The Huron Expositor, 1984-11-07, Page 11REMEMBRANCE DAY THE HURON EXPOSITOR, NOVEMBER 7, 1984 — A11
FRANK PHILLIPS has spent 20 years Seaforth Legion. All such Items were owned
collecting World War 1 and 11 artifacts for the by Seaforth war veterans. (Wassink photo)
Ree
er
The Seaforth branch of the Royal
Canadian Legion has over 425 members.
There are eight World War 1 veterans still
alive and their average age is 80 and over.
There were 142 who took part in that war.
Since 1945, 214 members of the Seaforth
legion havedied. And of that number, 75
per cent were under 62 years of age. The
average age of a World War II veteran is 60
and over. Approximately 350 men and
women took part in that war.
There were 12 local men who were in the
Korean Conflict. Their average age is 50
and over.
We remember all who were involved in
the three wars this Sunday -- Remembrance
Day.
War collection one of the best
BY RON WASSINK
One of the best war memorabilia collec-
tions in western Ontario is on display at the
Seaforth Legion. The museum was started 20
years ago and it continues to grow.
The idea of collecting first and second
world war artifacts used by Seaforth and area
veterans was started by Frank Phillips. Mr.
Phillips is a veteran of World War ii and was a
tail gunner in a bomber aircraft. He flew on 15
missions over enemy territory.
The reason Mr. Phi11ipis'staiied collecting '
artifacts is that the two wars are part of the
history of Seaforth. And each of the more
than 2,000 artifacts were donated by local
veterans or their families.
"During the first war. veterans lost four to
five years of living in Seaforth. And the same
holds true for the second war. I started it
because 1 was interested in it. As a war
veteran, I was hearing stories told by all the
oldtimers (World War 1 vets). But there was
no history. And if something wasn't done. it
would all have been lost and forgotten.
"They say old soldiers never die. just fade
away. But they are forgotten," he says.
Sons and daughters of war veterans arc
now joining the Legion, And because of the
displays. they can see photos of their parents
and grandparents taken during the two world
wars. It's for this reason that younger
members can relate to the wars.
The collection, one of the best in western
Ontario, has virtually every piece of memora-
bilia relating to the two world wars. All that's
missing,is full scale models of ships, tanks.
jeeps and aircraft.
There are 22 mannequins displaying
uniforms worn by local veterans. There are
uniforms from the navy, air force and army
and a rare World War I uniform.
There's a display of artifacts made by
veterans who were in prisoner of war
camps --there's a painting on a scrap of
parachute material and a tie made from
pieces of a uniform, The flying helmet and
oxygen mask worn by Les Beattie, DFC
(distinguished flying cross), is on display. as
is the helmet worn by Father T.P. Hussey.
Other artifacts include diffused bombs and
artillery shells used in the first war and made
at Robert 'Bell Industries, in Seaforth.
Helmets, swords and over 30 sets of medals
are displayed in glass cases on the Legion
walls.
A unique collection is a display of German
artifacts. it includes two pistols. a helmet.
and rings displaying skull and cross bones. A
handful of wooden bullets reminds veterans
that Germany was running low on supplies to
make artillery.
Such bullets were made near the end of the
war, when the Germans were running out of
lead --wood was the alternative. And the
bullets shattered the morale of Canadian
soldiers, says Mr. Phillips.
"If such a shell hit you. it would shatter
inside your body in splinters."
There's also a sword in the display case. It
One of the
greatest
service clubs
(Continued from page Al 0/
they have been responsible for donations to
London's Veteran's Hospital, local schools,
girl guides, battered wives, homecare and
children's services, and sporting teams.
In the past they've conducted Children's
Christmas Concerts at the Legion, and
provided for shut-ins and veterans during the
Christmas season. They were the main force
in the formatioi) of a Senior Citizen's
organization.
'A lot of people don't think we get involved
toomuch in the community, but we do," said
Thelma Coombs, president of the Auxiliary.
"I think we're one of the greatest service
clubs in Canada."
was a victory sword to be used by the German
army whey they invaded England. it was
never used.
And the Legion continues to receive
donations. Last week, Mr. Phillips received a
set of medals from Jim Kelly. The medals
were from his uncle and father who were
veterans in the first world war.
Mr. Phillips cringes at the thought of the
number of medals that have been lost or sold
to collectors, "i don't like to see that happen.
I like to see tire medaf ptit on display,:;,v,-,t,,
The latest project f Mr. Phillips has
undertaken is to record photographs of war
veterans, So far, he has collected over 400
photos of Seaforth men and women in
uniform. The 20 album collection represents
only 125 veterans.
Approximately 100 photographs are still
needed to completet'the photo library. But
Mr. Phillips says he needs the help of the
public to provide such photographs.
Locally, 142 men and women were in World
War 1 -- 36 never returned. In the second war,
there were 350 men and women of whom 20
never returned. There were 12 in the Korean
Conflict and there were no casualties.
The photo library represents all these men
and women --all of who are part of the history
of, S th, says Mr.
The pptiblicis wel et(1 view the displays
at the Legiori as are fher`region members.
Bus loads have come from Elora, St. Marys,
Clinton, Thornhill and Wheatley to look at the
artifacts. And as a result, they and other
legions are starting their own collections.
GERMAN WAR MEMORABILIA Is display- include two revolers, a victory sword, wooden
ed In the lounge of the Seaforth Legion. Items bullets and a helmet. (Wassink photo)
THE ROYAL CANADIAN
LEGION
Branch 156 Seaforth
President — Jack Muir
NOVEMBER 11,
REMEMBER .. .
SEAFORTH
AUTOMOTIVE
58 Main Si. S.
527-0880
Owned Operated by
BRUCE WILBEE
fir. FAMILY
AT THE GOING
DOWN OP THE
SUN...
AND IN THE
MORNING WE SHALL
REMEMBER THEM .. .
SEAFORTH
MOTORS LIMiTED
Seaforth
527-1010
IN FLANDER'S FIELD,
THE POPPIES
GROW...
TREMEER COMMERCIAL PRINTERS
AND OFFICE SUPPLY
Seaforth
527-1640