London South Collegiate Institute - Oracle Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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South's VV'ar Services Record War Services Committee EFORE 19-l1f19-12 school year, all war ser- vices activities were handled by the Literary Society. However, in 19-11, the school decided that a separate committee should be formed to take care of all war servicesin the school. The convenor of the committee throughout the war was Miss M. K. Macpherson. Through her work the XYar Services Committee in South Collegiate made a great contribution to the war effort. Others on the staff, Mrs. E. M. Pickett, Mr. IV. T. Armstrong and Mr. C. bl. Burns, also contributed time and energy in assisting with war services work. The student members of the 1Var Services Committee are as follows: 1941-42-Anna Vlfinslow, Betty Isaacs, Kath- ryn Fallis, Jack Byles, Bob Rowe. 1942-43-Kathryn Fallis, jean Muma, Doris Shirley, Barbara Conibear, Ron Keith, john Livingstone, Michael MacKenzie, Tom McLarty. 1943-44-Doris Shirley, Ruth Boyce, Joyce Jebson, Ruth Craig, Tom McLarty, Charlie McKerlie, Don Marshall, Albert jones. 1944-45-Ruth Craig, Betty Andrews, Mar- garet Macklin, Helen Turnbull, Lorna Vlfelling- ton, Tom Spettigue, Bob McKerlie, Charlie Moore, Ron Sprang, Brock Rachar. 1945-46-Lorna XVellington, Marion Mac- Vicar, Helen Forbes, Yvonne Richmond, Beverly Corlett, Brock Rachar, Jack Noble, jim Hodg- son, Gerald Robson, Owen Spettigue. Early in October of each year, you could feel something stirring in the air at South C. I. Before 9:00 A. M. and 1:30 P. M., boys were commandeered to carry in parcels from cars: girls were picking up and examining maple leaves on their way to school: students in room 24 were plying their brushes very intently: girls were knitting in every spare moment: committees were discussing every possible article for Christ- mas boxes. Then as the month advanced, acti- vities increased greatly. One night every week you would see twenty to thirty girls assembled in Room 25 and working very industriously for an hour or so. The result of their endeavours would be forty boxes packed. The following night Room 22 would be the scene of sealing, wrapping and addressing the parcels. When activities gradually became normal again you could feel a difference in the airy this time it was a feeling of deep satisfaction and pride over the accomplishment of a very worthwhile task. Our one hope was that the recipients of the boxes would know that their old school was always thinking of them. 18 Christmas Boxes In 1941, at Christmas, 124 boxes were sent to former members of the school, on active service. Throughout the following years of the war, the following numbers of boxes were shipped: 176 in 1942 270 in 1944 247 in 1943 76 in 1945 The total number over the war period exceeded 930 boxes, with the cost per box ranging from about 352.50 in 1941 to about 33.50 in 1945. The contents of the boxes can be divided into 3 classes, special, useful, and enjoyable articles. In each box was a greeting card painted by students of the Grade XII art classes, under the supervision of Miss B. lVIcCamus. Some con- tained a bright, waxed, maple leaf. Also in all the boxes was a pair of wool socks, hand-knitted by students, parents, women members of the staff, or kind friends of the school. Among the articles of greatest use to the boys were towels and face-cloths, which were sent as long as they were obtainable, soap in a box, when possible, shoe-laces, handkerchiefs, combs, and either shaving-cream or tooth paste. Included also were dry cells and razor blades, which were sent for one year only, and nail-files which were sent for two years. Among the enjoyable contents of the boxes were cigarettes, toffee and chocolate bars, or V3 lb. chocolates. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate or soup was included in every box. The Reader's Digest was sent in the boxes for two years. In 1941, girls made fudge in the cafeteria for the boxes and sealed it tightly in tin cans, to insure fresh- ness. In 1945, 1 lb. of fruit cake was sent in a similar manner. Biscuits, Krackley Nut, or Rice Krispies were used to fill in the gaps in the boxes so that they could be packed more tightly. ' Besides the boxes to the boys, there were special boxes prepared for the girls in the services. These contained cosmetics, Kleenex, towels, face-cloths and all useable articles from the general box. To those packing and packaging boxes, the school is indebted. Much was accomplished by the group of girls which worked with Mrs. E. M. Pickett, the group of boys which worked with Mr. C. J. Burns, and by Miss M. K. Mac- pherson who had the difficult task of procuring the contents of the boxes. This entailed frequent visits to many merchants to obtain scarce ar- ticles necessary to make the boxes complete. VVe do sincerely appreciate the kindness and consideration of the numerous merchants who depleted their stocks to some extent in providing us with articles in short supply. If they had not met our committee more than half-way, it would have been absolutely impossible for us to have packed any boxes after the first year.

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Sqdr. Ldr. John Cruickshank. This officer has completed many successful operations during which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty. Captain Owen D. Cousins, Bronze Star Medal. Citation-Owen D. Cousins, O-12852021 Cap- tain, Medical Administration Corps, Head- quarters 313th Medical Battalion. For meri- torious service in combat from 4 june, 1944, to 29 April, 1945, in Italy. As S-2 of the 313th Medical Battalion, Captain Cousins demonstra- ted unusual skill and outstanding efficiency in the performance of his duties. Captain Cousins coordinated the voluminous movements which were executed with a maximum of efficiency. He made continuous reconnaissance as liaison be- tween elements of the battalion, and kept the battalion headquarters and the various com- panies constantly informed as to the tactical and medical situation. He carried out his tasks with such enthusiasm and willingness that the officers and enlisted men, with whom he came into con- tact, were incited to maximum effort. By his tact, diplomacy and cool manner, he promoted the highest degree of cooperation with all the elements of the Division, Corps and Army. By his skilful planning of the training schedules he took much of the drudgery out cf training, and gained the whole-hearted cooperation of the company commanders and the praise of Division G-2. His loyalty, conscientious efforts and skill exemplify the highest traditions of the medical department. Major John Eric Bright Copy of letter received by lXIr. Bright Dear Mr. Bright:- It is with much pleasure that I write you on behalf of the Minister of National Defence and Members of the Army Council to congratulate you and the members of your family on the hon- our and distinction which has come to your son, Major john Eric Bright, through his appoint- ment as an officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau trwith Swordsj, conferred by Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands, in recognition of dis- tinguished service in the cause of the Allies. Yours sincerely, E. G. VVeeks, Major-General, Adjutant-General V.--E. DA Y For sim long years we waited, lill Victory could be won. While country after country fell---wasted before the Hun. From bloody beach at Dunkirk. to India's Canal Strand Our gallant lads were manning the airs the seaklhe land. That we might live in safety, they held the for at bay Through countless hours of misery, until. at last-The Day When Freedom's flag waved proudly where free men slaves had been, And Freedom's bells pealed loudly above the joyful din. lVith cheers and tears all mingled, in gratitude we pause To pray for those who shed their blood to further F reedomis cause: To bring us glorious Victory all of them did their part, And built a shrine of memory in each Canadian heart. -RUTH PIRIE, XIIB. 17

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Prisoner of War Parcels Immediately on obtaining the addresses of prisoners of war, parcels containing books, games, pencils, pads of paper, and cigarettes were sent. We do not know how many of these were re- ceived overseas, but we hope that most of them were enjoyed by some allied prisoner. One parcel sent on February 15, 1945, was returned to the school in january of this year. Part of this parcel has since been forwarded to the graduate student upon his return to Canada. Parcels were sent to the following: Geoffrey Ellwood, Wfilfred Mitchell, Edgar Hoe, Barton Auld, john Gordon and Fred Le Reverend. By the time we learned that jack R. Xiieekes was a prisoner, the Government had requested that no more parcels be sent. We are glad to report that all of the afore- mentioned have returned safely to Canada. News Letter There were six News Letters sent from South Collegiate from 1940-45. They had names such as News from the Old School or South's Cheerful Chatter . Every ex-student in the services, overseas and at home, received a News Letter. These letters performed a valuable ser- vice in bridging the gap between the distant theatres of war and South Collegiate. No record was retained of the numbers of the first two letters that were sent out in December, 1940, and May, 1941. The following four years the letter was sent at Easter, in these numbers: 350 in 1942 600 in 1944 515 in 1943 650 in 1945 This shows that well over 2,000 letters were sent throughout the war years. The cost for the letters ranged from 8537.78 in 1940 to 31576.19 in 1945. The first issue of the News Letter was in typi- cal letter form. Other issues were printed and sent in lealiet form, which proved more satis- factory. Each letter contained articles on athletics, musical matinees, air cadets, social life, clubs and committees, and many trivial events en- deared to the hearts of South graduates. On the last page of each copy mailed to a stu- dent there was a personal message from a mem- ber of the teaching staff. The committees which arranged the letters were very capably advised by Miss B. M. Mc- Camus. Committees: 1942-joan Govan, Barbara Gilmore, Bob Hutchinson, Dick McElheran, Ray Reid. 1943-Kathryn Fallis, Mary Markham, Peter Rechnitzer, jack Reynolds, Dave Mason. 1944-Ruth Boyce, Margaret Macklin, Albert jones, Tom Willsie. 1945-Margaret Macklin, Jean Rollo, Tom Spettigue, Ron Mitchell, Keith Smillie. It is regretted that the names of the students who served on the News Letter Committee in 1940 and 1941 are not available. The committee members were very grateful for help offered by contributors of articles for the letters. Christmas Cards To all those of the school on service in Canada, school cards were sent annually from 1941e44 at Christmas. Each card was accompanied by a personal greeting from a member of the staff. The following number of cards were Sent: 259 in 1941 320 in 1943 247 in 1942 335 in 1944 The total was over 1,160 cards. The school did appreciate very much the many greetings received from members of the forces and also the notes in acknowledgment of these cards. Letters From Services It was always a very great pleasure to the staff and students to receive the many letters of appreciation from the boys and girls in the forces. Many of the letters were read in the auditorium to the great delight of the student body. just to prove the point here are a few extracts from some of the letters picked at ran- dom from the large numbers received over the years: 1. IQEN FARQUIIAR, R.C.A.F. It was a great pleasure to read your cheery note and Season's Greeting card. I always enjoy receiving letters from the staff at South . 2. K. S. hlCARTl1UR, Canadian Army. I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the delightful Christmas box which arrived yesterday. It was a very pleasant surprise . 3. REID WARING, R.C.N. I certainly was pleased when I received the lovely identification disc from the school. South has worked hard to care for the ex-students in the service, and I can assure you that no school has ever equalled it and never will. 4. Nursing Sister EDNA WAUGH. A lovely parcel arrived for me in yesterday's mail from my old 'Alma lXIater'. It was cer- tainly a treat to be remembered by you. Every- thing in this parcel is useful and greatly needed, I can assure you . 5. DoN BALDNVIN, Canadian Army. I am writing a note to let you know that I received the Christmas parcel from the school yesterday and thanks a million to every one of the students. My surprise at receiving it was outdone only by the pleasure it gave me to think that South still remembered me, even after all these years away from the school and London. I think it was most thoughtful and it will cer- tainly go a long way to make my Christmas over here a lot more like Christmas day rather than just December 25 . 6. WILF. LAVOIE, R.C.A.S.C. ' Many thanks for the fine Christmas parcel. You can rest assured that we boys, former stu- dents of South, appreciate and will not forget your thoughtfulnessn. 19