The Heritage Corner, Springhill Record

February 11th, 2015

Apr. 24, 1941 – Springhill Record
    – Corporal F. Embree Wins Several Medals for Shooting, Boxing

     This week The Record pays tribute to Cpl. Frederick Arthur Embree, son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Embree, of Springhill, a member of the West Nova Scotia Regiment, First Canadian Division, stationed in England. 

     Private Fred Embree joined the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when the war broke out, but seeing an opportunity to get overseas with the West Nova Scotia Regiment, he transferred to that unit on November 23, 1939, sailing for England on December 23rd.  Shortly after his arrival he was given his first stripe as Lance Corporal.

Takes Up Boxing and Shooting

     In regimental sports, Embree took a liking to boxing.  A clean-living lad, who neither smoked nor drank, he battled his way to the Battalion Middleweight title in the spring of 1940 and was runner-up in the Brigade finals, winning a bronze medal. 

     This year he won the Brigade finals and went on to win the Divisional title.  In the Canadian Corps. Championships he was the runner-up, losing by a decision to an Ontario boy.  For his splendid showing in the Corps. Meet he was awarded a beautiful silver shield bearing his name and mounted on teakwood.  Above the shield is a silver maple leaf. 

     Embree’s showing in the ring is rather remarkable because he had fought only once before joining the army. 

Tops on the Rifle Range

     No content with topping his class in boxing, L-Cpl. Embree was devoting a great deal of time to the art of shooting.  On May 11th, 1940, he proved himself the best shot in the First Canadian Division Sniping School.  For this he holds a silver medal. 

     At Christmas last year he took part in a Bisley meet where the best shots in the British Army gather to test their skills.  In this event Embree captured third position, making an excellent showing. 

Promoted to Corporal

     With such an excellent record it is not surprising that L-Cpl. Embree was promoted recently to the rank of Corporal.

Born in Chignecto

     Cpl. Embree was born in Chignecto in 1919.  When he was 7 years of age his parents moved to Springhill, where he attended the Junction Road and High School until 1933.  He was in Grade V11 when his father accepted a position at Maccan.  The boy was a good student, winning a prize for high marks in Grade V11.  He continued his studies at Maccan and took his Grade X1 at Amherst.

Father on Staff Here

     Mr. Conrad Embree is again on the official staff of the local colliery, No. 1 seam, having returned her February 1st. this year.  He is the son of W.B. Embree, of Athol, a former official of the Cumberland Railway and Coal Company, No. 2 mine.  It will be recalled that W.B. Embree left here in 1904 to accept the position of Manager at Chignecto.  He retired in 1918, to his farm in Athol, where he lives today. 

     That the boy’s parents are pleased with his showing in the army goes without saying.  The Record, too, joins with his friends here, in Chignecto and Maccan, in extending congratulations and best wishes for his future success, both in the boxing ring and on the rifle range. 

May 8, 1941 – Will Organize Nursing Class

     A home nursing class will commence in All Saints Hospital, on Thursday afternoon, May 15th, according to an announcement made at the Hospital this week. Classes will be conducted by Graduate Nurses, and those taking part will be required to pass certain examinations before being recognized as qualified. 

     The introduction of these classes follow a meeting called in Amherst Monday by the Cumberland Nurses Association and attended by members of the Red Cross, Mrs. H.T.S. Gornall, representing the Springhill branch. Sisters Anna and Thelma were also present.  At this meeting, Col. Mingo, of Halifax, urged the training of Nurses Auxiliary Groups under the St. John Ambulance Corps. For war emergencies.  Under this plan it was thought that many women could be organized and trained for useful service should the horrors of war reach Canadian towns and cities. 

     The plan calls for the supplying of beds, cots, linen, surgical supplies, tea, coffee, sugar, etc. which will be ready for all emergencies.  A special Housekeepers Section will be organized for cooking and laundry work.  Truck drivers will be organized for emergencies and stretcher-bearers trained to co-operate.

     Other Canadian towns and cities have already completed such plans and Springhill would do well to be prepared. 

     In the meantime, those who wish to join the Home Nursing Classes should communicate direct with the hospital.