HKVA
President Report – Phil Doddridge
Hello again, folks.
If my reporting seems to be narrow and provincial (no pun) it is because it has become so. At my age I don’t get around much any more, and my movements are becoming more and more restricted, so the list of comrades I have recently been in touch with is very short.
I see Bob Barter occasionally and he is well. I spoke with Flash Clayton recently. He is having some health problems like most of us.
George MacDonell and I have exchanged a few letters in recent weeks. Ralph MacLean phoned me from Calgary. I speak with Paul Dallain frequently. Ken Pifher and I phone each other on a regular basis. We have a wager on who will attend the other’s funeral. How will the survivor collect his winnings? We’ll have to work that one out.
I sadly report the passing of Comrade Henry Lyons. The large attendance at his funeral attested to the respect he held in his home area.
My thoughts have turned lately to Rfn. Nicholas Dee, E30358, one of the fifty-three from New Richmond who were in the Royal Rifles. He has long since departed and I have no idea where he is buried. I am sure that there are other Hong Kong Veterans whose graves are not to be found.
LEGION MAGAZINE
I’m sure that by this time you have read the article in the latest issue of Legion magazine that erroneously reported that the Royal Regiment of Canada had been transported to Hong Kong by the Prince Robert.
I emailed a protest to the editor. In my experience, letters to the editor sometimes do not appear in the next issue if the sentiments expressed are not favourable. I won’t hold my breath.
CLIFF CHADDERTON
A recent letter from Brian Forbes, Hon. Secretary General of NCVA informs us of Cliff’s decision to enter the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre in Ottawa.
Brian assures us that Cliff is happy there and will receive the best of care as Canada’s “Mr. Veteran”. I will send a letter to Brian with best regards to Cliff. Please address good wishes care of Brian Forbes at the War Amps address.
EDWINA
If I may be permitted a personal note, I would like to tell you that Edwina’s ill health keeps me close to home and the hospital. As of this writing she is again in the hospital, this time with more lung problems.
She has survived so many set-backs that she is truly amazing. She will be 85 on April 4th.
Betty Firth, widow of Denzil died last week. Denzil Firth died in 1995 when he was president of the Quebec-Maritimes Branch, HKVA. Betty was a gracious lady, much respected by all who knew her. She was buried beside Denzil in Mount Hermon Cemetery in Quebec City on March 8. Our daughter, Nancy, represented us at the ceremony.
That will be all for this time. Be good to each other and may God Bless.
Philip
Reply to Phil from Legion Magazine –
Dear Sir: Thank you for your e-mail. We are indeed sorry for making this mistake. Mr. Milner is a valued contributor to Legion Magazine as well as the author of several books on Canada’s navy. He is aware of his mistake and feels badly about it. I take responsibility for it and will publish a correction in the next issue. Sincerely, Dan Black, Editor, Legion Magazine.