HKVCA -Winter 2025 - Contents

WASURERU-NAI

"Never Forget"

National Newsletter of the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association

Winter 2025

President's Report

Do you ever wonder what the HKVCA does with your $20 annual membership fee? Well, let’s discuss that!

First, you should know that our activities are 100% volunteer. We do not pay the members of our Board of Directors or any of our various national and regional representatives. We occasionally use the services of contractors when we cannot do the work ourselves, for which we do pay, of course.

Here are the main things we spend your membership fees on:

  • Descriptive plaques (over 70 installed to date).
  • Gravestone marker discs.
  • Hosting of our web site.
  • Costs of research materials.
  • Development of educational materials.
  • Teleconferencing facility for monthly Board and regional meetings, committee meetings, and virtual events.
  • Costs to email our quarterly national newsletter and to print and mail paper copies.
  • Bank charges.
  • Rental of a Post Office box.
  • Printing and mailing of AGM documents.

The membership fees we receive barely cover our expenses (and in some years fall short), but thankfully we also receive some donations which we are very grateful for, and which help to close the gap.

You’ll be receiving your membership renewal reminder soon, and I hope you’ll pay your 2026 dues with a smile!

Revised Mission Statement

The purpose of our mission statement is to guide us in making decisions on how we best allocate our scarce time and resources. The Board of Directors recently revisited our mission statement to ensure that it continues to accurately reflect the aims of the HKVCA.

The result of our work was this revised statement:

Our mission is to honour the sacrifices and stories of the Canadian soldiers who served in the Defence of Hong Kong, and to preserve their legacy for future generations. We are committed to achieving this through heart-led actions such as: commemorative events, public storytelling via traditional and social media, the placement of commemorative plaques, and the creation and sponsorship of educational materials and initiatives.

The big change we’ve made is that although “education” is still a big part of our mission, we are shifting to an emphasis on “legacy”. This, as you will recall, was the theme of our recent event in Ottawa and we intend to continue in that vein. There are many ways to preserve the legacy of ‘C’ Force, education being only one, and some of the others are outlined in the new mission statement.

I welcome any comments you may have about our revised mission statement at president@hkvca.ca .

New Membership System

To make it as easy as possible for you to renew your membership, we are very pleased to be introducing an updated online membership system soon. The most significant advantage for you will be the ability to use a credit card or debit card to pay your dues and to make donations. We will also continue to accept e-transfers and, for a limited time only, cheques.

Please visit our updated Membership page to read about the upcoming changes.

2026 Activities

In keeping with our revised mission statement, we will be looking closely at how we communicate with you and the wider public to see how we might provide more effective, useful and timely information about the history and legacy of ‘C’ Force and the HKVCA’s activities.

We’ll begin this effort with an online survey which we will send to you early in the new year. I ask you to please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your feedback will be very helpful!

Letter from our King

Copy of letter received from the Personal Secretary to His Majesty, King Charles

Perhaps, like me, you are still basking in the glow of our wonderful 80th Anniversary reunion. To add to that, I was delighted to receive this letter a few days ago from the Personal Secretary to His Majesty, King Charles which, as the King requests, I am passing along to you!

In closing, as the cold weather is upon us and snow is falling in many parts of our beautiful country, I extend my warmest greetings to you and your family for this holiday season, and my wish for a happy and prosperous 2026!

We will remember them.

In Remembrance

John Norris

John NorrisJohn was a long-time member of HKVCA, living in California. Obituary


Tim Cook

The HKVCA is saddened to learn of the death of Tim Cook, Chief Historian and Director of Research at the Canadian War Museum. Tim’s dedicated research and passionate telling of the stories of Canada’s military history will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest condolences to Tim’s family and to his colleagues at the CWM.

From the Editor

Our Region Director for Atlantic Region, Bernard LeBlanc, alerted us to a YouTube video presentation by Tony Banham which is a “must watch” for anyone who wants to understand the larger strategic/political context of the Battle of Hong Kong.

(Copied from the presentation notes) Tony Banham is founder of the Hong Kong War Diary project, which studies and documents the 1941 defence of Hong Kong, the defenders, their families, and the fates of all until liberation.

Tony's books include, The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, Not The Slightest Chance, We Shall Suffer There.

He also edits a very active blog Hong Kong War Diary.

Well worth your time.

Missing a Newsletter?

Our online subscribers are reminded to check their “spam” folders from time to time. Notification of our current edition might be hiding there!

A War Story About Forgiveness

Jon Reid, son of Capt John Reid, RCAMC, has alerted us to a moving story involving his father's interaction with Masao Uwamori, the Japanese Commandant of the POW camp. Check out A REMEMBRANCE DAY STORY OF FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION. Highly recommended!

Projects

Dusty but Useful!

We have been given a document bundle courtesy of Carol Hadley. Barbara Andres has taken on the task of sifting through the papers to see what items should be digitized for publication on our website. More to follow. Thank you, Barbara!

Do you have some dusty documents that might be of value? Feel free to contact us at webmaster@hkvca.ca with the details.

How does one declutter ‘C’ Force memorabilia?

Identify the items related to ‘C’ Force and the Battle of Hong Kong. Find military museums near you or ones that specialize in the Battle of Hong Kong. Reach out to them. Museums can't take everything that we might deem important and just like storage is an issue for all of us, so too for museums.

Take photos and share these images with us via email “Contact us”. Or post on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HongKongVets

Plaques

Frequent readers will be familiar with Lillian Randall’s ongoing project that would see our plaques mounted in a variety of venues across Canada including Legions, Town Halls, and educational institutions. Lillian is one of our “behind the scenes” folks who does so much in support of our mission, but she needs help. Currently her emphasis is on alerting service organizations in various towns and villages to the names of ‘C’ Force members who originated there. This has resulted in renewed local interest and spurred plaque installations or plans for installations in the new year. Due to the limitation of emails in spurring action, she has reached out asking our members to pay a visit to local venues where ‘C’ Force members were born or enrolled. Thank you, Lillian!

Want to help out, or suggest a venue? Drop us a line at: webmaster@hkvca.ca

We update our Plaques page periodically as installations happen, and of course you’ll read about them here in the newsletter.

Region Histories

Our National HKVCA website has a page called Our History. The page follows Our Roots from the beginning, the very reason we have a website in the FIRST place - the Hong Kong Veterans' Association.

In the beginning our task was to shadow our veterans within our individual regions. Our website continues to provide a repository of activities over the years. We encourage each of the HKVCA regions to send a few paragraphs regarding their regional history (timeline, events, people). Check out Ontario region’s story here - History of HKVCA Regions

Social Media

Since about the end of September 2025, our Facebook group - ​'Hong Kong Veteran's Tribute of Canada​' has been a private group. The administrators of the group had concerns that security was being compromised. The group is open for all to join, but the rules must be followed. Please tell your family and friends the easiest and quickest way to join our Facebook group is to answer ‘all’ the questions asked.

I hope you have ventured to YouTube to view 2 new videos shared with the HKVCA.

The first is produced by Riel Drury and Ryan Jim, through their company “Our Storytellers”. These 2 young men interviewed relatives of ‘C’ Force during the reunion in August, Ottawa. It is titled ‘Remembrance Day - The Families of Hong Kong Veterans’. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-3EXNVRQVA&t=18s

The second video is 20 minutes long and titled ‘From Canada to Hong Kong | A Remembrance Day Story’. Produced by Jason Au, it is appropriate for viewers of all ages. Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6jASjJjVY4&t=73

Gander Update

WOW!!! 2025 Has been a monumental year, to say the least.

After 7 years of working on my passion project, to tell Gander’s Story, I cannot say how excited I was to be given the honour to show the film and to give the presentations at the HKVCA Convention this past August. I was so moved to meet all the family members at the convention, to hear their stories about their Fathers, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.

I had read many of the diaries written to tell their stories.

After returning home from the convention, I was contacted by the Royal Canadian Legion of Gander, Newfoundland, to bring my presentation to their community, to celebrate Remembrance Day.

Being a US Army Vietnam Veteran, who was a Company Clerk, one of my more important duties was typing letters to families informing them that their Son, Brother or Father was not coming home vertically. After learning of SGT Gander’s story and the Battle of Hong Kong I had the same feeling I did as when I was writing those letters. I truly feel this IS a story that NEEDS to be told.

Since I was going to Newfoundland, I asked the RCL of St John’s if there would be interest in their community for me to show the film and give my presentation.

I gave 11 presentations in 8 days at Museums, RCL Halls, 3 High Schools, an Elementary School, a Nursing Home and a Movie Theater. It was very exhausting, but it was very exhilarating to say the least. I had my presentation filmed by the local Rogers TV station and was on the CBC Good Morning Gander show, along with an article on the CBC TV show “Here and Now”, aired on Oct 17th after I returned home.

Bear with the statue of Gander

Bear with the statue of Gander. Click for larger view.

On November 11th I was honoured to lay SGT Gander’s Wreath at the Gander Community Cenotaph and followed that by laying the Wreath at the feet of the SGT Gander Statue in Heritage Park.

Overall, my visit to Newfoundland was heart warming and proved to be a positive trip to be able to tell SGT Gander’s story along with the Battle of Hong Kong.

I also held a rehearsal presentation for my Church’s congregation and one after I returned home to the Mesquite Newfoundland Dog Club here in Phoenix Arizona.

My goal has always been to educate the world about Gander’s story and the soldiers of ‘C’ Force who dealt with the outcome of the Battle of Hong Kong.

I would like to take a moment to say thank you for all the support that I received from the HKVCA over the years of my research along with the numerous interviews. I was honored to have the support of the Veterans and their family members throughout my research.

I want it known that if any other communities would like me to give my presentation and show the film I would be honoured to “Bring my show to a community near you!”

Just email me at: dicksonbearje@hotmail.com

During this Remembrance Day period, I want to wish the entire HKVCA family a sincere “Thank You” to All Veterans for their sacrifice and service to help keep our Freedoms alive.

God Bless All and remember:

“This is a Story that Needs to be Told!”

Sam's Update

Sam Chiu

(Sam is a long-time contributor to HKVCA and has helped to flesh out the postal communications area of ‘C’ Force. For more info on his work, use our search tool.)

Canadian Stamp News article

Canadian Stamp News article. Click for larger view.

The weekend of Oct 18, I exhibited my ‘C’ Force at CANPEX national stamp show in London, ON. It won a Large Gold Medal (its 4th Large Gold) plus 4 other special awards. CSN or Canadian Stamp News reported this but made several errors as they got it confused with the Grand Award exhibit, which was also my exhibit. Then on the following Monday, on Oct 20, at the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada's Stamp Talks, I made a zoom presentation with a new presentation that I now use with a time-line approach to show my ‘C’ Force exhibit - collection. This was also reported on the front page of CSN (see photo), plus a full inside page.

Want to know more about the role postal resources played in ‘C’ Force? Visit Sam’s article Canada’s C-Force in Hong Kong on our Submissions Page, along with other articles.

BC Region Report

Vancouver Island

Once again on the island the great great grandchildren of Horace Gerry Gerrard, RCCS, continued their tradition of laying a Hong Kong Veterans wreath. Gerry was always proud of their involvement and this year they laid their wreath at the Langford cenotaph. Gerry's daughter Pat White accompanied grandchildren, Alistar, Asher and Tanner. Good on you all, you never disappoint!

 Gerry Gerrard's daughter Pat White accompanied grandchildren, 
				Alistar, Asher and Tanner.

Gerry Gerrard's daughter Pat White accompanied grandchildren, Alistar, Asher and Tanner. Click for larger view.

Further up island in Duncan I did the same with a very special WW2 veteran, 102 year old George Brewster, in attendance at the cenotaph. George recited In Flanders Field and the Act of Remembrance and returned to his seat with hearty applause from the appreciative crowd. Truly inspirational!

On the Mainland

Inspired by our well organized and successful August VJ Day convention and 80th Anniversary year Phil Mondor, son of Winnipeg Grenadier Paul Emile Mondor, decided to undertake a greater participation in Remembrance Day events. First up, on Saturday, November 8, National Aboriginal Remembrance Day, he attended the service hosted by the Squamish Nation to honour the service of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans. There were several presenters and about 50 wreath-layers at the Victory Square Cenotaph.

A few days later, the Remembrance Day service at the Vancouver Cenotaph in Victory Square was a well-attended event on a beautiful sunny day. This Cenotaph is one of the very few in Canada installed and managed by the local government rather than the Royal Canadian Legion. It is also one of the very few to have the changing of a Vigil Guard, contributing to the solemnity of the occasion.

This year the event had a new Director of Ceremonies, Mr. Doug Poitras, who also participated in the Saturday event. He wore the Métis sash, a symbol of unity and pride, representing the resilience and history of the Métis people. As in previous years there were 15 Official Wreaths and many Recognized Wreaths (the program lists 69).

Wreaths at the Chinatown Memorial Monument. (Photo courtesy of Phil Mondor)

Wreaths at the Chinatown Memorial Monument. (Photo courtesy of Phil Mondor). Click for larger view.

Shortly after placing a wreath on behalf of the HKVCA, Phil ambled over to the Chinatown Memorial Monument for the Chinatown Remembrance Day Ceremony which began at 12:30 pm. He then laid another wreath on our behalf at this memorial.

NB: The last three Chinese Canadian veterans died this year: Gordie Quan, Victor Wong, and Charlie Lee. They will be remembered.

We thank Phil for representing our organization with his thoughtful presence at these locations.

“No Stone Left Alone”

Mr. Edmund Wu laying a wreath at the 'No Stone Left Alone' ceremony

Mr. Edmund Wu laying a wreath at the 'No Stone Left Alone' ceremony. Click for larger view.

Across town at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Burnaby, Richard N. Liu from the St. John's Ambulance Service again invited HKVCA representative Mr. Edmund Wu to lay a wreath at their “No Stone Left Alone” ceremony.

This poignant observance sees that all veteran gravestones receive a poppy and a full colour party salute. As mentioned before in an earlier newsletter the grave site of our very own HK Veteran, Captain John Reid, was identified and honoured in this way.

By all accounts this ceremony has doubled in size and seemed to involve more active participants and observers alike. We thank Edmund for his willingness to represent our organization at this most moving and respectful event.

In consideration of the horrific events that occurred recently in Hong Kong I wanted to pass on this message I received from Richard N. Liu. in regard to their December 1st. Battle of Hong Kong Commemoration:

Hello Friends - just an update that we have confirmed the Consul General of Canada to Hong Kong will be attending the virtual commemoration at 6pm on Monday evening.

We will also have a minute of silence during the opening of the service for the recent tragedy as the death toll has risen to 146 including one firefighter. The Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade is also engaged with this incident. Our Reverend will be making Opening and Closing Prayers as we stand with our brothers and sisters in service.

Sincerely, Richard N. Liu, MstJ. Honorary Brigade President , St John Ambulance BC/Yukon.

Our BC region extends heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.

Legion 24 Plaque

It's not often that we have something to report from 850 kilometers east of Vancouver. Some astute work by our resident researcher Lillian Randall discovered that four Winnipeg Grenadiers had resided in the city of Cranbrook. Following up on this she sent an email inquiry to the Cranbrook Legion Br 24 executive to see if they would accept our plaque to commemorate these 'C' Force soldiers on this the 80th Anniversary of that campaign.

Cranbrook Wall Display

Cranbrook Wall Display (photo submitted by D McPhee). Click for larger view.

To our delight a positive response ensued, and a Legion 24 member volunteered to take on the installation ceremony. Debbie McPhee really stepped up as she admitted to knowing next to nothing about the Hong Kong story but was eager to take on the challenge and did a good job of it. She began with researching these men and compiling short but comprehensive summaries of their lives before and after the war. Then four individually framed bios of these Winnipeg Grenadiers were hung on both sides of our HKVCA plaque for all to admire (see photo above). The unveiling took place on Remembrance Day.

The four sons of Cranbrook featured next to the plaque are:

  • Pte Roland Ernest Dubé, WG. (1918–1999)
  • Pte Henry Esplin “Hank” Mayberry, RCOC. (1908–1985)
  • Pte Michael Melkowski, WG. (1910–1982)
  • Pte Cornelius “Cornie” Nickel, WG. (1921-2014)

We Will Remember Them

Debbie went above and beyond when she researched and contacted relatives who would want to be included in this celebration. As a result, eighteen relatives answered the call to be there in person and reminisce about their loved one.

In attendance:

Roland Dubé’s family:

Son Ray Dubé Sr. and Mrs. Dubé
Grandchildren: Mike Dubé, Kara Whitehead and her husband Lindsay Whitehead, Kim Dubé, and Ray Dubé Jr.
Great children: Brayden Dubé, Jaylin Dubé, Skylar Dubé, Hannah Whitehead, and Grace Whitehead
Henry ‘Hank’ Mayberry’s family:

Granddaughter Jenn Mayberry and Grandson Lovey Stewart
Cornelius ‘Cornie’ Nickel’s daughter Brenda Bosben
Michael Melkowski:

no immediate family found.

Some travelled quite a distance on sketchy wintry roads to be there. Good on you to everyone who showed up.

Roland Dubé's Family. (Photo submitted by D. McPhee)

Roland Dubé's Family. (Photo submitted by D. McPhee). Click for larger view.

The “Trickle Down” Effect

Have you heard about the HKVCA plaque trickledown effect? A reporter from the local newspaper wrote an article about the plaque and the tribute to the four Cranbrook Grenadiers. Someone who was familiar with the story and had visited Sai Wan cemetery read the article and contacted the Legion pointing out that a Swedish soldier named Swanson was also from the community. As it turns out Rifleman KWS Swanson, RRC, was indeed a casualty of the battle. So, Debbie will now complete her display with another fine tribute, this time to a young soldier who never returned to the beauty of his East Kootenay mountains.

A huge thank you to Debbie and a salute to all who helped make this happen.

So, I will wrap up another year by wishing you all the very best for a great Holiday Season and Good Health and Prosperity now and in the New Year.

Prairie Prose

Ottawa at the Wall with Bill Agerbak and Carol Hadley’s family wreath

Ottawa at the Wall with Bill Agerbak and Carol Hadley’s family wreath. Click for larger view.

I hope everyone is keeping well and preparing to celebrate the holidays. We in Winnipeg have been fortunate with the weather this fall but it seems that it will be changing soon. My apologies for not submitting a report in the Autumn edition of the newsletter but I felt it would just be another echo of the marvelous experience we all had who attended in Ottawa. It was such an honour to visit the wall and place wreaths and poppies by our families’ names. (see photo)

As the “kids” and other family members gathered in Ottawa, it was apparent that the scope of our mission statement has been changing. The Board has discussed this, and a revised mission statement has been developed.

We continue to hold our meetings in Smitty’s restaurant’s group room where Stan Lopata sets up the AV equipment for a Zoom meeting, and several members join us from Alberta and Manitoba. This will be even more handy for inclement weather. Anyone who wishes to attend virtually can contact me and I will send you the link.

King Charles III medal was presented to Kathie by Glenn Miller, 
				retired Veteran and Historian, at the Lethbridge Legion General 
				Stewart Branch #4 with family and friends in attendance.

Kathie with the King Charles III medal. Click for larger view.

Kathie Carlson received the King Charles III medal on August 30, 2025. The medal was presented by Glenn Miller, retired Veteran and Historian, at the Lethbridge Legion General Stewart Branch #4 with family and friends in attendance. Congratulations Kathie. It is a well-deserved honour and we are proud of your work.

In the Prairie Region our focus will be to continue to promote education in the schools using the new Teachers Guide for Indigenous Studies, which can be used in grade 5 and 11 courses. October 24 saw Prairie Region at the MSSTA SAGE conference for teachers where several hundred teachers saw our display and picked up a bookmark or copy of the Teachers Guide for Indigenous Studies. Thank you to Stan Lopata and Alex Taylor for looking after this.

We had a small VJ Day service on August 24th at Brookside cemetery in the Field of Honour with a reception at the Neil Bardal Centre. This was held especially for our approximately 40 members who were unable to go to Ottawa. There were representatives from other veteran associations, a piper and bugler, and several people laying wreaths. We are grateful to Eirik Bardal, grandson of Lt. Njall Bardal, who assists in making this happen.

In October, Allan Hadley and I went to Yorkton, SK to present a plaque and dedicate it to the several HK members from that community. President Brittany Johnson (see photo below) welcomed us and several members were in attendance for the dedications. The Legion in Yorkton (as do many towns in Manitoba) put banners of their veterans on the light poles around town - including WG Alvin Zaharychuk and Mike Bilyk (see photo below).

In early November we presented a soft, canvas plaque and a WG Honour Roll to the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg for future displays (see photo). I thanked them for the November 2024 display of Lt. Corrigan that was put together for the remembrance month of November with the hope that they will do another display featuring the HK vets.

We have had a request from the Red River Heritage Fair, May 2026 - the student symposium, asking us to sponsor a category for prizes and participation in the scavenger hunt. We will join the Fort Garry Horse for this event. Stan and Alex will set up the display and assist in the scavenger hunt. I will coordinate the certificates, gift cards, journals, and whatever items that the Fort Garry Horse will supply.

Stan will ensure that the HK flag is at the Legislature to be posted at the Cenotaph for the month of December.

Thank you to Barbara Andres who has been scanning documents for the website. A question was asked regarding their placement for the future. After discussion of a possible HKVCA museum to hold the many memorabilia items currently scattered around the province, we came up with some ideas which will be investigated.

Remembrance Day - November 7 - NETES’ 29th annual Indigenous Veterans ceremony. Allan and I attended and I laid our wreath.

On November 8 the National Indigenous Veterans Day was held in Lac du Bonnet, MB. Several of our members attended and Pam Heinrichs did a marvelous job as she told the story of the HK Vets. See her report below:

Pam Heinrichs received a thank you for the 
				presentation she did on the HK vets at the National Indigenous 
				Veterans Day service in Lac du Bonnet.

Pam Heinrichs received a thank you for the presentation she did on the HK vets at the National Indigenous Veterans Day service in Lac du Bonnet.Click for larger view.

Marleen Bell, Marilyn Gelinas, Stan Lopata, Alex Taylor, and I were honoured to represent the HKVCA at the Manitoba Métis Federation Indigenous Veterans’ Day ceremony on November 8, 2025, at the Royal Canadian Legion in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba.

It was a moving ceremony attended by approximately 80 people, with addresses by Shawn Nault, Minister of Red River Métis Veterans (MMF), other government dignitaries, community members, and me. I was honoured to be invited to participate in the ceremony, paying tribute to all veterans but on this day, particularly the 131 Indigenous veterans of ‘C’ Force. Minister Nault made note in his speech of attending the 80th anniversary of Ottawa, as well as commending the HKVCA for the outstanding work in honouring our veterans and connecting with their family members. Stan and Alex joined the Colour Party with our flags, and Marleen and I laid a wreath on behalf of HKVCA. Marilyn was to take part in the wreath laying but was unable to due to mobility issues – hats off to her though, for still attending the event and representing the HKVCA.

Stan and Alex

Alex and Stan. Click for larger view.

For those interested, the text of my speech is set out below, and/or the recording of the ceremony can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/live/uGBxn3chAqI?si=plGn3EFRPwGh2YvD or by searching “Manitoba Métis Federation Indigenous Veterans Day 2025” on YouTube. Photos of the event can be seen here:  Indigenous Veterans Day Lac Du Bonnet | Manitoba Métis Federation.

On November 11 at the RBC convention centre, Stephanie Mitchell and I laid the wreath. AJ Mitchell, Barry’s grandson, attended with us (see photo). Stan and Alex did the display and carried the Colours.

Wreath-laying at RBC convention centre.

Our Remembrance Day notice was submitted to the Free Press and it was published on November 10. This is something we have been doing since our association was created to continue a practice that the veterans had started.

As a member of the ANAVETS I am permitted to submit articles for their newsletter.  I have started to mention the events that the HKVCA are in as a bit of education for those who are unaware of us. For the December issue I have submitted Pam’s wonderful speech (with her permission and credit) to continue to inform people about the HK vets.

Barry Mitchell with his plaque of appreciation.

After our monthly meeting on November 13, I had the honour to present a plaque of appreciation to Barry Mitchell for his many years of service to the HKV in Manitoba and the HKVCA nationally and regionally. We were able to surprise him because this was organised by Kathie Carlson and the members before we began the zoom meeting (see photo).

Lillian is busy researching potential plaque sites and has given me several pages of KIA names to investigate and the possible communities/legions, etc. to approach for plaques.

Stan and Alex are going to contact the Officers of the Winnipeg Grenadiers cadets to see if there will be a Battle of Hong Kong parade.

We will not be having a meeting in December, but our dates have been reserved at the restaurant for 2026.

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy Peaceful new year.  Blessings to all.

Ontario Offerings

Barbara Cunningham Drew, Winston Cunningham CDC, had collected all her boxes of Hong Kong memorabilia before the celebration in Ottawa in August. Going through all the pictures and clippings that had been gathered by her family, she started the task of identifying men who were POWs in Hong Kong. Some pictures without names were a challenge. But it also started conversations with other Hong Kong descendants. Barbara and I talked for an hour and a half trying to put names on photos and to sort out the stories. It is going to require another gathering of people connected to Hong Kong. Lots to think about!

Susan Ewing, Kenneth Ewing RRC, was glad to have been to Ottawa for the 80th celebration. She was able to meet people she knew. And on Remembrance Day in Kemptville, with family, she said it was cold and everyone’s thoughts went to Ken’s time in Hong Kong.

Gloria Fortune, Herbert K. Fortune WG, described by her daughter Vicky, as spunky, turned 97 December 1st. The family met on the weekend and delivered slices of birthday cake on Monday. She seems to be doing OK according to Vicky.

Grace Thornton, Howard E. Thornton WG, continues her recovery from a fall earlier this summer. She explained that while feeling better physically her memory has been affected. 

Donna Drimmier, Victor Oliver Fehr RRC, watched Remembrance Day, coming from Mount Hope airport, and Peter Mansbridge’s story of his father’s wartime flying experiences. Donna has already started her Christmas card collection.

Barry Fair, John Grey Fair RRC, usually attends London’s Remembrance Day ceremony, but a bad cold kept him at home to watch the event from Ottawa on TV. Noting the different presentations Barry said made him think about changes in things like hymns, clothes, and lifestyles over the years.

Remembrance Day 2025 (Paris, Ontario)

Anne Foord

What an incredible honour to have two Great Grand Nephews of Winnipeg Grenadier H6113 Frank FOORD representing as Cenotaph Guards (Jack & Nicholas Foord) in Paris, Ontario on behalf of RCSCC 135 Admiral Nelles.

Descendants of Frank Foord, WG at Remembrance Day.

In 2025 these young men, along with their younger brother Kirk Foord, (representing NLCC 26 Admiral Landymore) were, with their Grandfather Robert Foord, (Nephew to Frank Foord, WG) able to honour the Hong Kong Veterans Association together on behalf of so many Canadians as a family crossing multiple generations, humbly able to celebrate one of our very own.

A once in a lifetime gift.

Quebec Region Report

Greetings everyone on this snowy day in Quebec.

Hope you all enjoyed a wonderful fall as 2025 is fast coming to a close.

This year has been a very busy year. Many activities marking the 80th Anniversary of the end of the war in the Far East took place in many areas. On a bitter cold day, members took the time to remember our fallen and lay wreaths or just to remember our fallen for the November 11 Remembrance Day Ceremonies.

We will remember them!

We are working on updating certain procedures in order to be more efficient in today’s world. At this time of year, we are looking forward to receiving membership renewals and we thank our Early Birds. Our widows and members will soon be contacted with Seasonal Wishes.

To all, Quebec Members are sending Best Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year 2026.

Take care, stay safe and healthy.

Atlantic Happenings

Hello from the Atlantic Region.

Bernard, laying a wreath at the local Legion

Hope all is well and that winter hasn't started yet in the western part of Canada. Both Andy Flanagan and I have been busy the past months doing presentations and laying of wreaths in honour of the HK veterans. Andy did a few presentations in Fredericton. The talk was based on Andy’s acclaimed book The Endless Battle, created in collaboration with UNB’s Military Heritage Program and Goose Lane Editions. The presentation includes artifacts, letters, and photographs that bring this history to life.  Andy Flanagan and Ruth Murgatroyd (granddaughter of William Joseph Hickie of the RRC) presented the Battle of HK and POWs experience. Author and historian Andy Flanagan presented The Endless Battle: The Fall of Hong Kong and Canadian POWs in Imperial Japan. 

Andy Flanagan's presentation.

On November 8, I did a talk and presentation on my father, Joseph Napoleon LeBlanc RRC and the Battle of Hong Kong at the local Legion for the Veterans' banquet.  Many knew my father but few knew that he was a POW in Japan and the suffering he and others endured during their captivity. The presentation was well received, and I was asked to do it again for a group of students. On Nov. 11, I laid a wreath to honour the Hong Kong Veterans, and my younger brother laid a wreath for the Korean War Veterans.

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Announcements

Dues are Due

Yes, it’s that time of year when we remind you that dues for 2026 are due soon. Visit: https://www.hkvca.ca/contacts.php for details.

Mailing Costs

As you know, mailing items these days is expensive! For some time now we’ve offered a cheaper, more immediate option, taking advantage of digital technology. If you indicate that you are happy with reading our newsletter online, you’ll receive your news faster and, in many cases, there will be more details for you to enjoy. It’s easy to change your preference - just let us know by emailing: editor@hkvca.ca and we’ll make it happen.

Photograph Submission Issues

Some submitted photos could not be used in this edition, or the published size on the page has been reduced. The main reason is that they have been downsized by email software or another application to the point where they are not suitable for print or online media.

If you wish to submit a photo, please ensure that a high quality copy is sent. Typically, a file size of at least 300K and a minimum width of 800px is needed.

Photos with no obvious relevance or which are out of focus will be rejected.

Detailed Guidelines

Want a Printed Copy of This Newsletter?

You have two choices:

  1. You can print a copy of this newsletter right from your browser (right-click and select "Print" in most browsers, or select from the menu). You may find that there are some layout issues, especially with photos.
  2. You can print an exact copy of the PDF version that was mailed out.

Note: there may be items in the online copy of the newsletter that are not included in the PDF version.