#meaford military camp

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"Scenes as Residents of St. Vincent and Sydenham Leave New Tank Range," Owen Sound Sun-Times. October 1, 1942. Page 6. --- The northern tips of St. Vincent and Syndenham Townships are today a new Canadian Army tank range. Rolling farm-lands which for years have been devoted to feeding Canadians are now serving another purpose, being used to train men to guard Canadians against the loss of those things they prize more than life itself. All residents of the area have now departed for their new homes. Here are scenes as the evacuation was in full swing. Upper left, Carol Jane McKee, aged 7, and Yvonne McKee, aged 9, 4 sit the steps of the Balaclava school, their books in their arms, as they any well to this school house. They are the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Russell McKee and will reside near Allenford. Top centre is a view of a Sydenham group, helping Mrs. Margaret Eagles pack her belongings into a truck for removal to her new home at Owen Sound. From left to right are Jimmie Lemon, Carewood White, Miss Katherine Lemon, M. Donald Lemon, Mrs. Margaret Eagles and Clifford King. Upper right is scene familiar in the district in the past few weeks, a truck-load of hay. Standing on the hood of the truck is Rae Bumstead, while at the left is the owner of the hay, John Cathrae, who is moving to a farm in Keppel Township. Lower left is sbown one of the warning signs erected along the boundaries of the area. The man on the right Josh Gammon of Hawkestone, Ont., who was directing William Briggs and Geedon Hedekinson of Meaford in the work of erecting barriers across the roadway. Lower right is a picture of S.S. No. 12, St. Vincent, closed because it stands four rods inside the tank area, although eleven of the school's fourteen pupils reside outside the area and will now have to go as far as five miles to St. John's school. Standing is the school door in the picture is George Moire, a member of the school board of S.S. No. 12 - Sun-Tunes Staff Photo

[esprit-de-corps-magazine]

Graduate joins Army Reserve following positive experience in Indigenous Summer Program

By Jeremiah Hemens, Imare Amine and Captain Nicolas Drescher-Brown, Army Public Affairs

Ottawa, Ontario – Private Jared Daschner is an accomplished graduate of Bold Eagle, one of four Indigenous Summer Programs run by the Canadian Army. He joined to honour his ancestors and become a role model to youth in his community – and found himself embarking on an exciting career with many options for his future.

Canadian Army expands opportunities for Indigenous people

In light of the success of graduates like Pte Daschner, the Canadian Army (CA)has created two new Indigenous Summer Programs (ISPs) – Carcajou and Grey Wolf. These new programs, led by the 2nd Canadian Division in Quebec and the 4th Canadian Division in Ontario, respectively, will run for the first time in the summer of 2019.

Existing programs:  Bold Eagle and Black Bear

Bold Eagle, which is the program from which Pte Daschner graduated, is the CA’s oldest and largest ISP to date. Created in 1990 and based at the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta, Bold Eagle welcomes Indigenous people from across Western Canada and Northwestern Ontario.

Black Bear, originating in 2008, is open to Indigenous people from across Canada and is based at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Gagetown, New Brunswick.

New Programs for 2019: Carcajou and Grey Wolf

The two new programs starting in 2019, Carcajou and Grey Wolf, will allow an even greater number of Indigenous people to take part in the experiences and training offered by the ISPs run by the Canadian Army.

Carcajou is open to Indigenous people from across Canada and is bilingual, with candidates training at 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier in Valcartier, Quebec.

Grey Wolf candidates are drawn from Ontario. Indigenous people living in Ontario within a commuting distance of approximately 75 kilometres from an Army Reserve unit can apply to the Grey Wolf program. Candidates train at 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, Ontario.

Military and Indigenous activities provide personal and professional growth

From July to August, candidates on the Bold Eagle, Black Bear, Carcajou and Grey Wolf programs take part in a six-week program that combines military training and Indigenous cultural teachings. They are given the opportunity to experience life in the military and benefit from new skills, as well as learn Indigenous values and traditions as taught by Indigenous Elders.

During the first week of the program, the candidates participate in a culture camp. There they learn valuable teachings about self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and respect, all part of shared Indigenous spiritual beliefs.

Then, they participate in the Army Reserve’s five-week Basic Military Qualification, where they learn various skills such as weapons handling, navigation with a map and compass, first aid, drill, as well as outdoor field craft and survival skills.

These programs develop personal and professional skills and prepare candidates for successful futures. The skills acquired throughout these six weeks are valuable tools that participants can later apply in their everyday lives and work experiences, whether that be in the Canadian Army or elsewhere.

Once registered in the programs, the candidates are automatically enrolled in the Canadian Army as part-time Reservists, earning approximately $4,200 in salary during their program.

Upon graduation, they can choose one of three options: continue serving part-time in the Army Reserve, become Canadian Rangers, or join the Regular Force full-time. They can also choose to release from the Canadian Armed Forces.

Meet Bold Eagle graduate Private Jared Daschner

“Joining the Canadian Army Reserve was always on my mind for years, but I finally convinced myself to join, and I do not regret it,” said Pte Daschner.

Pte Daschner participated in the 29th Bold Eagle program in the summer of 2018. He chose to remain in the Forces and is now an Army Reservist and aspiring medical officer with 18 Battery, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery in Regina, Saskatchewan.

“The skills I am currently using in my current Reservist job that I learned from Bold Eagle are navigation, basic communications with radio, and teamwork. As an artillery man, grid location and relaying is important!”

Pte Daschner joined to honour great-grandfather among other reasons

“I joined the Bold Eagle program because I am always interested in the military experience and the skills it has to offer. The main reason is to honor my great-grandfather, Corporal Charlie Thomas, who served in both the First World War and the Second World War,” he said.

“Also, to show an alternate positive influence for the youth members of my home community, Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation [in Saskatchewan], and to pursue my aspirations to become a medical officer with the Canadian Armed Forces.”

“The course staff's mentorship helped teach me the skills I was lacking. Other candidates motivate you to push your limits and work harder to become greater person. I am confident that it works, because to this day, I still use the motivation I was taught with my co-workers, friends, and family to achieve greater things for themselves,” said Pte Daschner.

“There are plenty of skills I learned from Bold Eagle that I still apply today, such as navigation, proper dexterity, discipline, physical and mental strength, and the most important one, teamwork!”

Culture camp aspect brought feelings of reconciliation

“The culture camp is really important to me because I felt a reconciliation between Indigenous people of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. The culture camp made an impact on me to learn more about myself and what I want to do in the future, as it brought clarification to some of my Indigenous identity.”

He added, “The transition from civilian to military life was still a little difficult, but the program helped me by introducing some of the military’s discipline slowly with the culture camp.”

Bold Eagle program memories and highlights

“The activities I was involved in were challenging and memorable. For example, during the one week of Indigenous culture camp, learning to set up a tipi as a team, attending a sweat ceremony, and listening to Indigenous military heroes' stories from the past,” said Pte Daschner.

“Waking up every morning and doing productive training in class or outside was beneficial to my health, and events such as the obstacle course, rappelling, gas hut training and attending Edmonton's armoury are always going to be memorable moments of my Bold Eagle Program experience.”

Pte Daschner said his favourite experience from the program was the field training exercise. “I had the opportunity to apply all the knowledge and skills I recently learned to the field, and I enjoyed being outdoors with my fellow candidates learning tactical skills during the day and night.”

Encouraged to see Indigenous leaders in the Army Reserve

“What I gained from this Indigenous Summer program will benefit me for years on any path I choose for my future goals. I became extremely interested in the artillery guns; however, I still want to become a medical officer in the future.”

“I continued my Canadian Armed Forces career because of my course staff in my platoon – each one of them taught me some of their wisdom that I will never forget – and seeing other Indigenous leaders in the army during my training.”

“I would highly encourage anyone to join an Indigenous Summer Program for the experience and new reinforced mentality.  You achieve more respect for yourself and make new lifelong friends, all while you get paid to do something new!”

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"Evacuated Farmers Allowed To Return To Pick Apple Crop," Owen Sound Sun-Times. October 2, 1942. Page 2. ---- May Enter Military Area at Certain Specified Dates ---- GO BY 9TH LINE ---- Former residents of the St. Vincent and Sydenham tank range have been given permission to remove the fruit from the farms formerly owned by them. Announcement to that effect was made on Thursday night by Brigadier E. C. Spencer, Camp Commandant at Camp Borden. Special permission has been received from the Department of National Defence in order that the former owners will not lose weir fruit. Brigadier Spencer pointed out that when the Department purchased these properties it included all the fruit in the area, and it is only because of a concession on their part that they are now being permitted to go into the area and take it out. It was officially announced that firing would cease on the range at midnight on Thursday nights for a three week period, and will not be resumed until midnight on Sunday night. The open dates on which the farmers will be allowed to get their fruit are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 2, 3 and 4: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 9. 10 and 11, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 16, 17 and 18 It is to be clearly understood that only fruit will be permitted to be removed from the premises. All entry to the area will be made on the 9th line of St. Vincent, where there will be a military guard, and those gathering the fruit will sign in and out at the south boundary of the 9th line. On no condition should any former resident endeaver to enter the area at any other point than the 9th line gate.

The military authorities feel that this should be a sufficient length of time to permit of the gathering of all the fruit in the area. Brigadier Spencer also pointed out that it was never intended that there should be any waste of the fruit in the area, as had not this permission been granted soldiers under the order of the Transport and Supply Department would have been sent in to pick the fruit. which would have been taken to Camp Borden and used by the soldiers.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"Canadians Must Match Fighting Of The Russians, Ralston Says," Toronto Star. October 9, 1943. Page 3. --- COL. RALSTON and Staff Sergt. George Reid atop the ram tank from which Col. Ralston fired ten shots, scoring three hits on both moving and still targets. Col. Ralston took part in tank demonstrations after officially opening the new Canadian army tank course in St. Vincent Township near Meaford. He said Canadians must watch the fighting of the Russians.

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“Two Young Soldiers at Camp Borden,” Owen Sound Sun Times. December 16, 1941. Page 5. --- Stan E. Smith, 22, Meaford, a furniture finisher in civil life, is in the army now to finish another kind of job. At right, examining one of the necessary tools, a ‘Tommy’ gun, is Pte. Jim Styles, 19, of Collingwood. He has a brother in the Tank Corps. Pte. Smith’s father is a veteran of the 147th Battalion, C.E.F. - Canadian Army Photo.

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“Mounties On 24-Hour Call As Manhunt Covers Canada,” Toronto Star. August 21, 1940. Page 03. ---- Endless Crop of Rumors Are Traced But Nazi Still Eludes Searchers ---- DOUBT HE’S IN CITY ---- Search for Lieut. Werner Koche, Nazi prisoner of war, who escaped early Monday from a camp in Northern Ontario, broadened today into a nation-wide R.C.M.P. manhunt. Orders have been issued to all officers on the force placing them on 24-hour call, it was said here.

Canada’s federal force took the initiative after police and soldiers searching the Northern Ontario district reluctantly admitted Koche had escaped from the area before his break-away was discovered or that he had eluded the heavy cordon later.

Numerous citizens called Toronto police yesteray to report they had seen Koche. One ‘saw’ him in Riverdale park, another in Sunnyside, someone else at Queen and Yonge Sts.., and at several other points. ‘He must be a fast mover,’ commented a police official.

More evidence of wholesale but over-enthusiastic co-operation in running down Koche is the sad story Chief Moore of Meaford had to tell today. ‘I was up all night answering the ‘phone.’ If all those people who called actually saw the German he must be a wizard,’ he said.

A high officer of the R.C.M.P. scouted a report that Koche is in Toronto. ‘There’s nothing to it,’ he said. ‘You might just as well say he’s in Winnipeg for all the foundation there is to the report he’s here.’

Brig.-Gen. E. de B. Panet, director of internment, left for Ottawa last night after completing a preliminary investigation. He said there was little doubt a mass delivery had been planned.

Confirms Radio Find He also confirmed the fact that a radio receiving set, in good working order, and a partly-built transmitter, were found in the prisoner’s quarters. He announced no shake-up in the personnel of the guards was anticipated.

A rumor was current in the district that the prisoners, evidently in anticipation of being freed, had fashioned 150 spiked clubs out of scantlings and four-inch nails. Brig. Panet branded it ‘just another rumor.’ 

Another report that the Nazi officer was seen in the dense bush, seven miles north of the camp, was also spiked in official quarters. The officer who is supposed to have seen Koche was working on another case at the time, it was announced. Strong guard was, however, maintained throughout the entire district and around the camp.

Another story going the rounds today is one of treachery on the part of workmen going in and out of the camp as they did their jobs. It is said several have been discharged for conversing in German with the prisoners. The theory is that some workmen may have supplied the Nazis with the timber with which they shored up the tunnel. It would be almost impossible to to get the material unless some workman was implicated in the break, it is claimed.

Jam Jars Make Batteries The radio set, discovered in a room at the end of a long, disused passageway in the prison barracks, had no connection with the escape, Ottawa officials insist. The set was made chiefly from odds and ends of telephone equipment. The Germans displayed ingenuity in making wet cells out of preserve jars, evidently stolen from the train on which the prisoners were transported after their arrival from England two months ago. The plates were made of pieces of copper sheet.

A large, brand new dry battery, which they could not possibly have built themselves, also bolsters the theory that fifth-columnists figured prominently in their plans. A radio log, clipped from a newspaper, was pasted on the wall of the room. The room was lit by a bulb wired to the barracks circuit.

Meanwhile the suspected ringleaders in the plot for a mass delivery of German prisoners are under heavy guard, their special privileges withdrawn. Extra guards were also thrown around a nearby power-plant in the event the Germans planned sabotage. A factory is receiving special attention.

Seeking Other Tunnels It is reported military engineers are examining the camp inch by inch in search of any other tunnels or means of escape. Koche escaped early Monday through a three-foot square tunnel, 100 feet long. His prison clothes were found outside, indicating, police deduce, that his escape was aided by outsiders.

Officers in the camp who have been causing trouble for the guards were headed by a colonel who wears an Iron Cross, First Class. The colonel has been in charge of relaying orders from the guards to the prisoners on parade.

Speedy dashes were made into surrounding country as R.C.M.P., provincial police and Home Guards exploded rumor after rumor in their search for clues.

A milk driver on a lonely country road reported a bundle of newspapers taken off his truck and broken open. Several bottles of milk were stolen at the same time. The theft occurred seven miles north of the camp.

Fog cloaked the district as Home Guards kept vigil through the night after an intensive hunt by day. Bloodhounds were being used in one area by police. Cars in the area were stopped while officers searched luggage compartments.

Search Cave for Koche By midnight R.C.M.P. officers discarded the report from a farmer south of the camp that he had seen the escaped German. Through bush country, the farmer led officers and newspapermen to a cave where he claimed to have sighted Koche.

Police and military inquiry within the prison compound was kept secret. An interpreter was called in to aid authorities’ efforts.

Mounted police searched and questioned persons who have been kept under their surveillance since war was declared. Results of their inquiries were not released. ==== BARBED WIRE AND FLOODLIGHTS BAR THE WAY TO FREEDOM Here is the Northern Ontario prison camp from which Lieut. Werner Koche, German naval officer, escaped Monday by means of a tunnel passing from the cookhouse underneath the barbed-wire fences. Sitting inside the compound are a number of Koche’s fellow-prisoners. The camp is situated beside a lake, and was formerly a hospital, unused for several years until pressed into service to receive the prisoners from overseas. At RIGHT, is an idea of the barriers Koche had to evade. The mesh fence, topped by barbed wire, is 10 feet high. Outside is a second entanglement, and the corridor between is floodlit at night and patrolled constantly by guards.

HOME GUARDS WATCH ROADS FOR ESCAPED GERMAN OFFICER After the escaped German prisoner was believed seen on a road north of the internment camp, police and home guards converged on the spot yesterday and searched through the dense bush country. Every automobile passing through the district was stopped and searched. Koche escaped by a tunnel which authorities believe was built by prisoners planning a general break. Royal Canadian Mounted Police have ordered a nation-wide hunt, believing the search can no longer be confined to Ontario. “Interned Nazi Puts Burr On Every ‘R’ He Speaks,” Toronto Star. August 21, 1940. Page 03. ---- That’s From Force of Habit as He Spent 38 Years Running Hotel in Scotland - Prisoners Learn Chinese, Arabic From Own Professors --- Somewhere in Eastern Canada, Aug. 21 - (CP) - Behind high barriers of barbed wire and under the watchful eye of hard-bitten Canadian veterans of the last war, thousands of enemy prisoners are spending their days in this country. They are far from the reach of parachute jumpers who might have contrived to release them behind the lines in besieged Britain.

Recently transported across the Atlantic, they are sprinkled over Canada’s broad spaces in such a way that their presence offers little menace to the safety of the country.

One internment camp holds German civilians ranging from 18 to 63, and in former occupations from merchant in South Africa to innkeeper in Scotland. Most, however, were merchant sailors.

While a reporter was permitted to visit all parts of the camp, regulations prevented him from speaking to them. Authorities said the men are behaving peacefully. They believe the prisoners would give more friendly co-operation were it not for the possibility that members of the German secret police are included among them, who would be glad to report their actions.

Double Decker Bunks It was mid-afternoon and the prisoners who were not working were lolling about in the sun clad in shorts. All of them were bronzed and healthy.

Most interesting of all the prisoners is a German who speaks with a broad Scots accent. For 38 years he ran a hotel in Scotland without taking out naturalization papers. When the fifth column roundup took place in Britain he found it difficult to explain his neglect and was taken into custody.

Accompanied by the officer and one of the guards, the reporter inspected the dormitories. Airy and clean, they were filled with double-decker bunks. Each prisoner is allotted the same sleeping space given a Canadian soldier in barracks, 60 cubic feet.

Authorities explained the prisoners are subject to discipline much the same as that applied to a Canadian soldier. Smoking is ‘verboten’ in the dormitories and the lights are cut off at 10 p.m. When regulations are broken or a growth in the ever-present superiority complex is noted, the prisoners are penalized by the cancellation of some such privilege as smoking or receiving mail.

The food is of a quality that could scarcely be obtained in Germany. Because the camp is situated on a large farm, an abundance of fresh vegetables is always available. The prisoners’ rations are given to them in bulk and are prepared by their own chefs. Some chefs once served on German passenger liners, and camp officials declare their output is of the best.

A typical days’ menu follows: Breakfast - Porridge, raw meat balls (it’s their own idea), coffee, bread, jam. Luncheon - Boiled salmon, potatoes, fruit tarts. Dinner - Bread, butter, cheese, vegetables, jam.

Prisoners engaged in ‘productive’ work, such as gardening, are allowed pay of 20 cents a day. This is credited to them in their canteen and they may purchase pop, cigarettes, or other articles. Guards say buttermilk is the favorite drink.

Chinese and Arabic This group has several professors and study groups have been formed for such subjects as Spanish, English, French, shorthand, stenography, engineering, and mathematics. A few prisoners are studying Chinese and Arabic.

Other groups gather for lectures on Togoland or South America. Chess is a favorite game.

An interpreter checks incoming and outgoing mail and keeps an ear open for nasty remarks from the prisoners. Those who can’t hold their tongues are marked for restriction of privileges.

Civilian internees wear navy blue uniforms with a two-inch red stripe down one leg and a circular red patch about one foot in diameter on the back. When cold weather arrives they will be given the regular army-issue greatcoats, dyed blue.

Doors had been removed from all rooms to prevent the prisoners from locking themselves in or performing any other ‘monkey-shines.’

Recently, the prisoners have been allowed a few old newspapers from which the classified advertising pages have been removed. The authorities know that these ads would supply ideal means of getting messages to the prisoners. Each hunt or dormitory has its own leader, elected by the prisoners and approved by the camp commandant. Over these is a camp supervisor, also elected by the prisoners.