Lest we Forget

S.D. & G Highlander, Regimental Sergeant-Major Eugene R. Leroux, proudly carries Canada’s World War II flag, the Red Ensign, to lead the Canadian Army contingent in the Victory Parade, held in London, England, June 8, 1946. The S.D. & G. Highlanders held place of honour in this parade. This photograph from Ottawa’s French-language newspaper “Le Droit,” encapsulating pride, honour, and determination, captures the essence of Cornwall’s War time contribution.

As for Leroux, he first served as a Canal Guard for the SD & G Highlanders, transferred to the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, and fought in the Italian Campaign, to rise to the rank of Company Sergeant-Major. After the War in Europe was over, he joined the Third Battalion, S.D. & G. Highlanders, who formed part of the Army of Occupation in Europe. Leroux ended his military career as the “Highlanders” Regimental Sergeant-Major.

CENOTAPHS

The tragic toll World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Conflict and Afghanistan has taken on the men and women of SDG, has witnessed the dedication of more 40 cenotaphs across the United Counties.

A very short list of cenotaph locations includes Alexandria, Apple Hill, Avonmore, Chesterville, Cornwall, Dalkeith, Inkerman, Iroquois, Lancaster, Maxville, Martintown, Morewood, Morrisburg, Newington, Ormond, Van Camp, Williamstown and Winchester…

THE ULTIMATE SACRIFCE.

More than 700 men and women enlisted to serve during World War 1, primarily serving in Europe in the 2nd, 21st, 38th and 154 Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, earning lasting distinction. Miss Eidth Rayside, from South Lancaster rose to become Matron-in-Chief of the Canadian Army Medical Corps. Sergeant Claude Nunney, V.C, D.C.M., M.M., of the 38th (Ottawa Battalion), also from Glengarry, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross “For conspicuous bravery during operations against the Drocourt-Queant Line, September, 1st and 2nd, 1918.” A Home Child, who grew-up in Lancaster Township, Nunney is the only man from SDG to be the awarded the Victoria Cross, which today tops the honour roll of the SD & G Highlanders.

Due to the fact that men and women from the United Counties served in numerous military units, and as nurses, there is no exact count of the number killed. However, from my count of the casualties listed on the various memorials, the number of men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice is not less than 335.

Local men fought at Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Ypres, Passchendaele, Amiens and the Pursuit to Mons, to name some of the more famous engagements.

On September 10, 1939, Canada declared War on Nazi Germany. In response more than 4,000 men and women from Cornwall from a population of 14,000 contributed to the War effort, giving it one of the highest per capita volunteer rates in the Dominion.

Men flocked to the Colours of numerous Regiments, to serve around the World and saw action in Italy, France and Holland in particular.
The S.D. & G. Highlanders were mobilized on June 18, 1940, as an Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Canadian Division under the command of Lt.-Col. Franklin. On July, 1941, the “Glens” First Battalion under the command of Lt.-Col. Hicks-Lyne embarked to Britain. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Battalion took part in the invasion of Normandy.

On December 29, 1945, the 366 men of the 1st Battalion returned to Cornwall, now under the command of Lt.-Col. Gemmell. After receiving the Regimental Colours from Lt.-Col. Dick , the 1st Battalion marched in their last parade through the streets of Cornwall to the armoury, where they were greeted by their families, for some, the first time in five years.

To paraphrase the words of Regimental historian, Lt.-Col. Boss, after a series of mercifully short speeches, the Battalion was dismissed.
Of the 3,342 officers and men of the 1st Battalion who fought their way from Normandy to Germany, 278 were killed and 781 were wounded. Individual Glens received awards for distinguished service and the Unit earned 25 Battle honours in both World Wars. (The Glens perpetuated the Honours from the disbanded 154th Bn., CEF.)

Of the 4,000 Cornwallites who served throughout the conflict, 183 died in action: ten sailors, 109 soldiers and 64 airmen.

The War, however, was not over for some, and the Glens provided a 3rd Battalion of the Army of Occupation from June 1945 until May 1946.

NOTE: Our contributor worked at the Black Watch (RHR) Canada Museum in Montreal, the Canadian War Museum, and the Royal Ontario Museum (Armour Court) and has visited SDG’s cenotaphs to record the names of those who served in both World Wars, Korea and Afghanistan. As an aside, the contributor’s great-uncle was wounded at Dieppe, and was discharged to return home, and then elected M.P.P. for Brantford. As a result of this, after the War his family immigrated to Southwestern Ontario.