The Heritage Corner, Springhill Record

November 11th, 2015

July 22, 1943 - Oxford Journal – Veteran Serving With Seven Sons

Springhill July 18 – Corp. Harvey Powell of the Veteran’s Guard, Fredericton, N.B., spent a leave at his home here recently.  He has two sons serving overseas; Harvey Jr. and Douglas, both in the Royal Canadian Artillery; also two sons William and John, serving in the R.C.O.C. in Halifax; Harold is in the Reserve Army and Hugh has just received his honorable discharge.  His oldest son, George, died in Charlottetown while in the service of his country, his wife being the first in Springhill to receive the Memorial Cross.

Springhill Men Missing

Springhill July 19 – Residents of the town have learned with regret that two members of the Royal Canadian Air Force from this community are reported as missing according to advice to their parents.  Those now reported as causalities are: Air Gunner Reginald Calder, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Calder, missing after air operations of July 8.

     Sergeant Murray Cottenden, navigator, son of Mr. & Mrs. James H. Cottenden, missing at the last of the week.  His wife and baby reside at Springhill.

     It was towards the last of June that Sergeant Cottenden was reported to have been one of the Canadian airmen who took part in a devastating raid at Wuppertal.  His father is a veteran of the First Great War and he has a brother Signalman Harry A. Cottenden.

Nov. 10, 1943 – Springhill to Observe Holiday

Springhill Nov. 7 – “Remembrance Day” will be observed here.  The stores which have been closed on Wednesdays, will be open all day next Wednesday, Nov. 10, and closed all day Thursday.

     The Canadian Legion will have their annual Remembrance Day Service at 2 p.m. and parade to the soldiers’ monument where a brief service will be held, followed by the main service in the Miners Hall.  The speaker will be Capt. Sheehy, Padre of the N.N.S.H. (Reserve).

Dec. 30, 1943 – Roy Vickery Killed in Italy

Springhill Dec. 27 – Word was received here today from official sources, giving the information that Pte. Roy Vickery was killed in action in Italy.  His wife, the former Freda Hayward, resides here.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vickery of Joggins, where some brothers and sisters live.  One brother, Senior Petty Officer, Graydon Vickery, is also on overseas duty with the R.C.N. and this year the brothers had a reunion overseas, their first meeting in five years.

Note – Pte. Vickery is well known in Oxford where he was employed several years ago with the Maritime Telephone Company.  His many friends regret to learn of his death.

Aug. 3, 1944 – Springhill Soldiers Die in France

Two Springhill soldiers have been killed in action with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.  They are Sergeant Carl Rector, who is a well-known amateur boxer, and Lieut. Jack Chandler, son of Major Archie Chandler of Springhill.

     Word was received in Springhill on Friday as to their death in Normandy, in recent action in which the N.N.S.H. took part.  Chandler enlisted in the ranks and was later recommended for his commission.  He is survived by his father, his wife, formerly Miss Charlotte Roney, one son and a daughter.

    Sgt. Carl Rector, who was also in Amherst with the North Novas, acted as boxing coach of the unit for some seasons at summer camp in Aldershot.  In earlier years he headed many Springhill boxing delegations that came to Amherst for amateur tournaments.  A fine sportsman, Sergeant Rector’s death will be the cause of wide regret.  He is survived by his wife and also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rector of Springhill.

Some Facts about Springhill Men and Women during the War

World War 1 – Springhill had the second largest percentage of men, per capita in Canada, to enlist.

Harry Danson was the first Canadian to be awarded a medal – the Distinguished Conduct Medal

76 men from Springhill lost their lives.

The War Memorial was erected on the corner of Main St. & Junction Road in 1929 to honor these men.

World War 11 – Springhill had the largest percentage of men and women from any Canadian town to enlist.

Tony Condy was the first Canadian to receive a medal – The British Empire Medal

Four men were taken prisoner during the war – they were: Murray Cottenden, Wes Fraser, Lloyd Roblee and Jack Russell.

Harry Ward was injured during the war and became a paraplegic.  He founded the Canadian Paraplegic Association

Bert Chapman and his mates were shot down over enemy territory in June 1944.  He was able to escape with the aid of the underground.

Dr. Harold L. Simpson and Harry Fox donated a Red Cross ambulance that was sent overseas

In 1944 a frigate was commissioned and named after the Town of Springhill

54 men lost their lives.

Korean War

During the Korean War three men from Springhill lost their lives. They were: Donald Spence, Ralph E. Turnbull and Harold C. Harrison.  Their names will be added to the War Memorial this year.