Remembrance Day 2012
With deep respect and lasting gratitude, we reflect upon the deeds of those who served. Let us provide our nation’s truest heroes with the recognition they have earned and so richly deserve.
2 Friday, November 9, 2012
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
As it is in many parts of the world, Remembrance Day is observed throughout the Comox Valley.
MLA DON MCRAE laid a wreath at last year’s Remembrance Day ceremony in Courtenay. FILE PHOTO
COMOX
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Nov. 10, 7 p.m. — Candlelight tribute at cenotaph on Comox Avenue. Hot chocolates and hot dogs for the public afterwards at Royal Canadian Legion, also on Comox Avenue. Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. — If you want a good vantage point, get there early. Ceremony at 11 at Comox Avenue cenotaph. Open house at Legion afterwards.
Nov. 11, 9 a.m. Breakfast at Royal Canadian Legion on Cliffe Avenue. Form up outside Legion at 10:30 a.m., then march to Jubilee Square cairn at 10:50. Ceremony at 11. Open house at Legion to follow.
Nov. 11, 10:40 a.m. March to Royal Canadian Legion on Dunsmuir Avenue begins. Ceremony at 11. Alternate location at Cumberland Recreational Institute if weather is poor. Open house at Legion to follow ceremony.
Nov. 11, 11:20 a.m. Wreaths laid at cairn at UBID old schoolyard. 12:30 p.m. Rumfreshments and history-humour show at UBID activity room.
We thank all of our veterans for their service to their country and remember those who gave their lives.
Top left inset photo: Richard Hilton in the First Special Service Force. Read more of Richard’s story at casalomaseniorsvillage.com
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Friday, November 9, 2012
LESLIE NEUFELD’S NAME appears on the Bayeux Memorial in Normandy, France.
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PHOTO SUPPLIED
Courtenay man thinking about uncle he never knew Scott Stanfield, Record Staff
Every year come Nov. 11, Brian Neufeld thinks about the uncle he never knew. That man was Leslie Abram Neufeld, a member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion known as “C” Coy who were among the first Canadians to land in France
on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Private Neufeld was killed early that morning during an assault on a concrete bunker. His memory is commemorated in the Canadian Letters and Images Project, which includes the last letter Leslie wrote home on June 4. “It really gives me
something to reflect on on Remembrance Day,” said Brian, a Courtenay resident. “Most of us in Canada today have never really seen wartime, and when it comes to Remembrance Day what we see is the veterans standing out in the weather. “It can be hard to reflect on what those young people actually went through. We
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see them at a much older age. “When it’s time for two minutes of silence, personally I have something to reflect on, even though I never met my uncle because I was born after that. It gives me something to think about during the two minutes of silence.” Born in 1922, Leslie
came from a large family in Nipawin, Sask. His kid brother Leonard, who served as a medic in the Second World War, is mentioned in the letter. He is still alive. Leslie was also the older brother of Brian’s father, Arthur, who moved his family to B.C. when Brian was about three years old. “The interesting thing
about the letter was that it was written June the fourth,” Brian said. “He was one of the first 100 to come in behind enemy lines at Normandy.” Brian’s grandfather, Henry, received a telegram with the devastating news about two months after Leslie was killed in action. Continued on page 4
4 Friday, November 9, 2012
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Neufeld, Nipawin did its share to help win the war Continued from page 3
“It wasn’t until after that this letter came home. Things didn’t happen like they do on the Internet today.” Leslie’s letter reads as follows: June 4, 1944 Dear parents, brothers and sisters, My time for writing is very limited. However, I must write a few words just to let you know how things are going. First of all, thanks a million for the cigs and parcels and letters. Received your letter, Dad, just a day ago. By mistake I received Len’s cigs too.
LESLIE ABRAM NEUFELD was a private in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion known as “C” Coy in the Second World War.
Our blessings on all who serve.
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Sorry Mum that I don’t have time to answer all your questions now. Dad, the time has come for that long awaited day, the invasion of France. Yes I am in it. I’ll be in the first one hundred Canadians to land by parachute. We know our job well. We have been trained for all conditions and circumstances. We have a fair chance. I am not certain but I expect Len will be coming in a few days later. To go in as a paratrooper was entirely my choice. I am in no way connected to any medical work. This job is dangerous, very dangerous. If anything should happen to me, do not feel sad or burdened by it, but take the attitude of “He served his country to his utmost.” With that spirit I am going into battle. And let it be known that the Town of Nipawin did its share to win the war. I have full expectations of returning and with God’s strength and guidance I’m sure He will see me thro’ all peril. My trust is in God. Your loving son, Leslie Leslie’s name appears on the Bayeux Memorial in
The City of
COURTENAY salutes our Veterans
Sandwick War Memorial Cairn, Mission Hill, 1922
City of Courtenay • 250-334-4441 • www.courtenay.ca
Normandy, France, which bears the names of more than 1,800 men of the Commonwealth land forces who died in the early stages of the campaign and who have no known grave. They died while landing, during the fighting in Normandy, and during the advance to the
ter is still in the family, it kind of brings a whole different understanding. They were all just young boys.” reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
Leslie Neufeld penned the following poems in the fall of 1939 when he was in Grade 10 — to the Canadian
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This job is dangerous, very dangerous. If anything should happen to me, do not feel sad or burdened by it, but take the attitude of ‘He served his country to his utmost.’
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— Leslie Neufeld River Seine in August 1944. Leslie and several other paratroopers are also honored on a plaque which his brother Edward helped unveil at a 2004 ceremony in Varaville, France. “The fact that it’s so long ago that this has happened, when it comes to two minutes of silence, most people can only see the people standing at the cenotaph and have very little to actually reflect on today,” Brian said. “If the letter wasn’t there, all I could do would be to appreciate the courage of the people that are serving our country today. “But the fact that the let-
Letters and Images Project. They were not included in the collection. The Call The train was speeding fast away From this great land of pioneers And as it bore me far from home My eyes began to fill with tears. The burden suddenly increased As nearing to my destination I knew that here for nine months long I would be at this lonely sta-
tion. At first all things went fairly well For everything was new to me. But after I was well acquainted Something kept me from feeling free. At nights when all my work was done I’d lay my weary soul to rest But sleep was often interrupted By haunting dreams of my dear past. Sometimes while in a sleepy doze I’d hear the old familiar sound Of fir trees swaying back and forth By passing winds which northward bound. I’d get up in this dreary hour And see the moon and stars shine bright And one could see for miles and miles Without a blessed tree in sight. And other times while in a dream I’d hear a voice from in the Continued on page 5
On November 11 we honour and thank the men and women of the Canadian Forces for their contributions to our country and to people in other nations.
Municipal public employees of Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland and the Comox Valley Regional District. Proudly serving the Comox Valley
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Friday, November 9, 2012
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Poems written before the war Continued from page 4
north So softly calling me by name And to the homeward way go forth. And so one night no sleep would come My heart must surely this time break But then a feeling overcame And I my life did lay at stake. I made a vow to that strange call Which haunted me in mystery I promised then with all my heart To answer it, but first my duty. And now I work and sleep with ease As any other person does And so this thing of mystery Knows well I will not double-cross.
ened With destructive machines of war. Grim is the task of defending our freedom Yet it has been done before. Our sons and daughters born patriots Are proud of Britain’s fame. And they the burden gladly bare To uphold this honored name.
weary life. And when the mourning of my gentle wife Hath ceased and men well known in this race Expressed their fair opinion in this case. As good or bad my contributes to life Have been. Will then some kindly soul just say To this tremendous stage of all mankind:
• • • After When from this dreary world of endless strife My soul shall cease to take its usual place In acts that will so plainly leave a trace Of what accomplished in my
“He had his faults yet well his aim was meant. The good he did, please let us not delay To take and teach, so that the young in mind May learn; and thus their life be better spent.”
And now I wait for that dear hour When my strange quest will come to an end For then my footsteps will turn back And answer that call from the far northland.
• • • LESLIE NEUFELD is pictured on leave with sisters Donelda, at left embracing his arm, Verna and Elvina at right.
Our Test Today our country is threat-
Lest we forget the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom and continue to defend it. Now and Forever We Remember and Honour
Don McRae
MLA Comox Valley Constituency Office
Scene from World War II. (Photo Library and Archives Canada)
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6 Friday, November 9, 2012
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Poppy selling stirs memories Renee Andor
Poppies were immortalized as a symbol of remembrance through Canadian One of the pillars of the medical officer Lieut.-Col. Royal Canadian Legion’s John McCrae’s famous poem mission is ‘to promote In Flanders Fields, which remembrance,’ and it does was written during the First this through World War. the annual AccordWe believe poppy caming to the that it is important paign. Royal Cana“We believe to remember those dian Legion’s that it is website, few who died in service important to poppies grew of their country, and in Flanders, remember this value is shared those who France, but died in sersoils became by our partners in vice of their in lime the British Common- rich country, and from rubble wealth, so we all use during the this value is shared by our this time of year to war, and poppartners in remember our fallen pies thrived the British as soldiers using the symbolic Commonfell. poppy. wealth, so After the we all use — Frank Burden war ended, this time of poppies year to remember our fallen began to disappear as the using the symbolic poppy,” lime was absorbed into the says Frank Burden of Coursoil. tenay Branch of the Royal Poppies are distributed by Canadian Legion. the Royal Canadian Legion Record Staff
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COURTENAY BRANCH 17 Legion of the Royal Canadian Legion launched the annual poppy campaign recently with the raising of a flag at City Hall. Mayor Larry Jangula joined Legion members and representatives of 1726 Army Cadet Corps and 386 Air Cadet Squadron. “By distributing the poppies we bring the general public into the remembrance mode while at the same time raising money for our poppy campaign,” he says, adding the Comox Valley shows strong support of the poppy and Remembrance Day.
from the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day, as the Legion promotes remembrance leading up to Nov. 11 each year. The poppies can be found at most local businesses, and donations are gratefully accepted, says Burden.
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“Response in the Comox Valley is very, very supportive as evidenced by their very generous donations. It is most gratifying that response from young people, both in the schools and on the street, is very positive.” Money raised through
the campaign goes into a public trust fund to be used to assist veterans and their dependants, which is administered by the Legion, according to Burden. “Uses can range from simple one-time needs such as Continued on page 7
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Campaign funds helpful to Legion Continued from page 6
Command started a program last year called Text to assisting with an emergency Donate, where you can text medical need to providing the word POPPY to 20222 weekly comforts to veterans to donate $5 to the poppy housed in care facilities,” campaign. says Burden. According to the Royal “On a larger scale, the Canadian Legion Legion’s through the There will website, the poppy fund legion’s misassists with always be veterans is “to the provision who have undertak- sion serve veterans of medical en difficult and dan- and their equipment of particular gerous assignments dependents, to promote use in the in good faith and Remembrance, care of elderthe Royal Canadian and to act in ly patients. Legion and its mem- the service of “CourteCanada and nay Legion, bers do what we do its communithrough its to keep that faith ties.” poppy fund, with them. Burden recently completed a — Frank Burden notes the money raised three-year helps the Legion back up its commitment to St. Joseph’s Hospital in which specialized mission statement “with concrete action.” monitors were purchased. “There will always be vetOver the three years, the erans who have undertaken poppy fund donated $27,000 difficult and dangerous for this purpose.” assignments in good faith Funds also help the Legion B.C./Yukon Command and the Royal Canadian Legion and its members do support veterans and their what we do to keep that families through provincial faith with them,” he says. programs and services. The Legion B.C./Yukon writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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Friday, November 9, 2012
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In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders nders fields.
LIEUT.-COL JOHN McCRAE wrote In Flanders Fields.
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
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THE ALBERNI PROJECT Lewis Bartholomew (top) talks to children about the history of the HMCS Alberni. Bartholomew’s Alberni Project was displayed recently at the Comox Centre Mall. Now a Courtenay resident, Bartholomew created the Alberni Project in 2000 while he was living in the USA. While riding on a BC Ferry, he became captivated by the story of the ship, which was torpedoed during the Second World War at the cost of 59 Canadian lives. Bartholomew, who continues to develop a website, has taken a mobile exhibit to various schools, malls and public events around Vancouver Island. The Comox mall exhibit was the largest to date and longest it has been in one community at one time. There was a raffle for a print of the painting of HMCS Alberni that inspired the creation of the project. A fundraising gift shop offered T-shirts, pins and other memorabilia. Bartholomew is working on plans to hold other exhibits in 2013. FILE PHOTOS
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Friday, November 9, 2012
Students join veterans to honour wartime sacrifices Renee Andor Record Staff Each year, Comox Valley youth take time during Remembrance Day assemblies at schools to remember those who have sacrificed for their country. Because Remembrance Day falls on a Sunday this year, Comox Valley secondary schools are holding their assemblies today (Friday, Nov. 9). • G.P. Vanier Secondary School’s leadership class organized the school’s assembly, which starts at 11:25 a.m. and runs until about 12:45 p.m. Principal Charlie Schellinck says Remembrance Day assemblies are very important to the school. “It’s an important assembly that staff and students participate in, in a very solemn way, because it is so important to us to remember those that have sacrificed for the lifestyles that we enjoy today,” he says. “You can hear a pin drop. The slideshows and video presentations that the students put together, they do such a good job that it really hits home for kids to sit back and reflect on those that have sacrificed for us — they’re usually quite moving, those assemblies.” He notes a guest speaker from the Courtenay Legion will attend the assembly, and students are involved in the Legion’s writing contest. He adds the assembly remembers other activities Canada has been involved in, such as peacekeeping missions, as well as the First World War and Second World War. • Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School will hold its Remembrance Day assembly from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. According to teacher Lisa Chase, cadets will march in and lay a wreath on the podium in honour of soldiers. The school choir will sing Hallelujah and school principal Jeff Taylor will speak about the Canadian Forces peacekeeper Mark Isfeld, for whom the school is named. “Our school is named after a fallen peacekeeper … we take Remembrance Day seriously and believe it is an important day to educate students about our Canadian history and our school’s namesake,” says Chase. “Many social studies teachers have been teaching units (with) aspects of war and peace throughout the past weeks.” Poetry readings and a video compilation are also part of the assembly which finishes with a minute of
silence followed by a video song of the famous poem In Flanders Fields. Some representatives from 19 Wing Comox will attend. • Highland Secondary School will hold its Remembrance Day assembly from 9 to 9:45 a.m. today. The assembly will be fairly low-key, according to principal Lyneita Swanson. A collection of students and teachers have organized it and the school band will perform, among other activities. “In addition to that, we have three students that will attend the ceremony in Comox on the 11th at the cenotaph — two to recite In Flanders Fields, and one to lay the wreaths for the schools,” notes Swanson. • Cumberland Junior Secondary School’s ceremony will be at 9:10 a.m., according to principal Phil Maund. “Members of the Cumberland Legion will be present and they will listen to our band, who will be followed by a presentation by Master Corporal Aaron Cluff from CFB Comox,” says Maund. “The focus of the assembly will be on thanking those people who do things for their community and country without looking for a reward.” • Lake Trail Middle School’s Remembrance Day assembly will start at 10:30 a.m. and has been organized by the Grade 8 leadership group. Principal Dean Patterson says there will be a number of presentations including students speaking and reading passages. Short movies and slideshows will also be
THIS SCENE IS typical of Remembrance Day ceremonies at Comox Valley schools.
presented and members of the Courtenay Legion will attend. Patterson notes his grandfather used to go out to schools to speak to youth on Remembrance Day, and he feels it’s very important for students to remember those who have served their country.
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Friday, November 9, 2012
Paying respect YOUNG AND OLD come out in droves for Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Comox Valley every year. Veterans relive painful memories and recall their wartime comrades, some of whom never returned home. The young can’t truly understand, but realize something important is happening. These images are from last year’s ceremony in Courtenay. PHOTOS BY ERIN HALUSCHAK
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12 Friday, November 9, 2012
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Union Bay remembers with Nov. 11 celebrations ❝
Erin Haluschak Record Staff Entering its sixth year of celebrating those who served for their country in Union Bay, the Remembrance Day ceremony just south of Courtenay aims to celebrate all who served during war. That includes the Navy, Merchant Marines and the Fishermen’s Reserve. Janette Glover-Geidt of the Union Bay Historical Society explained the activities for Nov. 11 include a traditional ceremony and laying of wreaths at the
This year, we’re celebrating the Navy, Merchant Marines and the Fishermen’s Reserve — known as the Gumboot Navy — through stories, skits and song.
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— Janette Glover-Geidt cairn in the UBID (old school) yard at 11:20 a.m., followed by a history and humour show about an hour
Honouring our Veterans I N S U R A N C E
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later in the UBID activity room. “This year, we’re celebrating the Navy, Merchant Marines and the Fishermen’s Reserve — known as the Gumboot Navy — through stories, skits and song,” she said. She encourages anyone who wants to come to the ceremony and celebration to come early, as the room fills up quickly, and food and ‘rumfreshments’ will be served to keep with the theme. Glover-Geidt noted because Union Bay was a port for coal, there will be stories of the Corvettes protecting the Merchant Marine and ships loaded with supplies for Britain from the German U-boats. The Gumboot Navy patrolled the Pacific coast, as large boats and their crews searched the West Coast for signs of the Japanese. Glover-Geidt added they also manned the landing barges on which soldiers trained, which left Comox
THE UNION BAY cairn in Union Bay built in 2007 carries the names of John Glover, Ian Pollock and George Shillilo, all whom served in the Second World War. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY UNION BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Continued on page 13
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OFFICERS FROM GREEK boats anchored at Union Bay during the Second World War hosted this party.
Time to Remember
“Praising what is lost makes the Remembrance dear” ~ William Shakespeare
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Friday, November 9, 2012
THE RENWICH FAMILY entertained sailors from a ship calling for coal at the Port of Union Bay.
Eighty merchant ships entertained Continued from page 12
Spit and launched an attack on Kye Bay or Union Bay. “In the fall of 1940, eight or nine Greek ships came for bunker coal were anchored in Union Bay for a couple of months while they were waiting for orders from their government. They were
loaded down with scrap iron for Japan,” she noted. She said they stayed on board, but the community welcomed them and made them feel at home. “To repay the community, the officers of the Greek ships threw a party. Flowers were bought at markets in Vancouver and Seattle. Sup-
per was a lavish affair even featuring caviar,” she added. A Merchant Navy Club was formed in 1943 by a group of women during the war, and a club room was built in the basement of the community hall for the relaxation of the crews, explained Glover-Geidt. “Each ship was enter-
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tained with a social,” she said. “In two years, 80 merchant ships had been entertained.” Glover-Geidt said the Nov. 11 festivities afterwards start around 12:30 p.m., and will even feature Popeye the Sailor Man for some additional laughs. photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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14 Friday, November 9, 2012
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
This time of year is a perfect time for us to remember Frank Burden Special to the Record Yes, I remember. I remember Uncle Charlie who was with the Dorsetshire Regiment in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) during the 1914-1918 conflict. I remember my hero, Uncle Reg, who flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, and I retain as a child living near London in the latter half of the Second World War some indelible memories; memories of sights and sounds and of feelings of unease in our home as events unfolded around and above us, causing my parents to be somewhat on edge. What I don’t personally remember but remember my parents talking of was the return of Canadian soldiers to a nearby camp following the Dieppe raid. The most vivid memory I have is of the sound of the nightly bombing raids as hundreds of bombers converged over our rural haven, taking their deadly cargos to targets with names that would not mean anything to me until years later as I travelled through France and Germany. Many hours later there
THOUGHTS OF WARTIME come to Frank Burden as Nov. 11 approaches. would be those sounds again, not so loud and not as regular, as the fortunate ones flew or limped home. I remember the sounds vividly but had no understanding of the horrors that those aircraft were trying to stop, or the horrors that they left on the ground, or the feelings of the aircrew who made it home only to find that they had no roommate, and yet were to face another
mission the next night. The war ending just as I approached my third birthday left me with other memories. One was my first trip to London where the horrors faced by the besieged residents became yet another indelible image. What had once been streetscapes and cityscapes were nothing short of rubble and craters. The train ride into Lon-
don was an eye-opener as the scale of the destruction was revealed. As Nov. 11 approaches, the remembrance message is broadcast far and wide. The Legion Poppy Campaign is in full swing and the public response is, as always, most gratifying. With Nov. 12, the poppy trays are removed from public gathering spots, the fund is replenished but the demands on it are ongoing. For a couple of weeks, remembrance is an ‘in’ message and Nov. 12 is a time when the Legion stores its poppy trays for next year — but it does not mark the end of the need. The calls on the fund are ongoing. Yes, it’s about time. Canadian forces serve in complex times in a world not of their making where they often are faced with extraordinary risks and, along with their families, may harbour the effects of conflicts long after returning to civilian life. The time is not simply about the world wars or some contemporary engagements. The time is also about now and the ongoing needs of veterans and their families. It is about time but in
in 1942. He has been a resident of the Comox Vally since 1995 following a teaching career in France, England, Alberta and B.C. He is a member of Courtenay Legion – Branch 17.
this case, time is not the magic healer. We must remember them — not just this week but year round. Frank Burden was born in East Grinstead, England
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C O M O X VA L L E Y
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Friday, November 9, 2012
THE ISLAND VOICES Chamber Choir will offer a Remembrance Day performances Nov. 11 in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
‘The reality of soldiering’ Remembrance Day will once again be honoured in words and song by the Island Voices Chamber Choir, under the direction of Jo-Anne Preston. The Nov. 11 concert seeks to acknowledge those who make and have made sacrifices in wartime and to celebrate those who use their lives in the service of peace. The power of music to access our deepest feeling is revealed in the range and beauty of songs written for occasions of remembrance. In the choir’s 2012 offering, the reality of soldiering is echoed in the poignancy of such songs as Canadian Soldier and In Flanders Fields; faith is expressed in Prayer of St Francis, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms and Oseh Shalom; friendship is honoured in Stand Together and hope for peace is sung in Dona Nobis Pacem and Earth Song. These and other songs will be interwoven with a selection of readings by community members, which underline the theme of remembrance. Voices In Remembrance will be held Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. in Christ the King
Catholic Church in Courtenay and at 7 p.m. in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Campbell River. Admission will be by donation, with partial proceeds to the Royal Cana-
dian Legion. More information is available at 250-338-1439, 250-287-4236 and www. islandvoiceschamberchoir. bc.ca. — Island Voices Chamber Choir
We’re thankful for the peace that our military has enabled us to enjoy.
We are proud to Remember those who sacriсced for our country.
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Comox Air Force Museum salutes aviation history Earle Couper Record Staff Step through the front doors of the Comox Air Force Museum and you’ll find the latest Buffalo Airways products in the gift shop. Take a few more steps into the building, and you’ll find yourself swept back several decades and immersed in military aviation history. The popular TV reality series Ice Pilots NWT has created the excitement for Buffalo Airways apparel, and visitors will also find over 600 other items (including calendars, mouse pads, T-shirts, hats, clocks, aviation art, coffee mugs) in the well-stocked gift shop. The displays and exhibits at the museum are constantly evolving and changing, and while other museums feature aircraft displays, the Comox Air Force Museum focuses on telling people’s stories. Not that the local museum doesn’t feature aircraft: their Heritage Air Park (located just 500 metres south of the building along Military Row) features nine heritage aircraft. It is also home to memorials and heritage stones and serves as the setting for such significant
events as the Battle of Britain parade. But it is inside the museum building where visitors will find a variety of displays that provide hours of interesting viewing and reading. “There are lots of stories,” says gift shop manager Ken Oxley. Included are well-known Comox Valley fighter pilots such as Douglas (Duke) Warren and James (Stocky) Edwards. The 91-year-old Edwards, a 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient who goes into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame next year, visits the museum twice a month. Visitors can see his painting of the Kittyhawk P40 II plane he flew in the Second World War, where he was Canada’s highest scoring ace in the Western Desert Campaign. Newer displays are presented on big blue posters with eye-catching visuals. Among them is the story of the Japanese balloon bomb (or Fu-Go). They were hydrogen balloons carrying incendiary and percussion bombs that the Japanese launched into the jet stream to carry them over the Pacific Ocean to North America. The exhibit notes
AMONG THE VOLUNTEERS waiting to greet visitors to the museum (above) are Marty Cunningham, Ken Oxley and Bill Cuell. Below: details from the display about the Japanese balloon bombs. PHOTOS BY EARLE COUPER 9,000 balloon bombs were launched and charts the location of the 1,000 that landed in Canada and the United States. “The idea was for them to land and start a forest fire, but they sent them during the rainy season,” said Bill Cuell, president of the 120member strong Comox Air
We salute all those who have served. We Remember.
Force Museum Association. “They weren’t very effective, but (the authorities) kept quiet about them. They didn’t want people to worry,” said Cuell, adding the only known deaths resulting from the bombs (and the only deaths in the 48 contiguous states of the Second World War) were six people in Oregon who when on a picnic tried to remove one of the devices from a tree. The balloons were such a well-kept secret that a Japanese film director visited the Comox Valley museum to research them. The museum regularly receives international visitors (along with families of those who served and other members of the public) who come for the dis-
Thank You
The Comox Valley Record will be closed
to all who sacrificed so much for our country
Monday, November 12
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plays and also to peruse the 8,000 books in the resource library. Other interesting exhibits include the story of fighter pilot Robert Hampton Gray, whose heroism inspired the Japanese to erect the only foreign military memorial on Japanese soil. Under construction is a section on Prisoners of War, which will include the diary of John Caldwell written at Stalag Luft III, which inspired the movie The Great Escape. There are charts of the tunnel and accounts of the actual digging “that would have got him shot” had the Nazis discovered them, Cuell said, adding Caldwell never went through the tunnel himself. Cuell notes another feature of the museum are its friendly volunteers. “They don’t stand behind the counter. They come out and engage in conversations.” Oxley adds that if Continued on page 17
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Friday, November 9, 2012
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Exhibits tell people’s stories buildings on the base. priate for it to go to. Books, The museum was if we already have them, someone has a question the founded in 1982 to reflect volunteers can’t answer, they we sell them to raise funds. the role and history of 19 will follow up with a reply by Nothing is wasted. Anything Wing Comox, e-mail. the squadrons Cuell said the The museum regularly receives stationed there museum welcomes international visitors (along with famiand significant donations and can Canadian miliissue tax receipts lies of those who served and other memtary aviation of for valuable items. bers for the public) who come for the Western Canada. “We get all sorts displays and also to peruse the 8,000 Originally part of odds and ends. books in the resource library. of the Air Force Log books are Indoctrination what we really like anyone brings in is well School, the museum was because that tells the story respected.” accredited as a standalone of individuals. The museum is open to Canadian Forces Museum in “If we can’t use it, we’re in the public six days a week 1987 and opened its doors to touch with other museums. and welcomes about 10,000 the public in its current locaWe’ll find somewhere approvisitors a year. Cuell notes tion on Sept. 12, 1987. that number reached over Because the museum 14,000 three or four years is not located on the base, ago when tourism was boom- there is no problem for the ing. public to access it. Admission The museum, located by is by donation. the 19 Wing Comox/CFB For more information, call Comox main entrance gate 250-339-8126 or click www. on the corner of Little River comoxairforcemuseum.ca. Road/Military Row and Ryan sports@comoxvalleyrecord.com Road is one of the original Continued from page 16
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VISITORS WILL ENJOY exhibits such as The Great Escape diary of John Caldwell (top); a tribute to 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron Search (right); and a display about the Snowbirds (below).
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Branch 160 Comox
PHOTOS BY EARLE COUPER
is hosting a
CANDLE LIGHT TRIBUTE of Remembrance
NOVEMBER 10, 2012 6:30 pm: Legion Upper Hall for candle pickup
Join Us for the REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE and CEREMONIES Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 at 10:30 am OPEN HOUSE TO FOLLOW
Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 28 ❖ Parade starts at 10:45 am, Dunsmuir Ave. from the old post office to the Legion ❖ Join us at the Legion for refreshments after the parade ❖ Entertainment on-going at the Legion Inclement weather Cumberland Recreation
“Take Time to Remember” 2770 Dunsmuir Ave., Cumberland
250-336-2361
Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 17 ❖
Breakfast at the Branch, upper hall at 9:00 am. Max. 300 participants. Please arrive early to ensure a seat.
❖
At 10:30 parade forms in front of the Legion on Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay
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Service at Cairn will be conducted by Pastor Darryl Burry commencing at 11:00 am
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Return to Legion at approx. 11:45 for an afternoon of reminiscing with old friends and acquaintances, refreshments available. Entertainment provided from 1 pm until 6 pm
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250-334-4322
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18 Friday, November 9, 2012
REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
STILL FLYING HIGH Two Comox Valley veterans attended the recent Aviators of the Year luncheon held by the Air Force Association of Canada. At the far left is Wing Commander (Ret.) Syd Burrows, AFC. At far right is Col. (Ret.) Terry Chester, now president of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. The luncheon was held in Hamilton, Ont., at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel.
TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER those who served then and now
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COMOX VALLEY RECORD
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Friday, November 9, 2012
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
COMOX VALLEY RECORD
To honour them is to remember them. To remember them is to honour them. Whether they served in distant lands or here at home, during the epic battles of last century or the strained conflicts of the last few years, we all owe these Canadians a debt of gratitude now and in the future.
Also important is the need to guard wisely against allowing history to repeat, while helping our young people to understand and to remember what these men and women have done during times of war, military conflict and peace.
Quality Foods joins the nation in recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served in the cause of peace and freedom around the world over the years for the benefit of all Canadians.
Remembrance helps us understand the country we live in today and how we can build a better future together.
We offer apologies to those who are inconvenienced by our stores closing, and hope that our decision is in line with the Royal Canadian Legion’s message to “Take time to remember”.
All Quality Foods Stores will be closed Sunday, November 11, 2012. At the 11th hour of each November 11th, Canadians across the nation pause for two minutes of silent remembrance for those who served our country, and still serve today.
“For the Fallen” 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 will remember them.