Those Who Remember
Royal Canadian Legion/MQP
Joint Project

Written by Gordon Num (1921-1996) ex 2/43rd Battalion several
weeks before his death on 10 July 1996. Gordon Num SX 15214 was
discharged with the rank of Corporal, having served continuously
with the AIF from 20 November 1941 to 23 January 1946 for a total
effective period of 1526 days including active service in Australia for
742 days and 639 days outside Australia (El Alamein, New Guinea,
Borneo). Gordon Num is buried at Norton Summit in a War grave,
beside his wife Joan who served in the WAAAF as a Telegraphist.
Recalling events that happened fifty years ago should be
difficult but a very lasting impression of the 2/43rd Infantry
Battalion involvement up in Borneo, and my part as a No.1 medium machine gunner
remains to this day a very lasting thing.

How did I ever get to Borneo? It all started from Townsville. I left Townsville
aboard the General Buckner , an American Liberty cargo boat. It was a hell boat,
troops packed below deck, tiered bunks, the heads being almost at the end of your
bunk (the heads being toilet [open] facilities). All had to be below deck by 4.30pm
each day. Jap subs and the Yanks were making sure no smoking rule [was] being
well observed. Yank service Military Police swinging their huge batons talking tough
to veteran fighters. Get below deck they would snarl, and of course in typical Yankee
voice threaten to hammer us into the deck. One day one of the Service Police
threatened an Aussie too much and the Aussie digger replied, touch me with that
waddie and I"ll bloody well hammer you into the deck like a tack! The American
was astonished. He replied in typical Yank voice God I don"t understand you
Aussies. Back home in the United States we have one Joe Louis [world heavyweight
boxer] # you Aussies seem to have thousands.

The journey finished at a place called Morotai. Morotai Island [in the Moluccas] was
to be our jumping off place for the assault on Borneo. Route marches, swimming, a
gradual toughening up took place for the coming battle. The day came when combat
troops were grouped to view a sand model of the assault target. Things were looking
up. Never before had we been briefed on what was ahead of us. The Brigadier, Mr
Porter, an ex fist fighter and excellent soldier, spoke of what could happen. The Japs
could tap the oil wells for instance and set the sea alight. Crocodiles lurking just
under the water. Something to this day I find very hard to take. Of course no mention
of the Japs. I guess they had to be expected.

The day came when LST (landing ship tanks) lined Morotai beach, embarking and
meeting the assault vessel that was to take us ashore; it was a Buffaloe, an amphibious
boat specially designed for the initial assault. Our destination was Labuan, a small
island containing an airstrip. We had to capture Labuan. Travelling towards Labuan
we were well covered by American destroyers and cruisers. Fighter aircraft and
bombers were pounding our target ahead.

Labuan Island ahead, wave one slipped into the ocean, then wave two at 10 seconds.
Me! I headed ashore reading a paperback novel. The crash of naval guns was
deafening and distracting. I had to stop reading. I was sitting up near the Yank taking
us ashore. I was making sure he was going to take us through the flames and sea.
Getting ashore was most important. Two live grenades hanging from webbing belt,
pistol (38) on my side, and Vickers medium machine [gun] ready for action. A silent
advice, no prisoners . The Japs had taken our 8th Division POWs and were giving
Ashore and straight into the port called Victoria. Amazingly I found myself
inspecting out a general store. All sorts of things were lined up in the store. I spied a
nice blue grey suit and did wonder of it would fit me. Amazingly it did. Taking off
my webbing gear I tried on the suit. Perfect fit. Oh dear. I couldn"t take it with me.
The very thing I wanted # never mind my luck. There and then I made up my mind to
quit the Army having been away now three times. I felt the Army could do without
me. Besides, a man"s luck can run out! Being a Returned Soldier suited me fine.
The campaign went on, the airstrip taken. I finished up the other side of Labuan on a
patrol. Coming back from that was a nightmare, our section leader either couldn"t
read a map or compass because eventually neck deep in a swamp with our own 25
pounders (guns) ranging on us was no joke. Still we got back somehow to our lines.
Next thing I was aboard a gun ship heading towards Borneo mainland. Up the Padas
River Borneo for eight miles, take up gun positions and wipe out any Japs as our rifle
companies moved forward. Orders came through, get back on the gunship and move
towards Beaufort. The town was the next objective.

It wasn"t long before we were all loaded up carrying the guns alongside the narrow
gauge rail tracks. Rubber plantations were the area"s production; sarong clad natives
tapping the trees for the latex. With the Rifle Company in the center we dug in the
guns for the night on the flank. It wasn"t long before dusk and darkness came, the
trees rearing up it was a black night, a faint lightness of the sky above the big trees.
Misty rain falling, I had the first 2 hours on sentry duty, an offsider with me to care
for the ammunition boxes which held 250 rounds of belted ammo in case [it] started
up. I half-loaded the Vickers, one round up the spout, it needed two for full firing
Misty rain, inky black, all quiet. Suddenly there was a snap. Someone or something
had stepped onto a fallen twig; I estimated it being about 30 odd yards away.
Carefully I loaded round no.2 in the gun and waited. Everything deadly quiet, next
thing about 10 minutes later above me loomed a dark shape. The Vickers gun crashed
into action. I thought then, everyone"s getting a shock now besides me . I had to be
careful with my ammo having no idea what size force it was trying to get through. A
box of belted ammo would only last 30 seconds. Training took over. Japs were
yelling and dying. Off came one of my belted grenades. At last I had the opportunity
to throw one. All night Japs were yelling, no.2 gun was firing crashing bursts. I even
threw my second grenade. My offsider mentioned duck down; I didn"t hear a
percussion Jap grenade being struck on the rail line.

Next morning I saw the results, bodies lying everywhere, the Jap who used the
grenade could not have thrown it because of dying, the top half of his body blown to
The outcome of this night of nights we had all survived. The C.O. said well
done . I could have done with a leave pass!
 

9 November 2008

F22 344 497
Major F.A. Brennan
Operation Safari
(Khartoum, Sudan, Africa)
PO Box 5225 Station Forces
Belleville, Ontario, K8N 5W6

Dear Ms. Elaine Harris,

My name is Alex Brennan and I have two children attending your school: Paige Brennan in Madame Legge's Grade 5 class and James Brennan in Ms. Power's Kindergarten class. I happen to be an Alumnus of your school having graduated in 1983.  I am employed as a police Constable with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, but as a reservist I took a leave of absence to serve with the Canadian Forces in Southern Sudan.  As a serving member in the military I thought it would be appropriate to address this letter to the students of your school on this day, the eve of Remembrance Day.  I hope you may find time to perhaps read this during your ceremonies or even to post it on the school bulletin board.  It is my wish that the children remember not only the soldiers of the past, but that they also remember those that serve in the present. 

Not all that long ago I was a student in Mary Queen of Peace.  I recall that my school days lasted forever and that I would never see the end of classes.  I was an average student who listened to my teachers talk about the merit of education and what waited for me in the world.  Several teachers inspired me to have confidence in myself and to pay attention to the world I lived in.  As I continued school, it took me a while to figure out that education means everything.  It means a good career, a good social conscious and that with knowledge I could make a difference.  It just took me a while to figure this all out.  Some people learn it early, some people learn it latter in life, and others will never learn it.  I wanted to make a difference in the world.   

This is my third deployment with the United Nations.  Being in the military that means I gave up a lot when I deployed to some of the hardest locations on the planet.  I miss my family terribly.  I miss my job as a police officer and I miss being at home.  In personal terms it meant that I missed the 10^th birthday of my Daughter Paige.  I missed son James’ first bus ride to school. I missed Ryan’s first swimming lesson.   I have left my wife Paula to pick up the pieces and move forward with our family while I serve our nation abroad.  I have come to a nation where there is despair in every town and state. A land that believes it observes a glimmer of hope to overcome 20 years of warfare. I have asked myself along time ago how can I make a difference.  How can I change this?  I have learned that the answer is within each of us – service to others.  Some find it by volunteering in their community; I have found it by volunteering to serve with the military.

Despair. According to the Oxford dictionary: “• noun the complete loss or absence of hope. Verb lose or be without hope.”  The countries that our service men and women serve in are countries that have known only despair.  Many families become victims by those that prey on the vulnerable.  I am talking about armed groups that do not follow the law, those that prefer violence.  In some countries people are scared by fear.  Fear of: robbery, beatings, and being killed.  Those who stand up are killed so others may submit.  Those who cannot stand up for their rights are put down to live in despair.  I have walked among those who despair.  In fact they live all around me.  In Khartoum there are I.D.P.’s (internally displaced people).  I.D.P.s are refugees are refugees in their own country.  Many cannot go to school, because there is no school for them.  I see children who have amputations.  I see those who have become disfigured because of diseases like leprosy. They survive as street kids, because their parents have died in the wars.  These kids beg at traffic lights. They scrounge for food in garbage.  Their clothes are tattered rags.  In the countryside where I have flown to remote villages, I have seen those who are fighting off starvation.  For reasons that adults do not understand, some government spend money in other programs as opposed to in their citizens needs.  I have looked in the face of those who despair, and I represent hope.  Yes, we can make a difference. 

Hope. According to the Oxford dictionary: “Noun. 1. A feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen.  2. A person or thing that gives cause for hope. Verb. 1. Expect and want something to happen. 2. Intend if possible to do something.  Phrases: Hope against hope cling to a mere possibility. Hope springs eternal in the human breast proverb it is human nature to always find fresh cause for optimism. Not a (or some) hope informal no chance at all.”  Those men and women who serve in the Canadian Military offer hope abroad.  We represent to those who despair, that they can have a brighter tomorrow.  Our Military is a reflection of our nation.  We represent the best ideals that Canada stands for.  I have spoken with many Sudanese people who speak with buoyancy about the good that Canada represents in the world.  Our country is known for its generosity.  They wonder why we leave our homes and come so far away.  Come to be in their country.  When I speak with them I tell them that I came to help.  I cannot make much of a difference by myself, but by working with the United Nations I can help make a difference. I tell them that we help with getting the food convoys to the remote villages.  We help with looking at the villages with the greatest needs.  We help with getting resources to villages that are in despair.  By helping in this way we may contribute by developing water wells.  Water is one of the basics in life.  Not only do we install water wells, but also we teach them how to fix the wells. They learn how to use the water for crops. I can tell you with great pride about two Canadian Officers.  Furthermore, I can tell you of one who raised $10,000 through his family and friends to build a school in a village named Dilling.  I can tell you of another Canadian Officer who help build a school in a smaller village named Julud where they graduated a great eight class.  Perhaps you think this is not much, but maybe I can make it in a clearer.   It was the first Grade Eight class to graduate in that school in the last 20 years!  Hope – it is something that Canada expects its soldiers, sailors and airmen/airwomen to offer to those who despair.  Hope is the one part of the human soul that enables communities to overcome adversity.  Together with other nations, we can help the people of Sudan.  We can offer hope.

Service.  Oxford notes: “Noun. 1. The action or process of serving. 2 A period of employment with an organization. 3 An act of assistance. 4. A public department or organization run by the state. 5 (the services) the armed forces. Verb. 1. Provide a service or services for. Phrases: Be at someone’s service; be ready to assist someone whenever required. Be of service. Be available to assist someone.”    Our nations most valuable resource is not what is under the soil.  It is what lives on the soil.  That valuable resource is our young men and women who serve.  Some serve in their communities, some serve on a national basis and some serve internationally.  The members in Canada’s military serve at all three levels.  They serve in areas where most of our families and friends cannot understand or comprehend. One of my friends in the police department commented before I left, that I was crazy to come to Sudan where people die of violence. My response to him was how many of your friends say that you’re crazy being a police officer where you can be hurt or killed?  Our military members serve in places where fear preys on the weak.  We face fear head on so that others may have hope.  That same hope will enable those people to overcome despair. Those in our armed forces serve humanity.

Our war dead made a difference. Likewise those military members who have survived conflict have made a difference.  Our men and women in uniform who serve in Afghanistan and on United Nations Missions abroad have made a difference whether it is on at sea, in the air or on the land.  Today those who serve abroad, away from their families and children, continue to make a difference.  You just have to recognize the difference that was made. Just imagine a world where evil and violence was left unchallenged.  Look both ways, not just at the difference in a single persons contributions, but rather that as the contribution our nation has made as a whole.  That is why I serve, because I believe I have made a difference.  Our Armed Forces, past and present, have made a difference.

After Remembrance Day, your thoughts will turn to Christmas and the Holiday Season and the gifts you will receive.  The Holiday Season recognizes what it is to give a gift and to receive one.  As you grow into adulthood I ask that you remember that the greatest gift you can give is  - yourself. 

You can make a difference by volunteering.  Some will volunteer in local groups, some will volunteer in great organizations and others may volunteer in the Armed Forces.  Only you will decide what you want to do.

Never let anyone tell you that you cannot make a difference.  Yes you can.  What difference will you make?

Sincerely,

Alex Brennan
Major
Canadian Armed Forces
Khartoum, Sudan
Africa

Last night I attended a dinner in honour of our war vets - so very few left from those long ago wars in far away places. But as I watched those few, their faces ravaged by time and their tear-filled eyes heavy with memories of their fallen comrades and the horrors they had seen, I thought also of our new vets who will replace them - the young men and women who serve now in Afghanistan.

I watched my older son, so handsome and proud in his military dress uniform, stand and say grace. My heart was full - full of pride, full of fear! It took every ounce of discipline I had not to grab him in my arms and scream, "Oh God, please don't take my son!" I thought of the thousands and thousands of mothers over the decades, and again today, who have kissed and tightly held on to their sons and daughters who left for war - never knowing if they would ever hold them in their arms again.

Today, both my sons (one as a soldier and one as an RCMP officer) will proudly march in remembrance of our fallen soldiers. I am sure they will think not only of those who died so long ago but of their friends and comrades in Afghanistan, those going, and the 42 Canadian heroes we have already buried.

And so I will don my winter coat, put on my woolen mittens, stuff my pockets with tissues for the tears I know I'll shed, and stand proudly on the sidelines as I watch my son and his unit (the 56 Field Engineers) march through our small town and lovingly lay wreaths at our war memorial. And later, I will hug a soldier and thank him or her for the work they do for the people of Afghanistan and Canada. And as I hug that soldier, I will pray that next year he or she will be still here to hug again.

If you see our soldiers today, hug them long and hard in love and gratitude. Hold them even closer in your hearts and prayers until their mission ends. Tonight as you lay snugly in your bed, free from fear and oppression, free to protest if you choose, thank a soldier!

Barbara A. Lane

My family moved to the United States in 1965. Great life, long story....eventually I began my search for my Newfoundland family/heritage. After years of searching, I learned that my birth Mother had deceased. I did make contact with my Uncle through a third party and sadly this Uncle has chosen to not have any contact with me or share any additional family or heritage information.

Through my exhaustive internet searches I stumbled upon your beautiful website. Quite by chance I found a photo of my Grandfather, Cyril Noseworthy! Words cannot express the overwhelming joy I felt to finally see a photograph of a family member! Tears flowed and I feel more and more like a real person with a real heritage and a real place in history...for the first time in my life. I am proud to be from Newfoundland and hope to visit one day.

Thank you so much for taking the time to create and maintain this website.

Sincerely,
Jane Huett

Unfortunately, during the period of World War II, Both my father and mother lost a brother at sea: Willis Drover- May 18, 1941(H.M. Yacht Viva 2) and James Ashton Stone- December 19, 1941 (H.M.S. Stanley), so as you can see, this site is certainly a very personal one.  I will certainly locate my pictures of past Remembrance Day Ceremonies and send some that may be of interest to you.   You also may be interested in a couple of videotapes that I have of these ceremonies.  One videotape in particular shows the each Veteran as he places his poppy on the cross.  My father would often shed a tear as he looked at these, especially when he would come across a veteran who had passed away.  Once again, congratulations on a job well done!

Grace Crane

Hello Mr. Lane,  

My name is Maxine Churchill and now live in Ontario since 1999.   I love going into the internet to view pictures of home and saving them on my screen saver at work.  Many people view these and are amazed at the scenery and beauty of our great province.   This morning, before really getting down to the nitty gritty of the days business I was viewing your site "Those Who Remembered - Remembrance Day 2001 in St. John's.  My heart went to my throat  and my eyes filled as I saw a picture of our late father on page 2, photo number 2PB103497.JPG.    Our father's name was William Stone and served very proudly as a gunner and a Sergeant with the 59th Heavy Regiment, 22nd Battery from 1939 - 1945. He was born, grew up, married, and raise his family of 4 in St. John's. In his later years he moved to Mount Pearl. This proud gentleman, passed away in June of 2002 at the age of 82 years 3 months, and our beloved mother passed away in 2000. These pictures which you have on your site were to be the last which were taken of him at a Remembrance Day Parade.    I will proudly display them on my screen saver and try to print them off as I don't any of dad at any of the Remembrance Day Parades.   Pictures of our father, William Stone, which appear on your site are as follows:   PUB 103497 JPG - page 2 PUB 103536 JPG - page 4

PUB 103579 JPG - page 5 (far left, 2nd row head bowed) PUB 103615 JPG - page 7 PUB 103616 JPG - page 7 (left, standing with comrades)   Again, thank you so very much for this site and I hope many people will take the time to view it as they are so very important to our history and future, and to the proud men, women who served our country and families of those who served as well.   Sincerely,   Maxine Churchill 112 Silurian Drive Guelph, ON    N1E 7G1   Children of William Stone  Ronald Stone (Mount Pearl, NL) Carol Stone (Kilbride, NL) Maxine Churchill (Guelph, ON) Grace Crane (Kilbride, NL)          

Thank you

Maxine Churchill

Thanks for all your images celebrating the Year of the Veteran.  You inspired me to go out and take a few shots of my own (sorry I can't share any of them yet as I shoot film).  I'd heard on the news the day before Remembrance Day that the students at an elementary school had placed Canadian flags on 500 veterans' graves at the cemetery in my community (in Calgary).  I hadn't even known that there was a veterans' section at that cemetery (called the Field of Honor) and that there were 500 veterans laid to rest there!I used to be one of those people who would flip on the news on November 11 and think, 'Oh, just Remembrance Day ceremonies.'  I never knew any veterans or people in the military growing up (and still don't) but then I cycled across Canada in 2000 (an act that solidified my Canadianism) and visited a war cemetery in Holland in 2002 (rows upon rows upon rows of white crosses).  And no doubt 01/09/11 made us all more aware of what war is. 

I think it's great that as our World War II veterans leave us one by one that many of us are developing a greater appreciation for those who serve
(except for those unbelievable thieves who steal poppy boxes right off of retail counters!).
 
Have a good day,
Grace

I think your website is great. I saw it on TV the other day and
recognized one of the men (he is already identified) from when my father
stayed at the Veteran's Pavillion in St. John's. If you haven't
already, maybe the website creators could coordinate a visit to the
Pavillion - there are some fantastically interesting people there with a
lot to offer our young people. Keep up the great work - I hope this
effort is continued for many years and many generations to come.

My name is Alex Brennan. A friend sent me this photo and told me about
this web site. Cool.

I am a former student of MQP. I believe I graduated from MQP in 1980
after spending K-8 there. It was a good time. I now work in the Royal
Newfoundland Constabulary and I have been in the Royal Newfoundland
Regiment, (Army Reserve), for the last 15 years and I remain so today.
During my time in the army reserve I put myself through university and
traveled the world. I served two tours of duty, as a reservist, in
Cyprus in 1991 and in Yugoslavia in 1993. I was a platoon commander in
both tours and In 1993 I went into the Medak Pocket where Canadian
soldiers fought the biggest battle since Korea. We complied an ethnic
cleansing report and two day two Croatian Generals have been charged
with War crimes as a result of our action. Needless to say I am a very
proud Canadian and Newfoundlander.

If I can be of any more assistance please let me know. If you ever need
guest speaker, I would love to come back to my old Alma Mater.

Alex Brennan

Hi Mr. Lane,

I would like to commend you on your wonderful presentation on the
NTV news about the MQP web project on war veterans. Both you and our
son, David, did an excellent job presenting the details. A very
professional, informative, and interesting news item. You made our
school proud.
Thanks,
Irene Barry

I have to compliment you on the effort you are making to
put together a website, including photos and stories, about the provinces
war veterans. I'm from St. John's but now live in western Quebec, in the
Gatineau Hills, just outside Ottawa, where I work. Provided I get home from
work in time, I usually turn on the TV and watch the news, via satellite,
from St. John's. ( NTV ) Most days the news is pretty ordinary, but it
keeps me current with what's happening back home.

I was particularly interested yesterday after seeing students and teachers
from MQP being interviewed about the projects they were working on. I think you've touched on something that all the people in, and outside, the
province can relate to. The men and women of the province who have had to fight wars to keep us free will be very happy with what you are doing.

I regret, after looking at the photos you have listed, not being able to
provide you with any names or stories to go with the faces. I will however
keep checking into your site, just in case I do see someone I know. Should
that be the case, I will let you know straight away.

Please keep up the good work as Newfoundlanders just like you are watching with interest from across the country and beyond, via satellite and the world wide web.

I wish you success
Paul

GEORGE W. CAKE

Thanks. You have provided a very interesting service to the people of the
country. It certainly has given me some insight and I am sure the same
applies to others as well. I have told friend and family about the project.

Thanks
Patrick Hanlon

I would really like to thank you for doing this for me. My wife's family are going to be so proud and happy and we owe it all to you and your school. When it's finished if you don't mind can you drop me a line so I can send an e-mail to everyone and let them know.

Thank you again,

Sincerely,

Walter Yetman

This project is wonderful and the web site is such a great medium to present and collect information about the veterans. It is so very important that we do not forget their sacrifice and bravery - we have to let them know how truly grateful we are and that we will remember. God bless them all.

Thank you so much,
Sincerely,

Lori Rees