HONG KONG VETERANS' ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

Manitoba Branch

Box 381 Winnipeg, MB R3C 2H6

October, November, December 2001

Editor: Carol Hadley, (204) 837-6754

Email: cahadley@home.com

What a Convention!

Presidents Report

- George Peterson

Well once again your Manitoba Branch of the Hong Kong Veterans of Canada, along with our Commemorative Association, can say that we did it. The Reunion was a tremendous success. I congratulate each and every one of you for your excellent co-operation, hard work and a job done well. The media coverage that was received was terrific.

I have received several phone calls due to the media coverage, requesting information, regarding some of our comrades. Their names are listed below:

H41688 David Chaboyer from St. Laurent

L28224 Ernest Malbeuf from Ituna, Saskatewan, listed as being in a Tokyo POW camp in Sept. 1945

L28212 Fred Malbeuf, brother of Ernest, listed as being Osaka POW camp Sept. 1945

H41843 Steve Yormola, listed in Tokyo POW camp in Sept. 1945

These inquiries have come to me from relatives of these men. Any information on these fellows would be greatly appreciated. Please phone me in Winnipeg at 256-7174.

I have also received a phone call regarding a diary that was kept by H 6685, Sgt. Thomas H. Sinclair. This diary was brought home by Tommy and a few years ago, some of the pages were given to some of our veterans to read and copy if they wanted. Please Comrades, if you have these pages, the family would like them returned. If the pages are recovered, we would like to make a copy of the complete diary for our records.

As another summer comes to an end, I sincerely hope you all had a good one. I was able to spend more time at our cottage at the lake this year and enjoyed it immensely. Until next time keep well and may the Good Lord keep you safe.



Winnipeg Grenadier's Hong Kong Trust Fund

- Donna Remillard

We are still seeking donations for the Winnipeg Grenadiers Hong Kong Trust Fund and cheques should be made out in that name (not HKVA). The Hong Kong Veterans' Association make a donation to this fund in memory of each deceased veteran member .

Contributions can be directed to Donna Remillard at 303-740 Kenaston Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB R3N 1Y3 or phone her at 489-0008.



Hong Kong Veterans' Commemorative Association

- Juliet Lafortune

If you have any questions, please call me at: home - 338-3354, cell - 294-9335.



Website Update

-Linda May

Our website, as some of you may already be aware, has a great new address!! You can find us at http://www.hkvca.ca how's that for easy!!!

We also have a great new look, and are working on a lot of great new features for the site.

We are gradually getting photographs for use on the site, but more is always better - any thing having to do with the HKVA or the HKVCA, the reunions, and of the functions that we have, or war time pictures would be great. If you have a scanner, you could scan them in and email them to hkvca@hkvca.ca If you dont have a scanner, you could mail them to Linda May, 121 Daubigny Road, Brantford, ON, N3T 6J4. I will scan them and return them to you.

Royal Rifles

For all you computer literates, check out this web site, www.geocities.com/rcwpca. This web site contains the memoires of Major M.A. Parker, from Quebec City, Quebec, who was the Officer Commanding "D" Company of The Royal Rifles of Canada. This site is in his honour and for the men of 'C' Force.

Ron Parker, son of Major Parker, with the help of his family, have produced the story, accompanied with pictures, as related in his father's diary. More information has been added to this site so bookmark the site and visit it often.



C.O.F.E.P.O.W

This acronym stands for Children (and Families) of Far East Prisoners of War and Carol Cooper is the Director of this group. She has a wonderful web site located at www.cofepow.org.uk.

Our British counterparts had a Pilgrimage to the Far East, similar to ours in December, 2000.

In April of this year they visited the places where their fathers lost their lives - Singapore, Borneo, Bangkok and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). At these places they held memorial services and placed crosses, commemorating the tragedies that occurred in these countries. Places, where 2,500 men died on what is now known as the "Sandakan Death March" with only six Australians surviving. In Singapore was the Kranji War Memorial which contains the names of twenty four thousand service men who have no known grave. This memorial is in the centre of a large war cemetery and is beautifully maintained. Many of the members do not know what became of their fathers or brothers and their names would therefore be on this memorial, so many photographs were taken.

Their journey, like the one we Canadians had, was one of many tears but also much laughter as the shared experience bound them together - a closer knit family. Also like us, our counterparts feel that once is not enough and a return visit is a must.

Editor:

As we ponder the past with the mistakes that were made by our government during the Second World War, the events of September 11th, 2001, have forced us to contemplate the future with the possibility of another conflict.

Let us hope that the heads of government will have accurate facts and full knowledge of the consequences of their actions before taking any major retribution. Also that the action be against the perpetrators of this heinous event and not the innocent people of these eastern countries, who have suffered enough by the hands of former and current dictators. One injustice does not warrant another injustice.







2001 Convention

The National Convention for the Hong Kong Veterans' Association and the Hong Kong Veterans' Commemorative Association was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, August 15th - 19th, 2001.

Registration - 245 - of which there were 43 veterans present for the full convention with 4 more coming to the Saturday dinner. The veteran delegates represented all the Branches across Canada. The "Commemorative" delegates represented all the Regions with the exception of Alberta/Saskatchewan and the Maritimes.

The theme of the convention was "Passing the Torch" as the transfer of the administration would be taking place between the National Board of Directors of both the Hong Kong Veterans' Association and the Hong Kong Veterans' Commemorative Association. A new pin was created to represent this theme. The pin is in gold with the red background to the HK symbols and Winnipeg 2001 above the torch, across the top. This logo was represented on sweatshirts and table centres at the convention.

The convention began with Registration on Wednesday, August 15th at the Holiday Inn Airport West in Winnipeg. Many of the veterans and their partners arrived during the day as the National Executive of the HKVA was meeting that night in camera. Due to Press Releases issued by National Council and the Manitoba Convention Committee the hotel was inundated with media requesting interviews from the veterans and the Executives of both Associations.

The Convention Committee had a room set aside for memorabilia to be on display - and what a display!! There was Ron McGuire from Ottawa; the 60 year old Winnipeg Grenadier quilt borrowed from Pilot Mound Legion; personal items from many of the members like scrapbooks, presentation of medals in cases, albums of pictures, sketches, etc. There was constant action in this room and many of the media used it for background for their interviews.

Thursday was Executive meetings for both the HKVA and the HKVCA. There was a Forks Tour arranged for the convention participants. Buses were used to transport the people on an arranged route with a hostess (Jodie Fast) pointing out notable places of interest to them until they arrived at the Forks. The Forks is a large area in central Winnipeg where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. There is shopping available, restaurants, museums, theatre, sports, etc. endless activities to enjoy. All too much to see in 3 hours. In the evening a "Meet & Greet" was arranged for all to gather and enjoy a social time with Ron McGuire making his historical presentation in an adjacent room.

General Meetings were held on Friday with the Mayor of Winnipeg, His Worship Glen Murray welcoming all participants to the Convention and recognizing this special occasion. The Hong Kong Veterans' Association conducted their business for the last time. Derrill Henderson will be making a full report. However the highlight of the meeting was the standing ovation given Harry Atkinson for his dedication and diligence in the award of 100% pension for all HK veterans due to avitaminosis. At the end of that agenda, Phil Doddridge of the Hong Kong Veterans' Association and Lora Wachtendorf of the Hong Kong Veterans' Commemorative Association assisted by Colour party members (Stan and Vince Lopada, Tim Klumper, Flash Clayton and Arnold Ross) with a new Colour party (Juliet Lafortune, Bill Kellas and Lucette Muir) solemnly completed the transfer of administration.

After a break, the Hong Kong Veterans' Commemorative Association held their General Meeting with Juliet Lafortune leading the Protocol Ceremony assisted by Bob Barter and Judy Preston. As there were some irregularities with the election process, this was declared null and void. Derrill reviewed some of the accomplishments of the 'Commemorative' like the posthumous medal for 'Gander' mascot dog of the Royal Rifles killed in battle; plaques in Hong Kong depicting three battle areas significant to the Canadians - Lawson's Bunker, Jardine's Lookout and Lye Yue Mun Gap.

Cliff Chadderton, unable to attend because of non-threatening surgery, consented to be the Patron of the Hong Kong Veterans' Commemorative Association. With a promise to clear up the election issues, the meeting adjourned.

Friday evening the Convention Committee arranged with the Folklorama festival for a tour of 2 pavilions complete with entertainment and food and drink and displays of those countries. Other than the food not being appropriate the evening was a success and enjoyed by all.

The impressive Memorial Service was held Saturday morning lead by Padre Gordon Shields, assisted by George Peterson, Harry Atkinson and Phil Doddridge. The Honour Roll was read by Bill Kellas (son of Willam Kellas, deceased) and Carol Hadley (daughter of Borge Agerbak, deceased). A very mystic and moving Ojibway Honour Song was performed by Dwayne Ward, assisted by his son Scott Ward and Linda Stewart (Dwayne's sister), issue of Cliff Carpenter, deceased. Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Government, Ron Duhamel (Canada), Bonnie Korzienowski (Manitoba), Bill Clement (Winnipeg); the veteran organizations - Hong Kong Veterans' Association of Canada, Aboriginal Veteran's, War Amps, Army Navy Air Force, Royal Canadian Legion, Korea, - the Hong Kong Widows (represented by Mary Sellers), the Hong Kong Veterans' Commemorative Association (represented by Barry Mitchell, son of Vaughan Mitchell, deceased) and for the Youth of Canada (represented by David Heinrichs, grandson of Fred Poitras).

An informal gathering of the HKVCA representatives was held in the afternoon to assist with newer members' questions and basically to open channels of communication between Regions in order to operate more efficiently and effectively. It was terrific to be able to meet and exchange ideas with people who had previously been a name on a letter or email. This also helped in bonding the representatives in their goals with the Association.

A Dinner and Dance was held in the evening and what a dinner!! Julie Lafortune and the Hotel coordinator did an outstanding job in selecting the menu. "Spice of Life" band with their assortment of music helped keep the feet tapping on the dance floor and at the tables. Draws were made both of cash and merchandise and several people ended up with some extra treasures.

Sunday morning brunch culminated several days of mixed feelings. Joy, to have seen new and old friends and sadness for those not there. By all accounts the Convention was a success. The Commemorative members charged with their new responsibilities and the Veterans' poised to help them in anyway, left to return to their Regions and continue to strengthen their Association.



Respectfully submitted



Carol Hadley

Since the convention, we received news that Bill Kellas, National Secretary of the 'Commemorative Association' has suffered some severe health problems and will be unable to continue in his position. Our prayers are with Bill and hopefully a quick recovery will result.





Last Post

BELL, James Kenneth H-46568, died on Wednesday, September 5th

NAYLOR, Howard P-7575, died on Thursday, September 6th .



Charles Morrison, son of HK widow Amy Morrison has informed me that she died May 21st, 2001. She was the widow of Douglas Morrison (H-6834) of the Winnipeg Grenadiers.

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families and friends.

"We will remember them"



Notes from Barry Mitchell, Treasurer and Membership

Greetings to all the members of the Hong Kong Veterans' Association and the Commemorative Association. I trust you had an enjoyable summer and are now getting ready to face another winter. Believe me, it sure was a treat to see so many of you at the convention here in Winnipeg in August and I hope you had almost as much fun as I did! Elsewhere in this letter there's lots more about the convention, so I'll not dwell on it. However, I am most pleased that so many of you took the opportunity to pay your dues while making your rounds at the Holiday Inn. Welcome as well to the newcomers who joined our organization as a result of all the publicity surrounding the "Passing of the Torch".



The Commemorative Association received a terrific boost this summer at the convention and while Manitoba has an organization pretty well in place, other Regions were able to gain some momentum in launching their new initiatives. I look forward to dealing with all the new executive members across Canada in our joint effort to maintain the memory of those who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong.



With the Commemorative Association gaining more prominence, there will now be a greater effort made to increase its membership and transfer additional administrative responsibility to its officers. In Manitoba, the Veterans will continue to be members of the HKVA while everybody else--widows, wives, relatives and friends will become members of the Commemorative Association. But don't worry about where you belong. We will sort all that out and sign you up in the proper spot. We still need your dues, however, so please forward your membership to P.O. Box 381, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2H6. Effective January 1, 2002, everyone will be assessed $15.00 membership with the exception of widows who have a free lifetime membership in the Commemorative Association.



In anticipation of the convention, we received lots of interesting mail and it was nice to hear from members in far away places such as George Edgecombe (formerly Royal Rifles) in Mount Morris, Michigan.



A special note of thanks to Ernest Roberts (H6612) of Calgary who sent us a very generous donation for the convention although he was not able to attend himself. Through this newsletter, we extend our appreciation to Ernest and wish him well in the fast lane of life out in Calgary.



Floris Van Raes of Peterborough, Ontario, writes that Emile is in failing health, is very frail and "probably nearly as thin as when he came back from Japan". He is in Extendicare in Peterborough and we send our best wishes. Thanks for the membership and for keeping in touch.



It was also nice to hear from Bertha Alyea of Winnipeg, sister of Pete Corbeil. Bertha first gave us a telephone call and then followed up with a colourful card which contained her dues and a donation. Much appreciated, Bertha…..Thanks to Tony Gelley of St. Catherines, Ontario. Tony and his wife just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and are keeping as well as can be expected for people in their 80's. He is still looking up old friends and keeping his membership up-to-date. Thanks for the note, Tony…..Another nice note from Etheleen Hay. She writes to tell us she has moved back to Manitoba after 33 years in B.C. She now resides in Pilot Mound where her son and grandchildren live and says she really enjoys it there. Like many others, Etheleen regrets missing this year's convention but hopes to make it to the next one…..Ed Query of Oliver, B.C. writes that he is feeling pretty good considering all the treatments he is taking to stay in good health. Ed and his wife were able to recently enjoy dinner and an evening with Harry White and Maurice Lapointe and their wives. He sounds quite fit and has sent in his dues for the next two years. Good luck, Ed!!



Those are a few notes for now, folks. I'm really excited about the new arrangements for membership and the enthusiastic messages that were sent out at the convention. I met some very energetic people from across Canada and I know that the Commemorative Association is going to do some good things. I wish everyone a warm and prosperous winter and look forward to finding your membership in our mailbox very soon.



Barry Mitchell



By The Numbers……..





1975 Canadian soldiers in 'C' Force left for Hong Kong in October, 1941



1 soldier died at sea



290 were killed in action of which 283 are buried in Sai Wan Bay War CemetEry



264 died as prisoners



1420 returned to Canada



As of September, 2001



254 Hong Kong Veterans from 'C' Force



18 were with Brigade H.Q.



102 Winnipeg Grenadiers



134 Royal Rifles



271 Members in the Manitoba Branch, HKVA of Canada



81 Veterans



190 Associate Members



138 Members in the MB Region, Hong Kong Veterans' Commemorative Assoc.

(plus all widows)





Barry Mitchell



Miscellaneous Items

We have been contacted by Tony Bushell with a request about tracing any of the Hong Kong POWs who might have known his father, Cpl Harold Bushell, Corps of Military Police.

Tony writes:

There were of course not many British Redcaps in Hong Kong when the garrison was overrun and I very much doubt if any are still alive today. So my best hope of learning something about his experience as a POW is probably through your Association. My father was I think first held in Shamshuipo and at some time was shipped off to Japan to a camp which I think was near Osaka where I think the POWs were made to work in a coal mine. After the war he joined up with my mother, sister and me in Australia and was therefore not aware that he was a key witness in a war crimes trial which was unusually held in Canada. I have no idea of the nature or outcome of the trial which apparently went ahead without him. He died in 1962. He spoke little about his time as a POW.

If any one has information that might be helpful, please contact the editor.

At a recent monthly luncheon, a rumour was mentioned that Van Raes were back in Winnipeg. However that is incorrect. I called Floris and inquired about her and Emil. They are in Peterborough and things are as well as can be expected. Floris has the support of her family and they all visit Emil regularly. Emil will be celebrating a birthday on October 12 and we wish him a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

The HKVCA in Manitoba would like to find a permanent place to display Winnipeg Grenadier memorabilia, pictures, etc. - anything related to that unit Any suggestions??? Please call us with any ideas in this matter.



Humour

Lost on a rainy night, a nun stumbled across a monastery and requests shelter there. Fortunately, she's just in time for dinner and was treated to the best fish and chips she had ever tasted.



After dinner, she went into the kitchen to thank the chefs. She was met by two of the Brothers. The first one says, "Hello, I am brother Michael, and this is Brother Charles."



"I'm very pleased to meet you," replies the nun. "I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful dinner. The fish and chips were the best I've ever had. Out of curiosity, who cooked what?"



Brother Charles replied, "Well, I'm the fish friar."

She turned to the other Brother and says "then you must be . . . ?"

"Yes, I'm afraid I'm the chip monk."

Between her sophomore and junior years at college, my daughter Laurie waited tables at a rather seedy steakhouse. One evening she waited on a well-dressed young couple. In a rather condescending tone, the man asked her, "Have you ever thought of going to college?"



"Actually, I DO go to college," Laurie replied.



"Well, I went to Harvard," he said, surveying the restaurant, "and I'd NEVER work in a place like this."



"I go to Vassar," Laurie retorted, "and I'd never EAT in a place like this.

Dog Licenses

During a county-wide drive to round up all unlicensed dogs, a patrolman signals a car to pull over to the curb.



When the driver asks why he has been stopped, the officer points to the big dog sitting on the seat beside him.

Does your dog have a license?" he asked.

"Oh, no," the man said, "He doesn't need one. I always do the driving."

One Bad Knee

An old man limped into the doctor's office and said, "Doctor, my knee hurts so bad, I can hardly walk!"

The doctor slowly eyed him from head to toe, paused and then said, "Sir, how old are you?"

"I'm 98," the man announced proudly.

The doctor just sighed, and looked at him again. Finally he said, "Sir, I'm sorry. I mean, just look at you. You are almost one hundred years old, and you're complaining that your knee hurts? Well, what did you expect?"

The old man said, "Well, my other knee is 98 years old too, and it doesn't hurt!"

Joey walked into his dad's study while his dad was working on the computer.

"Dad," said Joey, "Remember when you told me you'd give me twenty dollars if I passed my math test?"

Dad's ears perked up and he excitedly looked over towards his son.

"Well, I've got some great news!" exclaimed Joey.

"Really?" replied his dad.

"Yes," said Joey, "I just saved you twenty bucks."

Bob was in his usual place in the morning, sitting at the table, reading the paper after breakfast. He came across an article about a beautiful actress who was about to marry a football player who was known primarily for his lack of IQ and common knowledge.

He turned to his wife Marlene with a look of question on his face. "I'll never understand why the biggest jerks get the most attractive wives."

Marlene replied, "Why thank you, dear!"

=*=

Stanford called the vet, "Doctor, you've got to come right over! My pet pig just ate the TV remote control!"

"I'll be right there."

"Thanks, but what do I do in the meantime?"

The vet said, "Read a magazine."

=*=

A guy goes into a restaurant and lounge, his shirt open at the collar, but is stopped by a bouncer who tells him he must wear a necktie to get in.

So the guy goes out to his car and he looks around for a tie and discovers that he just doesn't have one. He sees a set of jumper cables in his trunk. In desperation he ties these around his neck, manages to fashion a fairly acceptable looking knot and lets the ends dangle free.

He goes back to the restaurant and the bouncer suspiciously looks him over for a few moments and then says, "Well, OK, I guess you can come in--just don't start anything."

=*=

At one of the last all girl schools in Dallas years ago, the instructor in a "Charm Course" was urging her students to give their escorts very chance to be gallant.

"Remain seated in the truck until he has had time to step around and open the door for you," she said.

Then, returning to reality, she added, "But, if the big, dumb galoot is in the restaurant ordering his steak--don't wait any longer."

=*=

A blonde was taking the tour of a national park not long ago. The ranger mentioned to the tour group that dinosaur fossils had been found in the area.

The blonde exclaimed, "Wow. I can't believe the dinosaurs would come this close to the highway!"

=====*=====

Dog Property Laws

1. If I like it, it's mine.

2. If it's in my mouth, it's mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in anyway.

6. If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.

7. If it just looks like mine, it's mine.

8. If I saw it first, it's mine.

9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it's broken, it's yours.

=====*=====

Reminders

Monthly lunches at Rae & Jerry's Restaurant on Portage Ave. at NOON every 2nd Thursday of the month; except June and December.







Your Branch Council Phone Numbers - Keep Them Handy:

George Peterson, President 256-7174

Bill Maltman,1st Vice 669-4941

Carol Hadley, Secrtry/Newsletter 837-6754

Barry Mitchell, Treasurer/Membership 269-1497

Juliet Lafortune, Social 338-3354

Terence Jackson, Memorials 452-1460Harry Atkinson, Nat'l President 669-1604