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History of theFoxwarren LegionCompiled by Mrs. Marion Hamilton and Comrade J. W.Hamilton.rhe Great War Veterans AssociationOrganized April 14th, 1920 with Rev. Murchison as the President, J. Crowhurst and A. Hoarne as vice presidents and W. E. Hall as sccretary-treasursr. Meetings were held monthly in ehe IOOF Hall, rental was a few loads of wood.Projects — registration of veterans coming to the community; donated $15.00 to -he IOOF towards purchase of a piano; raised $3254.00 by com munity canvass, bought property, established the monument and landscaped the site. War memorial was unveiled on November 11th, 1921.The Great War Veterans Association in Foxwarren became inactive in 1923 but the membership, including three Boer War vets, became snem-befs of the Fort Ellice Branch and worked towards the placing of the Fort Ellice cairn and other projects.In 1942, Foxwarren Branch of the British Empire Service League, which was to become the Foxwarren Branch of the Legion, received its charter in June. The officerslife.” To the families of men who never ret,timed, a black marble plaque was presented, reading, “They sleep where they fell at their duty and as there is a just God above, He will open His arms to receive them and bless them with Infinite love,”On Sunday, Ooctober 17th, 1948, the cenotaph, in memory of those who gave their lives in WW II was unveiled by Sylvia Williams, who had lost two brothers. Rev. Captain J. M. Murchison gave the dedicatory prayer. Bugler was Jack Bolter.As the Foxwarren Legion was active in cadet programs, some mention should be made about cadets. The Cadet Corp was formed in the 1920’s. In 1942 the Army Cadet Corps was organized. First inspection was by Major Cummings in 1943. In 1959 Air Cadet Squadron 677 was formed in Russell with manv Foxwarren boys attending. Several boys got their pilot licenses through cadet training. Of particular pride to Foxwarren branch is Wallace Peel who continued to a career in flying, graduating in 1969 from Flying Training School. Wally was awarded the Scroll of Honour and the Barker Trophy for thewere Thomas Jackson as the , IP ,\p^’ ^ W£*s a„w'president; J. R. McMillan as anted the 1 udhope Trophy fofvice, and S. A. Sawyer as the j top amateur pilot in Canada.secretary. The first Legion ^ow a aPtain. Wally was Hall was the “Easton House”. I one ot ©ight pilots to fly non-The present Legion Hall is the 1 stop across the north Atlan-former W. 1. Club Room, do- ] «c ‘n Canada’s first trans nated to the Legion by Com- oceanic air to air re-fuellingrade Leon Carels.Projects — The Foxwarren Branch has sponsored Air Cadets, hockey and baseball; music and track participation at the Peace Gardens and Europe. The Legion sponsored barn dances, amateur talent nights, and other good times. They helped to maintain the cenotaph grounds special plots at Foxwarren, Zion. Balmerino and St. James’ Cemetery.The Legion has helped the needy families in the community, and families of departed comrades are not forgotten, especially at Christmas.Seeing to the interests of veterans was another important role of the Legion. Comrade J. E. Selby was one of the WW I veterans who made sure that WW II veterans received fair recognition fortheir service, and was a great help to many in land dealings with the Veterans Land Act.In March of 1961, FOtUil-lard Bros, of St. Lazare approached the Legion proposing to re-build Fort Ellice. Permission was granted toFouillard’s to purchase old guns and equipmentIn 1970, Manitoba’s Centennial year, saw the Foxwarren Branch erect Memorial Gates at Foxwarren Cemetery and at the old cemetery. A plaque was erected “dedicating Manitoba’s 100th birthday to the pioneers” by the Fox-warren Legion and Auxiliary.In 1976, the Royal Canadian Legion’s 50th anniversary year, over 400 tulips were planted at the Cenotaph and the Legion Hall. A banquet was held for Legion mem bers and t.heir wives on Feb-ruray 29t.h. Scrolls were presented to all WW I veterans.First war veterans still liv- j ing in the district are Frank ; Graves, George Goodings, Lou ! is Martinot, Ed Reid, Arthur Simms, Tom Vaughan and W. E. Hall, who is one of three . survivors in Manitoba of the Royal Flying Corps. He andother members were guestsof Queen Elizabeth II at theBuckingham Palace in 1971.Veterans will never forget the welcome home and social evening. Foxwarren and community presented blue marble plaques in grateful recognition of their voluntary service with the armed forces in World War 1939-1945, The plaque reads. “We hail with | thanksgiving vour sufe re turn to peaceful pursuits olexercises.It was noted that during WW II Foxwarren Collegiate had produced a large number of high ranking officers for its size. One, Comrade Charles Cooper, Distinguished Fly ing Cross, now residing in Binscarth.As the end of the Legion’s Golden Anniversary approach es, Foxwarren Branch looksforward to another active year. They are ready to assist any veteran and his family. Contact any Legion Branch Officer to see their latest Veterans Affairs programs and services.Royal Canadian Legion Foxwarren Branch 152; Pres., George Lavallee; Vice Pres., Merv Dunham; Sec.-Treasurer, Wilfred Hamilton; Chaplain, George Goodings; Sgt. at Arms Joe Weselowski; Membership. Con Oit, WilliamButlor, Em Williams; Ways Means, Merv Dunham.
Newspaper Details
Birtle Eye Witness
Birtle, Manitoba, CA
Wed, Oct 20, 1976
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Rebecca V.
CA 21 Jul 2021
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