Hormidas Fredette, the last surviving Hong Kong Veteran, passed away on November 29 at the age of 106. Mr Fredette was a Rifleman in the Royal Rifles of Canada, born in Richmond, QC.

80th Anniversary

There’s a definite air of excitement in the HKVCA boardroom these days (just joking … we don’t actually have a boardroom!), as your Board of Directors has decided to go all out commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. You should have recently received a letter from me in the mail (the real mail!) with more detail. We are hoping that you will all participate in one way or another, whether in person at our reunion or by your involvement in other activities closer to home.

We’ve formed a Planning Committee headed up by Kathie Carlson. The other members of her committee are Judy Denison, Carol Hadley, Stephen James, Lucette Mailloux, Stephanie Mitchell and me. Please read Kathie’s article elsewhere in this newsletter for more information. As Kathie says in her article, we need your ideas and suggestions, so please send them to us!

Virtual Events

We are continuing with our series of virtual events using Zoom. Our most recent talk was by Jim Trick and Lori Atkinson Smith, giving an excellent overview of our fantastic web site, Facebook group and our newsletter. Having looked at the online offerings of other organizations similar to ours, I can confidently say that we have by far the best in terms of breadth and depth of content, and of presentation and user-friendliness. If you aren’t already a user of our web site or a follower of our Facebook group, I strongly recommend you watch the recording of Jim and Lori’s presentation. It's an eye-opener! You can find it here.

Our next virtual event will be on Monday, January 22 at 7:30pm ET. The speaker will be Michael Palmer, author of “Dark Side of the Sun”, which explores the experiences of his grandfather, Cpl George Palmer (RRC) in ‘C’ Force. You’ll be receiving an email with your invitation in early January.

A new feature of our virtual events Is closed captioning. For those like me, who have some hearing challenges, this is a great enhancement to these events! 

We are always keen to hear your suggestions for virtual event topics. Please send them to me at president@hkvca.ca or to events@hkvca.ca.

Plaques, Plaques, Plaques!

There are 1,350 branches of the Royal Canadian Legion across the country. Thanks to your efforts, 50 of them now have our Commemorative Plaque proudly on display. But that means there are still 1,300 opportunities for you to approach your local Legion branch and ensure they know the story of the Battle of Hong Kong. You will be surprised at how welcoming the Legions are to commemorating our Hong Kong Veterans with the installation of a plaque. Give it a try!

As we move towards our Canadian-style winter, I wish each of you a joyous and safe holiday season!

We will remember them.

Hormidas Fredette, the last Hong Kong Veteran passed away on Nov 29, 2023 Obituary

Barbara Menitta Hardy, widow of Joseph Ralston Hardy, RRC, on November 30, 2023 Obituary

HKVCA Ontario member Bud Mann, son of E30127 James MANN, RRC, on November 25, 2023. Obituary

Vince Lopata long-time HKVCA member, author and researcher, passed away on October 21, 2023. Obituary

In light of the passing of Hormidas Fredette, the following earlier quote from author Tony Banham’s blog Hong Kong War Diary (HKWD) is even more interesting:

Tony is the fellow to go to whenever there is a question to be answered regarding the battle and its aftermath. 

Congratulations Tony on the 20th anniversary of HKWD and for the fascinating way you’ve commemorated it online with your compelling stories!

CORRECTION

A photograph in the Bury Banner article in the Autumn 2023 edition of the newsletter appeared to show a banner which misspelled the French word “pas” as “pass”. Please note that the banner is correct, but the photo actually shows two banners, giving the impression of the extra “s”.

Lots of updates to tell you about! 

On our Personal Accounts page we’ve added René Charron’s Story, as told to Col John Gardam in 1995.

George Churchill’s Story has also been added, as told to Arthur Thurston, columnist.

On our Submissions page, we’ve added an account by Edison Yeadon. You won’t find his name on our ‘C’ Force list, but he became a member of HKVA due to his POW time in Japan. A member of the Merchant Navy, he was captured by the Germans and handed over to the Japanese. A fascinating account.

On our Related Links page we’ve added a new category “Video Channels” and started to populate it. Feel free to contact us with suggestions for other links.

Our transcription and research team of Lillian, Lori and Barbara continues to add more details to the records of our ‘C’ Force soldiers. This information is so valuable, and in all likelihood would be lost forever without their dedication. Thank you!

A thank you also goes to Luc Boucher for his help in gravestone pictures and translating research from French to English for us.

Thanks to Derrill (Past President HKVCA) for sharing your dusty documents so we can highlight them on our website.

SAVE THE DATE! 

As you may know, we recently made the exciting announcement that the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association will be commemorating the 80th Anniversary of V-J Day on August 15th,16th and 17th 2025…as of December 1st of this year that’s only 623 days away! But in all seriousness…

 While we are still in the confirmation stages, the location will likely be in our Nation’s Capital: Ottawa!

By now, we hope you received the letter sent by mail with highlights of potential activities on this special 80th Anniversary event.

We are anchored by our mission: WE WILL REMEMBER THEM 

That weekend is a chance for the widows, sons, daughters, grandchildren, and extended families and friends, to once again rally together. The united HKVCA members will commemorate the legacy and memories of our Battle of Hong Kong Veterans ‘C’ Force. It is also a time to recognize the many Indigenous Veterans who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong. We will take this time to honour all veterans for their courage, bravery, and the many sacrifices they made for our country. 

Looking back, we all grew up with various levels of understanding of what the veterans endured, because a lot of veterans didn’t share their stories. Most of us were completely unaware of what our fathers had gone through and of the consequences of being away from family for three years and eight months. We also can’t forget what it was like at home for the wives, mothers, and children of the veterans – their fears, their unanswered questions, loneliness and struggles to keep food on the table. Now we know!  It’s time! Let’s share our stories together!

While this event is happening for you, we also want to create this event WITH you! We need your ideas of how you would like to commemorate and hope you are as excited as we are to attend this event.  

Built into our call to action for you to submit your ideas for the reunion is to get your juices flowing as to how we can develop and engage in NEW activities and events, not just during the reunion. Our membership is the lifeblood of our organization, and these ideas are the oxygen we need to keep going!

Stay tuned for more exciting updates about the reunion - we are excited to share them as this event takes shape. 

Please send any questions or ideas to contribute to the mailing address, HKVCA, Suite 164, 1826 Robertson Road, Nepean, Ontario K2H 1B9 or by e-mail to president@hkvca.ca.

We would love to hear from you!

All the best for now, and please share our news with family and friends.

80th Anniversary Committee, HKVCA

Stained Glass Window Armed Forces, Lethbridge Military Museum

All of us living in communities across our vast country feel we know what resources/services our community offers, but we are often unaware of some of the hidden treasures that exist that we haven’t thought of exploring. This often happens when guests arrive at your home and want to tour your community and they ask for specific places to tour, and you haven’t been there. Does that sound familiar?

Being a member of Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association (HKVCA) drives me to do all that I can to educate and utilize all the resources at my disposal in our community. However, one resource I was not as aware of was the Lethbridge Military Museum. Their Mission is to “Promote and exhibit to the public the rich military history of Lethbridge and area from 1899 to the present”. When visiting, we were totally impressed and proud of what had been developed over the years to honour all veterans from this area. In providing history of the museum with Brigadier General (retired) Raymond Romses, noted the Museum officially opened in April of 2015, with initial planning starting in 2010. This included developing their Museum Governance, defining operating procedures, storylines with photos, museum layout, fundraising, cabinet design, graphics, and production of panels. A large mural with an interactive computer (see photo below) was officially unveiled in 2017 after two years of fundraising. In 2020, they created a museum courtyard for display of large military pieces including a patio of legacy stones.

Mural with Interactive Computer, Lethbridge Military Museum

The Museum is located at the Southeast corner of the Vimy Ridge Armory at the Lethbridge Airport.  The volunteers are mostly retired military with tremendous knowledge to share with visitors.  It’s a museum where you feel welcomed, not only by the volunteers, but by the layout of the exhibits. Its goal is to “Promote understanding of our community’s military contribution to the Preservation of World Peace and Security.”

The Lethbridge Military Museum asked if the HKVCA three panel display, with some artefacts of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, and Royal Rifles of Canada, could be displayed. This temporary display opened October 4th and runs until the end of December 2023. Our story, and history of the Veterans in the Battle of Hong Kong, is a powerful story for many people unaware of what our veterans went through and the sacrifices they made for our country.

Research for the Lethbridge Museum display for artefacts of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and Royal Rifles of Canada, required calls to the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg, and numerous other smaller museums. Brad Froggatt, at the head office in Calgary with the Organization of Military Museums of Canada, indicated there are 74 accredited Military Museums across Canada, as well as 23 Independent Museums The large Military Museums have a specific protocol for lending artefacts between Museums, so time is needed for approvals. In contrast, the Bay of Chaleur Museum in New Richmond, Quebec, which Phil Doddridge, Royal Rifles of Canada Veteran, (deceased) initiated, sent thirteen Royal Rifles of Canada artefacts in a couple of weeks. Thank you to the Bay of Chaleur Museum, Tom Eden, and HKVCA members for loaning artefacts for the Lethbridge Military Museum display.

HKVCA Display with showcase, Lethbridge Military Museum

A huge thank you to the Lethbridge Military Museum for providing a space for our display, and an opportunity to educate our community on the Battle of Hong Kong.

The HKVCA Board is determining future displays to be showcased in Canadian Museums seeking volunteer(s) with Museum experience, to assist in developing displays across Canada. If interested, email  president@hkvca.ca. or write to HKVCA Suite 164, 1826 Robertson Road, Nepean, Ontario, K2H 1B9. The impact will leave a better level of education not only for the public but also for the museum community of volunteers to become educated on this seldom discussed chapter of Canada’s participation of WW2.

We’ve come to realize that a lot of the veterans did not talk with their families about what they endured for almost four years.  Check out your community to discover what is available, and encourage your families to explore how they can assist in creating new opportunities to educate and inform their communities on the Battle of Hong Kong.

For several years members of Canada’s Military have been holding a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Wall in Ottawa. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomery D. Price whose grandfather was John H Price and great uncle Charles Price was the catalyst for starting this ceremony.  This year’s ceremony was organized by Lieutenant-Colonel Brendan Insley as Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomery D. Price is in England on assignment. Brendan asked Mike Babin if a Hong Kong family member could attend and say a few words.  Mike asked Ian Englehart who accepted. Saturday was an overcast day (-1 C’) for the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Service which was held at the ‘C’ Force Memorial Wall. This was the 78th anniversary of the end of the war in the Far East. 

November 11 at the Memorial Wall

The military members (20) formed up at 10:40 a.m. Lieutenant-Colonel Brendan Insley then acknowledged that Canada is the homeland of the first Nations, Inuit and Metis people, and that the land on which we gather today is the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin people. 

After the National Anthem (salute), Ian Englehart, Representative of the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association was asked to say a few words. Ian talked about the start of the Hong Kong conflict and the struggles the Hong Kong Veterans had including being prisoners of war in Japan for 4 years. He talked about the end of the war and that there is only one surviving Hong Kong Veteran, Mr. Hormidas Fredette who is 106 years old. 

After the two minutes of silence, Colonel Albert Mannard played the lament on the bagpipes. The Act of Remembrance was given by Commander Darryl Gervis. Wreaths were laid by; Lieutenant-Colonel Brendan Insley on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, Mitzi Ross on behalf of the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association and for Hong Kong veteran Lancelot Ross and Ian Englehart for Hong Kong Veterans Harold Englehart and Rupert Englehart. Julie Carver, grand niece, laid a wreath on behalf of an Indigenous member of ‘C’ Force, Robert Blanchard, who was killed in Hong Kong. 

The ceremony was well attended by approximately 45 people. Following the Memorial service, we were invited to attend a luncheon at the Brigid’s Well, an Irish pub in the market area of Ottawa.

Things are moving along a little bit slowly (sometimes life just gets in the way!) but surely on the work to identify and recognize the Indigenous Veterans of ‘C’ Force.

I was thrilled to be contacted by the editor of Global Heroes, a publication that highlights “uplifting stories rather than disheartening conflicts”. The HKVCA’s work was included in their November issue with an article entitled “Keeping History Alive for Generations to Come”. The magazine is an insert in some newspapers across Canada and is also available to read online at www.globalheroes.com 

I have been working closely with Sage Research & Consulting Inc. (Sage Research) and the St. Boniface Historical Society (SBHS) on this project. In partnership with the SBHS, we are working through our list of Hong Kong Veterans, to identify any archival or historical records that would indicate whether a HK Veteran was Indigenous. SBHS is working through the list and as batches of 50 names are completed, names will be added to our website and Sage Research will continue with further work. Indigenous veterans will be named on the website with their family’s permission, or in the cases where we do not have contact with the family if their date of passing was more than 20 years ago. This is in keeping with how Veterans Affairs Canada releases information.

Sage Research’s team does additional research on the veterans identified as Indigenous.The team looks for more information about the Veteran’s life, including their family and community history, and other information that reflects the life they lived prior to, during, and, after their service (or the portions that apply to each veteran, taking into account that some did not come home). Since signing a contract with them in September, Sage Research has, among other things, researched 10 Indigenous veterans. The framework includes documenting historical information and resources that talk about the veteran, which will be added to the Individual Reports at a later date.

We will be finalizing the write-up of the methodology for research to be posted on the website so that people are aware of the principles being implemented and followed in the research. Further, as we work we will be exploring how we will post the information we gather on the website with accuracy and with respect to the families of the veterans. This is not a straightforward process, because much like Reconciliation, there are social and political implications that need to be considered. We are endeavouring to respectfully navigate this in our research processes and in the publication of the information on our website.

This project, to learn and tell the stories of the Indigenous veterans, will allow the HKVCA to honour those veterans by writing them back into the histories that Indigenous peoples were erased from.

After a worrisome and hectic BC wildfire season like no other we have finally made it to a  more peaceful reflective time of the calendar. At least here in our little corner of the world.

Last man standing

As this year slowly comes to an end I can't help but reflect on the very recent passing of our last 'C' Force hero, the indomitable Homidas Fredette from Cape Breton. In years past, I overheard several conversations among our veterans in regards to who would be the last man standing, mainly surrounding the theme of would it be a Grenadier or a Royal Rifle, revealing the rivalry that was reinforced by their military training. In the end, it was simply a 106-year-old Mr Fredette, an unassuming modest soul, who carried within himself the last living memory of a 1338 day painful ordeal that all the survivors were familiar with. The suffering, loneliness, fear and desperation they experienced as POWs was deeply felt regardless of regimental affiliation.

 The sunset clause our fathers included in their association constitution was the last beautiful thing they did for us. The intended consequence was to prepare us and our organization expertly for the inevitable passing of the torch to a commemorative association. This being another example of their fatherly wisdom. It's akin to leaving a last will and testament for your family and tying up all the loose ends so that those left behind don't have to.  I feel nothing but genuine admiration for the foresight of the previous executive councils of the HK veterans. 

 The original HK association logo (without the laurel leafs) chosen by those farsighted individuals, is and will always remain a powerful reminder of the great generation that we feel so connected to. 

Together in Remembrance 

In our capital city Victoria, three generations of HK veteran Signalman Horace Gerry Gerrard's family, continued their tradition of laying a wreath in honor of our veterans. Gerry would be pleased indeed to see great-great-great-grandchildren continue this time-honoured ceremony and we are also thankful they are there to represent our membership at a very high profile location. We're proud of you too Brody, Tanner, Alastair, Asher for doing this.

Victory Square in Vancouver

At Victory Square in downtown Vancouver, our representative Mr. Phil Mondor, son of Winnipeg Grenadier Paul Emile Mondor, again laid the HKVCA wreath on behalf of our membership. Every year Phil receives a personalized invitation from the protocol committee to do this for us.This was his 14th appearance as a wreath-layer, and this year he was  # 3 in a list that has grown to 52 recognized wreaths (there are 10-11 official wreaths).  It was also the second time that he was highlighted in a Global TV report of the event! Very humbling for our organization to receive this kind of exposure and preference in such a densely populated multi-cultural area like Vancouver.  

Phil, who is back from a short hiatus, is still focused on his mission to place a waterfront plaque at the location of 'C' Force's October 1941 dockside departure.  Having retired from a planning department, he is more than qualified to skillfully  navigate the city's bureaucratic channels. We recognize the significance of his ongoing project and look forward to further updates on his progress.  

HKVCA representative Edmund Wu laying a wreath in Burnaby

Elsewhere in the lower mainland at the Forest Lawn memorial cemetery in Burnaby, HKVCA representative Mr. Edmund Wu  laid our wreath at the “No Stone Left Alone Service”. This annual ceremony, skillfully performed by members of the St John's Ambulance Service, is where all the headstones of veterans receive a poppy and a full military salute. Very touching and indeed appreciated by all those who cannot visit the graveside of their loved one.

We Will Remember Them

Again we acknowledge all those members across BC who took the time to place a wreath at their town's cenotaph. Just to note a few that I was made aware of are members in Duncan, Surrey, Delta, Maple Ridge, Prince George, Penticton, Parksville, Kelowna and of course Clearwater. 

Our BC treasurer Mr Murray Doull who resides in Clearwater has also taken on the Poppy chair and protocol ceremony duties for his area. Yes he is a busy guy and we especially appreciate that he finds the time to manage our BC region finances and memberships too.  

 Plaque installations

We are fortunate to have Mr Jim Laidlaw of Vancouver step up and approach several organizations regarding possible HKVCA plaque installations in the Vancouver area.  Jim is the son of Winnipeg Grenadier Sgt WE Laidlaw.  I was familiar with the name Laidlaw from reading our old BC Hong Kong veterans association newsletters that are stored on our website. Way back then each region had its own newsletter and the senior Mr Laidlaw was quite involved with the executive. So I'm not surprised Jim has taken up this endeavour because as one knows the apple does not fall far from the tree. 

RCL Branch 142

Following a brief presentation made by Mr Laidlaw at their Special General Meeting in September, the Executive Committee, and the general membership of RCL Branch 142 (West Point Grey) present at that meeting, voted unanimously to obtain and display the HKVCA Commemorative Plaque at their Legion Hall. 

Left, Mr. Jim Laidlaw presenting the HKVCA plaque to RCL Branch President Ian Fletcher

The plaque arrived in late October, and a presentation ceremony was held on November 8th with Mr Ian Fletcher- President, accepting the plaque for display. Following the presentation, the plaque was installed in the hall just in time for the Remembrance Day services. Special mention of the HKVCA plaque was made by Ms Dianne Neuman- Vice President during the ceremony and for that we are especially grateful.

Also, a big thank you to each member of the Executive Committee of Branch 142 (West Point Grey). It would not be a stretch to say it was a pleasant experience for Jim to have a plaque installed at this location, as this was his father's local legion and many a good time was had by all within those walls.

RCL Branch 291

On November 21st, a formal presentation of the HKVCA plaque was made by Jim Laidlaw to the Executive Committee of RCL 291, in Richmond. Linda Snell (President) accepting the new horizontal version of our plaque on behalf of Branch 291. At the time of the presentation, warm jackets were necessary as the heating system at the hall had gone out, and repair was apparently a week away. Many thanks to all members of the Executive Committee of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 291 for making this happen during a challenging situation.

Yes folks it's not always balmy weather here in the lower mainland of BC.

Passing of a Research Legend

Just about every HKVCA member who has ever investigated the troop movements of ‘C’ Force has in some way or another come across the very fine research material of Mr Vince Lopata.

Vince passed away on October 21st, but his years of research content on the Canadian involvement in Hong Kong will forever remain as the gold standard of military minutia, especially in regards to the Winnipeg Grenadiers. It's not an exaggeration to say that the data he amassed and so meticulously organized will benefit our membership for generations to come. It's the very definition of a lasting contribution. Thank you so much from all of us Vince.

In closing I want to send warm sentiments to our HK veteran widows. May they be blessed with continued good health and many joyful visits from their family and friends.

Happy Holidays to all, and the very best for a grand New Year.

Greetings to our members.  

The plans for the 80th convention for August 2025 are in the works as you will see elsewhere in this newsletter.  I encourage you to volunteer to help with these plans - it's loads of fun and you meet other members across Canada.

Our Prairie members are deeply saddened at the passing of Hormidas Fredette, 106 years, and our last Canadian veteran of 'C' Force who served in Hong Kong.  Our sincere sympathy is extended to his family and to the Atlantic Region.

Stan Lopata and Alex Taylor set up the display at the Manitoba Social Science Teachers Association event near the end of October.  They distributed the new brochure on the many memorials of the Hong Kong veterans in and around Winnipeg, to encourage the teachers to inform their students of the places. They reported that the change of venue allowed good dialogue with the teachers.

Annually, we receive permission to have the HK flag at the cenotaph for November and December, and Stan Lopata does the drop off and pick up at the Legislature. Thank you, Stan.

Thank you to Armand Lavallee for the contact information for the groups in the Joint Veterans Association, giving us improved communication to broadcast our events.

After a successful VJ Day in August, we started planning for Remembrance Day and the Battle of Hong Kong services. We receive many invitations to attend Remembrance Day services but cannot go to all. It was decided to attend the Indigenous service on Wednesday November 8, and the Joint Veterans service at the RBC Convention centre in downtown Winnipeg on November 11.

Indigenous service

The Indigenous service was well attended by many government officials like the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs; Premier Wab Kinew; several Elders; Military leaders and veteran associations.  As the Indigenous drummers played, Stephanie Mitchell and I  were proud and honoured to lay a wreath for the Hong Kong veterans and Alex Taylor with Stan Lopata were part of the Colour parties.

On Thursday, November 10, we were saddened to attend the funeral of Vince Lopata, brother of Stan Lopata.  He was a former Winnipeg Grenadier Cadet, honorary member of the HKVA, and long-time member of the HKVCA as part of the Colour Party, and did decades of research to create the 'C' Force database that is on our website. To get an idea of Vince’s life and accomplishments please read his obituary.

Saturday we were at the Convention centre in Winnipeg where we had permission to set up a display with brochures as information. There were many people who stopped to study the display, take pictures of it and it was an attraction for the children.

The service this year commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Canada and International Peacekeeping; the 70th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Korean War and the 80th Anniversary of the Italian Campaign.

There were many dignitaries in attendance - Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, Anita Neville; political representatives, military veterans and cadet groups from around the Winnipeg area.

Alex Taylor and Stan Lopata were part of the Colour parties, and Stephanie Mitchell and I were proud and honoured to lay a wreath for the Hong Kong veterans.

Sunday, November 12, we attended the Remembrance Day service at St. Luke's Church where the Winnipeg Grenadier Colours are retired. Padre Paul Lampman is the officiate at this church and we were pleased to attend with the Colour Party, Alex and Stan and some of our members.  Stephanie Mitchell and I participated with a wreath to honour our HK veterans.

Sorry to inform you that Gary Griffith, husband of  Alison Griffith, brother-in-law to Pat Peterson and son-in-law to George Peterson, passed away this week.  Please keep the family in your prayers.  Gary’s service is set for December 15th at 2:00 pm at Neil Bardal’s. 

Sunday December 10, 2023 at 1:30 at Neil Bardal Centre on Notre Dame in Winnipeg, we will be holding a Battle of Hong Kong service.  An invitation has been sent out to our members, Winnipeg Grenadier Cadets and other veterans associations to join us.  We have invited Matt Halpin, Manitoba Branch President, Last Post Fund, to be our guest speaker to inform our members of their program.  We work closely with the Last Post people to ensure all veteran graves have a marker. 

News from Alberta

Cardston, Alberta

Cynthia Melanson, HKVCA Area Rep for Cardston, reported a very well-attended service in the Cardston High School gymnasium on November 11th. The program included a blessing by a local priest, the laying of Wreaths, a Children’s Choir sang, a local High School band played, a slide presentation was presented, followed by a dinner at the Legion honouring four Veterans.

Lethbridge, Alberta

Kathie Carlson, HKVCA Area Rep reported that her HKVCA wreath was laid at the new Lethbridge Exhibition facility, with a turnout of over 2000 people in attendance at the service. An additional outdoor service was held at the Lethbridge City Cenotaph, which again was well attended, with the highlight being a Harvard plane flying overhead.

Time was spent from 12 noon until 4pm on November 11th at the Lethbridge Military Museum HKVCA display, to answer any questions and tell the story of the Battle of Hong Kong. 

Calgary - Norma Fuchs

Sixteen members of the HKVCA attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Jubilee Auditorium on November 11th. The service was very well organized. Our Premier, Danielle Smith was in attendance and spoke about the importance of remembering our Vets. Two younger members of a Junior High School also spoke; one read a poem she wrote.

Mr. Bertram, who served with the Canadian Army as a member of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals also shared some thoughts with us.

MacLean family with wreath

Doug MacLean, his son Ryan MacLean and his grandson, Liam MacLean laid our wreath. This year the M/C named the wreath layers, in previous years only the Association was named. It was wonderful to see three generations participate in this service. Members of Alpha and Former Residents of Hong Kong also laid wreaths. The Former Residents of Hong Kong joined us for lunch after and shared their gratitude for the Canadians who supported Hong Kong during the war.

There were 18 people at the lunch at Red Lobster. Doug MacLean and his son Ryan had created a slide show depicting scenes from before, during and after the battle. It was set to appropriate music and was enjoyed by all.

***

Thank you to our area representatives who keep us informed of their events and to everyone who observed Remembrance Day either publicly or personally to show our appreciation to those who have given us freedom and who keep us safe and free.

In closing, from my family, to you and yours, we hope and wish “that the magic and wonder of the season fill your heart with peace and joy”.  God Bless!!

It's encouraging to see the banners that begin to show up in places all over the country prior to remembrance day. It's proof that our veterans haven't been forgotten. 

Barbara Drew (Winston Cunningham CDC) was interested to hear that a committee is being formed to organize an event to mark the 80th year since the liberation of the Hong Kong pows. Details are in the newsletter. 

Vicky Hedelius, said her mom, Gloria Fortune (Herbert Fortune WG) is recovering from shingles, going between deep sleeps and bouncing back. Vicky enjoyed the recent luncheon in Burlington organized by Pam Newhouse. 

Irene Firlotte (Lawrence Firlotte RRC) will be 89 in January and is handling her own, according to daughter Susan. Irene has a wheelchair to get around. 

Oda Barlow (Edwin Barlow RCASC) has been busy with family gatherings, but admitted that when you are a 100 it takes time to recover, even though you enjoy it! 

Jim Hurd (Edm​und Lionel Hurd RRC) wasn't able to get to Bury Quebec for the recent gathering there, but is waiting for information on how it went. 

Barbara Hardy (Joseph Hardy RRC) is still in hospital in Brockville Ontario after breaking her leg in May. Her family are working to see what care suits her best for the mobility issues, given her age at 100. 

Donna Drimmie (Victor Oliver Fehr RRC) has a tradition of sending cards on Remembrance Day and Christmas, which she enjoys and keeps her well.

Barry Fair (John Grey Fair RRC) was dodging hurricane weather in September in Nova Scotia while there for a family occasion. During our conversation, he shared some history of his working years in museums. 

Mavis Martin (John Martin RRC) has been suffering from the flu for 2 weeks but feeling better now. Hadn't heard anything about poppies for Remembrance Day so she called the Legion and a sign and poppies were brought to her. She appreciated that. (Late note from Mitzi Ross- Mavis Martin, is doing well and placed a wreath in Merrickville.)

Jean Killoran (John Killoran RRC) finds it hard to believe she's 96. She's grateful for where she lives and her daughter Janice nearby.

Susan Ewing (Ken Ewing RRC) had decided that after laying the wreath at Kemptville on Remembrance Day, the family would take it home to have it for August and the ceremony at the wall in Ottawa.

Unionville

On the solemn occasion of Unionville's Remembrance Day ceremony this November 11, our hearts were filled with gratitude as we paid tribute to the Hong Kong veterans. The diverse and vibrant population of Unionville, Ontario includes a significant number of Hong Kong-Canadian residents, and on this poignant day, we gathered to honour the bravery and sacrifices made by the members of 'C' Force. See photo.

Remembrance in London

Debbie Legg

During the week of Remembrance 2023, Debbie Legg and Sean Wilson, director of the ‘Remember November 11 Association’, displayed information on many Canadian battles, including The Battle of Hong Kong. This took place in Cherryhill Mall, London, ON. which is centrally located in a senior's community and is a popular gathering place. On Thursday, November 9th, 2023, a full ceremony was held at 11am for the seniors’ convenience. It was very well attended, complete with MC, Minister, trumpeter, and local veterans. 

Display at Centennial Hall, London

On November 10th, 2023, the ‘Remember November 11 Association’ hosted a luncheon at Centennial Hall, London, ON. for all the veterans and their families. After the ceremony in Victoria Park, they could come in from the cold for a cup of coffee, hot soup, sandwiches, and dessert. Around the perimeter of the hall, dozens of displays described battles from several different wars. Debbie Legg constructed the Hong Kong display and stands, and answered questions from the public. Immediately following the luncheon, there was another ceremony at Remembrance Gardens, located at the corner of River Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway, London, ON. 

On Monday, November 13th, 2023, Tim Horton's introduced their limited "Smile" cookies. My sister and I purchased 3 dozen ‘Smiles’ and distributed them to the Vets in Parkwood Hospital, London, ON. As you can imagine, this was very well received. Pictured is Audrey with Pat McCallum, daughter of HKV and POW, Lawrence Ross (RRC).

Entrance to the Royal Rifle Lounge

From all members of Quebec Region, deepest sympathy to the family of our last surviving member of ‘C’ Force, Hormidas Fredette, RRC E29827 from Nova Scotia who passed away on November 29, 2023.

We Will Remember Them!

In October, we were invited to the inauguration of the Royal Rifles of Canada Lounge at the Cercle de la Garnison de Québec in Quebec City.

The Military Committee of the Quebec Garrison Club, invited the HKVCA QC Director to the inauguration on October 27th  of the lounge of the Regiment Royal Rifles of Canada. The event began with a short ceremony, the reading of the history of the Royal Rifles followed by the ribbon cutting officially opening the lounge. A tour of exhibits and historical pictures followed. The evening closed with a thematic dinner in good company. Thank you to the Committee and Les Voltigeurs de Québec for their hard work in organising this special museum to honour the Royal Rifles of Canada.

We will continue working to educate and keep the Hong Kong Memory alive.

RRC Book of Remembrance

It is still early, but we are looking forward to meeting many of you for our 80th Anniversary Celebrations in August 2025.

From the Quebec Executive and all members, we wish you all a wonderful Christmas Season and Health for the New Year.

Official cutting of the ribbon at the opening of the Lounge

Dues are Due

Yes, it’s that time of year when we remind you that dues for 2024 are due soon. Taking advantage of our Interac E-transfer option makes this task simple and convenient, but we also offer our standard option through the post office. Details are on our website.

Mailing Costs

As you know, mailing items these days is expensive! For some time now we’ve offered a cheaper, more immediate option, taking advantage of digital technology. If you indicate that you are happy with reading our newsletter online, you’ll receive your news faster and, in many cases, there will be more details for you to enjoy. It’s easy to change your preference - just let us know by emailing: editor@hkvca.ca and we’ll make it happen. 

You have two choices:

1. You can print a copy of this newsletter right from your browser (right-click and select "Print" in most browsers, or select from the menu). You may find that there are some layout issues, especially with photos.
2. You can print an exact copy of the PDF version that was mailed out.

Note: there may be items in the online copy of the newsletter that are not included in the PDF version.