The Times Advocate, 2004-11-17, Page 1010 Exeter Times—Advocate Wednesday, November 17, 2004
A Great Canadian
overlooked
Dear Editor:
While I am an insulin-dependent diabetic, eternally
grateful to the indelible memory, medical research and
pioneering efforts of outstanding Canadians Sir
Frederick Banting, MD, and Dr. Charles Best, I am
equally inspired and forever filled with gratitude in
remembering the sterling qualities, indomitable char-
acter strengths, herculean war -time endeavours and
largely unsung and unappreciated achievements of
native Winnipeger Sir William "Intrepid" Stephenson
(1896-1989).
Often referred to as "The Quiet Canadian" or "Little
Bill," Stephenson was code-named "Intrepid" by war-
time British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as his
secret envoy in 1940 in charge of British Security Co-
ordination. He had his headquarters at several strate-
gic locations, including Number 10 Downing Street,
Bletchley Park, Rockefeller Centre, New York City,
Camp X and secret chambers in the basement of the
Hamilton Princess Hotel in Bermuda — the magnifi-
cent, low -profile island resort where Intrepid retired
circa 1969 and eventually died at the ripe
old age of 93 on Jan. 31, 1989.
Stephenson's death occurred virtually
50 years after he envisioned the global
menace of Adolph Hitler and Nazi Germany.
He saw his own Winnipeg childhood
steeped in the hobby -study status of teleg-
raphy and wireless communications har-
nessed to code -breaking as an evolved way to stop
the deadly peril of the madness and the mad -man who
was determined to conquer the world. He threw him-
self and so much of his material resources at this ulti-
mate mission, driving himself relentlessly into a victori-
ous, post-war state -of -exhaustion. He co-ordinated his
vast empire of contacts, connections, industrial clients,
captains of industry, Hollywood film legends, show
business personalities and heads of state and dug
deeply into his own deep pockets to fund and finance
many of these critical operations, without thought of
personal gain or recognition. Such was Intrepid's
integrity.
My conscience compels me to register this statement
of protest, extreme dismay and disappointment that
Stephenson is not on the current list of nominees to be
considered for the Greatest Canadian.
Without the subtle, superb co-ordination, dedication,
meticulous craftsmanship, relentless, exhausting
determination and clandestine efforts of Stephenson, I
doubt very much whether Britain and her significant
Allies, led by Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, would
have achieved ultimate victory over Nazi Germany, led
by Hitler.
With all due respect for certain well-known hockey
personalities on the list, I simply find it deplorable, dis-
heartening, bewildering and utterly mind-boggling that
this historical icon from Winnipeg has been so patently
ignored and overlooked.
Many scholarly dissertations, brilliant book volumes
and films have been produced about his Canadian
roots, personal sacrifices and enormous contributions
to freedom and liberty.
As I respectfully implore you to do your diligence and
exercise your position to ensure that the name of Sir
William "Intrepid" Stephenson is added to the short list
of distinguished Canadians to be considered worthy of
the title of Greatest Canadian, I would like to leave you
with this compelling anecdote. In 1946 when Churchill
met with King George VI at Buckingham Palace to
review and vet the war -time awards, military decora-
tions and lists of knighthoods proposed to be awarded
for exceptional bravery, courage and service during
the past six roller -coaster, nail-biting years of the
Second World War, when they reached the name of
William "Intrepid" Stephenson Churchill exclaimed,
"oh my dear king, this one is so dear to my heart."
HUGH HARPER, Zurich
Remembrance Day
activities well attended
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the R. E. Pooley Branch 167 of the Royal
Canadian Legion I would like to express our heartfelt
thanks and appreciation to all who took part in our
Remembrance Day activities and Poppy Drive.
This year we had a magnificent parade and
Remembrance services at both the cenotaph and in the
Trivett Memorial Church were well attended.
Remembering the sacrifices that were made
by our comrades is important to us all for
they gave us the freedom we have today.
Occasionally a fear is raised that as the events
of the past recede further into history, remem-
brance will have less meaning to future gener-
ations. The Legions, being the custodians of remem-
brance are acutely aware of this but we were heart-
ened to see our young people so eagerly participating
in Remembrance Day activities.
On Nov. 11, veterans of the Branch and members of
the Legion Ladies Auxiliary were invited to join the stu-
dents of the area in their celebration of Remembrance
Day. We visited the six schools in our area and were
pleased to be part of their celebration. The students
are to be commended on the creative and imaginative
ways they found to express their feelings of remem-
brance. They touched our hearts and we felt very
proud of them. If there were any doubts in our midst
that remembrance would become a thing of the past
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they were dispelled that day. We would like to thank
their teachers for the work they put into fostering
remembrance in the minds of their students for it is
their teaching and leadership that will ensure the torch
will be carried forward. Thank you teachers and stu-
dents. It was a privilege to be part of your celebration.
We would like to thank all who attended our
Remembrance Day banquet. This traditional event
takes place at the Branch each Nov. 11. This year our
guest speaker was a native of Exeter, Comrade Mrs.
Elizabeth Witmer MPP, Deputy Leader of the
Opposition. Comrade Witmer's speech was most inspir-
ing. Through the experiences of her family in the
Second World War, she related the horrors of war and
the hope for the enduring peace that we should all
aspire to Thank you Comrade Mrs Witmer, you gave
us much to think about.
We would like to thank the many merchants and
businesses who supported our Poppy Drive and the
Middlesex Huron 2923 Royal Canadian Army Cadet
Corps for their help. Their support is unfailing each
year and we would be lost without it.
Thank you to the Times -Advocate for the coverage
you give to Remembrance Day. Your coverage is
important hi making us aware of the very purpose of
Remembrance and you served us well.
RON HELM, President
R.E.Pooley Branch 167
The Royal Canadian Legion
Capsule Comments
by Ernie Miatello
Pressure ulcers often occur in chronically
bedridden patients. Real sheepskin has been
proven to reduce the risk of these ulcers. Real
sheepskin has a dense, high wool pie and holds
up well to multiple washings.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin found in peanuts,
avocados, chicken, liver and brown rice. Daily consumption of this
vitamin shouldn't exceed 200mg per day. Check the labels on your
supplements. Some "stress" formulas contain 10 times the amount
found in multivitamin formulas. Side effects of excess amounts can
cause nerve problems (tingling and numbness in the legs and
arms).
Deep breathing is very important for optimum brain functioning.
Even though the brain is only 2-3% of our body weight, it requires
20-25% of our oxygen intake.
Gas pains after an operation? Try chewing some sugarless gum
three times a day for about 45 minutes per time.
What do you do for minor cuts and scrapes? Just washing with soap
and water or rinsing the area with saline solution is best. After
cleansing, cover with a clean bandage and healing shouldn't be far
behind.
Huron Apothecary Ltd.
Phone 235-1982, PHARM
440 Main St. Exeter ASSIST
"YOUR HEALTH CARE PHARMACY"
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