Twelve veterans from Grey and Bruce counties, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country, were honoured in a special ceremony in Owen Sound on Sunday.
The Billy Bishop Home & Museum held its 19th annual Honouring Local Veterans Ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 6 on 2nd Avenue West.
Billy Bishop Home & Museum curator Emily Jolliffe says over 150 people attended the event, which featured many stories about Canadian heroes with ties to the local community.
Jolliffe says the Billy Bishop Home & Museum finds this event important because many people aren't often aware of the different kinds of veterans in the area.
To date, she says the program has honoured the service of over 160 First World War, Second World War, Korean War, Cold War and UN Peacekeeping veterans with ties to Grey Bruce.
“We want to put a human face and story to these veterans,” Jolliffe explains. “Some of these guys served for (many) years. It's nice to be able to tell their stories and recognize them.”
The honourees at this year's event, with brief biographies courtesy of the Billy Bishop Home & Museum, were as follows:
Padre Walter Leslie Brown: Chaplain, Canadian Army, Second World War. Originally assigned to the Grey and Simcoe Foresters was sent overseas in June of 1943 where he was transferred to the Sherbrooke Fusiliers taking as a Captain. Brown captured as a prisoner of war and murdered by members of the 12 SS Hitler Youth Division on the night of June 6, D-Day.
Sergeant Walter Ramsey Crowe: British Intelligence, British Army, Second World War. Walter was assigned to the Intelligence Corps and deployed to the Basic Transit Depot in Suez to perform duties in the British Mandate of Palestine.
Rifleman Ernest Nelson Gilbank: Regina Rifles, Canadian Army, Second World War. Ernest enlisted in March of 1943 and was assigned to the Regina Rifles Regiment upon arrival in England in May 1944. He was on outpost duty during the Battle of Normandy where he was captured and murdered as a Prisoner of War by a 12th SS Officer.
Major James Jamison Hall: Irish Regiment, Canadian Army, Second World War. James enlisted as soon as he was old enough, and saw action in the Italian Campaign, where an enemy shell exploded close to him. James survived the hit but was left with shrapnel that absorbed into his chest and remained there for the rest of his life.
Private Francis David Harrison: Queen’s Own Rifles, Canadian Army, Second World War. In January 1943 Harrison was enlisted at 19 years old and deployed in Normandy, France in June of 1944. Francis was transferred to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles to provide support at Brouay, where he and two dozen fellow riflemen were captured and murdered on June 8, 1944, by a cadre of 12th SS personnel.
Private Harry Allen Hopkins: Private, Canadian Armoured Corps, Second World War. Harry was the Lighthouse Keeper at Cabot Head. He signed up for service in 1939, trained at Gagetown, New Brunswick, and was in the Canadian Armoured Corps driving a tank for the duration of the War.
Warrant Officer Robert Barrie Jack: Medical Assistant, Royal Canadian Air Force, Cold War Era. Barrie served for 43 years, signing up for service at the Aviation Medical Centre in August of 1966. He saw action with UNDOF Golan Heights, helping to maintain peace between Israel and Syria and was stationed at CFB Baden-Soellingen Germany during the Cold War.
Master Corporal Edward Louis Johnston: Royal Canadian Air Force, Cold War Era. Edward served as an Aircraft Mechanic and an Instructor and was posted to France, Yemen, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Aden, Congo, Zambia and Greenland during the course of his 20 years in service.
Master Warrant Officer Steven Lehman: Royal Canadian Dragoons, Canadian Army, Bosnia and Afghanistan. Steve had a distinguished 33 year military career, deployed on several active operations within the Armour Corps. Steve fulfilled many roles during his tenure, including armoured car driver, gunner and tank gunner, serving as a patrol commander was an Advanced Armour Gunnery Instructor.
Corporal Thomas Richard Long: Royal Canadian Regiment Infantry, Canadian Army, Cold War Era. As a member of the Infantry Tom was posted to Germany, as well as four tours in Cyprus attached to the Canadian Airborne. Tom served for 26 years and was deployed during the FLQ Crisis in Quebec.
Pilot Officer Bruce Edward Pinch: Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Second World War. Bruce enlisted at the Royal Canadian Air Force Recruiting Depot in June of 1941, his active service began July 4 and he was stationed in Oxfordshire, India, and Comilla. He was in active service during the Burma Campaign.
Sergeant Radoslaw (Roger) Weron: Field Artilleryman, Canadian Army, Bosnia and Afghanistan. Roger signed up at 17 years old with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. During his career he was posted to Petawawa, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Meaford. He served two tours in Afghanistan and was a member of the Tactical Operation Centre providing support for the infantry combat troops on the ground.
