Bill Charlton, Chaplain, RCL, Branch 43
REMEMBRANCE DAY, 2013
Looking back to the WWII years again. In November 1943 and towards the end of that year, the fate of Hitler's One Thousand Year Reich was now appearing less secure.
The Russians had defeated the Nazi armies at Stalingrad, Kursk and Kiev. At Leningrad the same fate awaited the Nazi oppressers. The Soviets had held the first war crimes trial and three German officers were executed for atrocities committed against the Russian people. Herr Hitler now was looking at the Soviet juggernaut moving towards inroads into Europe and his doom.
Penicillin now in use for the first time is saving many soldier's lives in North Africa. Deaths from septic wounds were now greatly reduced and thousands of lives were saved.
Canada's most unusual battle front, the Aleutian islands, where the First Special Service Force was engaged in the action to drive the Japanese from the islands was over by November. It comprised two American battalions and one Canadian (not the lads from Cape Breton - these fellows were from the Canadian Fusiliers and Winnipeg Riles). The Japanese had withdrawn at the end of the action.
On the home front food remained scarce and shortages became just as acute with whale and horsemeat becoming viable substitutes for the more usual meats.
Performers were still entertaining the troops, now building up in massive numbers in Britain. Bing Crosby's White Christmas was heard for the first time across the land.
Back to 2013.
Across Canada today we are having big Marches of Concern for our veterans still dependant on the Veteran Affairs offices. The present government is planning closure of these essential service administration outlets. This eventuality will leave seriously disabled vets without aid which will greatly impact their future welfare. It is our duty to give voice against this extremely cruel attitude to those disadvantaged VETERANS.
Lest We Forget
Bill Charlton
Legion Colour Party with Bugler, Danny Cormier
