missing on April 12 and later reported killed in air operations against the enemy.  The body was recovered April 18 from Sousee(?) Harbor and buried 6:00 pm April 22 at Sousee(?) on the way to Sfax(?) Tunisia.

Robert J. White Awarded the D.F.M. For Coolness

Air Force Headquarters in Ottawa announced on Tuesday night that the Distinguished Flying Medal had been awarded to Flying Officer Robert J. White son of Mr. and Mrs. W.G. White of Perth.  The citation said:  “Flight Officer Robert J. White as navigator has participated in attacks on some of the enemy’s most heavily defended targets.  His operational career has been marked by the exceptional coolness he has shown in times of danger and stress.  This airman has always exhibited the greatest keenness to take part in operations.”  Robert J. White, who is 24 years old, enlisted in January, 1941 and went overseas in 1942.  He is serving with an R.A.F. squadron as navigator under the Bomber Command.  Early this year he took part in the successful raid in Turin, Italy, being mentioned in dispatches.  He is a graduate of the P.C.I. and a former Blue Wing hockey star.

Perth Courier, May 27, 1943

Perth Boys Have Old Home Week In England

Writing to Ted Dupuls(?) from overseas Jim Rutherford mentioned having seen a lot of the Perth boys nearly every weekend.  J. C. Murphy, Charlie Williams, Moose Dixon, Dan Mitchell, and Arnie Douglas are some of the Perth boys who are stationed in the vicinity.  They have a reunion at weekends.  Sgt. (Ted) J.F. O’Gorman, in a letter, also mentions having had quite an “old home week” on the station after the last draft arrived.  Paddy Kent, Art McGlade, Joe Lee, and Johnny Mahan came over with him and Don Hogan, Hubert Armstrong, Carmen Clemenis, Jack Hudson and Lorne Patterson came on the last draft with the 42nd.  In addition, Doug Troke, Sparky and Wilf McAdam, Bob, George and Odie Young, Ab and Norman Cooper, Bill Hewitt, Bob Wilson, Len Rogers, a Burke chap and three of four others from Smith’s Falls are on a nearby station so local boys are seeing a great deal of each other.

Perth Courier, June 17, 1943

Photo

Pte. E.D. Frizell Died in Hospital After Injury

Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Frizell have received word concerning the death of their son Earnest D. Frizell, aged 22(?) years, which occurred in the hospital in England following a motor cycle accident in which he suffered injury to his foot.  A clot of blood was formed and when the heart was slowed down under the anesthetic death occurred.  The following letter has been received by the parents from Rev. W. Smith, Chaplain, 29th (?) Canadian Army Tank Regiment the unit with which Pte. Frizell was serving:  Dear Mrs. Frizell:  You will have heard the sad word of the death of your son who was with  this brigade.  Will you please accept my sympathy.  Even though one has tried to be ready for sad news, when a lad goes overseas, it still comes as a shock.  Your lad was an adventuresome young soldier.  His nerve was steady and he had any amount of grit.  Riders of motorcycles in the army are a daring lot and he was one of the best.  His death was not due to any heedless risk on his part but to (two unreadable words) in the hospital.  A clot of blood, when the heart was slowed under anesthetic, (two unreadable words) and the heart stopped.  This clot, the doctors say, was a carry-over from some other injury sustained long ago.  His death was a shock to everyone.  His officer, speaking to me, was particularly distressed.  He had many friends.  In the army there is a close comradeship among the men who are generous hearted.  The capacity to make friends is a tribute to the man who has it.  The R.C.A.S.C.(?) in this brigade is a fine unit and he made his contributions to its good record.  You may well feel proud that your son gave his best.  May God’s peace keep your hearts now and always.   W.E.L. Smith, Chaplain,  1st Canadian Army Tank Battalion  In another letter just received from the Chaplain’s Office C.A.S.C.R.U. from Chaplain the Rev. J.J. Bell, Church of England Chaplain who conducted the burial of Pte. Frizell, there is advice that the interment was in the Canadian section of Brookwood Cemetery, Lot 34, Row J, Grave 1. The chief mourners were is brother, Signalman(?) Arthur Frizell, who is with the Canadian Army overseas, and pallbearers were boys from the R.C.A.S.C.  The funeral was with full military honors with buglar from the same unit.  In addition to the letters the parents have received from the chaplains, Major-General Price of the Canadian Red Cross Society has sent his condolence.

Award of the Distinguished Flying Medal to Robert White Is Followed by Commission

Mr. and Mrs. W. G. White received word that their son Robert J. “Bob” White, recently decorated with the Distinguished Flying Medal for gallantry in action, has now been promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer in the R.C.A.F.  Overseas since January, 1942, and posted with the Bomber Command, he participated in some 25(?) raids on industrial Italy, Germany, and occupied France as navigator.  On completing his operations he became an instructor  and at present is carrying on in that capacity.  Born 25 years ago in Perth, he attended the public school and P.C.I. and was very popular with his fellow students.  Outstanding in athletics, Bob starred on Collegiate and town rugby teams for a number of years and made a name for himself as one of the great middle wings turned out at the P.C.I.  In hockey he was a hard hitting defense man, playing junior hockey for four years he was regular defense man with the Blue Wings when they reached the Memorial Cup semi finals in 1938(?).  After graduating from the junior ranks he played with the Perth Crescents and the Smiths Falls Mic Macs.  Bob was also an outstanding Junior base ball player, starring at third base and at the plate where his heavy hitting was a real feature.  Although his future operations with the R.C.A.F. are necessarily uncertain his many friends are wishing him every success and Perth is justly proud of her first decorated flyer in this Second Great War.

Lt. Walter Harris Came Through Battle of Africa Safely

Mrs. Harris of Christy’s Lake has received word from her son Lt. Walter Harris, Jr., that he came through the battle in North Africa safely.  Walter is with the American infantry and has been overseas for two years where he is celebrating his 20th birthday.

Perth Courier, July 1, 1943

Photo Pte. E.D. Frizell, 2nd Divisional Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Frizell, who died overseas, aged 23.

Perth Courier, July 15, 1943

Lt. Arnott Smiley Injured In Land Mine Explosion

Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. P.E. Smiley of 50 Craig St. that their son, Lt. B. Arnott K. Smiley has been seriously wounded.  The official communication, which came yesterday, reads:  “Sincerely regret to inform you that Lt. B. Arnott K. Smiley officially reported dangerously ill as the result of a land mine explosion while on duty.  Further information following when available.”  Pilot Officer D.A. Blake Smiley has cabled his parents concerning his brother’s condition as follows:  “Don’t worry.  Not so serious as indicated.  Arnott in good hands.  Bill and I with him.”

Sgt. Earl D. Rowe Missing in Air Operations

Flt. Sgt. Earl Rowe, 20 years old son of Mr. and Mrs. James Rowe of 13 Drummond Street, Perth, is reported missing in air operations overseas.  He joined the R.C.A.F. in March, 1941 and received air crew training at Toronto, Guelph and Macdonald, Manitoba, where he received his air gunner’s badge.  He went to England in February, 1942, 17 months ago.  He also served in the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment in Brockville before joining the R.C.A.F.

Perth Courier, July 22, 1943

Photo Sgt. John L. Dunlop

Now Presumed Dead

Youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Dunlop of Perth,  Sgt. Dunlop is now officially thought to have lost his life during air operations over enemy territory several months ago.  His parents received such official word on Sunday.  Sgt. Dunlop, according to information received, is buried at the cemetery of Villiers  Le Duc, Cote D’Or, Sur Seine, Montbard, France.

Perth Courier, August 5, 1943

Capt. Alex Campbell Takes Heavy Toll of Nazi Troops on Enna Road in Sicily

(Photo)

Another Perth soldier has added to the growing list of exploits of local men serving overseas.  Capt. Alex Campbell went to Tunisia in December, 1942 where he was place second in command of a company of Coldstream Guards, one of the most famous British regiments.  He remained in Tunisia until April of this year when he returned to England, there to await his chance of further service which came with the inclusion of the First Canadian Division in the landing on Sicily.  The story of Captain Campbell’s exploit is told in dispatches from Sicily which state that an eastern Ontario regiment scaled up a 2,500 foot precipice in a pre-dawn attack, capturing the town of Assoro and driving a strong German force from the peak on which it is located.  “Crouching inside a hairpin bend on the dusty road to Enna, a scout signaled to an advance patrol of the Royal Canadian Regiment:  ‘Two German lorries approaching’.  Captain Alex Campbell grabbed a Bren (?) Gun and yelled ‘Let’s go’ and started up the road on a run.  The buckle of his web belt jarred loose as he ran and the webbing became entangled in his arms.   Campbell threw the webbing into a ditch without slowing his pace.  Then his swinging binoculars followed the webbing.  Finally he wrenched off his steel helmet and tossed it away too. Campbell reached a bend 80 yards away just before the enemy trucks.  Then, steadying the spitting Bren(?) Gun on his hips, he stood in the centre part of the road with his legs spread and kept up the fire.”  It will be remembered that Alex Campbell, a major in the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish before the war, surrendered his majority to go active and enlisted and went overseas with the rank of lieutenant.

Perth Courier, August 12, 1943

Photo Driver Wilbert Greer

Word of the safe arrival overseas has been received by his wife, Mrs. Wilbert Greer, Leslie Street.

Photo Driver George Fife, who has arrived overseas, according to word received by his wife Mrs. George Fife, Middleville.

Perth Courier, September 2, 1943

Lt. Jessie Blair With Hospital For Canadians

Somewhere in Sicily, for more than three weeks, a Canadian General Hospital has been operating in the glaring heat of a base area with 18 doctors and 55 nurses working long hours treating British and Canadian wounded and sick coming back from the front.  Lt. Nursing Sister Jessie F.(?) Blair of Fallbrook is serving on the staff of this hospital.  This hospital is the first one to reach Sicily, landing July 19.  Since that time, it’s been a day and night task.  At the moment, with the fighting over, the work has slackened off considerable although the hospital has been kept busy with soldiers who have taken sick suffering from dysentery, fever, or malaria.  The doctors live under canvas but the nurses have a mess and sleeping quarters in a building.  Even under the comparatively rough conditions everyone is in the highest spirits and the nursing sisters are particularly cheerful despite the hard work.  Doctors include Dr. G.B. Macpherson of Guelph and Dr. C. H. A. Walters of Belleville.  Capt. C.D. Daniel of Ingersoll is a padre.  Ontario sisters include Jessie Blair, Fallbrook; Jessie Colridge, Owen Sound; Bernice Hampton, Gananoque; Alma Rath, London; and Dorothy Richards of Napanee.  Lt. Nursing Sister Jessie F. Blair, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Blair of Fallbrook was educated at Fallbrook and Perth Collegiate.  She graduated from Kingston General Hospital.  She enlisted in May, 1940 in Kingston and went overseas to England on Christmas Day of the same year.  A photograph, showing the nursing staff, including Sister Blair, in their quarters in Sicily, has been received from the Ottawa headquarters and is on display in the Courier office.

Perth Courier, September 9, 1943

Former District Boy Now Officer In U.S. Army

Camp Hood, Texas, August 19

Daniel A. Hughes, who resides at 701 Court St., Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan has received his commission as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army at the Tank Destroyer Officer Candidate School, Camp Hood, Texas.  He ranked high in the class of 63 who graduated.  The officer candidate course at the Tank Destroyer School consists of 13 weeks of intensive training and includes 550 hours of instruction in weapons, tactics, automotive vehicles radio, and military administration.  Much emphasis is placed upon practical work by the candidates themselves.  The instructors are specialists in their fields and the training includes the latest combat methods from the battle zones.  The course demands the utmost in leadership, scholarship, and physical stamina.  To complete it successfully, the candidate must have confidence in himself and his weapons, he must be aggressive, skillful and able to assume the initiative.  A former member of the National Guard, Lt. Hughes enlisted in the U.S. Army in January, 1943 and was sent directly to Camp Hood.  He is a son of the late Dugald R. Hughes and Mrs. J. H. Wade of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, formerly of Balderson.

Fourth Member of Family Joins Up

Ottawa recruiting center of the R.C.A.F. advise of the enlistment of the fourth member of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur William Shanks of Sharbot Lake, Ontario, Edward Robert Shanks, age 18, who enlisted in the R.C.A.F. at #12 Recruiting Centre, Ottawa, on September 3, 1943, for training in air crew duties.  There are two brothers also serving in the R.C.A.F., one as a pilot, who has recently returned from overseas.  The other member of the Shanks family serving in His Majesty’s forces is presently stationed with the Canadian Army overseas.

John Armstrong is Wounded While Serving

Mrs. Mary Cordick, 35 Brock Street, received a cable on September 3, stating that her grandson Supply Assistant John Armstrong has been wounded in action.  According to a later report received from overseas he has been admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital at Portsmouth, England, suffering from injuries to his head and chest.  It is presumed he is progressing satisfactorily.  He has been on active service for almost two years.  Jack attended public school and the P.C.I., graduating in 1940 and entering the civil service of the Navy Department at Ottawa.  He enlisted in 1941 and received his basic training at H.M.C.S. York, Toronto, later transferring to Halifax and thence overseas.  He left for overseas in October, 1942.  Many friends in Perth wish him a speedy recovery from his wounds.

Commission Won in R.C.A.F. by Ronald Code

Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code have received a cable from their son Ronald, who is overseas, stating that he has been awarded a commission with the rank of Pilot Officer.  The granting of the commission is back dated to June of this year.  Educated at the public school and the P.C.I., he was a good student and outstanding athlete and he achieved local fame as a Blue Wing hockey player.  Upon graduating, he entered the employ of the Andrew Jergens Co. where he was employed until he enlisted in the R.C.A.F.  Three brothers are serving overseas with the Canadian Armed Forces, Edwin and William with the Army and Charles in the Navy.  In a cable to his parents, Ron told of going on a nine day leave during which he hoped to see Bill and Edwin.  In his service with the R.C.A.F., Ron has made 14 flights over enemy territory.

Perth Courier, September 30, 1943

Photo Sapper Roscoe Garrett, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Garrett, Zealand, who arrived overseas on July 24.  He enlisted at Peterboro on December 5, 1941.

Photo --  Mrs. T.G. Burke of Ompah, has received word that her son Trooper C.W. Albert, C.A.C., has arrived safely overseas.

Kenneth McKee Writes of Life with the First Division

Writing to his father, Walter F. McKee, Town Assessor, S/Cdr.K.S. McKee, who is with the First Canadian Division with the 8th Army, tells of the journey from Britain to a then undisclosed destination.  In his letter of July 11, there is a description of the voyage and the usual description of ship-board life, also an amusing account of the attempts of the men to master the language of the country which they were going to invade.  There is a gap of a month in his letters, the next is written from Sicily in August and in that period the First Canadian Division had been engaged in the capture of Sicily.  He describes the action in the vicinity of Mt. Etna as the hardest and most severe in which our troops had been engaged.  One of the brightest times described is the period following the completion of this part of the campaign, when the enemy had been pushed back and the men were withdrawn for rest and refit.  He describes the life of the average Sicilian whom he says is a lazy good-for-nothing fellow who has no desire to fight with anyone and just wants to be left alone with his wife, his dozens of children, in the filthy hovel he calls home, and his mule.  While the Canadians were resting they enjoyed an abundance of fruit, a great treat after the lack of it in Britain.  It was served at every meal in Sicily and in great quantities.  Also they enjoyed the macaroni and spaghetti which was prepared for them by a native cook.  The concluding paragraph is quoted as it is an accurate forecast of what happened.  “Where we go from here, of course, we haven’t the faintest idea.  We all anticipate a jump across the Straits of Messina but have been told nothing as of yet.  I guess they are rather hoping Italy will surrender unconditionally but to date this has not happened.  By the time this reaches you all of this will be history. 

Perth Courier, October 7, 1943

Photo Flight Sergeant James Kanelakos

R.C.A.F. Casualty Officer, Ottawa, has advised Mr. Peter Kanelakos that his son Flight Sergeant James Kanelakos, #135713, is reported missing after air operations overseas on September 28.  Before his last flight he had 214 hours of operational flying to his credit.

Photo Pilot Officer Ronald Code

Advice has been received from R.C.A.F. Headquarters, Ottawa, by Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code, Brock Street, that their son, Pilot Officer Ronald Code is reported missing after air operations.  He recently received a promotion to the rank of Pilot Officer.

Arrive Overseas With Unit of Medical Corps

Two photos from Canadian Army Photo Service, Ottawa, show local members of hospital units that have arrived overseas.  Nursing Sister Norma Siddons-Gray, daughter of Charles Siddons-Gray, has reached an overseas destination with her unit and with another unit of the R.C.A.M.C. which has also arrived overseas is L-Cpl Charles McDonald, son of R.W. McDonald, as well as a number of district members of this unit.  These photos are now displayed in the window of the Courier office.

Joins Navy

Ordinary Seaman Kenneth Cowie, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Cowie, 15 Foster St., has left Kingston for Deep Brook, N.S. to undergo training there at the R.C.N. barracks.

Loss of St. Croix is Sad News for Local Family

Loss of the H.M.C.S. St. Croix with 146 of her crew of 147 men, announced from Ottawa at the week end has brought sorrow to a Perth family.  First Class Stoker Gordon E. Warner of Leslie St., was a member of the crew of the ill fated ship and has lost his life.  Early reports that several of the ship’s company had been rescued by the British frigate Itchen(?)Richen(?) raised hopes that he might have been among those saved but information that all, except for Stoker W.A. Fisher of Black Diamond, Alberta, had lost their lives when that ship was torpedoed, dispelled that possibility.

Vernon Cavanagh Receives Award From Admiralty

In recognition of his part in the destruction of an Italian submarine in the Mediterranean while serving on the Canadian Corvette Regina, Able Seaman Vernon Cavanagh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Cavanagh, 184 Gore Street east, has been mentioned in dispatches according to a certificate received by his parents from the Honors and Awards Branch of the Admiralty in England.  The certificate is an interesting document in gold and reads:  “By the King’s Order, Ordinary Seaman Vernon Cavanagh, R.C.N.V.R., H.M.C.S. Regina was published in the London Gazette on the 29th June, 1943, as mentioned in a dispatch for distinguished service.  I am charged to record His Majesty’s high appreciation, signed A.V. Alexander, First Lord of the Admiralty.”  In addition to the certificate, a medal has been presented in recognition of the services he rendered.

Perth Courier, October 14, 1943

Local Airman’s Name Inscribed on Memorial

A simple service was held recently to mark the unveiling and dedication of a chapel and memorial to the pilots of the famous Biggin Hill, Kent, England, sector who gave their lives in aerial combat, the R.C.A.F. said recently, in an overseas release.  In a building on the battle scarred Biggin Hill airfield, oak panels behind the altar bear the names of over 200 pilots, including many Canadians, who took off in Spitfires and Hurricanes from Biggin and did not return.  The memorial was unveiled by Fighter Command’s top scoring ace, Group Captain A.G. (Sailor) Malan, D.S.O. and Bar, D.F.C.  The names included names from Canada’s first overseas fighter unit, officially known as Number 1 Canadian Fighter Squadron.  Among them is the name of Sgt. William D. Hagyard, son of Dr. and Mrs. H. C. Hagyard, who had previously been reported missing after air operations.

Wounded in Action

A telegram has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Douglas advising that their son Pte. Arnold Douglas has been wounded in action overseas.  In addition to Arnold, two brothers are serving with the Canadian Army, Pte. Hugh, twin brother, is overseas, and Pte. Leslie is with the C.A.S.C. at Camp Borden.

Perth Courier, October 28, 1943

Pte. A.W. Douglas Wrongly Posted as Casualty

Under date of October 25, the Director of Records, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, has advised Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Douglas, 63 Harvey St., that their son, Pte. Arnold Wellington Douglas had been posted as wounded in action on October 3 in error.  Official notification had reached the parents on October 12 that their son had been wounded.  “I am directed to inform you that official notification now received from Canadian military headquarters overseas is to the effect that your son, Pte. Arnold Wellington Douglas, C79141, was reported wounded in error.  Any anxiety the error in this regard occasioned is very much regretted.”

Perth Courier, November 4, 1943

P.O. Ted O’Gorman in Fight With Enemy Raiders

London—“It shook all of us” said 20 years old Flight Sgt. Pete Dennis of Fort William, Ontario, pilot of a “Wimpy” of Canadian bomber group in England which had a brush with a couple of enemy fighter planes recently.  The boys sighted an enemy fighter showing a white light and while they were planning how best to tackle it, a second fighter swooped out of the clouds astern.  It looked very much as if Jerry was out for a quick kill.  Sgt. Harvey Quesne, 22 year old air gunner Port Credit(?), Ontario, experiencing his first encounter, let fighter number two have it at almost point blank range.  Things were shaky for a minute as bullets ripped into the old “Wimp” but tracers were seen crashing into the fighter and it finally crashed.  The boys then turned in seek of fighter number one but it evidently did not want to play so pilot Dennis headed his aircraft for home.  Other in the crew included Flight Sgt. Gordon Atkins, Navigator of La Larivoire(?), Manitoba; Pilot Officer Ted O’Gorman of 71 Drummond St., East, Perth, and Sgt. Pete Woolfenden of Baynhem(?), England.

James Kanelakos Is Now Reported Prisoner of War

Mrs. Carl Bates has been advised that her nephew Flight Sgt. James Kanelakos, former Perth Public School and Collegiate student, is a prisoner of war.  He was earlier reported missing.  In a letter received by his father from a station in England where Flt. Sgt. Kanelakos was stationed, advice is given that after leaving the aerodrome on an operational flight, there had been no word of the machine or its crew. Enquiries made by the authorities elicited the information, through the International Red Cross, that James Kanelakos is a prisoner of war.  This information was conveyed officially from R.C.A.F. headquarters, Ottawa on October 31.  Earlier advice received from headquarters was that he was missing on air operations.

Perth Courier, November 11, 1943

P.O. Ronald Code is Now Reported Prisoner of War

RCAF Casualty Officer, Ottawa, telegraphed Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code this morning that according to the International Red Cross, German information advises that their son, Pilot Officer Ronald Morris Code is a prisoner of war.  Early in October, advice was received from RCAF headquarters that P.O. Code was reported missing after air operations over enemy territory.

P.O. Earl Rowe Reported Buried in Germany

The Security Department for the National Defense for Air, Ottawa, has advised that a report has been received from the International Red Cross, Geneva, quoting official German information, stating that Pilot Officer E.D. Rowe was buried on June 24 in the Municipal Cemetery, Grave #228 in a special section for English prisoners at Munchen Gladbach, Germany.  Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Rowe, 13 Drummond Street West, were notified in June that their son, along with his crew and other members of his squadron were engaged in action over enemy territory.  His aircraft failed to return and the crew were reported as missing.  In a letter to his parents, Wing Commander Fauquier, commanding the squadron, told of the popularity of Earl in the mess and with his comrades.  He won his commission on June 20, one day before he was reported missing.  Joining the R.C.A.F. in March, 1941, he received aircraft training at Toronto, Guelph and McDonald, Manitoba where he received his gunner’s badge and left for overseas in February, 1942.  Prior to joining the R.C.A.F. he served for six months in the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish in Brockville.

Perth Courier, December 2, 1943

Survives Ordeal When Hospital Ship Torpedoed

A cable recently received by Mrs. Felix Shaw of Montreal from her daughter, Lt. Nursing Sister Helen M. Shaw tells of her experiences and rescue from a torpedoed hospital ship in the Mediterranean.  Her many district friends will be interested in the news of Miss Shaw’s experiences and will be glad to know that she has come through the ordeal safely.  Lt. Shaw is a grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Taylor.

Charles Donovan Dies in Hospital in Australia

Word was received this week by Police Chief Charles Donovan and Mrs. Donovan, 3 Clyde Street, that their son, Master Sergeant Charles Donovan of the United States Air Force, had died in a hospital at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.  A short time ago his parents received word that he was about to go into the hospital but no indication of a serious condition was reported.  Meanwhile, there are no further particulars other than the brief statement of his death from the United States Secretary of War.  Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1906(?), Charles came to Perth with his family in 1918 and entered the public school passing into the P.C.I. from which he graduated in 1926 winning the Third Carter Scholarship for Lanark County.  On leaving the Collegiate he went to Detroit where he was employed for a time with a large corporation.  He then joined the U.S. Air Force and became a radio engineer.  On the entry of the United States into the war, he went to Australia with his unit, serving there for six months.  They then transferred to New Guinea where he was last heard from.

Perth Courier, December 30, 1943

Message Received By Parents From P.O. Ronald Code

Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code, Brock Street, have received word indirectly that their son, Pilot Officer Ronald Code, who was reported missing after air operations in October, and later as a prisoner of war, is well and happy.  The message, which was received by a friend in Ottawa, tells that he spent nearly four days in the sea before being rescued.  From the message it would seem the whole crew had been picked up with the exception of the navigator, “Bunny”, who was lost.   Ronald states he had no injuries and the message concludes with the hope that his parents will not worry.  They are now awaiting more direct news giving more particulars of his experiences and the location of his prison camp.

Posthumous Award Of George Cross to S.F. Flier

An R.C.A.F. student navigator who relieved his unconscious pilot at the controls and ordered his three companions to bail out later crashed to his death with the pilot has posthumously been awarded the George Cross, the R.C.A.F. announced Monday.  The student was L.A.C. Kenneth G. Spooner of Smith’s Falls.  The aircraft carrying Spooner, the pilot and three other crew members was on a routine training flight when the pilot fainted.  Spooner, who never before had flown a plane, took over.  The citation covering his award—a decoration ranking second only to the Victoria Cross—said in part that he sacrificed his life “with complete disregard for his personal safety and in conformity with the highest traditions of the service”

Perth Courier, January 6, 1944

Photo Capt. Alex Campbell, of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, who was killed in action on Christmas Day, according to official report received by his mother, Mrs. S. J. Campbell, 28 Gore Street West.

Capt. A. Campbell Killed in Action on Christmas Day

News of the death in action on Christmas Day of Capt. Alex Campbell, son of Mrs. S. J. Campbell, 28 Gore Street West, was received in town early this week and has caused widespread sorrow.  Details are lacking, but his mother has been officially notified that he was killed in action on December 25.  Mrs. Campbell received a letter on January 4 from the Captain, dated December 17, in which he told of being in the hospital, but being completely recovered and anxious to rejoin his unit the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.  By his death, the Canadian Army has lost a first class officer and Perth one of her outstanding sons.  The sympathy of the community is extended to the mother and family.

Former Resident Lt. Col. Currie, Receives C.M.G.

Valuable service to the state, mainly in connection with the war, brought honors and decorations to 331 Canadians in the King’s New Year’s Honors Lists made public in Ottawa last Wednesday and included Lt. Col. George S. Currie, Deputy Minister of National Defense at Ottawa, formerly of Perth, who received the Companionship in the Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.)  Lt. Col. Currie served with distinction in the first world war and is a son of the late Rev. Dugald Currie, minister of the former Knox Presbyterian Church of Perth, from 1893 to 1914, and Mrs. Currie.

Perth Courier, Janaury 18, 1944

Photo John Kanelakos

John Kanelakos Receives Medal For Services

Four months ago the Norwegian government set out to present King Haakon’s medal to Jack Kanelakos, Canadian merchant navy gun layer from Perth, but it was not until January 3 he could be found in port long enough to make the presentation.  Kanelakos, a tanned six footer with a snappy black beard that would do credit to an old navy seadog, is on a Canadian merchant ship now and his stays in port are short and infrequent.  “They had several letters out chasing me” he grinned, “but I usually left for another port before they could find me”.  But find him they did and on January 3 the medal was presented by Harold Juell, Norwegian consul at Halifax.  The citations were in Norwegian but the gist of is was that Kanelakos was being rewarded for his distinguished service to Norway while he was sailing with the Norwegian merchant marine for two years before he was transferred to a Canadian ship.  During the two years with the Norwegian merchant marine, Kanelakos, believed the only Canadian merchant navy gun layer in the in the Royal Navy “dems” (defensively equipped merchant service) saw scores of ports in nearly every theater of war.  His ship called in at Egypt about the time Rommel was stamping dust on the Libya border, visited the east coast of Mozambique carrying supplies for the Allied forces that captured Madagascar, and later brought weapons and equipment to Oran while the invasion of North Africa was going on.  “I didn’t know just what one incident they might be giving me this medal for” Kanelakos reflected, “since we were in several little mix-ups, one not far off Halifax and the Nova Scotia coast.  Whatever it was, I certainly got a lot of fun from it all and loads of good experience.  I’d like to be sailing with the Norwegians now, but I got transferred.”   Kanelakos and adventure are no stranger.  He has been treading the sea lanes for some years now and before the war was a marine photographer of some note 

Citation of Honor Received From General Arnold

Police Chief and Mrs. Donovan have received the following citation of honor regarding the death of their son, Master Sgt. Charles Donovan, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps, who died in Brisbane, Australia on November 22, 1943 following an accident.  The citation is signed by General H.H. Arnold, commanding the U.S. Army Air Force in the South Pacific and reads:  “Master Sergeant Charles Donovan Junior who gave his life in the performance of his duty November 22, 1943, lived to bear his country’s arms.  He died to save its honor.  He was a soldier and he knew a soldier’s duty.  This sacrifice will help to keep aglow the flaming torch that lights our lives that millions yet unborn may know the priceless joy of liberty and we who pay him homage and revere his memory in solemn pride and rededicate ourselves to a complete fulfillment of the task for which he so gallantly placed his life upon the altar of man’s freedom. H.H. Arnold”

Perth Courier, January 20, 1944

Photo F.O. Robert White

F. O. Robert White Receives Medal From The King

Fifteen members of the RCAF, most of whom are officers, attended a recent investiture at Buckingham Palace, to receive Distinguished Flying Medals from the King.  Among those who received this honor and talked with the King was Flying Officer Robert “Bob” White, whose citation stated that the award was made for exceptional coolness and courage in raids on many important enemy targets.  “Bob” has recently been promoted from Pilot Officer to Flying Officer and has been overseas since January of 1942.  He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. White, 15 Basin St., Perth.

Perth Courier, January 27, 1944

Tpr. R.G.. Burke Is Wounded in Action In Italy

Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Burke, Scotch Line, have been officially notified that their son, Trooper R.G. Burke, 26, was wounded in action in Italy on January 15.  No further details have been received.  Educated at the Scotch Line Public School and the P.C.I.  where he was keenly interested in the Cadet Corps, Russell graduated from the Collegiate in 1934 and proceeded to Toronto where he took a course in Diesel engineering.  He entered the Robert Simpson Company where he remained until his enlistment in January, 1942.  On entering the army he was posted at Brockville and later to Camp Borden going overseas in June, 1942 with the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards.  While in England he took a course for wireless operator for tanks. 

Two Perth Boys Both Prisoners Meet In Germany

A letter has been received by Mr. Eric M. Sabistan from P.O. James Kanelakos, Smith’s Falls, who was taken prisoner by the Germans after being shot down on September 28, 1943(?).  In it he tells of meeting P.O. Ron Code in the hospital.  Dated November 11, 1943, the letter reads:  “No doubt there are still a few around the plant who will be interested in knowing that I am alive and can still keep smiling.  Shot down on my birthday by fighters, an experience which I shall never forget, I was shot in both legs but have sure received good medical attention and expect to leave the hospital in the near future.  Remainder of my crew were not so fortunate and were buried not far from the scene of the combat.  I was told that another Canadian had arrived.  Imagine my surprise when I found it was Ron Code from Perth.  He has left the hospital but I shall be with him on leaving.  Give credit to the Red Cross for they sure are doing a great job, one which is appreciated by all prisoners of war.  Give my regards to all my friends and if you will let my people know you have heard from me.”

Wounded in Italy

Mr. and Mrs. Cornell wish to announce that their son Lance Corporal Herb Cornell has arrived by hospital ship in England.  After being wounded in Italy, he was in the hospital four months somewhere in North Africa.

Meet In Italy

Writing to his mother, Mrs. H.B. Gray, Ottawa, Boner Gray of being in Italy and stationed near his brother Kenneth, whom he has been able to visit.  He has also met Mac O’Neil and Bert Headrick and says that meeting Perth boys is the next best thing to being in Perth.

Perth Courier, February 3, 1944

Photo Sgt. Pilot Albert Slegg, previously reported missing after air operations on December 3, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. Slegg, received official word last night that he had been killed.

Photo Trooper E. G.(?) Burke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Burke, Scotch Line, who was reported wounded in action in Italy on January 15.  Word has now been received that he died from his wounds. 

P.O. Ted O’Gorman Member of R.C.A.F. Raiding Berlin

The latest dispatch from Britain concerning the R.C.A.F. raids on Germany tells of the participation of Pilot Officer J.F. “Ted” O’Gorman, son of Mr. and Mrs. T.L. O’Gorman, Drummond Street East.  The Thunderbird, Goose, and Leaside squadrons of the R.C.A.F. Bomber Group were included in the Canadian force which joined the R.A.F. in dropping a fresh deluge of bombs on Berlin on Thursday night, Jan. 27.  The Canadians, flying Lancaster bombers, met fighters and encountered rockets, flares and all the varied defenses the Germans have used in recent Berlin raids but the targets were hard hit, the returning crews said.  Some crews, previous visitors to Berlin, said the raid was one of the easiest.  Canadians accounted for at least one enemy fighter.

Perth Courier, Feb. 10, 1944

Arnold Douglas Is Wounded In Action In Italy

Official notification was received on Wednesday of this week by Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Douglas, 63 Harvey Street, that their son, Acting Lance Corporal Arnold Douglas, had been wounded in action in Italy on January 30 and was now in the hospital.  Enlisting with the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish, in April, 1942, he trained at Ottawa and Sussex, arriving in England on October 9, 1943.  He transferred to the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment and was serving with them when wounded.  A twin brother Hugh is also serving overseas and another brother, Leslie, is with the R.C.A.F. in Canada.

Photo Pte. E. J. McDonnell, of the R.C.O.C.(?), son of Mr. and Mrs. John McDonnell, Zealand, who has spent three birthdays overseas.

Perth Courier, February 17, 1944

Photo Pte. Kenneth Walker

Miss Nora Walker of Lanark received word on Monday from the Department of National Defense that her brother Pte. Kenneth Walker had been wounded in action in Italy.  The telegram did not give any details but stated that he had been admitted to the hospital.  Pte. Walker, son of the late Mrs. Edith Walker enlisted early in the war and went overseas in May of last year.

Pte. Dan Crain Home From Kiska Tells of Island

Pte. Dan Crain, son of Mr. W. J. Crain of Donnelley’s Corners, who spent his furlough at home recently had the following interesting details to relate to his friends.  Five and a half months of his time was spent on the barren Kiska Island.  His regiment, the 1st Canadian Fusiliers landed on Kiska Island four days after the Japanese had beaten a hasty departure.  They left considerable supplies, including blankets, tea, and provisions which were welcomed by our troops who had inadequate shelter until camp could be erected.  Much amusement was aroused by the presence of a dog left behind by the Japanese troops.  He did not understand English and made friends with only one man.  The boys named the dog Kiska.  Although little vegetation existed on the island, wild animals were plentiful, especially foxes which became very tame.  The climate was damp and foggy but few developed colds. 

Perth Courier, March 2, 1944

Arnold Douglas Advises Parents of His Recovery

Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Douglas have received a letter from their son Acting Lance Corp. Arnold Wellington Douglas who was reported wounded in action in Italy on January 30.  Writing from a hospital in Italy on Feb. 9, he described his injuries as concussion from shell burst and stated he had recovered and by the time his letter reached Canada he would be out of the hospital and in a convalescent camp.  This is the first direct word received by the parents since the notification and special mention is given to the attention and care being given our wounded, also the excellence of the food.

Perth Courier, March 9, 1944

Robert Millikin Presumed Dead As From Nov. 4

Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Millikin, Trenton, have received official notification that their son Robert C. Millikin, previously reported missing, had for official purposes been presumed dead on November 4, 1943.  Formerly a student of Perth Public School and Institute where he was a prominent athlete, Robert was widely known.  He was a popular member of the Perth Hotel lunch counter until his enlistment.  Mr. R. H. Millikin was roadmaster for this district for the C.P.R. prior to his transfer to Trenton.

Missionaries Are Interned By Japs In Phillippines

Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Smith received notice this week from headquarters, Army Service Forces, Washington, D.C. that their daughter Mrs. Muriel Smith Livesay and her husband Rev. J.B. Livesay have been officially reported by the Japanese government as interned in Tagbilaran Camp, Bohol, Phillippine Islands.  Mr. and Mrs. Livesay are missionaries of the American Presbyterian Church and have not been heard from for the past two years.  They visited Perth on furlough three years ago when they spent the summer at Ottay Lake with Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

LAC Kenneth P. Easton spent last week with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Easton, Drummond St. E., before leaving for the east coast where he has been posted for further duties.

The staff and student body of the Perth Collegiate Institute were very pleased to receive this week from Dr. and Mrs. H.C. Hagyard an excellent framed portrait of their son the late P.O. William Hagyard, a graduate of the P.C.I. who was killed in action over enemy territory in Feb., 1942.  The picture will be placed in the main corridor of  the school.

Perth Courier, March 23, 1944

Major K. Campbell Wounded in Action Overseas

Word has been received that Acting Major Kenneth Campbell has been wounded in action.  He is a son of Mrs. Campbell and the late C.A. Campbell.  He attended the P.C.I. and upon graduation entered the bond business being thus employed until his enlistment in the 48th Toronto Scottish in September, 1939.  Going overseas with the Toronto unit he transferred to a reconnaissance unit with which he proceeded to the Mediterranean sector.  He was with this unit in Italy when last heard from.

Lorne Patterson Reported Killed in Air Action

Word was received on Wednesday evening of the death in action of Flying Officer Lorne Patterson, formerly of the Perth Shoe Company, where he had been employed 12 years.  No details were given in the communication.  Enlisting in the R.C.A.F. in December, 1940, he graduated and was commissioned in November, 1941, leaving for overseas in December of that year.  Further training followed in Great Britain and he was posted to Africa and then to India.  It is believed he was serving in this sector when he was killed.  His wife, the former Nurse Barber was on the staff of the G.W.M. Hospital, Perth, and young son survive.

“Scotty” Kennedy Again Overseas Sees Local Boys

Writing from an overseas base. Corp. A.F. “Scotty” Kennedy told of his recent arrival after a training period in Canada.  The journey overseas was rough and they were glad to reach their destination.  He told of meeting some of the local boys, J.C. Murphy, “Moose” Dickson, Bob Wilson, and Murray Quattrocchi and reports they are all doing well.  He recently met a man returned from Italy who had been with Major Alex Campbell when he was killed.  The Major was out in front of his company when he was killed by machine gun bullets.  

Perth Courier, March 30, 1944

Pte. Lloyd Allan R.R.2, Maberly, Killed in Action

Mr. Lloyd Allan, R.R.2, Maberly, has been notified of the death in action in Italy on March 11 of his son, Pte. K.D. Allan, C21171, Infantry General Service, No. 5, C.I.R.U., Canadian Army Overseas.  Pte. Allan went overseas on December 4, 1943.  Born at Maberly 19 years ago he attended district schools and after leaving worked on farms and the railroad before enlisting in the Army.  The notification contained no details of the action in which Pte. Allan was killed.

Chas. McKinnon Receives Wings and Commission

A member of a large class of R.C.A.F. personnel who received their sergeant’s pilots wings at a graduation ceremony at Uplands on Friday afternoon, March 24, J.C. McKinnon, son of  Mr. and Mrs. J.C. McKinnon, 41 Wilson Street, was Perth’s representative.  Later in the afternoon he was one of a number of Uplands graduates who were commissioned and received the rank of Pilot Officer.  Born at Dalhousie Lake on July 4, 1923, Charlie attended Bathurst Line Public School and Lanark Continuation, coming to Perth Collegiate where he remained a student until January, 1940.  He then worked on tobacco farms at Delhi and then worked at the (unreadable word, starts with “Al”) Plant at Kingston, returning to Perth where he was a driver for the Taggert Service until his enlistment.  He joined the R.C.A.F. in October, 1942 and trained at Lachine, Que., Montreal ITS, Toronto, Pendleton and Uplands.

Corporal Noonan Is Mentioned For Gallantry

According to an announcement on Friday, March 24, released by the Department of National Defense, Corp. E. Noonan, son of Mr. George Noonan, Victoria Street, has been mentioned for gallant and distinguished services in Sicily and Italy.  No further details have been received by his father.  Born in June, 1911, he enlisted on June 28, 1940 and is serving with the Canadian Armored Corps.  He went overseas on September 23, 1942.  Before enlisting he graduated from Pembroke Collegiate Institute.  His brother, George C. Noonan, Jr., of the Royal Canadian Engineers, who went overseas in 1939 was killed in England in September, 1940.  Another brother, Sgt. Donald C. Noonan, enlisted in 1939 and has been overseas since 1940.

Perth Courier, April 6, 1944

F.O. John M. Hogg Memorial Unveiled At The Collegiate Impressive Ceremony

On Friday evening, March 31, an impressive ceremony and program was held in the Perth Collegiate.  The first part of the program was held in the main corridor of the school where a plaque on which will be inscribed from year to year the names of winner of the J.M. Hogg award was unveiled.  The plaque was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hogg in memory of their eldest son F.O. John McLeod Hogg, who gave his life in active service with the Royal Air Force in Tunisia in April, 1943.  (the balance of the article is not transcribed here—it deals with the ceremony.)

Photo F.O. Lorne Patterson, killed on March 15 during air operations 85 miles north east of Lashio(?) on the Salween River, Burma, near the border with China.

Photo F.O. Robert White, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. White, 15 Basin Street, who has been posted as missing after air operations.  Bob had recently been promoted to Flying Officer and had been decorated with the D.F.M. by His Majesty The King.

Photos:  Five Sons of Mrs. Edith Lee and the late William Lee of Perth, Serving in the Armed Forces:

Ste.(?) I/C W. J. Lee, R.C.N.V.R.

P.O.G.J. Lee, R.C.N.V.R.

AC3(?) or ACR(?) A.J. Lee, R.C.A.F.

Flt. Sgt. J.P. Lee, R.C.A.F.

Pte. R.M. Lee, C.I.T.C.

Perth Courier, April 18, 1944

Former Perth Boy Missing After Air Operations

P.O. Walter Robert Ferrier, only son of Mrs. Ferrier, Queen Mary Road, Montreal, and the late Harry(?) Henry(?) K. Ferrier, formerly of Perth, has been reported missing after air operations overseas.  Had he returned from the raid he would have completed two tours of operations which included sorties over Germany, France and the Low Countries.  Word has been received only recently of his promotion to commissioned(?) rank.  Educated at Westmount(?) High School and Sir George Williams College, he joined the R.C.A.F. in October (year unreadable) and qualified for his pilot’s wings at S.F.T.S.(?), Moncton, N.B. in July, 1941.  He went overseas that month.

Photo Kenneth Allan, son of Mr. Lloyd Allan, R.R. 2, Maberly, who was killed in action in Italy on March 11.  Pte. Allan went overseas on December 4, 1943.

Photo Gunner Edwin Burns Gordon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Burns Gordon, Maberly, who has been awarded the Canadian Voluntary Service Medal.  He is serving in Italy and will complete two years overseas on May 17. 

Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Cavers have received a cable this week from their son Douglas telling of his safe arrival overseas; also a cable from their second son Arthur stating that he and his younger brother Ken(?) had met in Scotland and spent a happy day there together.  They are in the (balance of sentence not legible, states their unit.)

Perth Courier, April 20, 1944

L. Cpl. Kilfoyle, Innisville, Is In Hospital

A telegram has been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Kilfoyle of Innisville from War Records, Ottawa, advising that their son Lance Corp. Ivan Gerald Kilfoyle, was slightly injured on Good Friday on active service.  No details were given further than that he was in the hospital.

Perth Courier, April 27, 1944

Photo

Perth Girl Wren

Louise Knox daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Knox, who is stationed on H.M.C.S. Stachacona(?) at Halifax, is shown on the right receiving instructions as a salesman of Sixth Victory Loan Bonds.

Two Perth Boys in German Prison Send Greetings

In his letter dated January 8, 1944 from his prison camp in Germany to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code, Pte. Ron Code, sent his appreciation and thanks to the Perth branch, Red Cross, for the comforts they provide prisoners of war.  P.O. James Kanelakos, also a prisoner in the same camp, added a note saying how fortunate they were to be together and able to remind each other of happenings at home.  He was then out of the hospital and they had a very cheery Christmas together.  Both sent their regards to their friends in and around the district.

Gnr. C.E. Benedict, Mississippi, Is Killed In Action

Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Benedict, Mississippi, have received official word that their son, Gunner Charles Edward Benedict, R.C.H.A., was killed in action on April 13.  The young soldier enlisted in September 1939 and went overseas in July, 1940 and married in England on Feb. 12, 1941 and more recently had been stationed in Italy.  Besides his English bride, he is survived by two daughters, Sheila and Maureen; his parents at Mississippi; one brother, Gunner H.J. Benedict at Petawawa and one sister Mrs. H.C. McDonnell at Kingston.

Perth Courier, May 11, 1944

Lloyd Cameron Reported Killed By German Red X

Flt. Lt. Lloyd Cameron was reported missing after air operations overseas on Leipzig, Germany, Feb. 20, according to word received by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cameron, Wemyss, and his wife the former Marion MacDowell, who with her young son, Douglas, resides at Pakenham, is now reported to be believed killed.  Further word was received through the International Red Cross that he was “believed killed” according to German information.  Lloyd Cameron attended Perth Collegiate and was afterwards employed at the Royal Bank at Perth, Pakenham, Matthew Street Branch, Montreal.  He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. in June, 1940, training at Regina, Sask. St. Catharines, and Brantford, Ont., where he graduated as a pilot and won his commission.  He instructed student pilots at Saskatoon, Sask., and student instructors at Vulcan, Alberta.  In March, 1943 he took operational training at Pennfield, N.B. for three months and after his furlough he continued overseas.  Flt. Lt. Cameron was a member of the 434 Squadron, making several bombing raids on Germany.  Four Canadians of his crew are now reported prisoners of war.

Perth Courier, May 25, 1944

J. Arthur Walker Placed Third In His Class

At the graduation ceremony at the R.C.A.F. training center Ancienne Lorette, Quebec, on Thursday, May 18, LAC James Arthur Walker, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Walker of Lanark, former Matron of the Great War Memorial Hospital, Perth, received his navigator’s wings and commission, gaining third place in his class.  He was a student at Collegiate Institute and upon graduation became apprenticed in pharmacy to T.A. Thornbury until enlistment in November, 1942.  During his school days at Collegiate, Arthur was an outstanding athlete, specializing in baseball and hockey.  After leaving school, he continued to excel in these sports and played on local teams.  Another member of the family, Kenneth, is serving overseas.  He was recently wounded in Italy.  Attending the ceremony at Ancienne Lorette was his twin sister, Miss Nora Walker, Lanark and Miss Dorothy Douglas, Perth.

Photo Capt. Donald C. Smith, Wounded in Italy

Former Lanark County magistrate who has been injured in action with the Canadians in Italy.

Photo W.G.S.(?), R.G.J. Monaghan, R.C.A.F., Smith’s Falls, who has been reported missing overseas, as a result of air operations on May 4.  His mother is the former Annie Hale of Perth.

Photo Lt. Maurice Joynt, son Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Joynt, Rideau Ferry, who is serving overseas with the 4th Imperial Army.  Lt. Joynt is a former member of the Perth Collegiate Institute.

Photo F.O. James J. Muldoon, R.C.A.F., son of the late John and Mrs. Muldoon, the former Jennie E. Connally, Perth, who has gained his commission after graduating as Sgt. Pilot at Camp Borden.

Photo F.O. James Geddes, R.C.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. John Geddes, Snow Road, former Perth Collegiate Institute student, who is home on leave after completing his first tour of air operations over Germany.  He returns to duty shortly.

Perth Courier, June 1, 1944

L-Cpl. H. Cornell, Home From Italy With Knee Wound

Lance Corporal Herbert Cornell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Cornell, has returned home with a wound in the knee which he received in action in October, 1943. He enlisted August 1, 1940 in the Forestry Corps and proceeded over seas with that unit, later transferring to the Provost Corps.  He served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy.  He was wounded at Compobasso.  Returning to England in December of 1944 he was on provost duty until returning to Canada.  Lance Corporal Cornell is married and his wife and two children, a boy and a girl, live in Almonte.  While serving in England, he met Arnold Douglas, Eric Nixon, Ken McKee, Freddie Buker, Ivan Penfold, William Osborne, Ken Gray, Alex Campbell and Hugh O’Donnell.

Sgt. L. Chatham Receives Wound in Italy, May 21

Word has been received by Mrs. Eva Chatham, Smith’s Falls, that her husband, Sgt. J. Leifford Chatham, had been wounded in action in Italy on May 21.  Sgt. Chatham, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Chatham of Gore Street, Perth, was a student of the Perth Collegiate Institute, and before enlistment was in the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish.  A brother, Aubrey, is a sick bay attendant in the R.C.N.V.R. serving at St. Hyacinthe, Quebec.  He enlisted in September, 1940 and was stationed at Brockville where he was on instructional duty.  He transferred to the Irish Regiment of Canada and left for Dartmouth, N.S. and for overseas in March, 1943.  He served in North Africa and arrived in Italy on January 1, 1944

Perth Courier, June 8, 1944

Pte. J.R. Wilson is Wounded

Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Graham Wilson, R.R. 7, Perth, that their son Pte. John R. Wilson had been wounded in action in Italy on May 28(?).  He enlisted in Calgary with the Calgary Highlanders on Jan. 9, 1943, leaving for overseas in August of the same year.  He transferred from the Highlanders to another regiment, arriving in Italy in December of last year.  No further particulars are forthcoming regarding his injuries.

Alfred H. Keays Receives Slight Wound in Action

Defense Headquarters, Ottawa have notified Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Keays, 7 Queen Street, that their son Lance Corp. Alfred H. Keays, 30, was slightly wounded in action on June 1.  Educated at the Public School and Perth Collegiate, he joined the staff of the Expositor upon completing his education, remaining there until that journal was incorporated into the Courier, in Jan., 1936.  He took up stationary engineering and qualified in western Ontario, returning to Perth as night engineer at the Henry K. Wampole Company which position he filled until enlistment in April, 1941.  Basic training was undergone at Ottawa and Camp Borden, then he was posted to Dundern, Sask., from which centre he went overseas in April, 1942.  He served in Sicily and Italy where he received his wound.  A younger brother, Stanley Kenneth Keays is serving overseas. 

Pte. Arnold Liddle Dies in Chorley park Hospital

Stricken while spending a weekend leave at home, 52 Seventh Street, at New Toronto, Pte. Arnold Frederick Liddle, 18, died Friday evening, June 2 at Chorley Park Military Hospital.  He was admitted on Sunday.  Pte. Liddle was born in Long Branch, where he attended school.  Enlisting in the army in November of 1943, he trained at New Glasgow, Halifax, Windsor, N.S. and Camp Borden.  He was a member of the New Toronto United Church.  Surviving are his parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Liddle of Perth, New Toronto, and four sisters, Mrs. Irene Stewart, Ruby, Marion, and Audrel(?).  Pte. Liddle is a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jamieson and Mrs. Hugh R. Gamble.

Perth Courier, June 29, 1944

PTE Ken Walker, Lanark, Home From Overseas

On Monday of this week friends had the pleasure of welcoming home Pte. Kenneth Walker, who was severely wounded in the Battle of Ortona in Italy.  Ken was invalided home with shrapnel wounds in his left hand, the left arm and the right side.  Following a thirty day leave he will have to spend several months in hospital, receiving treatment to his arm and hand. Pte. Walker enlisted early in the war and spent several months at Brockville.  He went overseas in May of 1943 and to the Italian front in October of last year.  He was wounded in February and since that time has been in hospitals in Italy and England.  He arrived in Canada on June 22.

Bdr. Mervyn Hawe Home on Leave with Blitz Wound

Bdr. Mervyn Hawe has returned from overseas.  He arrived in Perth on Sunday, June 25, having arrived in Canada on June 22.  He is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hawe of Perth and enlisted in December of 1939 at Kingston, proceeding immediately overseas, where he received his training in England.  He saw service at Dieppe and received a shrapnel wound in his right arm in the blitz in England.  He is spending thirty days leave in Perth and will report to Ottawa at its conclusion.

Perth Courier, July 6, 1944

Lt. Siddons-Grey, Victim of Blitz, Now in Hospital

The Director of Records, Department of Defense in Ottawa has advised Mr. Charles C. H. Gray that his daughter, Lt. Nursing Sister Norma Siddons-Grey, R.C.A.M.C., has been officially reported injured in an enemy air raid on a date not stated.  The advice lists her injuries as fractured left scapula, lacerations to scalp, right leg and back.  She is an inmate of No.11 Canadian General Hospital, Overseas.  Lt. N.S. Siddons-Grey was born in Perth and received her education at the Public School and Collegiate.  Upon graduation she trained as a nurse at Montreal General Hospital, spending eleven years there and at Montreal Western Hospital specializing in surgical nursing.  She enlisted in the R.C.A.M.C. in May of 1943(?) going overseas in September, 1943.

Perth Courier June 22, 1944

Norman Baker Receives Wound in Action

Word has been received by Mrs. Margery Baker of 11 Wilson Street that her son Corporal Norman Baker has been seriously wounded while on active duty with Canadian forces in Italy.  He enlisted in Perth on April 16, 1942, receiving his training in Perth, Ottawa, Sussex and Dartmouth.  Cpl. Baker was slightly wounded on October 28, 1943 but returned to active duty in December, serving with the C.B.R.D.  The nature of his wounds has not yet been disclosed.

Wounded

Defense Headquarters, Ottawa have notified Mrs. Mary Bennett, 43 Foster Street, formerly of Westport, that her son Gunner Peter J. Bennett, 21, had been wounded in action.  Gunner Bennett enlisted in the Ordnance Corps in Toronto in April of 1942.  Basic training was undergone at Toronto and Guelph.  He was then transferred to the Royal Canadian Artillery and took a mechanic’s course at Woodstock.  He proceeded overseas from Petawawa in June, 1943.  The extent of his injuries or date he was wounded is not yet known.

Perth Courier, July 13, 1944

Award for Bravery

Word has been received by Mrs. Mary Johnson, Mary Street, concerning the bravery of her nephew, Pte. Leslie Jenkins, of Smethwick, England, who has won the military medal following a mountain action in Italy.  He was responsible for killing many Germans by the skillful and bold handling of a machine gun.  Though his hand had been burned by a phosphorous bomb, he showed great bravery and was one of the first to go on a counter attack.

Perth Courier, July 27, 1944

Men From This District Listed Killed, Wounded and Missing In Action

Pte. Alex Beggs

Pte. Alex Beggs, popular Port Elmsley boy, has been killed in action while fighting with the Canadian forces in Normandy.  Mildred Best was informed of this in a message received recently.  No details were given beyond the fact that the 35 year old soldier, serving with the famed S.D. and G. Highlanders had lost his life on July 8.  Born in Glasgow, Scotland 35 years ago, he worked for eleven years for Mr. and Mrs. Milton Best, who were very devoted to him and regarded him as a son.  He was much loved by all who knew him.  He enlisted in October, 1940 and went overseas the following summer.  Surviving are two brothers in Scotland.

Pte. Harold Baker

Pte. Harold Baker, son of Mr. Charles Baker, Portland, and the late Mrs. Baker, and brother of Mrs. William Magill of Smith’s Falls was killed in action in France on June 19 while serving with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.

MISSING

Sgt. Keith Lyle

Sgt. Keith Lyle, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Lyle, who has been listed as missing overseas as a result of air operations on June 29.  Keith is a nephew of Mrs. J.A. Howie.  Sgt. Lyle enlisted in the RCAF in August of 1942 and trained at Aylmer, Guelph and Mountain View, where he graduated and won his wings in September of 1943.  He went overseas shortly afterwards and has been on active air service there for nine months.

F.O. Roy Warren

Word has reached Yorkton, Sask., that F.O. Roy Warren, son of Mrs. Warren and the late H. Warren and nephew of Mrs. Fanny Burke at R.R. 4, Perth, is missing following air operations overseas.  He was born in Yorkton in 1916 and was educated at Simpson Public School and Yorkton Collegiate Institute.

F.O. George White

Mr. and Mrs. John White of Perth received word that their son Flying Officer George White is reported missing overseas following operations on the night of July 7.  He joined the RCAF October 8, 1941, receiving his training at Mountain View and Guelph, where he graduated as a Wireless Air Gunner.  He received the commission on December 20, 1942 and was then posted to an RAF station at Greenwood, Nova Scotia.  He went overseas early in July of 1943.  He was promoted to Flying Officer in December and was a wireless operator on a heavy air craft engaged in night flying.  His sister Margaret, Mrs. John Whetter, resides in Markham and Elsie is at home in Perth at present.  F.O. White was born in Bathurst and received his education there, coming to Collegiate later.  He returned home from where he was engaged until enlisting.

WOUNDED

Sgt. W. A. Arthur

Mrs. W. J. Arthur has received official notice that her husband, Sgt. W.J. Arthur, has been wounded in France on July 8.  (Note, it says W.A. Arthur in the headline, and in the text, W. J. Arthur)  No extent of the nature of the wounds has been received.  Enlisting on the day after war was declared, Sgt. Arthur has been overseas for a year.  He received his education at Hamilton and London.

Pte. G. Blair

Official notification has been received from Ottawa that Pte. Gilbert Blair was suffering from shell shock while serving in France in the early days of the invasion.  Pte. Blair is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John H. Blair of Maberly.  He enlisted in the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish and transferred to the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders when the former unit was disbanded.  He has been serving with the Provost Corps.  Pte. Blair was well known in this and surrounding districts.

L. Cpl H.B. Clyne

National Defense Headquarters have notified Mrs. James H. Clyne, R.R. 7, Perth, that her son, Acting Lance Corporal Harold Bernard Clyne was reported wounded in action on July 18.  The report adds that he is receiving treatment in hospital.  He is serving with the Queen’s Own Rifle Regiment and has been overseas for nearly three years.

Enlists in Navy

Vernon Pownall, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Pownall, has enlisted in the R.C.N.V.(?)R.(?)  Prior to enlistment he was employed as a machinist in the Research Department, Ottawa, and earlier was with James Brothers Machine Shop for ten years.  Vernon is the fourth son to enlist.  Three other brothers are serving their country; Gordon is in the Army in Italy, Arthur is in the Air Force in Alberta and Reginald is in the Army at Newmarket.

Perth Courier, August 3, 1944

Family Receives Memorial Scroll from President

Police Chief Charles Donovan has received a scroll from Washington concerning the death on active service of his son Master Sgt.Charles Donovan, U.S.A.F.who died in a hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Nov. 22, 1943.  The scroll reads:  “In grateful memory of Master Sgt. Charles Donovan who died in the service of his country in the southwest Pacific area, Nov. 22, 1943.  He stands in the unbroken line of Patriots who have dared to die that Freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings.  Freedom lives and through it he lives—in a way that humbles the undertaking of most men.”  Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America

Pte. G. Rutherford in Hospital with Slight Wound

Notification from Defense Headquarters, Ottawa, that their son Pte. Gordon Rutherford, 25, had been slightly wounded in action in France has been received by Mr. and Mrs. John Rutherford, Grant St.  He enlisted in the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish in April, 1942, transferring to the Stormong, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders with which regiment he went overseas in the same year.  Two brothers are on active service, Pte. James Rutherford is overseas with the Canadian Army and O.S. Charles Rutherford is a member of the Royal Canadian Reserve.

Former Balderson Boy Overseas with U.S. Navy

Lt. Dan H. Hughes, son of Mrs. Joseph H. Wade, now of Ste. Saint Marie, Michigan and formerly of Balderson, and the late D.R. Hughes of Balderson, who is in the American Army in France, has had many interesting experiences since D-Day when he led the first platoon of his company ashore on the coast of France.  He was born at Balderson and went to the U.S. with his mother when three years of age.  He attended Soo schools graduating from high school and later attended Clay College in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  He was assistant inspector on the Soo locks until 1940 when he joined the National Guard and served for one year at Camp Livingston in Louisiana.  He joined the armed forces in 1943 and attended an officers’ school at Camp Hood, Texas, graduating in August as a lieutenant and left for overseas. Two brothers are also serving in U.S. forces, Sgt. Clarence Wade is in New Guinea with the 32nd Division Band and Robert Wade is at the Great Lakes Naval Training School at Great Lakes, Ill.  (note by transcriber, the headline said U.S. Navy, the body of the article referred to the army.)

Gunner E. Foster Dies in Hospital from Wounds

Mr. and Mrs. William Foster, town, formerly of Lanark, have been advised by Defense Headquarters, Ottawa that their son Gunner Emerson Foster, 21, had died in a hospital in Italy on July 15(?) following wounds received in action on July 9.  He enlisted at Weyburn, Sask in the fall of 1940 and has been overseas for three years as a motorcyclist in the Armoured Corps.

Corp. Roy A. Smith

The director of records, Ottawa, has advised Mrs. Sadie A. Smith, 124 Gore St. East, that her son Corp. Roy Arthur Smith, previously reported slightly wounded in action, is now reported to have a shell fragment wound in the left buttock and left hip.

Gunner Les. Sergeant Wins 1943-44 Star for Service

Military Headquarters, Kingston, advise that Gunner Leslie Sergeant, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sergeant, North Street, serving as a machine gunner in a Kingston artillery battery, has been awarded the 1939-43 star for service in Italy and Sicily.  He enlisted in Kingston immediately following the declaration of war in 1939, arriving overseas with the First Contingent on December 18 of that year.  Educated in Frontenac County he later attended Perth Collegiate Institute for three years and at the close of his schooling worked on district farms until his enlistment.

Pte. John Fleming Suffers Serious Wound in Action

Mr. and Mrs. Ewen Fleming, Maberly, received word on July 26 that their son Pte. John Fleming had been seriously wounded in action in France and had suffered amputation of the left leg below the knee. A further advice on July 31 stated that he was dangerously ill.  Pte. Fleming enlisted in February, 1943 and reached England on May 7 of this year.  He went into action in France on June 7 with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.

Perth Courier, August 10, 1944

Awarded Medal

Sgt. W. A. Roberts, veteran of the Great War and lately serving in the infantry as instructor in M.D. No.3, a former member of the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish has been awarded the Efficiency Medal for service in Canada.  His family live on Drummond St. East.

Wounded in France

On Aug. 2, Mrs. And Mrs. Nelson Kimberly of Sharbot Lake received word that their son Spr. Ronald William Kimberly had been wounded in action in France on July 25.  He was born in Perth.  His father was in the garage business here some years ago.

Cpl. Chester Welsh is Now Reporte Prisoner of War

Mrs. Chester Welsh, Zealand, has received a letter from army headquarters in Italy,  advising that her husband Cpl. Chester Welsh,  who had been missing following operations in Italy since Jan. 30, is believed to be a prisoner of war in the hands of the Germans.  They knew he had been wounded when the Germans took a certain trench but when they went out to bring in the casualties they saw him being carried off by German stretcher bearers.  Although Mrs. Welsh continues to write regularly no letters have been returned, nor has she had any word of her husband.

Tpr. J.E. Miller Sends Message By Short Wave

On June 19, Mrs. Ernest Miller of 69 Forest Hill Road, Toronto and formerly of 3rd Line Bathurst, received official notice from Ottawa that her son Tpr. John E. Miller, was reported missing in action in France on June 11.  He was with the Royal Armoured Corps.  On Tuesday, August 2, she received letters from ladies in Philadelphia and New Hampshire, each telling that on the night of July 29 they picked up on short wave from Berlin messages from prisoners of war in Germany to friends at home.  The following message came over “B149306 P.E. Miller all well dear. Do not worry. Let Pat and Josie know.  All my love. Jack”  Since receiving the two letters Mrs. Miller has received 14 letters from widely separated places in the U.S. and from Thorburn , N.S. advising  her of her son’s message.  Tpr. Watt is a nephew of Mrs. Mervyn Watt of Perth.

On Furlough

Flying Officer Bob McLenaghan and his wife formerly Miss Joy Brownlee of the Collegiate Staff is now Section Officer at RCAF, Western Air Command and spent a few days at Bob’s home here. 

Perth Courier August 17, 1944

Photo Tpr. John E. Miller

Nephew of Mrs. Mervyn Watt, whose message in a German prisoner of war short wave broadcast was heard by many U.S. listeners.  He was taken prisoner in France in June.

Nursing Sister in Film

During a recent film, entitled “Canada Carries On” shown at Perth Theater, Nursing Sister Lt. Alice Hewitt, formerly of Perth, was shown entering a room and handing a doctor a document.  Nursing Sister Hewitt has been in the Mediterranean theater zone since November, 1943.

J. Arthur Cavers Home On Leave After Action

Leading Sick Berth Attendant J. Arthur Cavers son of Mr. and Mrs. James D. Cavers, 18 Wilson St., arrived home on leave Wednesday evening to spend a month with his parents.  A member of the crew H.M.C.S. Saskatchewan, newly arrived in Canada from overseas, where their ship was engaged with other ships making up a flotilla, they fought an action with four armed German trawlers off the invasion coast of France.  Three trawlers were admitted lost by the Germans after the action, our destroyers suffering casualties and slight damage.

Photo of F. O. Robert White, D.C.M., son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. White, 15 Basin St., previously reported missing after air operations on March 31, now officially presumed dead.

Reported Missing

F.O. Harold McCosh Patterson, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Patterson of Allendale and formerly of Perth, is reported missing.  He arrived overseas in April and had been ill in the hospital in England before returning to duty.  Two brothers, Craftsman Marvin  H. Patterson,  R.C.E.M.E., and Sgt. Ralph R. Patterson, RCE, are overseas.

F.O. Robert White Now Presumed to Have Died

Mr. and Mrs. W. J. White, 15 Basin Street, have been advised by the Dept. of Defense, Ottawa, that their son, F.O. Robert White, who was reported missing after air operations over enemy territory on March 31, has now been presumed dead.  A crew of seven manned the bomber which did not return and they are all presumed to have died.  Shortly before he was reported missing on March 31, Bob was decorated with the D.C.M. at Buckingham Palace by the King.

Trp. L.H. Hogan Was Wounded in Action on Aug. 8

Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Hogan, 34 Gore Street West, received official word from Ottawa on Wednesday that their son Tpr. Leo Hubert Hogan was wounded in action on Aug. 8.  No details or nature of the wound  are available.  Educated at the Separate School, he enlisted on Aug. 2, 1942, training at Cornwall and Camp Borden and arrived overseas May 19, 1943.  He was in the Armoured Regiment, 1st Hussars.  Of a family of five sons and one daughter, four sons are serving.  In addition to Hubert, two are overseas Sgt. Harold Hogan and Cpl Donald Hogal, R.C.A.F. Service Police and Sgt. Norman Hogan is stationed at Lachine, Quebec with the R.C.A.F. firefighting service.

Perth Courier, August 24, 1944

John R. Wilson, Home From Italy For Treatment

Included with those who returned to Canada last week on the hospital ship Lady Nelson was John R. Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Wilson of R.R. 7, Perth, who was wounded in action in Italy on May 23, 1944.  Upon landing, he was sent to the Ottawa Military Hospital where he will receive treatment for paralysis of the right arm and leg.

Col. Playfair Receives Award of the C.B.E.

In the list of decorations recently announced by Ottawa, Col. Playfair, together with three other high ranking officers received the C.B.E.  Col. Cecil Homer Playfair, C.B.E., Royal Canadian Medical Corps., was born at Playfair Jan. 1, 1900 and prior to his appointment to the R.C.A.M.C. in Sept., 1939, was in practice as a physician in Hamilton.  On appointment, he was gazetted major and went overseas in Dec. of the same year, being promoted to Lt. Col on April 4, 1941.  His elevation to colonelcy came in January of 1944.  A member of the N.P.A.M., he was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Pte. B. Kehoe Reported With Wound in Leg

Mrs. Christina Kehoe, Links O’Tay Golf and Country Club, has received notification that Pte. Bartley Kehoe was wounded in action in France on August 9.  The details supplied by Ottawa state he received a shrapnel wound in his right leg.  He was a former employee of the Perth Shoe Co., and before enlistment drove the Lanark stage, after the death of his father the late Alphonsus Kehoe.  He enlisted at Toronto in Feb., 1943, going overseas in November of the same year.  Another brother, Pte. Dennis Kehoe is stationed at Vimy Ridge Barracks, Kingston.

Memorial Service for Local Flier at Wemyss

A memorial service with full military honors for Squadron Leader Lloyd Henry Cameron was held in the Calvin United Church, Wemyss, on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 20,  with RCAF chaplain Flt. Lt. Lloyd, Rockcliffe; Rev. W. R. Alp, St. Paul’s United Church, Perth, and Mr. D. McCrae, student minister conducting the service.  Squadron Leader Cameron, 25, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cameron, Wemyss, enlisted in Montreal in June, 1940, training at Regnina, Brantford and St. Catharine’s, where he received his pilot’s wings.  On commission, he instructed for two years in western Canada, leaving for overseas in June of 1943.  He made several operational flights over enemy territory and was reported missing on Feb. 20, 1944 and later reported believed killed.  Word was received from the International Red Cross on Aug. 19 that from official German information  he was buried in Tolminglin Cemetery near Leipzig, Germany, Feb. 22, 1944..  Educated at Public School S.S. No. 4, Bathurst, and Perth Collegiate, he entered the service of the Royal Bank, serving for five years before enlistment.  In addition to his parents, surviving members of his family are his widow, the former Marion McDowell of Pakenham,  and 15 month old son Douglas, a brother, Harold Cameron of Ottawa  and a sister Joy Cameron at home.

Pte. C. Molyneaux Second of Family Killed in Action

Official word was received at the weekend of the death in action in France of Pte. Carman Molyneaux, son of Mr. John Molyneaux and the late Mrs. Molyneaux of Watson’s Corners.  He is the second son who has given his life in the present war.  In December, 1943, Pte. Gordon Molyneaux died of wounds received in action in Italy.  Both boys were well known in their community and throughout the county of Lanark.

Gnr. William H. Wright Wounded On Aug. 9 in France

Official word was received by Mrs. Herb Wright, Grant Street, that her son Gnr. William H. Wright, was wounded on active service in France on Aug. 9.  Gnr. Wright enlisted in Sept. 1941 and has been overseas for three years.  His father and one sister are serving in the RCAF.

Perth Courier, August 31, 1944

F.O. John Hudson Killed in Action on August 21

Official word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Archie Hudson that their son F.O. John Hudson, 21, was killed on active service on August 21, burial taking place on August 26 at Regional Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.  Born at Perth on January 10, 1923 he attended St. John’s Separate School and Perth Collegiate, leaving school in Feb., 1942 to enlist.  During the summer of 1941 he was the instructor at the swimming pool.  Basic training was received at Toronto and he was posted to St. Catharine’s, Trenton, St. John’s Quebec where he graduated as a navigator on February 19, 1943, receiving his Commission and leaving for overseas in March.  Surviving besides his parents are one brother, Leo A. (Pete), serving with the R.C.N.V.R. and four sisters; Rita, Mrs. John Foster, whose husband is in the RCAF at Scoudac, N.B.; Ena, Mrs. George Wilson, whose husband is overseas with the RCAMC; Florence, Mrs. Russell Barber, whose husband is in the RCAF at Camp Borden and Nora at home.

PTE William Code Receives Wound in Action

Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Code, Brock Street, have been notified by Defense Headquarters, Ottawa, that their youngest son, Pte. William Code, has been wounded in action.  Three sons in addition to William are on active service; F.O. Ronald Code is a prisoner of war in Germany; A.B. Charles Code RCNVR is in the Navy; and Pte. Edwin Code is overseas with an anti-aircraft battalion.  No details regarding the extent or nature of the wound are available.

Pte. Doug Jones Receives Thigh Wound in Action

Pte. Doug Jones, son of Mrs. Della Jones of Westport, was wounded in action in France, according to information received by his mother.  Pte. Jones has been overseas for three years.  The message stated he had received a bullet wound in his right thigh and was confined to the hospital.  It is thought he was wounded while serving on the Normandy front.

Cpl. L. Tetlock Is Reported Killed in Action

Mrs. Norman Tetlock received word from the Minister of National Defense that her second youngest son, Cpl. Leslie Tetlock had been officially reported killed in action in France on August 15.  He entered the employ of the Perth Shoe Company at 18 years of age in 1938 and served in the fitting department as a fitter and machinist before enlisting in March, 1942.

Perth Courier, September 7, 1944

Many Shocked By the News of the Death of Cpl. Tetlock

People of Perth and district were shocked when they heard of the death in action of Cpl. Tetlock on August 15.   Born in Perth on December 2, 1920, a son of Mrs. Norman Tetlock and the late Mr. Tetlock, he attended Perth public school and was later in the employ of the Perth Shoe Co., Ltd., until his enlistment on March 12, 1942 with the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish.  He was a member of the O.Y.B. #221 and belonged to St. Paul’s United Church.  He was a young man of good sportsmanship and was ready to lend a helping hand with everyone with whom he came into contact.  He received his training at Connaught Ranges, Sussex, N.B., and Dartmouth, N.S.  He was later transferred to Port Alburne, B.C. and also trained at Vernon and Larau, B.C. and Wainwright, Alberta before going overseas in the latter part of May, 1944.  He had been transferred to the Rocky Mountain Rangers arriving in France in the latter part of July.  Surviving besides his mother and one sister (Gladys), Mrs. Thomas Hill of Perth, and two brothers, Percy of Smiths Falls and Lindsay serving with the R.C.A. in Italy

Lt. M. H. Boyd Killed in Action on August 10th

Last week Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Boyd of Lavant Station received the tragic news of the death of their son Lt. Milton Howard Boyd in action in France on August 10.  Lt. Boyd was one of six sons and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd who are in the services.  He enlisted in June of 1942, trained at Camp Borden and Niagara-on-the-Lake and was sent to Jamaica in December of the same year.  Subsequently he returned to Canada to take a “Signals” course at Kingston.  In July of 1943 he proceeded to Great Britain where he attended the School of Military Intelligence.  He was serving in the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada when he paid the supreme sacrifice.  Milton was born at Lavant Station on November 16, 1917 and attended Lanark High School, Perth Collegiate and the College of Pharmacy at Toronto. He was married on November 7, 1943(?) to Miss Geraldine Quarrington of Toronto.  Besides his wife and parents, Lt. Boyd is survived by four brothers and three sisters:  LAC Arnold Boyd of the BCAF at Mountain View; L/Cpl. Clifford Boyd in France; Pte. Ernest Boyd in Italy; Merle of Midland, D.A.W.; Wilma Boyd of the BCAF (W.D.); Elsie at Perth Collegiate; and Audrey at home.

Sgt. Wm. B. Wright Killed in Action

Official notice was received on Wednesday that Sgt. William B. Wright, RCAF, had been killed in action.  He was the youngest son of Mrs. Wright and the late Mr. Norman S. Wright, 256 Melrose Avenue, Toronto, and only brother of James R. Wright of Perth and Mrs. George Armitage, Birchview Avenue, Toronto.  Born at Toronto and educated at Howard Park Public School and Parkdale Collegiate, he entered the employ of Bauer and Black Drug Manufacturers, where he remained until enlistment.  He went overseas on December 2, 1943. 

L. Cpl V.S. White Receives Wound

The Director of Records, Ottawa, has notified Mr. and Mrs. Owen White of 11 Basin St., that their son, Lance Cpl  Victor Stephen White (23) had been wounded in action on August 28 and is now in the hospital.  Educated at the public school in Burgess West he was employed by the C.P.R. at Union Station, Toronto, until enlisting in the Royal Regiment of Canada in 1941. He trained at Niagara and Petawawa, leaving for overseas in September of 1942.  Other members of the family on active service are:  O.S. John R. White R.C.N.V.R. and Pte. Leonard White stationed on the west coast and Spr. Desmond White in Italy with an Engineers unit.  No indication of the nature or extent of the wound was available.

Perth Courier, September 14, 1944

Brothers Spared, Leave England

Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Shanks of Sharbot Lake have received a cable from their son Flt. Sgt. Noel C. Shanks stating that he had completed his tour of “Opa” and was on leave with his brother P.O. E. Robert Shanks in England.  He is rear gunner with the RCAF, attached to the RAF Bomber Command.  On returning from a trip the crew of Noel’s plane was inspected by the King, Queen and princesses.  He was honored by having a short chat with the Queen and Princess Elizabeth.  A brother, Sgt. Howard W. Shanks was unable to join Noel and Bob in the reunion as he was on duty in France with a unit of the Canadian Dental Corps.

Sgt. Keith Lyle Safe in England

Sgt. Keith Lyle, RCAF, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Lyle, Glen View, who was officially reported missing following air operations, over enemy territory on June 20(?), 1944, is now safe in England.  He is a nephew of Mrs. J.A. Howie.  Sgt. Lyle enlisted in the RCAF in August, 1942 and trained at Aylmer, Guelph and Mountain View where he graduated and won his wing in September, 1943.  He went overseas shortly afterwards and  has been on active air service there until he was reported missing.  No details have been received of the circumstances surrounding his return to Great Britain.

Tpr. James Conlon Is Killed in Action on Italian Front

Mr. and Mrs. Errol Conlon, Church Street, were notified by the Director of Records, Ottawa on Tuesday that their son Tpr. James Conlon had been killed in action.  He enlisted in May, 1943 at Kingston, and trained at Cornwall and Camp Borden and later took a special course in mechanical transport at Woodstock, afterwards returning to Camp Borden for a short time before going to Debert, N.S. going overseas in April, 1944.   After training in England for a short time he was transferred from the 48th Highlanders to the P.L.D.G. and to Italy.  He was born in Perth 24 years ago and graduated from the Separate School and Collegiate Institute and after leaving school entered the employ of Tayside Textiles where he learned weaving.  Surviving besides his parents are two sisters, Miss Alice, nurse-in-training at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston, and Miss Margaret at home.

Memorial Service at Maberly for Pte. K.D. Allan

On the afternoon of Sunday, September 10 the church of St. Alban, Maberly, was filled to capacity with the friends and neighbors of the late Pte. Kenneth Duncan Allan, son of Mr. Lloyd Allan and the late Mrs. Allan, who was killed in active service in Italy in March of this year to pay their last tribute to him at a service held in his memory.  The service was conducted by T.E. Downey, B.A., student in charge.  Mrs. Oscar Marcellin was at the organ.  The hymns sung were “Soldiers of Christ Arise” “God of our Fathers” “Fight the Good Fight” “My Own Dear Lord” and “Holy Father in Thy Mercy Hear Our Earnest Prayer”.  A detachment of cadets from Perth Collegiate under Cadet-Major John Walroth attended the service.  After the observance of two minutes of silent prayer the organist played the “Dead March in Saul” by Handel and then Cadet Gerald Lessard sounded the Last Post.  Mr. Downey took as his text St. John XV, 13, “Greater Love Hath No Man That a Man Lay Down His Life for a Friend”.  He paid tribute to all the men and women who have answered the call of duty and urged all to realize their responsibilities in the preservation of the ideals for which they are fighting and for which thousands have already paid the supreme sacrifice.

Three Brothers Serving with Canadian Army

Three Vandusen boys, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Merley Vandusen, Smith’s Falls residents, are now serving with the Canadian forces in France and conducting something of a private family war against the Germans.  Glen Vandusen, RCAF, celebrated his second birthday overseas and his first in France on August 27(?).  He enlisted in August of 1942 and went overseas in May of 1943.  Also serving in France are Guardman Ormand Vandusen and Bombsman(?) Osmund(?) Vandusen, who wear the khaki of the Canadian Army.

Perth Courier, Sept. 21, 1944

Reported Missing After Air Crash On East Coast

Official notification has been received by Mrs. Arthur Walker that her husband, P.O. Arthur Walker, R.C.A.F., stationed at Maitland, was reported missing following an aircraft accident there last week.  Reports since received indicate that the aircraft, of which P.O. Walker was the navigator, was seen to burst into flames and crash into the sea.  P.O. Walker, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Walker of Perth, enlisted in November of 1942 and left Perth in Feb., 1943 to train at Lachine, Que.; Kingston; Guelph and Ancienne Lorette, Que., where he graduated as wireless navigator on May 18, 1944.  He was married on May 20 to Miss Dorothy Adaline Douglas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Douglas.  Since graduation, P.O. Walker has been taking advanced training at Maitland, N.S. and Greenwood, N.S.

Photo of P.O. Arthur Walker, who has been reported missing following a training flight on the east coast where it is reported that the aircraft which he was navigating burst into flames and crashed into the sea.

Photo of P.O. James A. Stewart, son of Mr. and Mrs. N.A. Stewart, 18 Sherbrooke Street, who has been promoted from Warrant Officer No. 1 while serving with the RCAF overseas.  Prior to going overseas in November, 1943 he served as an instructor at Dafoe, Sask.  His wife and two children reside at 22 Sherbrooke St.

Perth Courier, September 28, 1944

Photo Tpr. James Conlon, who has been killed in action.  He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Errol Conlon, Church Street

Birthdays Overseas

Gunner E.A. Day of the R.C.A. celebrated his 21st birthday on Sept. 12 and his second overseas, having been in Italy since November, 1943.

Perth Courier, October 5, 1944

Capt. R. Burgess on Sick Leave From Overseas

Chaplain-Capt. R. Burgess, who has been stationed with Canadian units in France for the past six months, has returned on leave following shell shock after a robot bomb raid.   He reports having seen a number of Perth boys overseas amongst whom were Tpr. Michael Cooper and Tpr. George Jackson, who was wounded some time ago, also Capt. Morley Hardy, Lt. McKay, Smith’s Falls, of the original Lanark and Renfrew Regiment and Major Jack Lapoint, all of whom are doing well.  Capt. Burgess hopes to be returned to active duty again at the conclusion of his leave.

Arnold Douglas Suffers Second Wound in Action

Official word that Acting Lance Corporal Arnold Douglas had been severely wounded in action on Sept. 24, was received by Defense Headquarters in Ottawa by Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Douglas of Harvey Street.  This is the second time he has been wounded this year.  On January 30, he received a wound in action in Italy and was confined to a hospital and on recovery re-joined his unit, the Hastings and Prince Edward Unit.  His twin brother, Pte. Hugh Burton Douglas, serving with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, was also wounded in action this year.  Both brothers enlisted in the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish in April, 1942, proceeding overseas in October, 1942.  When their regiment was disbanded, Arnold transferred to the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment and Hugh to the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.  A third brother is also serving, Leslie, in the R.C.A.F. in Canada. 

Reunion In Italy of Seven Perth Boys On Service

News of an overseas reunion of men has been sent from Italy to K.S. McKee and tells how he became host to a group of seven Perthites made up by Ken Gray, infantry; Doug Cameron and Bill Bullock, ordinance; Bill Osborne, anti-tank gunner; Alan Truelove and Alex and William Montgomery, Signal Corps.  The account of the party, from a letter dated Sept. 19, is as follows:  “Last Saturday Perth boys seemed to spring up from all locations and we decided to have a reunion.  As Alex Montgomery is the proud possessor of a jeep it was decided that he should transport the whole group to my ‘casa’ that evening.  Two other Perth boys in this area, Joe Bothwick and Bonar Gray were unable to attend owing to duty.  Promptly at the appointed hour an overloaded jeep deposited the Perth contingent at the door of the battered old Italian house which we recently requisitioned and there followed a grand two hour chat which would far surpass the gossip of any women’s sewing circle.  Before departing for their units the group decided to contact all Perth boys in this sector and arrange a meeting in the near future.”

Pte. E. Blackburn Sends Stirring Story of S.D.G.

Writing to his mother Mrs. Mary Blackburn, Pte. Eldon Blackburn of the Dundas, Stormont and Glengarry Highlanders Tank Corps has sent a collection of European money and souvenirs.  These include a 500 Zloty Polish bill, 10 Crown Danish bill; and a 5 Franc French bill.  He tells of having met many Perth boys since arriving overseas in Sept., 1942 and in particular mentions Stewart Scott of the 3rd Line Bathurst and Frank Burke of the Scotch Line among those he met recently.  As so many local boys are serving with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders the following extract which he has sent from the “Maple Leaf” of August 15, official newspaper of Canadian forces in France, will be of interest locally.  The article commences with the heading “Bonny Fighters, These Men of the Glengarries” and then proceeds as follows:  “Even the pipers were silent for the first time since D-Day during the terrible ten days that the Glengarries were dug in, like moles, hanging on like terriers to the village Hubert Folie(?) in the corridor south of Caen.  That was after they had been amongst the first into Caen and later had fought down through the Colombelles and the suburb of Vaucelles(?) on the lower side of the Orne.  They have spent more than fifty days in the line since D-Day.”

Pte. William Publow Home From France on Sick Leave

Early on Monday morning of this week, Pte. William Publow, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Publow, 84 Drummond Street East, arrived home on 30 days’ leave from overseas.  Pte. Publow was previously reported suffering from shell shock following action in France.  Pte. Publow is spending his leave at home with his wife and family.  Three brothers are in the armed forces, John E. and Joseph A. in the Royal Canadian Navy and Charles Publow in the Armored Corps at Camp Borden.

Perth Courier, October 12, 1944

Mrs. Lorne Gemmell received the tragic news that her nephew Capt. John A. Watt of Ottawa had been killed in action in France.

Perth Courier, October 19, 1944

Photo of Frank E. Burke, third son of Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Burke, who is serving with the Medical Corps in France.  He urges Perth folk to keep up contributions of blood  for saving the lives of the men at the front.  He writes that serum is saving many lives on the battlefield and says that blood will give many wounded a chance of recovery.

Cpl. M. McGlade Killed in Action on October 3

Official word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McGlade, Beckwith Street, that their son Cpt. Michael McGlade had been killed in action on the western front on October 3.  Cpl McGlade was born in Perth 39 years ago and educated at the Separate School and Collegiate.  For a number of years he was employed by the Perth Shoe Company and before enlistment was employed by the Morissette Diamond Drilling Co. of Kirkland Lake.  In July, 1940 he enlisted at Toronto in the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and later transferred to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.  He trained at Niagara-on-the-Lake and Naniamo(?), B.C. and spent a year in Newfoundland before going overseas in 1942.  Cpl. McGlade took an active interest in sports, especially hockey and baseball.  When the St. Lawrence League was in operation he was a member of the local executive.  Some years ago he played hockey for St. John’s and also for the Perth Crescents.  Surviving in addition to his parents are two sisters, Mrs. Lorne Quigley, Stanleyville; and Miss Loretto McGlade, town; three brothers, Pat (Bud) with the armed forces in France; John in Kingston; and Joseph, Smith’s Falls.

Sgt. J.L. Chatham, Twice Wounded, Now in Hospital

The Dept. of Defense, Ottawa, has advised Mrs. Eve Chatham that her husband, Sgt. James L. Chatham had been wounded in action in Italy on Sept. 27.  The information states that he was seriously ill owing to a bullet wound in the right chest.  This is the second time Sgt. Chatham has been wounded, the first being May 21, 1944.  He enlisted in 1939, acting as an instructor in the Brockville Training Center until he joined the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish and proceeded overseas in April of 1943.  He then went to North Africa and then to Italy where he joined the Irish Regiment of Canada.  Sgt. Chatham is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Chatham of town and is married to the former Miss Eve Taylor of Smith’s Falls.  His brother, Sick Bay Attendant Aubrey Chatham is serving in the Royal Canadian Navy at St. Hyacinthe, Quebec.

Perth Courier, October 26, 1944

Photo of Capt. John Arthur Watt, son of the late Lt. Col. E.J. Watt and Mrs. Watt, Ottawa, who was killed in action in France on September 17.

Photo of Sgt. Kenwall Ferguson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Ferguson, Watson’s Corners, who has arrived overseas for service with the R.C.A.F., according to word received last week by his parents.

Two Perth Boys Win the D.F.C. For Gallantry

Two Perth Pilot Officers have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for conspicuous gallantry and high devotion to duty while serving overseas with the RCAF.  They are P.O.W.J. Hope and P.O. E.A. Burke.  P.O. Hope was officially reported missing after air operations during the night of  August 25-26, a short time after he had been promoted from the rank of warrant officer and had begun his second tour of operational flights.  He joined the R.C.A.F. in November of 1941 and graduated from Mount Joli in 1942, going overseas the following January.  Twenty years old last November, he was a student at the P.C.I. and was attending the Ottawa Technical School prior to enlistment.  He is a son of Squadron Leader Fred K. Hope and Mrs. Hope, now residing at 388 Riverdale Avenue, Ottawa.  P.O. Burke was a member of the Ghost Squadron of an R.C.A.F. Bomber Group and completed a tour of operations as a mid-upper gunner.  He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman W. Burke of the Scotch Line and was educated at the P.C.I. and after graduating entered the employ of the T.Eaton Company in Toronto.  He enlisted in November of 1942 and went overseas in June 1943.

Captain J.A. Watt Died In Action on September 17

Capt. John Arthur Watt, son of the late Lt. Col. E. J. Watt and Mrs. Watt of Ottawa has been officially reported killed Sept. 17, 1944 while serving with the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highlanders Regiment in France.  He went into France on D-Day with his regiment, receiving promotion to captain there.  He was born in Perth on October 4, 1914 and received his early education in Lanark,  later attending Idagar(?) Collegiate in Ottawa.  He received his B.A. Degree and was employed at the Department of Munitions and Supply before enlisting in 1941.  Surviving are his wife, the former Gwendolyn Brady, residing in Ottawa and two brothers, Capt. James S. Scott, serving with the Essex Scottish Regiment in France and Capt. William E. Watt of the Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury Regiment, who has recently returned from the Pacific theater of war, where he was attached to the American forces during the Battle of Saipan and later in New Guinea; also a sister Mrs. J. H. Molyneaux (Evelyn) of Ottawa.

Perth Courier, October 12, 1944

Photo of F.O. Patrick Joseph McManus, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. McManus, who has been officially reported missing in air operations overseas.

F.O.P. J. McManus Missing After Air Operations

Defense Headquarters, Ottawa have notified Mr. and Mrs. J.J. McManus, Gore Street, east that their son F.O. Patrick Joseph McManus, 24, has been reported missing following air operations overseas.  Born in Smith’s Falls on March 15, 1920, he received his education at Perth Separate School and P.C.I.  Before enlistment in September, 1941, he was employed by the A & P Stores and the post office.  Training was taken at Toronto, Guelph, Brantford and Charlottetown, P.E.I. and he left for overseas on May 10, 1943.  Prior to his last flight he was flying a Halifax on Coastal Command.  His brother F.O. John A. McManus is serving in the RCAF

Perth Courier, November 2, 1944

Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. E. Fournier that their youngest son Pte. Royden Fournier arrived in Belgium some time ago and was posted to the camp and hut in which his brother, Pte. Ken Fournier was serving. Both brothers enlisted in 1941.  Another brother, Pte. Edgar is serving in Italy.

Perth Courier, November 9, 1944

Word has been received that Pte. Orville (Moose) Dixon who has been serving in Belgium has been wounded.  Nature and extent of wounds not yet available.

Mrs. A. Rutherford, 120 Gore Street east, has received word that her brother Pte. T.S. Beadie, had been wounded in action in Holland on October 16.

Perth Courier, November 16, 1944

F. O. Jack Pope Home On Leave After Service

Flying Officer Jack Pope, son of Mrs. Pope and the late Charles Pope who has completed his tour of operations with the Coastal Command in Great Britain has returned to Canada and is spending his thirty day leave at home. F.O. Pope, who is a graduate of the P.C.I. was employed by the McColl-Frontenac(?) local depot before enlistment in January, 1941.  He trained at Brnadon, Man., Moncton, N.B., Montreal and Mountain View and went overseas in January, 1942.

L.A.C.N.F.. Ready Missing After Enemy Action

The RCAF casualty officer, Ottawa, has notified Mrs. N.F. Ready, the former Miss Ruth Parks, that her husband, L.A.C. Norman Franklin Ready, has been reported missing in action as a result of enemy action at sea November 7.  A son of Mrs. R.F. Ready, now of Kingston, and the late Robert Franklin Ready of Perth, he was born in 1916(?) and attended Lanark Continuation and P.C.I. and entered the Bank of Nova Scotia where he served in Perth for several years before going to Montreal.  He enlisted there in the spring of 1942 and trained at Lachine, McGill and Clinton, from which station he graduated as a radio technician and left for overseas in May, 1943.

Pte. W.C. Stewart Dies in Action In Netherlands

Following a letter from the padre of the unit with which her husband Pte. William Charles Stewart was serving advising of his death in action in Holland Oct. 17, his wife, presently residing in Lanark with her small son has since been officially notified by the Department of Defense confirming the chaplain’s message.  The earlier advice stated that burial had been made in a cemetery at Ossendrechit, Holland on Oct. 18.  A son of Mrs. Charles Stewart and the late Charles Stewart, he was born 30 years ago at Elphin.  Besides his wife and son he is survived by his mother, two sisters and two brothers.  Previous to enlisting, he was employed by the Hydro-Electric Power Commission at St. Catharines.  Pte. Stewart enlisted in March of this year and arrived overseas the first week in September.

Photo of Capt. James Stewart Watt, of the Essex Scottish Regiment who was killed in action in Holland on Oct. 21.  His brother, Capt. John Arthur Watt, S.D. and G. Highlanders, was killed in action in France on September 17.  Both are sons of the late Lt. Col. E.J. Watt and Mrs. Watt of Ottawa.

Cpl. Keith McLaren Wounded in Italian Action

Mr. and Mrs. W. C. McLaren, Gore Street, have received official word from Defense Headquarters that their son Cpl. Keith David McLaren had been wounded in action in Italy while serving with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps on Oct. 13.  He enlisted in June, 1940 at the age of 16 years while a third year student at P.C.I. and trained at Camp Borden and Sydney, N.S. leaving for overseas on April 1, 1941.  In September, 1943 he went to N. Africa and served through the Sicilian and Italian campaigns.  Writing to his parents from the hospital on Oct. 27, Cpl. McLaren tells of seeing Leifford Chatham and Lloyd Moore, both of Perth, in the hospital.  All three sons of the family have served in the armed forces.  Sgt. Pilot Orville McLaren is with the R.C.A.F. and O.S. Robert McLaren is now discharged having served for two years with the R.C.N.V.R.

Perth Courier, November 23, 1944

Photo F.O. Patrick Joseph McManus(?) who was reported missing in air operations overseas in October and has now been posted as prisoner of war by the International Red Cross.

Photo of GAR(?) R.(?) E.or B.(?) McDougall of Maberly who spent an October leave in Belfast, Northern Ireland when he visited many points of interest in the Belfast capital.

Perth Courier, November 30, 1944

Town Welcomes First Two Brides From Overseas

The first English brides of overseas servicemen from Perth have arrived from Nova Scotia.  They are Mrs. Mervyn Hawe and Mrs. Everett Meldrum both of whom reached Canada from England last week.  Mrs. Hawe, the former Miss Violett Lawson of Wingate, County Durham, is married to Bomber Mervyn Hawe, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hawe who returned earlier from overseas service since 1939 with the First Field Regiment of the R.C. H.(?) A.  Mrs. Meldrum, formerly Miss Gwen Senior(?) of Reston, Middlesex, is the wife of Cpl. Everett Meldrum of No. 127 Fighter Wing, R.C.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. T.M. Meldrum, Fairholm Park.  They were married in January of 1843.  On hand to welcome the brides, in addition to members of their husbands’ families, were Mrs. A.J. Siddell, of the Perth-Upon-Tay Chapter of the I.O.D.E. and Chairman T.A. Rogers of the Perth branch of the Red Cross.  On discharge from the army Mr. Hawe plans to make his home here and Mrs. Meldrum will remain with her husband’s parents until he returns from overseas.

Bronze Star Medal Won by B.M. James in New Guinea

Older residents who remember Barrie P. James son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry James, who went to western Canada, and finally located at Portland, Oregon, will be interested to learn that their son Tech. Sgt. Barrie M. James who has been serving in the U.S. Army since the outbreak of the war, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in military operations against the Japanese at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea.  When located in Perth, Mr. James was employed in the old Shaw and McKerracher store which was the predecessor of the present Shaw store.  Many friends and relatives still live in the area.

Ronald Churchill Wins the D.F.M. and Promotion

Word has been received that Flight Sgt. Ronald Churchill, R.C.A.F., attached R.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Churchill, R.R. 4, Perth, who completed his first tour of operations a short time ago, was awarded the D.F.M. and is now taking a course for instructors.  Prior to enlistment at Ottawa in November, 1943, he was employed by Tayside Textiles, Ltd. He trained at Lachine, Montreal, Quebec City, and Mount Joli where he received his wings as an air gunner in September of 1943 and left for overseas in October of that year where he joined his Halifax Squadron.  Further information reaching this family states that since being posted to an instructor’s course, he has been promoted to commissioned rank as a Pilot Officer.

P.O. W.J. Hope, Killed in Action on August 26

Word has been received from the International Red Cross by Squadron Leader and Mrs. Fred K. Hope, 388 Pinedale Avenue, Ottawa, that their son Pilot Officer William J. Hope, D.C.F., reported missing after air operations over enemy territory on Aug. 26, 1944, was killed in action that night.  He was a former student at the P.C.I. and Ottawa Technical School before enlisting.  He was on his second tour of operations when he was killed.  Besides his parents he was survived by one brother, Paul of Ottawa and one sister, Mrs. Fred Whitely of Sherbrooke, Quebec.

L.Cpl. V.S. White Receives Second Wound In Action

Defense Headquarters Ottawa have advised Owen White, 11 Basin Street, that his son Lance Cpl. Victor Stephen White has suffered his second wound in action in France.  The wound is described as a bullet wound in the left thigh.  In addition to his son, three others are on active service Spr. Desmond S. White with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Italy, Pte. Leonard J. White with the Artillery at Delbert, N.S., and O.S. John R. White R.C.N.V.R. at Cornwallis, N.S.

Perth Courier, December 7, 1944

Photo F. O. J.C. McKinnon, who has been promoted overseas from Pilot Officer to his present rank.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. McKinnon, Wilson St., and went overseas in May of this year.

Pte. W. H. Dutrizac Died in Action on Oct. 24

Word has reached her of the death in action on October 24 of Pte. William Henry Dutrizac, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Dutrizac, now of Orillia.  Mr. Dutrizac was formerly on the staff of the Perth Expositor and later was manager of Class “A” Weeklies of Canada and still later with the James A. Fisher Advertising Agency and is now identified with the Orillia Packet and Times.  Pte. Dutrizac was a member of the Toronto City Police force and enlisted first in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1939.  In 1941 he joined the Irish Regiment of Canada going overseas with that unit in 1942.  In England he transferred to the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders and went to France with them in August.  Born in Renfrew in March, 1915 and educated in the primary and secondary schools there he went to Toronto in 1936 and in 1938 married Miss Janette First.  One son was born to them, William, Jr.  In addition to them and his parents he is survived by two sisters Jean and Shirley of Toronto and one brother, J.Treff Dutrizac, who has been overseas with the 48th Highlanders of Canada for over four years.

Pte. T.E. Smith Suffers Wound While Serving

Word has been received that Private Fist Class Thomas Emmett Smith of Syracuse, New York, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Smith of Perth, serving overseas with the U.S. Army, has been slightly wounded in action.  Pte. Smith is a brother of Mrs. G. L. Brown of North Street and of Kenneth Smith of Harvey Street and was educated at the Separate School, leaving for Syracuse when he completed his schooling.  He joined the U.S. Army in April of this year, leaving for overseas on Sept. 1.  When last heard from he was serving in France.

Perth Courier, December 14, 1944

Lt. H. J. O’Donnell Is Promoted to Acting Captain

In the list of 132 officers and other ranks that have received promotions, released by the Defense Headquarters this week, Lt. Hugh John O’Donnell, only son of H.A. O’Donnell, K.C. and Mrs. O’Donnell, Drummond Street, is advanced to the rank of acting captain.  Born October 14, 1922 in Perth and educated at the Separate School and Collegiate Institute, and entered the Royal Military College at Kingston in 1939, graduating in 1942 when he went to Dundern and left for overseas October 23, 1942.  He left Great Britain in July of 1943 for North Africa with the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion and saw service there until November of that year when he went to Italy and has been serving through that campaign.

F.O. Ted O’Gorman Awarded D.F.C. For Courage

In the latest awards to R.C.A.F. men, announced on Wednesday evening, by Defense Headquarters, Ottawa, Pilot Officer J.F. “Ted” O’Gorman, Perth, received the Distinguished Flying Cross.  P.O. Gorman is at present spending a thirty day leave of operations overseas with his wife and child and parents at 71 Drummond St. east.  The award was given for the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty displayed in various capacities on numerous operations against the enemy.

Capt. J.A. Watt Given Award Posthumously

In the list of 77 decorations of Canadian soldiers serving overseas announced by Defense Headquarters, Ottawa, on Friday night, Capt. John Arthur Watt, son of the late Lt. Col. E.J. Watt, formerly of Perth and now of Ottawa, received the Military Cross posthumously.  He was killed in action in France with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders on Sept. 17, after serving with that unit since D-Day.  Capt. Watt was born here October 4, 1914, his father the late Lt. Col. E. J. Watt, being a leading military personality in the Great War.  His early education was received at Lanark and later at the Lisgar(?) Collegiate in Ottawa.  He received his B.A. Degree and entered the Department of Munitions and Supply, serving there until his enlistment in 1941.  A brother, Capt. James Stewart Watt, was killed in action in Holland on October 31 and another brother Capt. William K.(?) Watt of the Saulte Ste. Marie and Sudbury Regiment has recently returned from the Pacific war theatre where he was attached to the U.S. forces during the Battle of Saipan and later in New Guinea. 

Photo G.E. Blackburn

Son of Mrs. Blackburn and the late Thomas Blackburn, Perth, who celebrated his third birthday overseas on December 9.  He was wounded in the left knee in Holland on October 10 and is in the hospital in England.

Kenneth S. Wilson Now in Command of Demon Squad

News of the promotion of Wing Commander Kenneth Wilson, 30, son of Dr. E. H. Wilson and Mrs. Wilson, Gore Street, Perth, to the command of the famed R.C.A.F. Demon Squadron  of the Overseas Coastal Command was announced from Britain Monday.  A graduate of the Perth Collegiate Institute, he attended the Royal Military College, Kingston, graduating in 1937 after pursuing the engineering course.  He then went to the International Nickel Co. at Sudbury remaining there until the declaration of war in Sept., when he enlisted in the R.C.A.F. He trained at Kingston, Trenton, Borden, and Vancouver, B.C. where he took a seaplane course.  Returning east, he graduated as a navigator at Trenton and was posted for three years at Dartmouth, N.S. on coastal patrol.  Two years ago Wing Commander Wilson and his crew spent five days and nights on an ice floe in Northumberland Strait, when they were forced to bail out of their Hudson in a snow storm.  The Demon Squadron has been engaged in anti-submarine work for two years and Wing Commander Wilson has served as Flight Commander for two months.  He is the seventh commander of the squadron since its formation in May of 1941.  In 1943, the squadron, which flies Wellington, was equipped with searchlights for submarine hunting at night.

Perth Courier December 21, 1944

Joseph P. Lee, son of Mrs. Edith Lee, who was reported missing in October, is now a prisoner of war (photo).

Joseph Patrick Lee Now Reported Prisoner of War

Official notice has been received from the R.C.A.F. in Ottawa by Mrs. Edith Lee, that her son, W.O.I. Joseph Patrick Lee, 23, has been reported a prisoner of war.  He was reported missing following air operations over enemy territory in October of this year.  Born in Perth and educated at the local Separate School and Collegiate Institute, he entered the employ of the Robert Simpson Company, remaining there until his enlistment in 1941.  He trained at Toronto, Hamilton, Malton, from which station he graduated in Feb., 1942, leaving for overseas the same month.  Four other brothers are with the armed forces:  Stoker 1st Class W. J. Lee, RCNVR; P.O. G. J. Lee, RCNVR; A.J. Lee, RCAF, Boundary Bay, B.C.; and Pte. R. M. Lee, REGF, overseas.

Photo P.O. W. J. Hope, D.F.C., son of Squadron Leader and Mrs. Fred Hope, who previously was reported missing after air operations now reported killed in action on the night of August 26.

Four Kilfoyle Brothers are in Service

Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Kilfoyle, Innisville, have received word from their son, Col. Wallace C. Kilfoyle, R.C.E.M.E., advising that he had arrived overseas safely.  He has been in uniform for one year and 8 months and trained at Petawawa and Barriefield.  His brother Gerald Kilfoyle will celebrate his fourth Christmas overseas, two in England and two in Italy.  His eldest brother, Sgt. Stanley Kilfoyle is in service for three years 8 months and is stationed on Vancouver Island, B.C., while his youngest brother LAC Murray Kilfoyle, R.C.A.F., has been in uniform for one year and is on Queen Charlotte Island, B.C.

F.O. John Cordick Missing After Air Operations

Flying Officer John Cordick, RCAF, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cordick, Ottawa, and grandson of Mrs. Mary Cordick, 35 Brock Street, has been reported missing in action, believed killed in action after air operations on November 19.  He was born in Nova Scotia and came to Perth with his parents when an infant, attending school here.  Later the family moved to Ottawa and on completing his education entered the employ of Swift and Company, where he was employed when he enlisted in August, 1941.  He trained at Dunville, London, and Alymer and was posted as instructor at Stanley N.S. and went overseas in Feb. 1944 and was promoted to Pilot Officer that month.  Promotion to Flying Officer was announced in September.

Home on Furlough After Five Years Active Service

This district has two representatives this Christmas on furlough after five years service.  Gunner Leslie Elmer Sergeant, RCHA of North Street is not as anxious to be in Canada as some of his fellow soldiers.  The reason is his wife is in England.  Within twenty four hours of their marriage on June 6, 1943, he had to join his unit and all leaves were cancelled for several weeks prior to the unit going to Sicily.  He doesn’t know if he can get his wife to Canada or not as she is a member of one of the women’s services and it is doubtful she can get a discharge.  He was in many battles in Italy and was in the midst of fighting almost to the end of November and had progressed beyond Ravenna.  He also boasted of having no illness overseas and was one of three men in his regiment to be chosen to come home.

Pte. Anthony Tomlinson of Rideau Ferry has been overseas for over five years and was wounded in the Dieppe raid and again on D-Day.  He has been serving with the South Saskatchewan Regiment and leaves after Christmas to report to his regiment in Regina.

Sgt. K.E. Armour Receives Wound on Western Front

Defense Headquarters, Ottawa has advised Mr. Alex Armour, 6th Line Bathurst, that his son, Sgt. K.E. Armour has been wounded in action on the western front where he was serving with the Royal Canadian Artillery.  Born September 30, 1919, he received his early education in Bathurst and later attended Perth Collegiate Institute.  After leaving school he remained on the farm until enlisting in March, 1941.  He trained at Peterborough, Kingston, Mulgrave, N.S., Prince Rupert, B.C., and was in Alaska and went from there overseas in October, 1942.

Perth Courier, December 28, 1944

P.O. Francis Moore Is Promoted to Flying Officer

Word has been received by Mrs. W. Moore, Brock Street of the promotion overseas of her son, Pilot Officer Francis D. Moore to the rank of Flying Officer.  He is aged 19 years and celebrated his birthday on Boxing Day.  Born in Deernit(?) on Dec. 26, 1925, he came with his family to reside in this location when quite young and received his education at Elm Grove School and Perth Collegiate Institute.  Afterwards he worked for a time in the Perth Shoe Company  and went to Saskatoon, Sask where he was engaged in farm work when he enlisted in November, 1942.  Basic training was taken at Saskatoon and he graduated as a navigator at Portage-la-Prairie on April 5, 1944 and went overseas in June of this year.

BDR I.K. Penfold Now Serving at Base in Italy

Writing from Italy to Eric M. Sabiston(?) on Nov. 17, Bdr. I.K. Penfold tells of his medical category being lowered to “C” and his transfer to base following the healing of his knee.  He hopes to rejoin his regiment in the Spring.  His present work is in the Quarter Master’s stores of a reinforcement battalion and he has met “Mick” McQuatt and Bonar Grey, with whom he has had a reunion.  Mick is working in the next block to the stores.  Word is also sent of the arrival of a letter from George Relyea who is serving in a (unreadable word) station in Newfoundland, also parcels of cigarettes sent by Mr. Sabiston(?).

Photo of Cpl.(?) F.(?) K.(?) Morrow, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Morrow, Donaldson, who has spent his second Christmas overseas.

Flying Officer Charles Temple of the east coast has been spending a week’s furlough with his wife and other relatives here.

Sgt. Gerald Burnham, RCAF, is at his home in the village. (Fallbrook)

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Eager, 10 Craig St., have received word of the arrival overseas of their son, Gnr. Gordon Eager.

Perth Courier, January 4, 1945

Vernon S. Cooper Killed in Action on December 13

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Cooper, RR1, Stanleyville, have received official notice that their son Vernon Joseph Cooper (transcriber’s note, the headline said “Vernon S. Cooper” the body of the item shows Joseph), was killed in action in Italy on Dec. 13. Born in Stanleyville in 1922 he received his education at S.S. No. 4, Burgess and returned to the farm enlisting in the R.C.A. at Kingston in 1942.  He trained there, at Peterborough, at Halifax, N.S. and went overseas in June, 1943.  He went from England to North Africa to Italy in Jan., 1944 with the Hastings, and Prince Edward Regiment.  He was reported wounded Sept. 4 but later returned to his unit.  He leaves to mourn his loss besides his parents four brothers and two sisters, Daniel and Cecil of Kirkland Lakes, Irwin of Niagara Falls, Harold, Mildred and Ursula of Kingston.

Pte. A. Thomlinson Entertained at Rideau Ferry

On Friday evening, December 29, friends and neighbors met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Coutts to honor Pte. Anthony Thomlinson, Rideau Ferry, of the South Sasketchewan Regiment, who was wounded at Dieppe and later in the invasion of Europe.  He has returned from overseas on leave.  On behalf of friends and neighbors Miss Helen Wills presented a signet ring and purse of money, also an address telling of the pride of district people of his service.  Pte Thomlinson left on Tuesday to report to his regiment base in Sasketchewan.

Perth Courier, January 11, 1945

F.O. George White Presumed Dead After Action

Official word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. John C. White of the 4th Line Drummond, that their only son Flying Officer George White, 27, has been listed by the RCAF as “missing presumed killed” when the Lancaster bomber on which he was wireless operator crashed near the village of Ecquevilly, France July 8, 1944.  The report stated that six members of the crew lost their lives in the crash and were buried in the village cemetery there.  Born near Perth, George received his education at S.S. No.8(?), Bathurst, and the Perth Collegiate Institute.  He joined the RCAF October 8, 1941, receiving training at Mountain View and Guelph where he graduated as a wireless air gunner.  He received his commission on December 30, 1942 and was then posted to an RAF station at Greenwood, N.S.  He went overseas in July, 1943 and was promoted to Flying Officer in December, 1943 and was at that time attached to an RAF squadron as a wireless operator  on a Lancaster bomber engaged in night flying.  He had completed twelve operational flights and his squadron was one of the first to strike the Normandy Coast on “D-Day”.  He is survived by his parents and two sisters, Margaret, Mrs. John Whetier of Markham and Elsie at home.  George was a member of St. Paul’s United Church and was an active worker in its Young People’s Union.  He was active in the Junior Farmer movement and was well liked and respected by all who knew him.  George White now belongs to the gallant and immortal company of young men who have given themselves for freedom’s sake, men of whom Lord Binyon wrote in unforgettable lines:

They were young, straight of limb, steady and aglow,

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their face to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We shall remember them.

Sgt. Jerry Byrne Returns Home For Treatment

Sgt. Jerry Byrne, son of Mr. Alphonsus Byrne, Grant Street, who was wounded in Belgium in September, arrived home on December 26 on leave.  Sgt. Byrne enlisted with the Queen’s Own Rifles in Toronto over four years ago and proceeded overseas in 1942 after which he transferred to the Black Watch Battalion and took part in the invasion of Normandy.  He received a severe wound in the left leg fighting in the Albert Canal, Belgium.  Sgt. Byrne has gone to Toronto where he will enter Christie Street Hospital for further treatment to his leg.

Photo F.O. George White, 4th Line Bathurst, who has been listed as “missing presumed dead” in action in France, July 8, 1944

Photo Gnr. Kenneth W. Davis, son of Mrs. Davis and the late Henry Davis, who died from injuries received in action on a date not yet available.

Gnr. Kenneth Davis Died Overseas From Injuries

Defense Headquarters, Ottawa, on Thursday of last week advised Mrs. Davis, Drummond Street east, that her only son, Gunner Kenneth Wilfred Davis, had died from injuries received in action on a date not yet available.  The cause of death is reported as crushed chest and lacerations to the head but the particulars of how he received these injuries is not available.  Born in Perth on December 18, 1919, a son of Mrs. Davis and the late Henry Davis.  Mrs. Davis was the former Marion Gallagher of Elm Grove.  He was educated at the public school and Collegiate.  On leaving school, he was employed at the Perth Shoe Company.  An outstanding athlete at school, he later developed a reputation in hockey as defense with the Blue Wings particularly in the 1938-39 season.  Later he played with the Smith’s Falls Mic Macs.

Perth Courier, Jan. 18, 1945

John A. Wilson Welcomed Home From Overseas

The evening of Friday, Jan. 12 was very pleasantly spent at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pennant and his mother Mrs. Louis Pennant where the neighbors and friends of John A. Wilson son of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Wilson, R.R. 7, Perth, gathered to welcome him home on disembarkation leave.  Adding to the welcome was a nicely worded address to John read by Mrs. Fred Wilson and a wrist watch presented by Mr. Ed Pennant.  John was a member of the Seaforth Highlanders and was wounded in Italy on the “Hitler Line” and since then has been moved from one hospital to another.  Now he expects to leave for Calgary, his home depot, where he will get his discharge.

Photo James (Red) Truelove of Wemyss who has spent his third Christmas overseas.  He enlisted in October 1941 and went overseas in November, 1942.

Photo G.E. Blackburn (Pte) who is home on leave with a shrapnel wound in the left knee received in action in Holland on October 16.  He has been in action since D-Day.

Photo Capt. G.E. Nichols, 25 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Nichols of the Pacific Command, Prince Rupert, B.C., who has been promoted from Lieutenant after service from August, 1943.

F.O. Blake Smiley Shoots Down Two German Planes (photo)

Flying Officer D.A. Blake Smiley son of Mr. and Mrs. P.E. Smiley, 50 Craig Street, RCAF, pilot, saw his first German fighters over Frankfurt last week and shot down two, the Air Ministry reported.  F.O. Smiley, for formerly served in the Canadian army and now is in R.A.F. fighter command, was flying with a Mustang formation which destroyed seven enemy aircraft without loss.  The 22 year old airman got his first victim when he fired a couple of bursts into a Messerschmidt 109 and saw the pilot parachute.  The second “kill” came soon after when pursued by a low flying Foke-Wolfe 190 he fired one burst.  The enemy went straight to the ground and exploded.

Pte. G.E. Blackburn Home On Leave With Wound

Pt. George E. Blackburn of the Stormont, Glengarry and Dundas Highlanders, son of Mrs. Mary Blackburn and the late Thomas Blackburn of Perth, returned to Halifax on the Llandovery Castle on January 9 and arrived in Ottawa on January 11 coming home on a 30 day leave from overseas.  He enlisted April 10, 1942 when he transferred to his present regiment.  He landed with them on D-Day in Normandy and saw action in France, Belgium and Holland and was wounded by shrapnel in the left knee in Holland October 10, 1944.  After a week in a hospital in Europe he was transferred to a Canadian base hospital in England.  He reports to Ottawa for further treatment on Feb. 12.

Perth Courier, January 25, 1945

Lt. E. S. Kirkland Given Wings By His Mother

Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Kirkland visited Kingston on Friday afternoon for the Wings ceremony at No. 14 SFTS(?) (unreadable word) Rogers Airdrome when 25(?) airmen received their wings and Mrs. Kirkland had the honor of pinning his wings on her son Lt. E.S. Kirkland, Perth’s only representative in the Air Fleet Arms.  Born on March 31, 1920(?), Lt. Kirkland attended the public school and the P.C.I. and graduated from Toronto University in commerce and finance in 1941.  He immediately joined the R.C.N.V.R. following graduation and received his commission at King’s College, Halifax  in Feb., 1942.  He served at sea on H.M.C.S. Sarnia until May, 1944 when he transferred to the Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy.  (photo also present on same page of Lt. Kirkland)

Perth Courier, Feb. 1, 1945

Pte. “Bus” Troke Arrives Home From Overseas

Pte. R.W. (Bus) Troke arrived in Canada on the hospital ship Lady Nelson last week and after a check over in Ottawa has come home for five days, returning to the hospital in Ottawa for x-ray of his leg, which is still in a cast.  He was wounded on Aug. 30, 1944, after serving overseas for two years and ten months  After his stay in Ottawa, Pte. Troke expects to spend his 30 day leave at home.  He was met at the station by his wife and family and parents and friends from Tayside Textiles, Ltd., with which company he worked before enlistment and Mayor F.W. Burchell and L. Stephenson, representing the town and the company.  Neighbors on Beckwith St. had decorated his home with flags and a welcome home sign.  Members of the Orange Young Britons of which he is one of the many members on active service, welcomed him home with a gift of cigarettes and fruit, presented by representatives of the lodge at his home.  Two brothers are also serving overseas, Pte. D.C. Trooke of the R.C.M.C. in England and Pte. C.C. Trooke, R.C.A.S.C. in Belgium.

Photo Cpl. Edwin M. Lally, R.C.A.F., overseas, who goes to Paris, France to headquarters Canadian Military Attache after duty at Air Ministry Headquarters, London, England.

Delwyn Harper Commissioned As Pilot Officer

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Harper, McDonald’s Corners, have received word that their son Flt. Sgt. Delwyn Harper, had received his commission as pilot officer.  He has nearly completed his tour of operational flights with the RCAF over enemy territory.  Born at McDonald’s Corners in 1924 he attended Dunlop School and on completing his education worked at home on the farm and in western Ontario.  He enlisted July 27, 1943 and trained at Edmonton, Alberta; Montreal; St. Hubert; and Mount Pleasant, P.E.I., graduating there as an air gunner in Feb., 1944.  He took post-graduate training at Valleyfield and Lachine and left for overseas in March of last years.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry McDonnell, Clarendon Station, have received word that their son Herbert McDonnell has been promoted to Flight Sergeant.  He is a Spitfire pilot serving with the R.A.F. in Holland.  He reports his squadron shot down nine planes on December 28. They spent their Christmas time bombing tanks, trucks and trains in Belgium.

Word has been received by Mrs. Jas. H. Rodger that Flight Sergeant Donald M. Lamon of the U.S.A. Infantry Corps has been listed as missing in action.  He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy on August 10, 1944 near Les Passages, France.

Perth Courier, Feb. 8, 1945

Memorial Service for RCAF Member at Hopetown

A memorial service was held on Sunday at United Church, Hopetown for Wireless Operator Gunner Raymond Craig Woods, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Melville Woods of Hopetown.  He was drowned when his plane crashed into the North Sea.  The impressive service was conducted by Mr. G. Warren, and was attended by a congregation which filled the church, comprising members of the family, friends and school mates of the drowned airman.  The sorrow of the family was doubly great as the eldest son has now been posted as missing overseas.

Photo Pte. N.(?) D.(?) Tysick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Tysick of Smith’s Falls, who was killed in action recently in Italy while serving with the Canadian forces.

Photo John Cordick

F.O. John Cordick Presumed Killed on November 19

Flying Officer John Cordick, RCAF, son Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cordick, Ottawa, and grandson of Mrs. Mary Cordick, 35 Brock Street, who was reported missing following air operations on November 19, has now been reported “presumed killed” while serving with an RCAF squadron in Holland.  Writing to Mr. and Mrs. Cordick, a squadron mate, who also piloted a Typhoon fighter, told of the formation’s attack on a railway target in Germany when F.O. Cordick’s  plane was hit by an 18 mm shell and crashed to the earth.  He was born in Halifax, N.S., and came to Perth with his parents when an infant, attending school here.  Later the family moved to Ottawa, and on completing his education he entered the employ of Swift and Company, where he was employed when he enlisted in August, 1941.  He trained at Dunville, London and Aylmer and was posted as instructor to Stanley, N.S. and went overseas in Feb., 1944 and was promoted to Pilot Officer that month.  Promotion to Flying Officer was announced in September. 

Perth Courier, Feb. 15, 1945

Photo of Flight Lt. P.J. McManus, son Mr. and Mrs. J.J. McManus, 148 Gore St. east, a prisoner of war in Germany, who has been promoted to that rank as from Sept. 25, 1944.

Perth Courier, Feb. 22, 1945

Photo F.O. Robert White

F.O. Robert White Now Presumed To Have Died

Mr. and Mrs. W. G. White, Basin St., Perth, have recently received word that their son F.O. Robert  J. White, missing since last March 31 is now officially presumed dead.  Navigator of a Lancaster bomber he took part in the ill fated raid of Nuremburg when 13 Canadian and 83 British bombers were shot down and his plane was listed among the missing.  Although hope was held out that the crew would turn up as prisoners of war, from an indirect source it was reported that he was killed and buried in Herhahm Cemetery, with six other members of his crew.  Born October 24, 1918, Bob attended Perth Public School and P.C.I. and was a member St. James Anglican Church, Perth.  Very popular in Perth, he excelled in athletics.  While at the Collegiate he captained the rugby team and developed into a great lineman.  He often carried the team along with his leadership.  He also starred on the defense for the Perth Blue Wings when they reached the Eastern Canada Finals against Oshawa and later played with the Perth Crescents and Smith’s Falls Mic-Macs in senior company.  In baseball he was also a first class performer being a real long distance hitter.  He joined the air force in January, 1942 and received his wing at Jarvis in October of the same year.  He went overseas in January of 1943 and was soon in action taking part in the first big raids in the attack on Italy and was mentioned for his part in the attack on the Turin Industrial Centre beyond the Alps also for raids on Berlin, Hamburg, St. Nazaire, Lorient and other Nazi and Nazi held cities.  After completing his first tour of duty as flight sergeant along with other members of his crew he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.  The citation said “Flt. Sgt. White as navigator has participated in attacks on some of the enemy’s most heavily defended targets.  His operational career has been marked with exceptional coolness and courage he has shown in times of danger”.  Later he received the D.F.C. from King George and was promoted to Pilot Officer and later to Flying Officer.  He spent some months instructing and finally with the majority of his old crew, returned to operations for a second tour and at the time of the Nuremburg raid had nearly completed it.  Sadly mourned by his parents and a host of friends and family he will be greatly missed in the athletic and social life of the town as he was always ready with a joke and smile and was well liked by everyone.  Besides his parents two sisters and one brother survive him, namely, Jean of Perth, Lillian, Mrs. Lawrence Royal of New York City and Ronald of Camp Borden.

We must carry on, as now must so many others,

And do our part that his gift not be in vain

And look to the day that men shall live as brothers

As he dreamed might be though he come not home again.

Warrant Officer (unreadable number or letter) E.J. Hepton, Crooksville, arrived in New York on Feb. 11 after completing his first tour of operations.  He trained at Lachine and Mountain View receiving his air gunner’s wings at Mt. Joli in 1943 and was posted to the Bahamas, going overseas in Oct., 1943.

Photo Thomas H.(?) Gemmell

Arrives Home

A prisoner of war in Germany since he was captured by Rommel’s army near Tobruk, Egypt on June 3, 1942, Major Thomas H.(?) Gemmell of the Royal Artillery, son of Councillor and Mrs. Gemmell, Drummond Street, arrived home on a short leave Monday afternoon.  Word of his homecoming only reached his parents a few hours before his arrival, which was almost eight years from his departure for England on Feb. 25, 1937.  Following his graduation from R.M.C. Kingston, he proceeded to Lark Hill Royal Artillery training school in England and from there went to frontier stations in India, where he gained his majority, becoming one of the youngest of that rank in the British Regular Army.  Returning to regimental headquarters in Bombay, he was posted to service in the Sudan, Abysinnia, and Eritrea and afterwards to Cyprus, Iran and Libya.  On December 14, word was received by his parents from the Under Secretary of State for War in Great Britain that he was safe in Allie hands and on reaching England he was granted a 28 day leave.  Owing to traveling time from England to Canada and return being included, he expects to have ten days here.


Posted: 16 March, 2005.