Memories Uninvited: Guestbook Entries


First Name:
  Patrick Doran
URL :   drpatdoran@yahoo.com
Comments :   Hello, I was born and grew up in New Richmond. I believe you knew my parents, Tom and Isabel Doran. I have always been interested in history, and found your site from the GoGaspe link. I very much liked the story. Happy holidays, Pat
How did you find this site? :   GoGaspe website

First Name:
  Sandra
URL :   
Comments :   Very interesting story, so nice to hear from fellow Gaspesiens!
How did you find this site? :   GoGaspe.com

First Name:
  Bruce
URL :   http://www.gogaspe.com/index.shtml
Comments :   Well written Phil.. those were tough times. Thanks
How did you find this site? :   guest book in above site

First Name:
  Linda
URL :   k.graber@sasktel.net
Comments :   Hi, Im Francis Robertsons daughter and was very happy to discover your site on go.gaspe.com.
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  Kim
URL :   casa-gaspe.com
Comments :   Hi Phil, I was just wondering if we could put a link to this on the CASA website. You should definitely have a link on gogaspe.com too.
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  Dave Chaloux
URL :   
Comments :   This is a super recollection of a period so seldomely told to the youth of today. It confirms two things to me, soldiers have not changed and what is asked of them by their country never will.
How did you find this site? :   My father Bob informed me of it

First Name:
  jean cormier
URL :   
Comments :   
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  shannon lawlis
URL :   kanadyan1@yahoo.com
Comments :   
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  shannon
URL :   
Comments :   Yours was a moving recollection of your time over there. You told your story well. Shannon Lawlis (g-neice of Phillip Lawlis, gg-neice of William Best)
How did you find this site? :   searching new richmond

First Name:
  Ron Woodman
URL :   
Comments :   Really interesting. Thanks to men like you, my generation didnt have to go to war.
How did you find this site? :   My son

First Name:
  Bob
URL :   
Comments :   Phil,you mentioned than when you joined up a Billy Stewart went to the Air Force and died overseas.Could this be William Benjamin Stewart? If so,he was a Squadron Leader at 22 and was in 408 (RCAF) Squadron.He died on July 13th,1944 and is buried in Foren
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  Bob
URL :   
Comments :   Phil,even when we are talking while you are having your Sunday breakfast here,l am in awe as to how you and those Veterans of the Royal Rifles l have met,survived to tell us about Hong Kong.Like l have told you before,if you do not tell us,we will never K
How did you find this site? :   Surfing the net on the battle for Hong Kong

First Name:
  Bonnie
URL :   sec.bonnie@vif.com
Comments :   Hello, I am Bonnie Wagner (maiden name Bonnie Sommerville. My Dad Stanley Sommerville, and his brother David Sommerville served in Hong Kong, David Sommerville died in battle, my Dad spent his time in the POW camp. I am interested in speaking to anyone wh
How did you find this site? :   announced on TV Nov 11

First Name:
  Michael Palmer
URL :
Comments :   Well done Phil. I enjoyed the stories. You covered alot of material and it provided some insight as to what you guys went through in Hong Kong.
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  Randall
URL :   randall.budd@sympatico.ca
Comments :   Hi Phil, it was nice to see you in October. Mary Budd and I went over to your place for a chat. I just wanted to thank you for having us over. I would also like to thank you for being a veteran so we all can enjoy our freedom. I hope you project for Museu
How did you find this site? :   You gave it to me.

First Name:
  Mary Louise Zechner
URL :   
Comments :   I finally had a chance to see a picture of you =) very interested in your story best wishes Mary
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  Vincent
URL :   
Comments :   I am a Hong Kong born Canadian who is now working back in Hong Kong. I now walk the Hong Kong hills every weekend - Wong Nei Chong Gap, Obelisk Hill, Tai Tam Reservoir, Stanley etc. It is great to visit your site and learn about the high price Candaian pa
How did you find this site? :   google

First Name:
  Steve
URL :   www.ipsystems.com/powmia/SM-page.html
Comments :   I enjoyed reading your site.I wished that more Canadians were more aware of Canadas role at Hong Kong.My family members did not fight at Hong Kong but they fought in Italy, The Battle of the Atlantic and on DDay.Two were killed in Action.I believe that Ca
How did you find this site? :   HKVCA Member

First Name:
  Steve
URL :   www.ipsystems.com/powmia/SM-page.html
Comments :   I enjoyed reading your site.I wished that more Canadians were more aware of Canadas role at Hong Kong.My family members did not fight at Hong Kong but they fought in Italy, The Battle of the Atlantic and on DDay.Two were killed in Action.I believe that Ca
How did you find this site? :   HKVCA Member

First Name:
  Hazel
URL :   bcampbel@rogers.com
Comments :   Great reading writtern by such a great person. Enjoyed reading all of it.
How did you find this site? :   Mr. Doddridge

First Name:
  Gwen
URL :   
Comments :   
How did you find this site? :   My friend Gwen Laxton

First Name:
  France
URL :   
Comments :   Thank you for sharing history with others. It is extremly valuable to me to hear it in such a personal and honest point of view.
How did you find this site? :   Your invitation

First Name:
  Marita
URL :   dykhuis.lebel@sympatico.ca
Comments :   Mr. Doddridge, Sometime after I had left Seven Islands my mother told me you were a Hong Kong veteran. I have been interested ever since in the fate of all veterans of the war in Asia. Looking forward to seeing what my history/ chemistry teacher, school
How did you find this site? :   Beryl Hill

First Name:
  Karen
URL :   
Comments :   Wonderful site! As with so many of the survivors of the camps, my father, Lawrence Rattie, did not speak of the time he was overseas. Instead, he chose to enjoy life more than we will ever be able to understand. You, Mr. Doddridge, ere one of my fathers g
How did you find this site? :   the HKVCA site

First Name:
  Kim from Black Cape
URL :   
Comments :   As I write this, you are now on a cruise ship somewhere off the coast of Alaska? I hope that I got my dates right. Ive just signed in and am looking forward to a great read. So far so good...
How did you find this site? :   Nancy gave me the address!!!

First Name:
  Dennis
URL :   
Comments :   
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  PAULINE
URL :   creasep@etsb.qc.ca
Comments :   AS A DAUGHTER OF A HONK KONG VET (CLIFF ROYEA), I AM ENJOYING READING FROM YOUR SITE. I KNEW LIONEL HURD VERY WELL.
How did you find this site? :   JUST TYPED IN HONG KONG VETS

First Name:
  Sandra
URL :   babypaws@telusplanet.net
Comments :   Thanks for remembering Uncle Harry,and thanks for writing a book about your time there ,for there are voices who cannot tell their story. My Uncle was one of them. The remainder of his life was spent in a extendid care hospital until his death at 82. Than
How did you find this site? :   you found me

First Name:
  Sandra
URL :   babypaws
Comments :   
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  Judy Bemrose
URL :   judy.bemrose@ntlworld.com
Comments :   Thankyou Phil for sharing your experiences with us. My father never talked about this time, so for me it is all the more poiniant, as your experiences must have been similar; he was with the HKVD, but was taken to a prison camp somewhere off Japan.Thankyo
How did you find this site? :   Phil

First Name:
  Barry (HKVCA)
URL :   bcmitchell@shaw.ca
Comments :   Thanks for sharing, Phil. Your story is a valuable contribution to our history.
How did you find this site? :   Carol (HKVCA)

First Name:
  Carol
URL :   cahadley@hkvca.ca
Comments :   What a great site, Phil!! Well done! I am so happy that you have done this and wish that more of the men would also share the information that they have. It is so important to document our history to ensure our future. Will this site be in our next Natl n
How did you find this site? :   by accident from HongKongWarDiary.com

First Name:
  Colin
URL :   coljoy@videotron.ca
Comments :   
How did you find this site? :   from Phil

First Name:
  Carl,Jean
URL :   cenelson@colby.edu
Comments :   Wonderful read, great photos. We printed for easier reading! Best to you and thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
How did you find this site? :   Author

First Name:
  Debbie Adams
URL :   debbie.adams@essb.qc.ca
Comments :   I was asked to look up this site by two of your good friends from Oak Bay and Simcoe (Phyd and Joyce). I made a copy for them, but have been reading it myself. Very intersting and enjoyable!!!
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  Hal Geraghty
URL :   hgeraghty@cogeco.ca
Comments :   Hope you get many hits, because it is a great site! I have scanned the whole site once since I got it ten days ago and I am now back in for a more detailed look. Cousin Ollie Geraghty (Oak Bay) was kia during the battle.
How did you find this site? :   Had lunch with brother Elmo and Elmer Foran recently. Elmer sent me the information later.

First Name:
  Lorraine
URL :   llwilliams40@hotmail.com
Comments :   Hi Phil, Carlgave me your site and so thought Id check in and read a little history. Hope youre all fine. Cousin Lorraine
How did you find this site? :   Carl Nelson

First Name:
  Bert
URL :   bert_cyr@hotmail.com
Comments :   What a peice of work. Very good and congratulayions. Its realy like you.
How did you find this site? :   You gave it to me at the Fin Gourmet

First Name:
  Len Delaney
URL :   
Comments :   You have produced a great site for all to see. A tribute to the heros of Hong Kong.My brother Morris was Royal Rifles. In 1959 i had Brigadier Lawsons son ,John as my platoon commander,a great guy that ended up a Lt Colonel.We were RCR. Cheers, Len Delane
How did you find this site? :   Hazel Campbell

First Name:
  Kathleen Mann
URL :   eagle.ca
Comments :   I am so pleased to ge this ist hand report of what happened leading up to Christms day. I am having several copies made for HK men who dont have a computer. Thanks Phil for sending it to me.
How did you find this site? :   Phil sent me an e mail.

First Name:
  R.B.Barter
URL :   
Comments :   Great.
How did you find this site? :   With difficulty.

First Name:
  Brian Cormier
URL :   
Comments :   A wonderful and long awaited account from someone Ive known since my childhood....but as with he and many others I knew from the RRC....we the next generation knew better than to ask the questions. Thanks Phil
How did you find this site? :   from a friend

First Name:
  Pierre Cyr
URL :   
Comments :   I didnt read it all, but Im impressed. No wonder its so easy to be your friend
How did you find this site? :   Louise Dimock

First Name:
  Hawley
URL :   Dimock
Comments :   What a nice site... you must have put in lots of hours - I am impressed -Congratulations
How did you find this site? :   Hearsay

First Name:
  Jeff yam
URL :
Comments :   Thx for the experienced you tell us. Hope Peace Forever
How did you find this site? :   from Rob

First Name:
  Pauline Wilson
URL :   dave_pauline@sympatico.ca
Comments :   Hello! Campbell McBurney told us about your website. I live with Campbells brother David. He is not here now but will have a look at your website later. I just wanted to sign your guestbook for now. I will look thru your site later when David is home.
How did you find this site? :   Good Work!

First Name:
  Campbell
URL :   vcmcburney@sympatico.ca
Comments :   A detailed, warm and human experience. Tragic times in which inexperienced brave soldiers were placed in a desperate situation. This story needed telling and it makes wonderful read.
How did you find this site? :   

First Name:
  Vicki McBurney
URL :   
Comments :   Campbell & I are looking forward to reading all of your stories. Love to see you guys again! Regards to Edwina.
How did you find this site? :   Searched for the best story teller in the Gaspe!

First Name:
  Diane
URL :   Sawyer
Comments :   Phil, I worked with you for 15 years and never once did you discuss your army years. I look forward to reading your writing
How did you find this site? :   Nancy via Lynden

First Name:
  Lynden Bechervaise
URL :   lgbech@globetrotter.net
Comments :   Am so glad to see this work...Nancy told me about it when i met her in the NR Legion.. I passed the add on to Diane. You have always been one of my Heroes...
How did you find this site? :   
Comments :  My father, Weston Mann, served in D Company along with many others from our small community of Mann Settlement. They would have enjoyed reading your site.Most are now gone. The site is a great read.
How did you find this site? :  My cousin, Ian Mann, Dicks son, told me about it.

First Name:
  dominic
URL :  
Comments :  What a fantastic read. How proud we all should be of gentlemen such as yourselves who sacrificed so much. Thank you.
How did you find this site? :  Wikipedia

First Name:
  Ian Mann
URL :  ianmann@nbnet.nb.ca
Comments :  Hi Phil I met you on several occassions with my Dad, Dick Mann, at your reunions. I met your neice (Mary Coates) over the past weekend at a function where we discussed you and Dad. Cheers Ian
How did you find this site? :  Through mary Coates

First Name:
  Rodney Scott
URL :  
Comments :  I enjoyed the read, My grandfather was there too,you guys were strong.My mom told me of your site today .11/11/05.
How did you find this site? :  searched yahoo

First Name:
  J.R.Hardy
URL :  jhardy1@shaw.ca
Comments :  Thank you for the kind words about my Dad.Joseph Ralston Hardy
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  sarah doull
URL :  
Comments :  Lloyd Doull was my grandfather. he didnt like being called elsie, and i was told why but dont remember. he passed away in january.
How did you find this site? :  looking for link related to Lloyd C. Doull

First Name:
  shawn henderson
URL :  kellybelly_6_@hotmail .com
Comments :  did you know a riflemen named elzie henderson this is his grandson please email me
How did you find this site? :  web

First Name:
  Edward
URL :  eegrant@shaw.ca
Comments :  I would like to find out about a Wpg Rifle by the name of Chambers who was a POW and developed Lukiema. He stayed on the Reg Force in the Provost Corps and I served him in Camp Borden in the 1950s
How did you find this site? :  surfing Mil Sites

First Name:
  Bob
URL :  robertshawke@sympatico.ca
Comments :  As brother to the late Sgt. Bill Hawke I found your recollection of the Royal Rifles in Hong Kong very interesting - well done!
How did you find this site? :  Internet Hong Kong links

First Name:
  Jenny isabelle
URL :  memyco@rogers.com
Comments :  loved the story i suppose you would maybe know my grandparents they were tom and isabelle doran from new richmond and their sons were thomas , patrick and michael my father is thomas.. hope to hear from ya
How did you find this site? :  yahoo search

First Name:
  Cindy
URL :  
Comments :  I really was awe struck by what I have been reading. I also grew up in the Gaspe a small town, Cascapedia and also left at 18, so was not aware of the great people who lived and worked in our small town and area. We need to keep the memomry of the scracfi
How did you find this site? :  a co worker Chris Palmer

First Name:
  Jim Fleming
URL :  jfleming@cogeco.ca
Comments :  Remember me I was with you through all of this.
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  Marjorie
URL :  
Comments :  Marjorie and David Schryer Phil, I am so glad that you have done this. Keep it up!!!
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  Ron
URL :
Comments :  Phil, just went through your site again. It truly is a great story and so well told.
How did you find this site? :  Went directly

First Name:
  fraser
URL :  fmarston@mondenet.com
Comments :  I remember very clearly my mums cousin reciting lil Batiste as a kid growing up in Quebecs Eastern Townships near Danville. I found it funny then and it still tickles my funnybone now as I work with several Outawais francaphones near Ottawa. Thank You for
How did you find this site? :  google

First Name:
  fraser
URL :  fmarston@mondenet.com
Comments :  I remember very clearly my mums cousin reciting lil Batiste as a kid growing up in Quebecs Eastern Townships near Danville. I found it funny then and it still tickles my funnybone now as I work with several Outawais francaphones near Ottawa. Thank You for
How did you find this site? :  google

First Name:
  Mark
URL :  
Comments :  I was looking for information on my wifes late uncle (Lionel Hurd) who passed away 2 years ago and I found your site and mention of him. I look forward to reading your account of the Battle of Hong Kong.
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  Monika
URL :  
Comments :  Good day M. Phil Very nice, will give your site to my students.
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  louise
URL :  happya42@yahoo.ca
Comments :  just found your sight, guess we are related from away back. My mother was a daughter of Daniel Fairservice and Lizzie Fallow. Will try to get back to genealogy again in the winter time. L
How did you find this site? :  searching

First Name:
  Carrol McColm
URL :  
Comments :  Very heart rendering.These stories were never told at home. Thank you.
How did you find this site? :  form a friend,

First Name:
  Bill
URL :  bill@tottle250.freeserve.co.uk
Comments :  I am interested in the role the Canadian army played in the Battle of Hong Kong.
How did you find this site? :  Searched for Royal Canadian Rifles

First Name:
  George
URL :  ghlong@msn.com
Comments :  A fascinating account; I have been researching HK POWs for eight years seeking info on Edgar Baptiste, a Grenadier and yours is the fullest account I have read. I would very much appreciate having correspondence with you.
How did you find this site? :  looking for onfo on empress of australia

First Name:
  shelley
URL :  
Comments :  thank you for a nice article
How did you find this site? :  looking up on the web about john hoosha

First Name:
  simone
URL :  simonemalboeuf@sympatico.ca
Comments :  HI THERE my name is Simone Leblanc I sent you before the opening of the museum a cigarette case my 2 sisters were ther last week and they did not see it ??
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  ROLANDE
URL :  
Comments :  Hello Phil. My name is Rolande Leblanc from New Richmond,daughter of Charles Leblanc. Long life to the museum.
How did you find this site? :  In a weekly journal in Chaleurs.

First Name:
  simone
URL :  simone malboeuf@sympatico.ca
Comments :  HELLO Iam SIMONE WELL done phil.
How did you find this site? :  My sister Rolande gave it to me.

First Name:
  Phil
URL :  www.geocities.com/phil_doddridge
Comments :  Sara, you asked about Gander and the Dicken Medal. Please believe that the Dicken Medal was awarded in Ganders name at Ottawa, just as I described it in this web site.
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  sara
URL :  
Comments :  regarding Gander the newfoundland dog... Didnt an Eileen Elems receive the dicken medal on behalf of Gander in fredricton, NB in 2000?
How did you find this site? :  during a search on Gander

First Name:
  danno
URL :  bosthoon@yahoo.com
Comments :  with earlier
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  danno
URL :  
Comments :  Magnificent effort. Im from US Army of early 60s. As I age, I find myself reminicing over what might have been. Losses of young life in Korea, Vietnam, and more recent. I personally find that (with reluctance and almost tearfully) the sacrifices of me and
How did you find this site? :  googling malaya

First Name:
  ewanda
URL :  
Comments :  Thankyou for sharing your experiences with the world and i hope they will live on for the generations to come...you are an inspiration to us all
How did you find this site? :  google

First Name:
  Quin McWhirter
URL :  http://members.aol.com/quinmarti
Comments :  Phil, thank you so much for your visit to my website, and for identifying yourself as being a McWhirter descendant. I have enjoyed visiting the first few pages of your site and plan to spend time reading of your experiences. I wish you well and hope that
How did you find this site? :  You signed my guestbook

First Name:
  Michael
URL :  
Comments :  
How did you find this site? :  Google

First Name:
  Paul Currie-Mills
URL :  
Comments :  My mother, Ruth Watson, spoke often of those men who served in WWII from her generation. Speaking as a former U.S. Marine ... my sincerest respect is extended to you, and others from the Gaspe, who served so bravely in the defense of Hong Kong. Thank you!
How did you find this site? :  My sister.

First Name:
  Charlotte
URL :  
Comments :  Wonderful web site. Very interesting. My brother-in-law, (Harold Englehart) was a POW in Hong Kong. The Chesser boys, Ken and Charlie were my cousins. Being that they were all POWs makes it very interesting for us. We lived in New Richmond from 1965 to
How did you find this site? :  Michael Chesser told me about it.

First Name:
  Marilyn
URL :  mlyons@shoppersdrugmart.ca
Comments :  My sister sent me this website and I thought Id take a quick peak as I am at work. Was getting too involved and had to pull myself away. This is the kind of history Im interested in!!! Thanks for sharing and teaching. AND, thanks for bringing us to where
How did you find this site? :  My sister Caroline Lyons

First Name:
  Ian
URL :  
Comments :  Good website. thanks for puttiung it all together. My Dad was Sgt/CSM/RSM Harold Barlow Shepherd of the Royal Rifles of Canada. He passed away April 1994.
How did you find this site? :  Googled it up!

First Name:
  Brian Dea, Sydney, Australia
URL :  onedea@zip.com.au
Comments :  I very much enjoyed reading your HK story. Goldie Ramier from my hometown of Port Daniel also served as a prisoner in HK. I had never heard some of the real details. Now I have. Many thanks
How did you find this site? :  Gogaspe webpage

First Name:
  Betty (Lyons) Butler
URL :  
Comments :  Hi Phil, my brother Garnet sent me this site & I was so pleased to read it Henry& Jack is my first cousins & I also knew the Haley men to I was just a kid when the war was on I thank all those men& women who went to war for our Country we love them all &
How did you find this site? :  my brother sent it to me

First Name:
  Jeff yam
URL :  www.geocities.com/jeffyam/hongkong_war.htm
Comments :  Thx for the experienced you tell us. Hope Peace Forever
How did you find this site? :  from Rob

First Name:
  Pauline Wilson
URL :  dave_pauline@sympatico.ca
Comments :  Hello! Campbell McBurney told us about your website. I live with Campbells brother David. He is not here now but will have a look at your website later. I just wanted to sign your guestbook for now. I will look thru your site later when David is home.
How did you find this site? :  Good Work!

First Name:
  Campbell
URL :  vcmcburney@sympatico.ca
Comments :  A detailed, warm and human experience. Tragic times in which inexperienced brave soldiers were placed in a desperate situation. This story needed telling and it makes wonderful read.
How did you find this site? :  

First Name:
  Vicki McBurney
URL :  
Comments :  Campbell & I are looking forward to reading all of your stories. Love to see you guys again! Regards to Edwina.
How did you find this site? :  Searched for the best story teller in the Gaspe!

First Name:
  Diane
URL :  Sawyer
Comments :  Phil, I worked with you for 15 years and never once did you discuss your army years. I look forward to reading your writing
How did you find this site? :  Nancy via Lynden

First Name:
  Lynden Bechervaise
URL :  lgbech@globetrotter.net
Comments :  Am so glad to see this work...Nancy told me about it when i met her in the NR Legion.. I passed the add on to Diane. You have always been one of my Heroes...
How did you find this site? :