'Putting wheels in motion' resulted in World War I battleground tour for Dr Frank Broomhead

Putting the "wheels in motion" while JR Broomhead was on a trip to England earlier in 2017, resulted in a World War I battleground tour for his father  Dr. Frank Broomhead, who has been a history buff since he was a kid growing up in Chapleau.

JR was visiting John Broomhead, the son of Anna and Arthur Broomhead, who lives in England, and as plans progressed, John got in touch with me about the trip. The wonders of Facebook!

John explained that given Frank's interest in the Great War specifically, and 2017 being the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge - a defining moment in the history of Canada - the battleground tour was arranged with a tour guide. JR and his father made the trip in June.

John told me he was "amazed but not surprised" at Frank's knowledge of the Great War (1914-1918), as was the tour guide. I am not. Out of the mothballs of memory, I vividly recall walking down Chapleau's main street when we were both students at Chapleau High School, and then I was amazed at his interest in history.

On their tour they wanted to "track down" as many "Chapleau boys" as possible who died while on active service in our armed forces during World War I.  Obviously I am delighted, as is Michael McMullen, my cousin and co-author of 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' that Frank took a copy of the book along and used it as a reference.

They located 12 Chapleau boys, and  provided some photos. See below for names and biographical sketches.

As an aside, 32 with a Chapleau connection died while on active service in World War I. We identified 283 volunteers, a remarkable number, given the size of Chapleau.  In World War II there were 418 enlistments and 29 died.

John shares the story of the trip that he, JR and Frank made: "On Day 1 we drove to Ypres, Belgium and covered the John McCrae Memorial (Advanced Dressing Station, Essex Farm),  Langemark Cemetery - one of only three German Cemeteries for the fallen german soldiers in WWI, Vancouver Corner (St. Julien Memorial for the Gas attacks and the Canadian defence of St. Julien in April, 1915) and the fight for Passchendaele in 1917. We ended the day at the very moving Menin Gate 'Last Post' ceremony which takes place every evening at 8pm."

"Day 2 took us to Vimy to see the trenches, tunnels and the impressive Canadian memorial there, and then a visit to the Somme battlefields in the afternoon where we saw the preserved Newfoundland Park battlefield at Beaumont-Hamel, the large (British) Thievpval Memorial to the Missing and the battlefields around the village of Courcelette (where the Canadians fought in September and October of 1916 including the Memorial to the Tank Corps -- the first usage of tanks in WWI, and the Regina TrenTrench."

"It was a lot to pack in two days - but was very moving and informative."

They were able to identify 12 with a Chapleau connection, and Michael McMullen kindly provided brief biographical notes on each of them. More details on each are in our book 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War'.

Tyne Cot Cemetery, Passchendaele, Belgium

E.D. Turner

Edgar Turner was a member of the Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment) 24^th Battalion, when at 18 years of age, he died on November 6, 1917.

Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium

The following five Chapleau Boys died in Belgium during the First World War and were listed as missing and presumed dead.  Their names are commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.  

J. Hewitt

James Hewitt enlisted in the Canadian Army at Niagara, Ontario on September 7, 1915.  He was with the Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment) when

he died on June 13, 1916 at age 26.

W.D Unwin

William Unwin enlisted in the Canadian Army at Val Cartier, Quebec in September 1914. He was a member  of the Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment), 2^nd Battalion, who died on April 24, 1915 at the age of 21.

P. Chappise

Peter Chappise enlisted in the Canadian Army at the Niagara Camp, Ontario

on August 31, 1915 in the 37^th Battalion. He was 22, when he died on June 13, 1916 in the service of the Canadian Infantry (Ontario Regiment), 3^rd Battalion.

W.S Haskins  

Walter Haskins enlisted in the Canadian Army at Lindsay, Ontario on March 27, 1916 in the 109^th Battalion. He was 19 years of age and serving with the Canadian Pioneers, 124^th Pioneer Battalion when he died on November 14, 1917.

A.A. Therriault  

Alfred Therriault enlisted in the Canadian Army, 52^nd Battalion at Port Arthur, Ontario (now part of Thunder Bay) on June 16, 1915. He was 24 and with the Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment), 52^nd Battalion when he died on June 9, 1916.

Vimy Memorial, Vimy, France

The following five Chapleau Boys died in France during the First World War and were listed as missing and presumed dead.  Their names are commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.  

 A. Mortson

Alexander Mortson enlisted at Niagara on September 7, 1915 in the Canadian Army, 37^th Battalion. He was with the Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment), 13^th Battalion, when he died on September 4, 1916.  He was 30.

J. Moir

John Moir enlisted in the Canadian Army on March 8, 1915 in Toronto, Ontario. He was serving with the Canadian Cavalry Machine Gun Squadron when he died on December 1, 1917 at age 26.

A. Evans

Ambrose Evans  joined the 106^th Light Infantry in Winnipeg, Manitoba in August 1914 and then enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcartier, Quebec on September 25, 1914.  He was with the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (R.C.A.C.), when he died on May 25, 1915 at age 31.

A.E. Jefferies

Albert Jeffries enlisted in the Canadian Army at Oshawa, Ontario on November 30, 1915 in the 116^th Overseas Battalion.  He was serving with the Canadian Army (Eastern Ontario Regiment) when he died on May 3, 1917 at age 26.

P. Hall

Percy Hall enlisted at Chapleau in the Canadian Army, 227^th (Men of the North) Battalion on April 30, 1916. He was serving with the Canadian Machine Gun Corps, 1^st Battalion, when he died on August 29, 1918 at the age of 22.

Regina Trench Cemetery, Courcelette, France

J.F.P Collings

John Collings enlisted in the Canadian Army at Halifax on November 25, 1914. He died on October 1, 1916 at age 24 as a member of the Canadian Infantry (Nova Scotia Regiment), 25^th Battalion.  

 Thanks so much John, JR and Dr. Frank. Also thanks to Michael K. for his assistance. 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' is available at Chapleau Village Shops or on  www.amazon.ca. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

George Collinson of Chapleau honoured by Royal Canadian Legion in 1971 for his dedication 'beyond the call of duty'

World War I veteran George Collinson, a charter member of  Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion  received the Legion's highest award at a ceremony in 1971.

As part of the Chapleau branch's 45th anniversary dinner in 1971, Mr. Collinson received the Meritorious Service Medal. It was established to show appreciation to members 'who dedicate their time in service to the branch and for outstanding service beyond the call of duty," according to the Legion web site.

Mr. Collinson was one of the founders of the branch in 1926, returning to Chapleau after the end of World War I, where he assumed the position of postmaster, which he held until his retirement in 1958.

He became treasurer of the Chapleau branch, and at age 84 in 1971, he was the oldest active Legion  executive member in Canada, according to an article by Margaret Costello. 

 But his commitment to Chapleau life, went far beyond the Legion, including membership on the Chapleau Volunteer Fire Department, where he was the Fire Chief from 1946 to 1958. His immediate predecessor was D.O. Payette, and he was succeeded by Adam Andrews.

Ad Andrews, Mr Collinson, D.O. Payette

 The award was presented to Mr. Collinson by Provincial Command president Don Wilson, and the citation read by branch president Ed McCarthy. 

 In a "glowing tribute" some of Mr. Collinson's other contributions were mentioned. These included treasurer of the Lady Minto Hospital, the Kebsquasheshing Club and Salvation Army Fund. He had also been the branch welfare officer. He was also active in St. John's Anglican Church and on the public school board.

 Mrs. Costello wrote in the Sault Star that "It was a moving occasion for both Mr. and Mrs. Collinson who are held in high esteem by the entire community," After the formal presentation, the crowd broke into a rousing rendition of 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.'

 Five years later Mr. Collinson was again honoured by the branch on the occasion of its 50th anniversary as  a charter member. 

Toddy Collinson, Mr Collinson, John Rose

In 1916, when Mr. Collinson was serving in Canadian forces overseas, at least two Chapleau boys saw him while they were living in the trenches. In the chapter Letters from Overseas in World War I, in The Chapleau Boys Go To War, Michael McMullen and I included letters from several Chapleau boys including Harry Unwin and Charles Mulligan.

 In a letter to the editor of the Chapleau Headlight, Harry Unwin from "Somewhere in Belgium" in June 1916, mentioned that he had seen "several Chapleau boys" recently including Mr. Collinson. 

 Writing to his sister May (Mulligan) McMullen from "Somewhere in France" in October 1916, Charles Mulligan wrote that he "saw George Collinson the other day. He is fine".  At the time Charles was "living 20 feet underground" in a dugout. 

 Harry Unwin died while on active service on September 22, 1916. Charles Mulligan was wounded during the first day of the Second Battle of Arras on August 26, 1918, in northern France but returned to Canada in 1919 after being hospitalized for more than a year in France and England.  

 Michael and I were able to produce a list of 283 volunteers (282 men and one woman) with a Chapleau connection who served in World War I  We identified 32 Chapleau boys who died in that war or soon thereafter due to war-related wounds/health conditions.

In World War II our research identified 416 with a Chapleau connection (at least 30 were women). There were 29 Chapleau boys who died in that war: either killed in action or died due to war-related causes.

 Given the size of Chapleau, an amazing number of its citizens made an incredible contribution in World War I and World War II -- and to the community after both wars. LEST WE FORGET!  

 Note: In the interests of full disclosure, May (Mulligan) McMullen was Michael's grandmother and my great-aunt, while Charles Mulligan was our great-uncle. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Coming home to 'lovely land called Chapleau' included book presentation to Donald White its oldest surviving veteran of World War II

Michael, Harry, Don White, Norma, Trudy

Perhaps Laurie (Nichol) Taft summed up my trip to Chapleau with a Facebook comment when she learned I was going home to officially launch 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War', which I co-authored with my cousin Michael McMullen.

Laurie wrote: "Be sure to write about that lovely land called Chapleau where my favourite Auntie Moo lived."

Laurie is the daughter of the late Iven and Arlene Nichol, who came to Canada from the United States as World War II started. Her father, Iven joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and became a flying instructor with my father Jim Morris in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan at Mount Hope near Hamilton. My mother Muriel became "Auntie Moo" to the Nichol children when Mom and I started visiting them in the United States after the end of the war.

As most regular readers know, my father was killed on active service in the RCAF on July 16, 1943, just on 72 years ago now. 

I am still in touch with my "American sisters" as the bonds created between families during the war remain forever.

So, I went to Chapleau, and here I am writing about Laurie's "lovely land" and mine too, launching a book, and marking  six years of sharing 'Chapleau Moments' in the Chapleau Express, thanks to Mario Lafreniere, its publisher. 

Before I go any further, I extend my most sincere thanks to all of you I met while wandering about town for your most warm welcome and kind comments. 

Paul Carson, taking a line from Kevin Walker, wrote on Facebook, "You're so Chapleau, Mike." I guess I am guys.

For me, working with Michael McMullen on 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' was a deeply personal experience of course because of my father.

But it was much much more. I think Michael best expressed my feeling  about the book in the broader sense when he wrote in part about its launch: ""Ideally, our book will serve as a catalyst for families to search old shoeboxes for pictures and letters from those who served. Also, medals and awards should be documented for future family generations. It is important that this information not be lost. We owe this to all Chapleau Boys who have served in wars and conflict."

In effect, our book will be a beginning not an end to the story of the Chapleau boys. They shall grow not old!

 

MJ with Bruce Poynter at library

Michael and I are cousins through our paternal grandmothers Lil (Mulligan) Morris and May (Mulligan) McMullen, members of a family who first arrived in the community in 1885.

It was simply awesome to meet old friends, (although I must admit I had some difficulty recognizing folks I've known all my life -- aging eyes on my part) at book signings at the Chapleau Public Library, Royal Canadian Legion Hall and Hongers Redwood (Boston) and on the street. Our sincere thanks to the library, Legion and Jim Hong. 

And it took me about five hours to walk from the Redwood to Grey Street with a side car ride with Orville Robinson to look at some historic photos. Thanks to my old lifetime friend Ken Schroeder for picking me up so we could do the back lanes and back yards for childhood memories. That is a story for another day.

However, for me, the greatest  privilege and honour was  to be able to present a copy of the book to Donald White, born in Chapleau, and the community's oldest surviving veteran of World War II, who is now 102 years old.

Donald has been a member of Branch Number 5 of the Legion for many years.

Donald, a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation, enlisted in the Canadian Army shortly after World War II began, going overseas and seeing action in the drive from Italy, into France, Belgium, Germany, and present for the liberation of Holland in 1945. In being able to present a book to Donald, we were able to honour all  our First Nation Chapleau boys who served in the country's armed forces in World War I and II too.

After living and working in various places after the war but always making time to come home to the Chapleau area for hunting and fishing, Donald returned to retire at the Fox Lake Reserve in 2005. But, according to his daughter Norma Rowena, who kindly arranged our visit with her father, he was still hunting at age 100, with his grandson Stephen Caldwell. Thank you Norma.

Butch, Dr Bill, Ian with MJM

I was so delighted that Harry "Butch" Pellow, one of my oldest and dearest Chapleau friends was able to be with us for the book launch. As an aside Butch was the architect for the Chapleau Civic Centre and Chapleau General Hospital, among other Chapleau buildings, and we were able to get some photos of the "historic"  moment for the community's archives.

Also here were his brother Dr. Bill Pellow, the editor and publisher of 'Chapleau Trails', and another great friend Ian Macdonald, retired professor and head of the department of architecture and now Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba. Butch, Bill and Ian have been of great assistance with my column, and thanks so much guys for all your help.

My very personal thanks to Michael McMullen who spent countless hours making it possible for 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' to be written and published.

Thanks to everyone who made my most recent return to Laurie's "lovely land called Chapleau" so fantastic. By the way, Laurie has never been here, although her father Iven and her grandfather have on a fishing trip in 1954. 

If you live in Chapleau,the book is now available at Chapleau Village Shops. It is also available on amazon.com, amazon.ca and Kindle ..My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau Beach Day raised funds for lights on ball field with activities from "tadpoles" to square dancers in 1954

From "Tadpoles to Teeners" and everyone else in Chapleau, the annual Beach Day held on the first Monday in August ranked as a highlight in the life of the community for many years.

After Dr. G.E. Young returned home to practise medicine, and used his own money created the beach which had been a garbage dump at one time, Beach Day emerged, along with Dominion (Canada) Day celebration as a major summer celebration. It was sponsored by the Chapleau Recreation Committee which was established after B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt became reeve in 1948.

Dr. Young was a great swimmer and became famous as a kid for swimming from town to his family's camp at Mulligan's Bay. To him it was no big deal. When I asked him about it one time, He shrugged, and replied, "I just started swimming and kept on going."

Beach panorama.. Ian Macdonald collection. CLICK TO ENLARGE

The parade led by the Town Band got the program underway, with J.M. Shoup. longtime principal of Chapleau Public School, organizing the children's section. Mr. Shoup also looked after the children's races.

I was reminded not too long ago that following the parade, all the children who participated received a dime to spend at the beach canteen. A dime may get you a small bag of chips and a pop  -- or maybe a hot dog in the early 1950s.

Just to put the spending power of the dime into perspective, in 1966 I was the bureau chief of the Saskatoon Star- Phoenix in North Battleford, and one day the owner of a local restaurant took me aside and whispered strictly off the record, "The price of a cup of coffee is going up to 15 cents." It had been 10 cents "forever."  I could use the information but no way could I use the name of my informant.

My story on this shocking news made the front page of the Star-Phoenix.

But, as I often do I digress. Back to Beach Day. Charlie Purich recently sent me a program for the 1954 Beach Day which mentions the tadpoles to teeners swimming races. Tadpoles was a race for "non-swimmers".

Water sports were most popular and cash prizes were awarded to the winners. For example, in diving competitions first prize was $5, second $3 and third $2. Dives included swan, jacknife, backflip, torpedo, somersault and handstand.

Mr Shoup on far right

If you won the three lap motor boat race you would receive a $10 prize.

There were canoe races as well as canoe tilting competitions, and although I don't have a list of the winners, William Memegos and his brothers dominated those activities for many years.

In the afternoon, there was always a fastball game at the field behind the Chapleau High School on Pine Street. In fact, the 1954 program says that the "present ambition" of the recreation committee was to install lights on the field. That ambition was realized and for years, fastball was played "under the lights" in Chapleau.

One year, Turk Broda, a famous goaltender with the Toronto Maple Leafs brought his ball team to Chapleau for Beach Day. I don't remember much about the ball game, but I recall getting autographs from the players at the Boston Cafe.  

There was also a concert by the town band at the beach.

In the evening, the day ended with a dance in the Town Hall basement, but for at least part of the evening there was a square dance competition.  Thanks for the program Charlie. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

'Chapleau Boys Go To War' story of significant contributions at home and abroad in World War 1 and World War 2

The Chapleau Boys Go To War is  the story of the contributions and sacrifices made during World War 1 and World War 2, at home and abroad by the people of Chapleau.

My cousin, Michael McMullen and I have been working on this project for several years, and the book has just been published. 

In the introduction we note that 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the start of WW 1 and the 75th anniversary of the start of WW 2.

" Canadians volunteered to serve from all across their country for both conflicts, and small towns and villages, like Chapleau, made significant contributions to both war efforts. They went to war because they believed it was the right thing to do. They were representing their families, friends, neighbours, colleagues and all of Canada, and were willing to pay the Supreme Sacrifice."

Our research revealed that there were 283 enlistments in World War 1 with a Chapleau connection, and 416 in World War 2 -- an incredible number given the population of the community during both wars.

Some returned home but others did not not. There were 32 "Chapleau boys" who died while on active service in the first world war and 29 in the second. We pay special tribute to the fallen with a biographical sketch and photos of them where available.

We have included a list of the names of all those with a Chapleau connection who served in both wars.

We also provide a look into the founding of Chapleau in 1885 with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, as well as life on the home front In both wars with a fascinating look at the work of the Chapleau branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society and other projects.

We were able to obtain some letters  from Chapleau boys in both wars who were overseas providing a glimpse into their lives on the front lines, a number of them written home near Christmas.

After World War I, Chapleau's first reeve G.B. Nicholson and his wife, Charlotte, had St. John's Parish House built in memory of their son Lorne who was killed on active service, and his friends. It became the Legion Hall. The book also notes the contribution of Branch No. 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion, from its founding in 1926 on.

Michael K (left) and I have serious chat about Chapleau Boys Go To War

On June 25, 1978, the cenotaph was moved from its original location beside St. John's Anglican Church to the Legion property. In 2000, the Chapleau Cree First Nation established the Fox Lake War Veterans Memorial. In 2014, Donald White, Chapleau's oldest living World War II veteran attended the Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph.

Henry (Harry) Byce and his son, Charles Byce, were Chapleau boys. They enlisted and fought in WW 1 and WW 2, respectively. Both received exceptionally high honours for valour and bravery for their individual war exploits. They were among the highest decorated Aboriginal veterans. We tell their stories.

Four Chapleau boys, Willard Bolduc, Baisel Collings, Donald Freeborn and Lloyd McDonald were among the recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross. We share their stories of bravery.

With thanks, particularly to former cadets, we were able to share highlights of 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps.

Both Michael and I share some personal thoughts, and in my case, for the first time in my life, I share an anecdote involving Dr. Karl Hackstetter, John McClellan and me when I was in Grade 9 at Chapleau High School.

There is a chapter on cemeteries and monuments globally, compiled by Michael, some of which he has visited.It is a most valuable resource and also shows the high esteem in which our "Chapleau Boys" are held.

Michael McMullen explained that "fallen 'Chapleau Boys' are commemorated by name on the Chapleau cenotaph, and for WW I on a plaque at St. John’s Anglican Church. "

Michael added:

"We wanted to know more about them and for most of them, have been able to put together short resumes with pictures that include family information, occupation at enlistment, place of enlistment, some of their armed forces experience, date of death and cemetery or memorial information. This is our way of preserving their memories.

"We hope the information we have provided for foreign cemeteries and memorials will help to provide a context to where the Chapleau Boys were when they were killed or died due to war inflicted causes.

"We also hope our work will be used as a reference for family descendants to do research on their relatives that served in wars. It is important that photos of those who served and letters that they sent home are preserved with details of their service. If not, this material will be lost, if not already lost, with the passage of time.

"Ideally, our book will serve as a catalyst for families to search old shoeboxes for pictures and letters from those who served. Also, medals and awards should be documented for future family generations. It is important that this information not be lost. We owe this to all Chapleau Boys who have served in wars and conflicts."

I extend my most sincere personal thanks to Mario Lafreniere, publisher of the Chapleau Express, for inviting me to write Chapleau Moments almost six years ago. Had he not done so, I likely would not have begun my research into "Chapleau Boys Go to War". Our book is available now or please email me at mj.morris@live.ca for other purchasing options.