Private Walter Martindale
No record of receiving medals however entitlement would be British War Medal, Victory Medal
184th Overseas Battalion
WW I
Walter Martindale was born 03 February 1865 in Hamilton, Ontario, the first child of Isaac and Hannah Martindale. Walter emigrated to the United States and landed at the Port of Elkwood, on or about the month of May 1889. He lived in Cavalier County, North Dakota for a while where he applied for American citizenship 01 July 1889. For some reason Walter had a change of heart and decided to return to Canada. He moved to farm in the Morden area in 1897, met Flora Law and married her in 1898. Walter was the sole supporter of his mother, Hannah Martindale prior to the war and provided her with $40.00 a month.
Walter enlisted 04 March 1916 with the 184th Battalion at Morden, Manitoba stating he was born 03 February 1876 making him 39 years of age. He was 5’ 6½” tall with a fair complexion, grey eyes and auburn hair on enlistment. He arrived in England 12 November 1916 and was sent to Frances in the early part of 1917. He spent 11 months in theatre until early 1918 at which time he was diagnosed with Malagia. Walter confirmed that he had actually been born in 1865 making him 53 years of age. He had lied about his age on enlistment as he would not otherwise have been taken. He was deemed “Medically Unfit” (overage), discharged and returned to Canada. Due to his age, his experiences in France broke his health and he was never the same man. Walter and his family moved to Windygates, Manitoba in 1926 and stayed for 2 years living on the N.E. ¼ 7-1-17. Walter and Flora had a large family, Edith May (died shortly after birth), Harry, Isabel, Lillian, Florence, Walton, Sybil, Gilbert (Jack), Louisa, Gladys, Lloyd, Hazel, Wilfred (Buff) and Velma.
Walter died 21 November 1929 in Morden, he was 63. At the time of his death the youngest four children were still living at home, with Velma at 4 years the youngest.
Flora Martindale raised them alone through the depression years, moving often, as the houses she rented were sold or a place with a bigger or better garden became available. Once they even moved to a home farther from the Dead Horse Creek as they had been nearly flooded out that spring. Those were hard years for her as there was a good portion of sickness and she had much concern for the older ones who were “on their own” and jobs were hard to find. After a time Flora Martindale went to Snowflake, Manitoba to keep house for a family there. She took Velma with her.
Walter Martindale is buried at Hillside Cemetery in Morden, Manitoba.
Information from family and Walter’s WW I Personnel File.
Captain
Donald Ross McNaughton
1939-1945 Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and Dieppe Bar, 1939 -1945 War Medal
Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
WW II
Donald Ross McNaughton was born 5 September 1918 to Neil and Bertha (Sandercock) McNaughton. He was the 4th of 7 children and his siblings were Thomas, Coll, Vera, William (known as Gordon), Margaret and Irene. The family lived in the Opawaka School District, which is in the Rural Municipality of Thompson, southwest of present day Miami, Manitoba. The family eventually moved to the Edgar Sandercock farm, one mile north of Morden, Manitoba.
Don’s brother, William, a Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2) was also with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Their brother Coll, was a Sapper with the Royal Canadian Engineers and was awarded the Military Medal for “Skill and Bravery.”
Don signed his Attestation Paper on 27 March 1940 at Winnipeg and became a member of The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. He received his basic training at Shilo, Manitoba and infantry training at Winnipeg. Upon completion he was sent to Halifax and departed for the United Kingdom (UK) 09 April 1941.
Private McNaughton was assigned to the Cameron’s of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division and was quickly considered “fully qualified on all infantry weapons and general infantry work.” He also held “Special qualifications on 3rd mortor & A.A. & Carriers.” Pte. McNaughton was promoted to Acting Corporal effective 01 December 1941 and full Corporal on 18 January 1942. His Military Character and Power of Leadership were considered “Very Good” and on 25 Mar 1942 was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
The Cameron’s were well trained and for this reason were selected for “Operation Jubilee.” On the night of 18-19 August 1942, “Operation Jubilee”, also known as the Dieppe Raid, was implemented. The objective, to test the German defences. A quick in and out was planned but the surprise element was lost in the early part of the raid and severe loses were suffered by the British, Americans and in particular the Canadians who made up the majority of the invasion force.
Of the 4,963 Canadians involved in the raid, only 2,210 Canadians were withdrawn. The invasion force was involved in a short battle, which lasted approximately 10 hours, and suffered heavy losses. There were 3,367 casualties, 916 killed and 2,753 prisoners of war. The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders were landed at Pourville and managed to penetrate 3 kilometers inland before ordered to withdraw. Sergeant McNaughton was one of the fortunate, who were evacuated.
Sergeant McNaughton applied for a commission in September of 1942 and was deemed suitable for officer training and commissioning 10 November. He is listed in the “Nominal Roll of Candidates Selected to Attend Officer Training Courses in Canada Commencing 22 January 1943.” Upon completion of training he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant (Lt.) 21 May 1943 and returned to his regiment in the UK. Lt. McNaughton filled several roles, 2nd in Command of a Training Company, as Acting Captain, Commander of a Rifle Company until 10 May 1945 when he was appointed, as a Captain, Adjutant of the 5th Infantry Training Regiment. As the Adjutant, Captain McNaughton would have been the principal Administration Staff Officer to the Commander of the Regiment. These Officers were generally selected because the Commander had faith in their experience, knowledge and ability. Other than the Dieppe Raid, Capt. McNaughton served his time in Canada and the UK.
After the war Don and his brother Coll bought the Dennison farm at Dunston and farmed it together. After a few years Coll decided to move back to British Columbia. Don continued to farm on his own. Don had married Verna Lorraine Monaghan on 21 December 1939, just 3 months prior to his enlistment. They lived on the Dunston farm, near Morden, and over the years they had 3 children, Gail, Sharon and Donald, better known as Butch. Verna was a Morden girl and she remained in Morden, throughout Don’s Service.
Captain Donald Ross McNaughton passed away, accidentally, 05 March 1965 at Mahatta, British Columbia. He is buried at Hillside Cemetery, Morden, Manitoba.
Information from Library and Archives Canada, Queen’s Own Cameroon Highlanders history, and family.
Private Thomas David Mitchell
Canadian Armed Forces
Thomas David Mitchell was born 15 November 1963 to Ken and Marion (Armstrong) Mitchell. He was the youngest of 7 siblings, sisters Vivian Mitchell, Linda Mitchell, Valerie Pauls, Carol Lamarre and Gloria Konecki. He was predeceased by his brother Kenneth Ross Mitchell.
David grew up and attended school in Morden from 1969 – 1981. As a young boy he went to Sunday School at the Alliance Church in Morden and it was at the Alliance Family Camp at Pelican Lake, Manitoba that David made a commitment to the Lord at the age of 12 years.
He spent three of his summers at his sister, Linda’s in Fort St. John B.C. He had often talked about joining the Navy and in the summer of 1981 he visited the Prince George Recruiting Office and in January 1982 he was accepted into the Canadian Armed Forces. David received his basic training at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cornwallis, Nova Scotia and after completion was transferred to CFB Borden, Ontario for training as a Supply Technician. Upon successful completion of this training he was transferred to CFB Lahr, Germany, he enjoyed the posting very much. In one of his letters home he wrote “while on top of a mountain I could see for miles and miles and miles, I could have stayed there for the rest of my life but I couldn’t, I have more mountains to climb.”
On 09 June 1983, Private Thomas David Mitchell died as a result of a vehicle mishap on the autobahn in Germany. He is buried at Hillside Cemetery in Morden, Manitoba.
WARRANT OFFICER 2ND CLASS WILLIAM “GORDON” MCNAUGHTON
1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada
Seaforth Highlanders of Canada
WW II
Gordon was born 12 September 1920 to Neil and Bertha (Sandercock) McNaughton. He was the 5th of 7 children and his siblings were Thomas, Coll, Vera, Don, Margaret and Irene. The family lived in the Opawaka School district and Gordon attended there. Opawaka is in the Rural Municipality of Thompson southwest of present day Miami, Manitoba. They eventually moved to the Edgar Sandercock farm one mile north of Morden and Gordon then attended school in Morden until grade 8.
Gordon enlisted 05 April 1940 with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. He departed Canada 13 December 1940 and landed at Gourock Scotland 28 December 1940. He spent almost three years in the United Kingdom, training on a variety of courses. He was promoted to Corporal 24 June 1942 and to Lance Sergeant 01 May 1943 and was then deployed to the Mediterranean 26 September 1943. On arrival in Italy, he was transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and a month later became Acting Company Sergeant Major (A/CSM). He was wounded in March 1944 and while recovering was promoted to Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2) and confirmed Company Sergeant Major (CSM), 20 March 1944. CSM McNaughton recovered from his wounds and returned to duty and was wounded again in October 1944. He was returned to Canada in March 1945 and after recovering from his wounds and leave he was discharged effective, 04 August 1945.
Gordon married Margaret (Peggy) Ferris, of the Cheval District, north of Morden, on 25 September 1946 and they had 2 children, Gwen and Valerie. They farmed 3-4-6 at Dunston, northwest of Morden, until the 1980’s when they moved to Miami.
William Gordon McNaughton succumbed to cancer 02 May 1990 and is buried at the Nelsonville Cemetery in the Rural Municipality of Thompson, Manitoba.
Information supplied family and Gordons war records from Library and Archives Canada.
Private Alick Russel McLeod
Korean Medal, U.N. Service Medal Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM)
Royal Canadian Corp of Signals
Korea
06 December 1926 – 30 September 1994
Alick Russel McLeod was born to World War 1 veteran Robert Murray Mcleod and Mary (Corrigal) McLeod on 06 December 1926 in Dugald, Manitoba. He grew up in a family of 8 children. His oldest brother Roderick was killed in France in 1943 while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Alick joined the Manitoba Telephone system as a linesman in 1947.
In June of 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea, initiating a conflict that became the Korean War. A United Nations-led coalition was formed with 16 countries providing troops. Canada was one of the countries to intercede in the conflict. Over 26,700 Canadian troops served as part of the British Commonwealth Forces Korea. The Royal Canadian Corps of Signals (RCCS) was disbursed among the Canadian Regiments as well as some American Units and contributed to the overall success of the UN mission.
Alick joined the Canadian Forces in 1950 and became a member of Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. After training he was attached the newly formed 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and deployed to Korea. He served in Korea until the armistice, signed 27 July 1953.
Upon his return to Canada he was released from the Forces and resumed his employment with MTS. His 34 year career took him to Morris, Winnipeg, Churchill and Morden. In 1954 Alick married Nancy Clover Fraser of Carman. Alick and Nancy had 5 Children: Janice Wiebe (Wayne), Tracy Fehr (Ed), Kathryn Gillis (Miles), Scott Mcleod (Darlene) and Leslie Malkowich. He has 12 grandchildren and an ever growing number of great-grandchildren.
Alick was active in the Legion from 1953 on, serving as President of the Morden Legion Branch 11 in 1990 and 1991. Alick was a proud Canadian and a loving father and grandfather.
Alick Russel McLeod passed away 30 September 1994.
Information from Tracey Fehr and Royal Canadian Corps of Signals – Wikipedia.
Private Reinold Mikolasek
1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
WW II
Born 1920 – 11 May 1957
Reinold Mikolasek was born 1920 in Milose, Poland to Vaclav Mikolasek, (b 1880 Milose, Poland) and Mary Tomicek (b 28 February 1887 Poland) who were married in 1904. Although the Mikolaseks lived in Poland they were of Czech nationality. Poland in the 1920’s was a country beset with hardships following WW l and rumblings of more political unrest caused many families to pack up their few belongings and make the decision to find a better life in Canada. In 1929 Valclav and Mary Mikolasek gathered their family and began the long Journey from Milose, Poland to Thornhill, Manitoba. With them were their eldest son Anthony, his wife Bessie and daughter Annie (2) along with their other children Vernon, Nettie, John, Reinold (9) and Walter (5). They sailed on the ship “La Bourdonnais” of the Baltic American Line and arrived at Halifax 30 May 1929, cleared customs and began the long and tiring train journey to Thornhill. The Mikolaseks settled in the 1-5 and 1-6 area where others from Poland had already settled. They would not be entirely alone in this strange new land. They stayed there until 1935 when Valclav along with his sons Vernon and Reinold set up farming on the NE ¼ 18-1-7. Vernon married in 1935 and set up his own home, Reinold and his father continued to farm together.
Reinold left his father on the farm and joined the Canadian Military and trained with The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) in Canada and England. On 10 July 1943 the Patricia’s landed in Leonforte, Sicily and gained their first Battle Honour of WW II. Following the capture of Sicily by the allies the PPCLI were sent to Italy on 04 September 1943. Reinold’s war experience was short lived as he was wounded and lost his right arm during the Sicily campaign and he was sent back to Canada.
When Reinold returned from Europe he bought W ½ 17-1-7 and farmed there with his father. On 03 July 1947 a tornado ripped through the Windygates area, it destroyed the farm and killed his father. After this tragedy Reinold lived with his brother Vernon’s family until he purchased SW ¼ 15-1-7 at Windygates. Reinold farmed this land until his passing 11 May 1957.
Reinold Mikalasek is buried at Hillside Cemetery in Morden Manitoba.
Lance Bombardier Elmer Ross Morrow
1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp
Royal Canadian Artillery
WW II
Elmer Morrow was born in the RM of Pembina on 02 July 1918, the first son of Ross and Clara Morrow. His mother, Clara, died when Elmer was only 13 years old. His father remarried a year later, to Olive Williment.
When Elmer finished school he worked on the family farm and on threshing crews.
Elmer joined the army, Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) on 28 January 1941 and commenced his training at Shilo, Manitoba. He was transferred to England 28 June 1941 where he continued his training. While in England, his gun crew won the British Commonwealth Artillery Competition.
In September of 1943 Elmer’s gun battery was transferred to Italy where they fought the war up the Italian boot until July of 1944 when they were transferred to southern France where they participated in driving the Germans out. Initially the resistance was light as the Germans were retreating faster than the allies advanced. When the war ended 08 May 1945, Elmer’s battery was in Holland. He was repatriated and sent to Winnipeg, Manitoba and discharged 13 September 1945.
After his discharge, Elmer returned to farming with his brother Elgin. He was a dedicated farmer who loved what he did, solving problems on the farm and with the machinery. He was an active member of the community and friendly to everyone. He thought the history of farming in the area was important and participated at the Austin Agricultural Museum for a number of years.
In 1953 Elmer married Alice Chanin who taught at the Elam School, NW29-2-6W, south of Thornhill. Over time they had three children, Linda, Howard and Dwight. They retired from the farm in 1978 and moved to Darlingford. Elmer’s wife, Alice passed away in 1989.
Lance Bombardier Elmer Ross Morrow passed away 29 August 1994 and was laid to rest in the Darlingford Cemetery, Darlingford, Manitoba.
Information supplied by family.
Sergeant Irene Glades “Micky” Monaghan (Pritchard)
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM), 1939-45 War Medal
Royal Canadian Air Force
WW II
Irene Glades “Micky” Pritchard was born 18 December 1919 in Killarney, Manitoba to Roy Turiff and Flossie Glayds (Roller) Pritchard. Micky’s dad was born in Killarney and her mom Glayds, was born in Pinestone, Illinois, U.S.A. Micky had one sister Devona (Kentner).
Micky went to school in Killarney and enjoyed tennis, skating, riding, cycling and curling. In 1935 she took a job at Dysons Ltd and continued her education with some correspondence courses. In 1938 she began work at the A. McCauley Law Office in Morden as a secretary. She stayed there until joining in the war effort.
Micky enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 16 June 1943 and due to her education and work experience, was assigned the trade Administrative Clerk / Stenographer and served at Trenton and Ottawa. She attained the rank of Sergeant before wars end and was honourably released and transferred to the Reserve, General Section, Class E on 29 July 1946.
Micky married Ramsay Alexander Monaghan (1923-2004) 10 October 1946 in Killarney. After the war Micky worked at the combined Town of Morden and Rural Municipality of Stanley offices in Morden, Manitoba. Micky was an avid golfer and curler and a long serving member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 11 in Morden. She served in a variety of executive positions including President in 1973. In 1983 Micky was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion for “outstanding devotion to the aims and objectives of the Legion”, additionally, she was awarded a Lifetime Membership by Branch 11.
Irene Glades “Micky” Monaghan (Pritchard) died 01 August 2010 and is buried at Hillside Cemetery in Morden, Manitoba.
Information from Library and Archives Canada, family, friends and the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 11 Morden, Manitoba.
Pilot Officer (AG) Lloyd William McElroy
1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Royal Canadian Air Force
415 (Swordfish) Squadron
WW II
Lloyd William McElroy was born in Morden, Manitoba 23 March 1924 to William Lorne and Francis Mary (Greenacre) McElroy. Lloyd’s mother, Francis, was born in Norfolk, England. Lloyd had 2 brothers Robert (Bob) and Mervyn and one sister Ina Mae, they grew up on the farm at Darlingford, Manitoba. Lloyd attended the Lorne School, 1930 -1939. He left school at 14 and worked on his father’s farm for the next 3 years and enjoyed playing sports, in particular hockey, baseball and football.
Lloyd signed his Royal Canadian Air Force attestation papers 12 January 1943 and was immediately granted unpaid leave until 08 June when he began his basic and aircrew selection training at Brandon. From Brandon it was on to the Pre-Aircrew Education Course at Regina, finishing in August with a recommendation, “qualified for the category of AIRCREW.” He subsequently trained at numerous RCAF Stations, Rivers and in Quebec and upon successful completion of this phase, 23 December 1943, he received his Air Gunner (AG) Badge and was promoted to Sergeant.
While on Christmas leave at Darlingford, Lloyd married Isobel Helen Pearce on 25 December 1943. Isobel lived for some time at 1482 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Mb.
Training, for the newly married Sgt McElroy, continued in Canada at MacDonald, Lachine and Valleyfield until posted to the United Kingdom (UK) 05 March 1944. After further training at No. 22 Operational Training Unit (OTU) and completion on 12 June 1944, he was assessed as being “Keen, conscientious and reliable” and was also recommended for a commission by the Officer Commanding. Lloyd had certainly matured since his recruitment interview in June of the previous year where he was considered “immature, slack and irresponsible.” Upon completion of training 21 July 1944, Sergeant (AG) L.W. McElroy was transferred to 415 Squadron.
415 (Swordfish) Squadron was initially formed 20 August 1941 at Thorney Island and served as a torpedo-bombing unit with Coastal Command. The Squadron was transferred to No. 6 (RCAF) Group of Bomber Command 12 July 1944 and was then based out of East Moore. The Squadron assumed a heavy bomber role when equipped with the Halifax at the same time. Hamburg, Germany was the target of the first operational mission of the squadron with 15 Halifax Bombers. It was a night bombing operation 28/29 July 1944. Lloyd’s aircraft, LW 595 was attacked, hit by enemy fighters and subsequently crashed at Stotel Kreis Wessermunde, Germany. A witness stated that in the summer of 1944 “an aircraft was seen burning in the air and crashed 1 km south of the village of Stotel. It exploded on impact.” Of the 9 crew on board the Halifax, only Flying Officer R.A. Harvey managed to bail out but was captured and taken prisoner the following day. This was Lloyd’s first mission, he had been with the squadron 8 days.
On 01 August 1944 Mrs. L.W. McElroy (Lloyd’s wife Isobel) received the following message from the RCAF casualty officer;
“REGRET TO ADVISE YOUR HUSBAND R TWO ONE FIVE SIX FIVE SEVEN SERGEANT LLOYD WILLIAM MCELROY IS REPORTED MISSING AFTER AIR OPERATIONS OVERSEAS JULY TWENTY NINTH STOP LETTER FOLLOWS.”
A message dated 20 September 1944, again from the R.C.A.F. Casualty Officer, to Lloyd’s wife Isobel states that information from Germany, through the International Red Cross Society says, “your husband previously reported missing, lost his life.” This was followed up by another letter to both Isobel and Lloyd’s father on 26 September.
Sergeant Lloyd William McElroy’s recommendation for commission was approved and he was posthumously promoted to Pilot Officer, effective 27 July 1944.
Pilot Officer (AG) Lloyd William McElroy is buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Plot 24, Row A, Grave 14, Soltau, Germany and is commemorated on Page 385 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance in Ottawa and also named in his honour is Lake McElroy, Manitoba 59 degrees, 46 minutes, 13 seconds north latitude and 98 degrees, 20 minutes, 43 seconds west longitude. This is approximately 447 km north of Thompson, Manitoba.
Information from Library and Archives Canada (P.O. L.W. McElroy’s war records), the family, 415 (Swordfish) Squadron history and the Province of Manitoba.
Corporal Ramsay Alexander (Ribs) Monaghan
1939-1945 Star, Italy Star
France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer
Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal, Bronze Cross (Netherlands)
Royal Winnipeg Rifles
Loyal Edmonton Regiment
WW II
Ramsay Alexander Monaghan was born in Morden, Manitoba on 23 October 1923. He was the son of John Leo (1884-1924) and Elizabeth Mae (Morden 1890-?) Monaghan. Ramsay had two brothers, David, who was killed while serving in Europe during WW II, Douglas and one sister, Verna (McNaughton).
Ramsay enlisted with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in June 1940, he was 16 years old. For unknown reasons, he was transferred to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment (Loyal Eddies). He was sent to Europe in 1941 and fought in the battle for Sicily with his regiment, July – August 1943. After the capture of Sicily in September of that year the Loyal Eddies were sent to Italy. Canadian Press War Correspondent, Douglas Amaron, in a report from the battle for Ortona, listed Private R.A. Monaghan of Morden as one of the First Aid men and drivers who worked throughout the battle. Corporal Ramsay A. Monaghan is later mentioned in a casualty report from Ottawa as one of 34 Manitobans wounded. In March of 1945, at the conclusion of the Italian campaign, the Loyal Eddies were sent to North-West Europe (France, Belgium and Germany) and eventually ended up in Holland where the regiment was disbanded in late 1945. On his return to Canada, after more than 5 years of military service, Ramsay was finally old enough to vote, he was 21 years old.
Ramsay was awarded the Het Bronzen Kruis (Bronze Cross) of the Netherlands by the Dutch Council in Winnipeg on behalf of Queen Wilhelmina of The Netherlands. The medal is awarded for,” Acts of courage and leadership in the face of the enemy.” It is the third highest military decoration still being awarded for bravery by the Netherlands.
On 10 October 1946 Ramsay married Irene Glades “Micky” Pritchard (1919-2010) in Killarney. In those post war years he operated a Barber Shop and Hair Salon in Morden. In the late 1950’s he purchased the former Rabinovitch store and until 1990 operated a men’s clothing store at that location.
Sapper Milton Coll McNaughton Military Medal, 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, 1939-1945 War Medal
Royal Canadian Engineers WW II
Coll was born 26 December 1914 to Neil and Bertha (Sandercock) McNaughton. He was the 2nd of 7 children and his siblings were Thomas, Vera, Don, William (Gordon), Margaret and Irene. The family lived in the Opawaka School District which is in the Rural Municipality of Thompson, southwest of present day Miami, Manitoba. The family eventually moved to the Edgar Sandercock farm, one mile north of Morden, Manitoba. After finishing with school Coll went to work in forestry and also road and runway construction as a heavy equipment operator. In 1940, when two of his brothers enlisted in the army, Coll returned to the farm to help his brother Thomas. After some time Thomas was able to take over the farm operation
Coll’s brothers, Donald a Captain and William a Warrant Officer 2nd Class, both with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada were serving in Europe. Coll followed suit and enlisted on 19 September 1942 just prior to his 28th birthday. Due to his work experience in forestry, construction and operating heavy equipment, he was assigned to the Royal Canadian Engineers. After some initial training at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and Chilliwack, British Columbia, Sapper McNaughton believed he could pass the Special Engineering Equipment (S.E.E.) operators test and challenged the Grade 111 test. His challenge was successful as his record states, “This soldier does not require trade training, as he has been trade tested as an Operator S.E.E.”
On 22 March 1943 Sapper McNaughton was transferred to the U.K. and arrived 01 April. He remained there until 28 June when his unit was sent to Sicily arriving 10 July 1943 and eventually to Italy. During his time in Italy his engineering unit served with the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and it was later in the year when he was recommended for the Military Medal.
The recommendation reads;
“On the night of 8 December 1943 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade attacked across the river Moro in Italy. 3rd Canadian Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers were to build a diversion across the river after the infantry had established a bridgehead. Sapper McNaughton with bulldozers were placed under the command of the 3rd Field Company to assist in this task. At 1800 hours since it was not known whether the infantry had been successful it was decided to send a small party to commence work.
Sapper McNaughton drove his machine down an exposed road to the bend of the river. He then recced a route across the river in order that he could start work on the enemy side of the river. This route at its most distant point was 400 yards from the river on the enemy side. Without the slightest hesitation Sapper McNaughton began to walk to his machine along the route. At one point he was sky lined and came under heavy machinegun fire but fully realizing the urgency of his task he carried on. He reached the site and commenced working. Under continual machine gun, mortar and shell fire Sapper McNaughton quickly and skillfully cut down the far bank. On the initiative, skill and bravery of this operator depended the success of the whole operation, for without the supporting tanks which crossed the river at 0700 hrs 9 December the infantry would have been in great difficulty.”
The recommendation was approved 31 March 1944.
On 12 January 1945 Sapper McNaughton request compassionate leave as two of his brothers were serving in Europe and his third brother had his own family now to support. His sister had left a Post Office position to help the ailing mother on the farm. The Children’s Aid Society of Central Manitoba got involved and reported the following to the Department of National Defence. “We would recommend that the soldier be discharged as soon as possible as he is urgently needed at home”. While awaiting a reply he continued to serve in Italy until 22 February 1945 when his unit was sent to France, they arrived on the 24th. He served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany and on 21 June his compassionate request was granted and he was repatriated. Sapper McNaughton was granted compassionate farm Leave with Out Pay (LWOP) until discharged effective 23 October 1945.
After the war, Coll and his brother Gordon bought the Dennison farm at Dunston and farmed it together. After a few years Coll decided to move back to British Columbia. He worked heavy equipment in many places, throughout the province, building roads and highways. He built his own log home in Ruskin, British Columbia and lived there until his death. His love, hobby, was buying ‘treasures’ at the local flea market and welding them into ‘creations’. Coll passed away 9 March 2000, on his way home from the market, his pacemaker ‘misfired’.
Sapper Milton Coll McNaughton is buried in the Port Coquitlam Municipal Cemetery, British Columbia.
Information from Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Engineers Records and family.
Private Melvin Allan Murdy
1939-1945 Star, Italy Star
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)
WW II
Melvin Allan Murdy was born 25 May 1918.
Melvin Joined the PPCLI in February 1940 and by 1942 was with the Motorized Machine Gun Platoon (MMG). Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily by the Allies, began early in the morning of 10 July 1943. Private Murdy’s battle was short lived as he was one of the first wounded on that day. He recovered and after the Sicily campaign was sent to Italy. He was qualified to drive an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), operate the Vickers Guns as well as the 38 Wireless Set. Additionally, he served for a time as a Bateman to an officer, Charles Sydney Frost, who later, as Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, authored several books on the PPCLI. Melvin survived unscathed until 07 July 1945 when, during the battle at the Naviglio Canal near Milan, Italy, he was severely wounded. His back was broken, he lost two vertebrae and his one leg ended up being 2 ½ inches shorter. His military service was finished. He was sent to London, England and after a long recovery was eventually repatriated to Canada.
Melvin went back to his hometown Manitou, Manitoba and resided there until his passing.
Melvin Allan Murdy passed away 12 May 1997 and is buried
Captain Allister Grant Morden
1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal, Special Service Medal (SSM), Canadian Forces Decoration (CD)
Royal Canadian Air Force
Canadian Armed Forces
WW II
Allister Grant Morden was born in Morden, Manitoba 17 November 1921 to John Alvey and Bertha Marion (Von Paul) Morden. He had 2 siblings Eva (Berry) and George. Allister received his education at the Maple Leaf School and Morden High School.
World War 2 broke out shortly after his graduation and in 1941 Allister enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Allister was selected for aircrew and trained as a Navigator. Upon completion of training in 1942 he was transferred to England. Allister was serving with Royal Air Force, 115 Squadron in 1944. While on a bombing mission, over France, in June, his aircraft, a Lancaster, was shot down, by a German fighter, at Valenciennes, France. Of the seven crew, 5 were killed in the attack and only Allister and the pilot, Flying Officer Peter J. Anaka survived and bailed out. They landed separated but both evaded capture. Allister made contact with the French underground and was hidden for three months in Rumaucourt. The following quote is from the book, THE ONE HUNDREDTH AIRMAN by Reg Stead and Murray Straker page 254. George Simmler was an American pilot who had been shot down sometime before Al and was being hidden by the resistance and Reine’ Wiart was a member of the French Resistance.
“When the American forces liberated Rumaucourt in early September 1944, Al Morden refused to go with them, although his roommate George Simmler naturally did so. Rather, Al wished to contact the British or Canadian Armies and so Reine’ Wiart agreed to accompany him to Arras which was held by the British. From Arras Al was taken to Paris and then to Bayeux in Normandy from where he was repatriated to Britain and eventually returned to Canada.
Upon reaching home Al completed university and continued his career in the R.C.A.F., primarily as a navigator and later in air traffic control and administration. He retired in 1968.
Soon after the war, while umpiring a ball game, Al met and eventually married the catcher on one of the teams. The young lady, Dorothy Leonhardt, was born in Poplar Point, Manitoba, and was teaching in Portage La Prairie.
In the 50s while on a tour of duty with NATO forces in Europe, Al was able to take Dorothy to Rumaucourt to show her his old haunt. He was quickly recognized by his old resistance friends and, of course a party was held in his honour. The couple stayed in the village for a couple of days, even sleeping in Al’s old secret room in the Chateau.”
“Al also went to the U.S. Airforce Base at Leon in France where the Commanding Officer was Al’s old fellow Evader Major George Simmler.”
From Winnipeg the Morden’s were transferred to Zwiebruken, Germany where their children Pamela and Grant were born. Postings after Zwiebruken included Hamilton, Ontario, Goose Bay, Labrador, Baden, Germany and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. After retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces Allister eventually took a job with the Post Office in Morden and stayed until retiring in 1985. In 1974 Allister joined the ranks of “The Company”, an amateur theatre group in Morden. He performed in several plays, THE GIRL IN THE FREUDIAN SLIP, THE TOMORROW BOX and THE BLACK BONSPIEL OF WULLIE McCRIMMON. He very much enjoyed this part of his life and stayed with “The Company” until 1985. Allister was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 60 years.
Captain Allister Grant Morden passed away 27 May 2015 and is buried at Hillside Cemetery in Morden, Manitoba.
Information supplied by the family, Royal Air Force 155 Squadron history and from the book THE ONE HUNDRDTH AIRMAN by Reg Stead and Murray Straker.