Please click on a version of the Coverall which you would like to view.
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For our second straight issue students from Centennial High are
featured on our cover. This time however they are accompanied by a few of our veterans and some of our
members. The occasion was the annual PEP awards. Photos of the presentation of certificates to participants
are on the next page.
To some it may appear that we are doting a little too much on these
kids. We don’t think so. After all these are the young men and women on whom the futures of our children,
our grandchildren and ourselves will depend. These students, along with countless others like them across
the country, have taken time to study our history, to write essays and poems and to create posters paying
tribute to all those who have served this country in theatres of war and in peacekeeping missions throughout
the world. These are the young people on whom we rely to absorb the lessons of history, to learn from the
successes and to correct the failures.
Thanks to the many advancements in communications, science,
technology and almost every other field of endeavour they will inherit a world very different from the one we
grew up in. They will face new and daunting challenges. We owe it to them to provide all the support we can.
The day before this visit to Centennial High 91 steaks were cooked
at a Sunday Spring Fling at the branch. For a mere ten bucks members and their friends received a steak with
all the trimmings, after which they were able to sit back to listen and/or dance to the musical stylings of Gerry
Curotte, who incidentally will be back with us for our open house on July13th (See announcement on page
20) .
The first Saturday in May was an active one with a group watching
the Kentucky Derby on the big screen in the lounge and the Friday Night Dart League banquet going on in the
hall. (See Page 17)
Our annual golf tournament on June 1st went very well and was
followed by a banquet back at the branch. Thanks to Roma Zakaib we have a few photos of the party which
was well attended. (see Page 12).
Turnouts for the monthly Crib tournaments have been disappointing
but showed signs of picking up at the June event.
The Ladies Auxiliary held a Flea Market in June and it turned out to
be a great success as reported by the L.A. on page 8.
Frequently one will find unscheduled happenings at the branch. In
the last quarter there were a couple of birthday surprises (Page 20) along with a quickly planned tea party in
honour of the Queen’s 60th anniversary. An occasional visit to the branch check the bulletin boards or a visit
to our website to check the calendar for the latest updates will lessen the chance of missing some of the fun.
We would recommend dropping in for a coffee on a Friday morning (See Page 13)
Readers Digest facts about Canada
We Launched a Secret Project To Build an Aircraft Carrier Made From Ice
Patricia Lake, just a 10-minutes outside of Jasper AB, was the site
of 'Operation Habbakuk' a bizarre top-secret WWII military experiment. The 1943 mission was to build a 1-
to-50-scale prototype of an aircraft carrier using ice and sawdust. The site is now marked by a roadside
plaque and submerged monument.
One of Our Prime Ministers Used a Crystal Ball
William Lyon Mackenzie King (he’s the one on Canada’s $50 bill)
also tried to get advice from his dead mother at séances he held in his home. You can still see his crystal
ball in the library of Laurier House in Ottawa– now a National Historic Site
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First I want to thank our members for allowing me to represent them at the 44th Dominion Convention. It proved to be a rewarding experience. There was a lot more pomp and ceremony than we see at our Provincial conventions.
There was a very good turn out from across the country (approximately 1400) and from a few places such as England and the USA. The representation from Quebec was small - about 26 - but we all tried to do our part in representing our Branches.
The opening parade was very well done. Many Legions took part. With a variety of flags waving and bands playing the people of Halifax showed their appreciation by applauding and waving as we passed. The cadet corps in dress uniforms marched smartly, probably better than some of us, Ha ha,! After the parade the cadets paid tribute to the fallen and this Remembrance too was extremely well done.
The opening ceremony for the convention was very nice. School children from the area inscribed the names off the fallen on red paper poppies, cut them out and dropped them from the rafters as the last post and lament were played, very touching.
Many dignitaries spoke. For example James Whitham (Director General Canadian War Museum), Guy Parent (Veterans Ombudsman), Dominique Boulais (Deputy Secretary General Commonwealth War Graves Commission), Ray Kokkonen (National President Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association), Tim Laidler and Dr Marvin Westwood (Veterans Transition Program), Michael Maidment (Federal Government Relations Liaison Officer Salvation Army), Peter Nawrot (The Polish Veterans Association), George Beaulieu( First Vice President (Army Navy Air Force Veterans of Canada), General Walt Natynczk (chief of the Defence Staff), Tim Hoban (Immediate Past President RCMP Veterans Association), Charles Keliher (Bureau of Pension Advocates), Ron Griffis (National President Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping), Scott Briand (NS/NU Command Pilgrim), Brian Watkins (Canada) (RCESL), Captain Douglas Himmelman (The Company of Master Mariners of Canada.), all made speechesFirst I want to thank our members for allowing me to represent them at the
44th Dominion Convention. It proved to be a rewarding experience. There was a lot more pomp and ceremony
than we see at our Provincial conventions.
There was a very good turn out from across the country (approximately 1400) and from a few places such as England and the USA. The representation from Quebec was small - about 26 - but we all tried to do our part in representing our Branches.
The opening parade was very well done. Many Legions took part. With a variety of flags waving and bands playing the people of Halifax showed their appreciation by applauding and waving as we passed. The cadet corps in dress uniforms marched smartly, probably better than some of us, Ha ha,! After the parade the cadets paid tribute to the fallen and this Remembrance too was extremely well done.
The opening ceremony for the convention was very nice. School children from the area inscribed the names off the fallen on red paper poppies, cut them out and dropped them from the rafters as the last post and lament were played, very touching.
Many dignitaries spoke. For example James Whitham (Director General Canadian War Museum), Guy Parent (Veterans Ombudsman), Dominique Boulais (Deputy Secretary General Commonwealth War Graves Commission), Ray Kokkonen (National President Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association), Tim Laidler and Dr Marvin Westwood (Veterans Transition Program), Michael Maidment (Federal Government Relations Liaison Officer Salvation Army), Peter Nawrot (The Polish Veterans Association), George Beaulieu( First Vice President (Army Navy Air Force Veterans of Canada), General Walt Natynczk (chief of the Defence Staff), Tim Hoban (Immediate Past President RCMP Veterans Association), Charles Keliher (Bureau of Pension Advocates), Ron Griffis (National President Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping), Scott Briand (NS/NU Command Pilgrim), Brian Watkins (Canada) (RCESL), Captain Douglas Himmelman (The Company of Master Mariners of Canada.), all made speeches
Officers elected for the coming term were:
|
DOMINION PRESIDENT |
- Gord Moore (Ont.) |
DOMINION FIRST VICE |
- Tom Eagles (N.B.) |
DOMINION VICE PRESIDENTS |
- Peter Piper, Ed Pigeau, Flanagan |
DOMINION TREASURER |
- Mike Cook |
DOMINION CHAIRMAN |
- Tom Irvine |
In terms of policy no major decisions were made. There were a few minor
changes relating to the by-laws and poppies.
Summer months are here and so far the temperature has been excellent.
Let’s enjoy this short period of the year with our families and friends.
The ladies auxiliaries have hosted several events over the past months
and we would be pleased to continue to do so by catering your various activities. Please do not hesitate to
call on us.
Thank you for your support
Francine Cantwell,
President, ladies auxiliary
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D'abord, je tiens à remercier nos membres pour m'avoir permis de les représenter à la 44e convention du
Dominion. L’expérience a été enrichissante. Il y avait beaucoup plus de faste et de cérémonial que ce que
nous sommes habitués lors de nos conventions provinciales.
Il y avait un nombre important de représentants de partout à travers le Canada (environ 1400) et nous notions
aussi la présence de membres venant de quelques autres endroits, tels l'Angleterre et les États-Unis. La
représentation du Québec était faible - environ 26 - mais nous avons tous essayé de faire notre part pour
bien représenter nos filiales.
Le défilé d’ouverture a été très bien orchestré. Plusieurs légions y ont pris part. Avec une variété de
drapeaux qui flottaient et des corps de musiciens, les gens d’Halifax démontraient leur satisfaction en
applaudissant lors de notre passage. Les corps de cadets en uniformes de cérémonie marchaient bien, sans
doute mieux que certains d’entre nous Ha Ha !! Après la parade, les cadets ont rendu hommage aux morts et
cette cérémonie a aussi été extrêmement bien faite.
Les cérémonies d’ouverture de la convention étaient bien. Des écoliers des environs inscrivirent les noms
des morts sur des coquelicots coupés, faits de papier rouge, et les laissèrent tomber des poutres lorsque la
sonnerie aux morts et les lamentations jouèrent.... très touchant.
Plusieurs dignitaires s’adressèrent aux personnes présentes dont : James Whitham, directeur général du
musée canadien de la guerre, Guy Parent, ombudsman pour les vétérans, Dominique Boulais, secrétaire
général adjoint de la Commission des monuments de guerre du Commonwealth, Ray Kokkonen, président
national de l’Association canadienne des vétérans de guerre, Tim Laidler and Dr Marvin Westwood,
Programme de transition pour les vétérans, Michael Maidment, Officier de liaison pour le gouvernement
fédéral – Armée du salut, Peter Nawrot, Association des vétérans polonais, George Beaulieu, Premier-viceprésident
des vétérans du Canada pour l’armée, la marine et l’aviation, Général Walt Natynczk, chef d’état
major de la défense, Tim Hoban, président sortant de l’Association des vétérans de la police montée, Charles
Keliher, Bureau des défenseurs des pensions, Ron Griffis, président national, Association canadienne des
vétérans et des forces de maintien de la paix des Nations Unis, Scott Briand, NS/NU Pilgrim Command, Brian
Watkins (Canada) (RCESL), Capitaine Douglas Himmelman, Master Mariners of Canada.
Ci-dessous les officiers élus pour le prochain terme :
|
Président du Dominion |
- Gord Moore (Ont.) |
Premier vice-président |
- Tom Eagles (N.B.) |
Vice-présidents Dominion |
- Peter Piper, Ed Pigeau, Flanagan |
Trésorier du Dominion |
- Mike Cook |
Président |
- Tom Irvine |
Pour ce qui est des politiques, aucune décision important ne fut prise sinon quelques changements
mineurs concernant les règlements et les coquelicots.

Allez à la page 7
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On April 23rd several veterans and Branch 94 members
accompanied me to Centennial High School for the presentation of the PEP awards. In total 21
participation certificates, Provincial Command certificates and medals, and a couple of special
certificates were awarded.
Secretary Andrea Main acting on behalf of the Poppy
Committee presented Judith Elson with a ‘Certificate of Appreciation for her efforts over the last 10
years encouraging students to participate in the P.E.P. Contest.
And I had the pleasure of surprising our President Lew
Brown by presenting him with a certificate of appreciation we had received from Provincial Command
for our efforts in promoting this program.
 |
 |
President Lew Brown receiving the
certificate from Comrade Jack Gammon |
The Certificate |
Following the presentations President Lew Brown gave a
short speech in which he stressed the “Importance of Participation” and Past President Bruce
Robertson presented Winners with copies of our “Coverall” where they were featured on the cover.
President Lew Brown, Secretary Andrea Main and I visited
Ste. Anne’s Veterans Hospital in May to present a cheque for $7,500.00. The money was to be used
to purchase a Special Podiatric Chair to make it easier for Veterans needing special treatment on
their legs and feet.
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While we were there we
became the first Legion to receive a Special Plaque
because our branch was the first one to become part of
their “Be the One” program and first to donate over
$5,000.00 to the Foundation this year. |
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As Chairman of the Poppy Trust
Fund Committee it was with deep regret that I accepted Comrade
Shirley Miller’s resignation From the committee. She was both a
member and the Treasurer. She will greatly be missed for her hard
work and dedication making sure we had enough members to sell
Poppies at 6 locations as well being the Treasurer.
I would like to take this opportunity to
welcome Comrade Donna Demick who has graciously consented
to be the Treasurer for the Poppy Trust Fund Committee.
We will be making some changes in
the way the Poppy Campaign will function. To do this we will be
looking for new volunteers to make sure our Poppy Campaign will
continue to be successful. |
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Shirley Miller with Poppy
Chairman Jack Gammon
accepting the applause of her
peers for a job well done. |

L’été est arrivée et la température est excellent jusqu’à ce jour.
Profitons de cette courte période de l’année avec notre famille et nos amis.
Les dames auxiliaires ont offert le service de traiteur à plusieurs reprises durant les derniers mois et il nous
fera plaisir de vous servir à nouveau pour vos différentes occasions.
Veuillez ne pas hésiter de communiquer avec nous.
Merci pour votre support.
Francine Cantwell
Présidente, dames auxiliaires
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MEMBERSHIP
The executive and members would like to welcome aboard
Patricia Anderson initiated in May and Robin Dalton initiated in June. Thank you for joining the Ladies
Auxiliary. Any question concerning membership in the Ladies Auxiliary please contact Julia Shapcott
450-466-9361.
BINGO MAY 2ND
Every year on the
first Wednesday in May the Greenfield Park Girl Guides
sponsor a walk proceeds of which are donated to Breast
Cancer Action Montreal – an organization that is involved in
preventive programs. We believe it is important for us to join
with the young ladies in our community to raise money for
this program. This event always coincides with the L.A.
Bingo and proceeds from the Bingo are donated to B.C.A.M.
This year we were able to raise $825.00 – combination of
the Bingo profit and private donations. Our cheque was
presented to Andrea Strom Rancourt representing B.C.A.M.
at our June 20th General Meeting. To the ladies who walked
with the girls and the ladies who ran the Bingo
congratulations on a job well done. |
 |
Francine Cantwell presenting Breast Cancer
Action representative Andrea Strom-Rancourt
with a cheque for $825.00—profit from our
May2nd Bingo and private donations |
RAFFLE MAY 18TH
Each year the L.A. hold a raffle proceeds of which are used to
help defray the cost of the Veteran’s Picnic at Ste-Anne’s in August. This year we realized a profit of
$1028.00. Prize winners as follows:
1st Prize |
Andrea Main |
$100.00 Champlain Mall Gift Card |
2nd Prize |
Rejeanne Gieulmain |
$50.00 SAQ Gift Card |
3rd Prize |
Sheila Adams |
Wheelbarrow planter |
4th Prize |
Ray Bannister |
Blue Lavande Gift Box |
I would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to
George Levesque for his donation of the wheelbarrow planter and Ann Broden for her donation of the
Blue Lavande Gift Box.
The success of this event was due in large part to Monique
Lebel who did a stellar job selling tickets for this raffle. Thanks also to Doreen Langstaff and Bruce
Robertson for coming on board and selling tickets for us. Last but not least a great big thank you to all
the Legion members who unfailingly support us in all our endeavours.
Continued next page
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LADIES AUXILIARY
FLEA MARKET – JUNE 2ND
This year we tried something different
and held our spring Flea Market in June. Turned out
it was a great idea. Profit realized from this Flea
Market was $1,216.20. I would like to thank Ted and
Joan Hemming for cooking the breakfast, Pat Whyte
again for his fabulous baked beans, Patricia Dupus
for donating a painting for our raffle, Patricia
Anderson, Suzanne St. Martin, Celina Windsor for
the cakes for the Cake Walk, everyone who donated
baked goods, items for the L.A. table the people
who carried up all the items, helped us put away
after the event, all ladies of the Auxiliary who
worked so hard to make this event a success and
especially all the members of Branch 94 who came
out and supported us.
PICNIC AT STE. ANNE’S – SATURDAY AUGUST 4TH
On August 4th we will be making
our annual visit to Ste-Anne’s Hospital for the
picnic. As usual we will be roviding food,
entertainment, gifts and lots of smiles for the
veterans. The bus will leave the Branch at 10:00
a.m. returning at 3:00 p.m. The bus only holds 21
people. If you wish to participate in this event
please call Francine Cantwell at 450-465-7644.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday |
September 5 |
Bingo |
Wednesday |
September 19 |
L.A. General Meeting |
|
1960 Hits Renamed
Some of the artists of the 60's are revising their hits
with new lyrics to accommodate aging baby boomers
who can remember doing the "Limbo" as if it were
yesterday.
Bobby Darin ---
Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' A Flash
Herman's Hermits ---
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker
Ringo Starr ---
I Get By With A Little Help From Depends
The Bee Gees ---
How Can You Mend A Broken Hip?
Roberta Flack---
The First Time Ever I
Forgot Your Face
Johnny Nash ---
I Can't See Clearly Now
Paul Simon---
Fifty Ways To Lose Your Liver
The Commodores ---
Once, Twice, Three Times To The Bathroom
Procol Harem---
A Whiter Shade Of Hair
Leo Sayer ---
You Make Me Feel Like Napping
The Temptations ---
Papa's Got A Kidney Stone
Abba---
Denture Queen
Tony Orlando ---
Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall
Helen Reddy ---
I Am Woman; Hear Me Snore
Leslie Gore---
It's My Procedure, and I'll Cry If I Want To
And Last, but NOT least: Willie Nelson ---
On the Commode Again
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this is so cool...try it
ALZHEIMERS' EYE TEST
Count every "F" in the following text:
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH
THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS...
O.K.Think you’ve got em all?
Turn to Page 18 to find
out
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This article is included not so much for the truths it contains but because it triggered so many great memories - taking blue
ration tokens with the hole in the middle to the corner grocer to get a pound of butter for mom, or going to the general store
on the other corner where for a nickel you could browse the candy counter and fill a small brown bag full of goodies or
pick up a couple of Mel-o-rolls and a bottle of spruce beer so Dad could make ice-cream sodas on a hot sticky summer
night, the six block trek to elementary school and the adventures/troubles we got into along the way, and the many, many
other things that came to mind. Hopefully it will do the same for you.
Being GREEN
In line at the store the older woman was told by the cashier that she
should bring her own grocery bag because plastic bags were not good for the environment. The woman
apologized and explained that back in her day they didn’t have the “Green Thing”.
The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. The former generation
didn’t care enough to save the environment.” The clerk was right E.. That generation didn’t have the “Green
Thing” in its day.
Back then, milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles were retuned to the
store. The store sent them to the plant to be washed, sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles
over and over. So they really were recycled.
But the clerk was right the “Green Thing” didn’t exist back then.
Grocery stores bagged groceries in brown paper bags that were reused for numerous things. Besides being used as garbage bags they were cut and shaped to cover school books
to ensure that public property (the books were provided by the schools) were not defaced by scribblings. The
brown bags enabled students to personalize their books and return them in good shape at year end.
But too bad, the “Green Thing” didn’t exist then.
People walked up stairs because there wasn’t an escalator in every store
and building. They walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepowered machine to go two
blocks.
But the clerk was right the “Green Thing” didn’t exist back then.
Back then baby diapers were washed because the throwaway kind didn’t
exist. Cloths were dried on a line outdoors, not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts. Wind
and solar power really did dry the cloths. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers and sisters, not
always brand new clothing.
But the clerk was right the “Green Thing” didn’t exist back then.
Back then, there was one TV and one radio in the house—not a TV in
every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them), not a screen the
size of a football field. In the kitchen food was blended and stirred by hand because electric machines that
did everything didn’t exist. When a fragile item was packed for the mail, wadded up old newspapers were
used to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then no one fired up an engine and burned
gasoline just to cut the lawn they used push mowers that ran on human power. They exercised by working so
they didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills powered by electricity.
But the clerk was right the “Green Thing” didn’t exist back then.
When thirsty, people drank from a fountain instead of using a plastic bottle
or cup every time they wanted water. Pens were refilled with ink instead of buying new ones and razor
blades were replaced instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But the clerk was right The “Green Thing” didn’t exist back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to
school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. There was one electrical outlet in
each room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And a computerized gadget wasn’t
needed to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest
burger joint.
But isn’t it sad the current generation Laments how wasteful older folk
were just because they didn’t have the “Green Thing”back then?
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The Greenfield Park Coffee Club
A year ago we told
you that there was something new at
Branch 94 and welcomed to our midst
the Friday morning coffee club. What
had started out as a couple of guys
having coffee at a small coffee shop on
Victoria had grown to a point where the
coffee shop could no longer accommodate either the number or the volume because these guys ruminated on
everything from the latest developments on the world stage to happenings in The Park. There was also a
problem finding parking space for a growing number of vehicles so they decided to look for another place.
They approached the Legion and a solution was found. Since
moving into our lounge on Friday mornings the group has continued to grow and now meet every Friday
instead of every second Friday. It is not uncommon for 25 or more to show up. As seen in the photos there
are now ladies in the group. In fact one of the members expressed the hope that eventually enough ladies will
join so that two discussion groups will be active at the same time - the ladies in one corner and the men In
another.
The group maintains an open Facebook page which they say
is for current and former residents meet to reconnect, find out how the former sports teams are doing, post
pictures of current events and just enjoy. Each week you will find a posting something like the following:
This is an Official Black Gold and Texas Tea Invitation Yes the doors will open at the Greenfield Park Legion
11:00am Friday the 22nd of June So all me Mates RRRRRrrrr You ready to Join Captain Jim for your favorite
Libation on this beautiful... Sunny day with lots a wind in our sails and a tall tale or two to peak your interest and
something Cool to Wet Your Whistle
Not only have they helped prove, if proof was needed, that
the legion is a viable and energetic part of the community, they are becoming active members. Since last
summer we have initiated 9 of their members with 6 more about to join. In a classic case of putting the cart
before the horse one of their members who has for several years worked on the Poppy campaign was filing
his application on the morning I visited. One of the group - Don Ridewood - in one year after becoming a
member himself has recruited 14 members.
Friday mornings at 11:00 have really become a fun time at
the Legion - you need only to show up, buy a coffee and simply eavesdrop on the various topics being
discussed to discover that this really is a great group - open and welcoming. So, why wait, come on down one
Friday morning and see for yourself.

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Mail Online: Tuesday, Jun 26 2012
The new Battle of Burma: Find 20 buried Spitfires and
make them fly
• Historic planes buried in Second World War are to be shipped back to Britain after
their mystery locations were discovered
• War leaders did not want them to fall into foreign hands when they demobilised in
1945
• Hidden in crates at a depth of 4ft to 6ft the RAF then forgot where they were
By Kirsty Walker
PUBLISHED: 23:17 GMT, 13 April 2012 | UPDATED: 10:17 GMT, 14 April 2012
Twenty brand-new RAF Spitfires could soon reach for the sky
following a deal reached with Burma yesterday.
Experts believe they have discovered the locations of around
20 of the Second World War fighters buried at airfields around the country.
David Cameron has secured an agreement that they will be
returned to Britain.
Historians say the Spitfires were shipped out to Burma in the
summer of 1945, two weeks before atomic bombs were dropped on Japan which brought the war to a
sudden end.
The British campaign to push the Japanese out of Burma was
the longest and bloodiest of the war, beginning after the Japanese invaded in late 1941
Spitfires helped to support the Chindit special forces on the
ground – and proved a huge boost to morale. They played a crucial role in defeating the enemy and covering
the subsequent Allied advance through Burma, protecting the ground troops and providing vital supplies.
But the Mark II Spitfires in the secret haul never saw action.
Earl Mountbatten issued an order for them to be hidden in 1945 to prevent foreign forces from getting their
hands on them as the British army demobilised. The aircraft, straight from the production line, were buried in
crates at a depth of 4ft to 6ft to preserve them.
Their whereabouts became lost after the RAF struck off their
locations from their records.
But aviation enthusiasts, aided by experts from the Universityof Leeds and a Second World War veteran who witnessed their burial, believe they have now discovered
their locations using ground penetrating radar technology.
Downing Street said the Government wants to unearth the
aircraft and restore them to their former glory.
The condition of the cargo boxes and aircraft, whose wingsand body are buried separately, is unknown. But experts are hopeful that they are well preserved.
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A Downing Street source said that Mr Cameron had secured
an agreement from the Burmese president to help Britain excavate the aircraft in a joint heritage project.
The Spitfire is arguably the most important plane in the history
of aviation, playing a crucial role in the Second World War.
‘It is hoped this will be an opportunity to work with the reforming
Burmese government to uncover, restore and display these fighter planes and get them gracing the skies
of Britain once again,’ they said.
A FORMIDABLE FIGHTER
The Spitfire was built in greater numbers than any other
British aircraft and was the only fighter which remained in production throughout the war.
• In all, 20,351 were produced for the RAF during the Second World War, in 24 different versions, at a cost
of around £12,600 each.
• Of these, only 35 to 40 are now left in operation anywhere in the world.
• Experts say those found in Burma would be worth at least £1million each to collectors nowadays, such is
the rarity of the much-loved aircraft.

The Spitfire Mk II's were buried at airfields across Burma and a new deal could see them back in Britain

Spitfire pilots trudge through the mud at an advanced airbase in Burma after
returning from sorties against the Japanese
In an effort to see if there were any further developments on this story I typed “Spitfires buried in Burma” into my search engine.
The results provided many leads but basically it was the same story around the same date by most of the major British newspapers
along with Fox. In many of the items there were many leads to other stories on the spitfires and WWII.
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JULY 2012 |

There is little to report this quarter. Membership now stands at
455 and as mentioned elsewhere in this issue is growing thanks mainly to the Greenfield Park Friday Morning
Coffee Club whose members are not only joining, they are recruiting.
Unfortunately we keep getting reports of
former branch members passing on. In these last few months final respects were paid
Veteran Hilaire Leblanc who was a member until 2010, to Frank Reid who was very active in
the Park and supported the branch and Marion (Ma) Mains who had moved to Guelph and
was a member of the L.A. there. Marion was a member of our branch for many years. She
was President of our Ladies Auxiliary and nineteen years ago was the first person to work
on our senior lunches. |
Marion Mains |
July 1st. Is moving day for many. If you are
among those making a switch there is much to do, including “Change of Address”
notifications. Please don’t forget us—we’d like to keep you posted on all that’s happening in the branch.

Andre Leduc being initiated by
Francine Cantwell at our May 23rd
General Meeting. |
Initiated at the June General Meeting were from left to
right James Hynes, James Bird, Gail French and
Steve Hynesre . |



WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
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ROBERT (BOB) MARTINEAU
JOHN LORNE DEVLIN
HELEN McCARTHY
ROBERT SHEWAN
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SUMMER ISSUE |
Page # 17 |
JULY 2012 |
FRIDAY NIGHT DART LEAGUE WRAPS UP 2011/12 SEASON WITH AWARDS BANQUET
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SUMMER ISSUE |
Page # 18 |
JULY 2012 |
HOW MANY ?
WRONG, THERE ARE 6 --
no joke.
READ IT AGAIN !
Really, go Back and Try to find the
6 F's before looking at bottom of
page 19. |
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For LEGION LEAGUE
Monday Nights at 7
Starting Labour Day
September 3rd
at Champion Lanes
For information
Call Bruce Robertson
450-671-1108 |
International Picture of the Year.
Here are three very touching photos honoured this year.
First Place :
Todd Heisler, The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines
climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the
family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International
Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right
there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that
they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said. 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of
their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'
Second Place
Todd Heisler, The Rocky Mountain News

The night before the
burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to
leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the
last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she
opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she
wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she
said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted'
Continued next page

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SUMMER ISSUE |
Page # 19 |
JULY 2012 |
And the one that really tightens MY throat:
3rd Place – “Son, a grateful Nation……..”

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G.. I. and the Canadian Soldier
One died for your soul, the others for your freedom.
YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON, AS MANY SEEM TO FORGET BOTH OF THEM.

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SUMMER ISSUE |
Page # 20 |
JULY 2012 |
Bits and Pieces from Here and There
The last issue of the Coverall was the first to have the cover
printed in colour. It was special in that it honoured students from Centennial High School for their efforts in the
Legion’s PEP (Poetry, Essay and Poster) contest, and we wanted it to be exceptional. Thanks to Rick Cannon
of Copie Express at University and De Maissoneuve in Montreal we were able to do this and stay within our
budget. Rick has been helping us out for many years now by giving us a price break on the publication of the
Coverall. He is a true friend of our Legion.
In the April 14th, 2012 edition of the late lamented Greenfield
Park Blog John Riley reported that he found a couple of interesting items when reading the 1930 council
minutes. One of them was that from July 1 to Sept. 1 Patenaude Park (now Pierre Laporte Park) was used
almost every weekend by the Dominion Day Fete Committee and the Ex-Service Men’s Club (the precursor of
the Canadian Legion). The minutes mention both groups were allowed to use the wooden stalls that had be
constructed as well as the dance floor.
The L.A, BINGO on May 2nd realized a profit of $811.00. The
Ladies Auxiliary added a few dollars and made a cheque payable to BREAST CANCER ACTION MONTREAL
for $825.00.
Never know what’s likely to happen at the branch on any given
day. Jean Harrison expressed the thought that being a Legion branch we should not let the Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee pass without a hint of recognition whereupon she promptly organized something and a day or so later
- June 6th, to be precise - members gathered in the lounge to celebrate the occasion. They munched on
sandwiches, ate scones with cream and strawberries and drank tea out of fine china cups brought in for the
occasion. The afternoon concluded with a toast to the queen and the singing of God Save the Queen. Thanks
to Jean and the ladies who helped her prepare and serve the goodies.

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When Art Holden entered the lounge on Thursday
May 17th he was surprised to find it much more
crowded than is normal at mid afternoon. He was
greeted by many comrades and friends gathered to
help him celebrate his ninetieth birthday. There were
sandwiches, a large cake decorated specially for the
occasion and the lounge remained in full party mode
for several hours. A fitting tribute to a man who has
devoted many hours to the Legion and his
community.
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And another of our
stalwarts receives a birthday surprise.
Shirley Miller is feted by her riends in
the lounge. |
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SUMMER ISSUE |
Page # 21 |
JULY 2012 |
On May 26th our
President Lew Brown attended the
final parade of the 1979 Centennial
Cadet Corps and presented the
Legion Medal for Excellence
At the June General
meeting Ted Hemming acting on
behalf of the senior lunch group
presented a cheque for $2,390.00 to
branch president Lew Brown. This
brought the total for the year to
$4,390.00. During the year 1,390 lunches were served and seniors attending
the lunches took home 696 bowls of soup. A well deserved round of applause for Ted and his team followed
the presentation
For all of us there comes a time to step back; to renew or
refresh ourselves; find a new direction or just relax. Shirley Miller who serves in many capacities for both the
Legion and the L.A. and has for many years devoted many hours to the poppy campaigns, recruiting
canvassers, scheduling the teams to man the tables in various locations and being there at the end of each
day to collect and organize the boxes for the next one, has made such a decision. She has decided to
relinquish her position on the Poppy Trust Fund. Shirley has worked diligently on poppy campaigns for many
years and will be missed. She has served our branch well. Thank You very much Shirley! Oh yeah!, she has
already found something else to do! She was recently spotted sitting on our entrance path helping Naomi
weed the flower beds. .
SELLING MY STUFF IF I DIE
The older you are and the longer you’ve been married the funnier this is

One lazy Sunday morning the wife and I were quiet and thoughtful, sitting
around the breakfast table when I said to her unexpectedly, “When I die I want you to sell my stuff
immediately.”
Now why would you want me to do something like that?”, she asked.
“I figure a woman as fine as yourself would eventually remarry and I don’t want
some other idiot using my stuff.”
She looked at me intently and said, “What makes you think I’d marry another
idiot?”
And on that note we sign off.
HAVE A GOOD SUMMER !
IF YOU ARE IN TOWN COME ON DOWN AND JOIN US
ENJOY OUR DECK, ENJOY OUR COMPANY
WE’LL ENJOY YOURS!!
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Page # 23 |
JULY 2012 |
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Page # 24 |
JULY 2012 |
This edition of the Coverall is a copy of the printed version, which is initially posted at the branch and published by Bruce Robertson.
Minor changes have been made in layout and format to allow for web publication.
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