HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2012-11-08, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012.Blyth man serves in two World Wars, elected reeve
By Brock Vodden
George McNall is one of the few
Blyth residents who served in both
World Wars. He is also remembered
as one of Blyth’s most colourful and
longest serving municipal politicians
and public officials. George was a
person of seemingly boundless
energy, a quick wit, an engaging
conversationalist, and a constant
advocate for the village of Blyth.
In time of two World Wars,
William George McNall served
Canada with distinction. In time of
peace, he served the community of
Blyth and area with distinction as
well. In both war and peace he went
far beyond the normal call of duty.
George signed up for military
service as a private in World War I in
September of 1915 and was assigned
to the British Columbia Regiment,
72nd Battalion. He fought in the
trenches in Europe. In April of 1918,
Private McNall performed a series of
courageous tactical actions. He
personally reconnoitred the enemy
position and found a gap in their
line. He and a comrade led their
group into the enemy trench where
he eliminated several enemy soldiers
and rescued a comrade who was
engaged in hand-to-hand combat
with an enemy. Later, George
performed a rear guard action,
keeping the enemy at bay while his
group were vacating the trench on
orders.
For these actions, he was awarded
the rarely granted Military Medal –
Deed of Action. The citation that
accompanied the medal describes in
graphic detail the selfless actions of
a man who put his life on the line for
the cause and for his friends. The
citation was issued under the
authority of the London Gazette No.
30830 dated Aug. 6, 1918.
When George returned from the
war, he became interested in local
politics and served on the Village of
Blyth Council for several terms.
Then in 1933 he was elected reeve.
He retained that position through
eight terms up to 1940. Thus he was
the third longest serving reeve of the
village. (In those days, all council
terms were for one year. Members of
council had to be elected or
acclaimed each December.)
Throughout his life, he was always
interested in youth, coaching and
managing Legion ball and hockey
teams. He was also an avid owner
and driver in the sulky horse racing
game.
In 1940, George McNall signed up
once again for military service as a
private in World War II. He served
his time in England, part of the time
as a dispatch rider. He rose to the
rank of Sergeant Major.
In 1944, he was granted an
extended leave and returned to
Canada and the village. A lengthy
interview was a front page feature in
the Blyth Standard of Feb. 2, 1944,
describing an enemy attack that took
place right in England. While
returning from manoeuvres, the
troops noticed three low flying
planes coming towards them. They
assumed they were friendly until
they noticed the German insignias
on the planes as they passed
overhead. The rear gunners in the
planes began to strafe the area as the
allied men dove for cover. As it
turned out no one was injured but the
ambulance that was accompanying
Extended service
Sgt. George McNall served for Canada in both World War I
and World War II. He served his time fighting in the
trenches in Europe in World War I and then as a dispatch
rider, right, in World War II. Upon returning to Blyth, McNall
became reeve of Blyth and served for eight one-year terms.
(Photos courtesy of Bernice Pierce)
Continued on page 22