Showing 87 results

World War II pilots in front of Hipwell's General Store in the early 1940s.

“Soldiers on the March
On Tuesday the first detachment of soldiers en route to Toronto arrived in Cookstown. About half-past two the citizens lined the streets to welcome the boys. At three o’clock, amidst great cheering, led be a band of pipers, the 48th Highlanders, after a bloodless skirmish with the Mounted Rifles of Hamilton, marched into town and encamped at the camp prepared for them by the C.A.S.C. on the Fair grounds. The ladies of Cookstown have undertaken to supply pies for the soldiers. On Tuesday everyone nobly responded, over one hundred and fifty pies were obtained.”

"Military Concert
A grand military concert was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. This concert far surpassed anything Cookstown had seen before. The hall was crowded with a very enthusiastic audience, many of whom had to stand. Rev. W. Creswick presided, and Lieut. White at the piano. Some of the leading items on the programme were given by Pte. MacDonald, who imitated a brass band in his throat. Pte. Gant, slack wire artist, won great applause, and Pte. Pass, comedian, was very much enjoyed also. After the concert supper was given to the entertainers."

"Won Military Medal
The following letter gives details of Corporal Wm G. Spence's death and burial:
France Oct 8th, 1918
Mr. James Spence, Bradford, Ontario Canada
Dear Mr. Spence - it is my very painful duty to have to inform you that your son, No. 345884, Corp. W.G. Spence, was killed in action on the 28th Sept., 1918. He was killed while leading his gun crew forward taking part in the attack on enemy positions close to Bourlou Wood.
At a time like this one almost feels that words are useless, but I would like to express to you my sincere sympathy for you in your bereavement, and it is always nice to know that someone, other than oneself, has known and appreciated he who has gone. Corpl. Spence has been with this Company for quite a lone time now, and will be greatly missed by everyone. He was always well liked by the man, and as a N.C.O. [non-commissioned officer], I always found him all that could be desired.
I am glad to be able to tell you that since I commence to write you I have received notice that Corpl. Spence has been awarded the Military Medal for good work in a previous operation. I might tell you that he won this for very good work while taking part in the attack close to Arras on the 2nd Sept. 1918.
I am enclosing herewith a ring which Corpl. Spence left out of the line with one of the other men. He wished it to be sent to you.
It will doubtless be a consolation for you to know that he was buried in the British military cemetery at Quarry Wood, close to the Canal du Nord.
Again assuring you of my sincere sympathy, believe me to remain,
Yours very truly,
F.J. Burke,
Captain, O.C. "D" [Company], 38th [Canadian Infantry Battalion]."

Municipality : Hamilton
Community : Ontario

Description : Brad Walker was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on December 1, 1917. He enlisted in the Air Force, Fighter Command on May 27, 1940, and served in Canada until December 1st of that year, when he was sent to the United Kingdom. On December 21st, Walker was assigned to the 403 Squadron RCAF at Manston, Kent. He piloted a Spitfire, conducting Fighter Sweeps, escorting bombers and ships, carrying out ground strafing as well as keeping enemy runways out of commission. Squadron Commander Walker saw action in two tours of duty, making 203 operational flights against the enemy, in both the Hurricane, and Spitfire V to IX. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at a Royal Investiture on June 6th, 1942, for Leadership and Meritorious Service in the Air, mentioned in Despatches twice, and awarded the American Air Medal from the U.S. government, in recognition of leading air combats against the Japanese invading forces. Brad Walker moved to Bradford in 1951.

Baldwin H.W. Stoddart was a Sergeant of the 48th Highlanders of Canada during World War II.

Private William R. Sturgeon, Service No. 3038445 of the Central Ontario Regiment, World War I.

Contains biographies on Trooper Keith Noble & Trooper Art Turner, photograph of Bradford Legion veterans at D-Day 50th anniversary, and a photograph and account of Harold Metcalf of Cookstown in World War II

The Roll of Honour Book at the War Museum in Seoul showing the Canadian flag and the number of lives sacrificed from Canada for peace in Korea.

The Roll of Honour Book at the War Museum in Seoul listing Milton C. Vipond among the ranks from Canada who laid down their lives for peace in Korea.

The basket of gorgeous red roses provided by Mr. Yu-Chui Park, Ph.D., The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to be placed at the grave of "Lieutenant M.C. Vipond," at The UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Korea. The beautiful arm spray or roses, mums etc. all done in yellow tones was from David, Lorraine and Sarah Mantle.