There was tremendous involvement, and tremendous loss, and over time it has become clear that Carleton Place, given its size, was a remarkable contributor to the war effort.” Fifty men from a pool of perhaps 300 able-bodied men in a total population of what was then 4,000 people died in the First World War. Another 50 perished in the Second World War. And each year on Nov. 11, in events that reach beyond mere ceremony to palpable grief for many relatives and friends of fallen townsfolk, residents of the picturesque town along the Mississippi River gather at Memorial Park to remember their 100 dead and more than 300 others who served and returned. Randy Boswell—Ottawa Citizen-12 Nov 1998
Carleton Place is proud of two things. It is proud of the athletic prowess of its young men, especially on the water. It is also proud of the manner in which Its young men went to the front in the Great War. Twelve Carleton Place boys Joined the first Canadian contingent. Forty-seven Carleton Place boys sleep in Flanders Fields. The town has remembered their sacrifice by a memorial park and monument, which were bought and erected by public subscriptions.–
Appointment of Donald C. Cullen, of Niagara Falls, and for many years a resident of Carle-ton Place, as treasurer of War Supplies Limited, in Washington, was ratified last week. He left for Washington Sunday evening. Mr. Cullen has been head of the accounting department at North American Cyanamid Company since 1925, and was transferred in that capacity to the Welland Canal Chemical Company. He is a son of Mrs. John Cullen and the late Mr. Cullen, who lived in Carleton Place for many years.
Prisoner of War CARLETON PLACE, May 4. (Special) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wright of Carleton Place have received word that their son. Flying Officer William Arnold Wright, who was reported missing overseas In March, is prisoner of war. FO. Wright enlisted in Toronto in 1941 and graduated with a commission at Malton. He went overseas in November, 1942.
Carlcton Place Flier Now Missing Overseas Sergeant Air Gunner Arthur Esmond Prime, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Prime of Carleton Place, Is reported missing on active service following’ air operations overseas, according to the latest R.C.A.F. casualty list issued last night.
The photos are from Harold Newton’s time serving with the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII. These amazing people are just a small example of all of those who stepped up to defend the freedom that we have today. Linda, thank you for publishing this.
The Rooney’s and World War II
Now that I have some spare time I have searched the Almonte Gazette Archives for all Rooney and Newton related articles. The earliest Rooney mentioned in the Gazette is in 1885-07-03 – “St. Mary’s picnic, Jas. Rooney wins potato sack race”. There are over 900 articles from that time onward covering 1885 to 2006 when the Gazette stopped publishing in Almonte.
Although there are many more articles that are not war related about the Rooney’s and the Newton’s in the years between 1939 and 1945 the articles in the attached pdf file are specifically related to the military.
It is difficult to imagine the heartbreak Pat Rooney must have felt when his wife Mary had passed away while he was so far away. Helen Larkin losing her new husband over Norway must have been heartbreaking as well.
The dates and information here are from the Almonte Gazette archives. The link to the archives is at https://mvtm.ca/gazette2017/
Timeline
1940-08-29 – Cpl. P. J. Rooney and M. L. (Michael) Rooney in Petawawa
1941-01-09 – Joe Rooney joins RCAF after managing the store
1941-07-10 – Sergeant-Major Pat Rooney’s tent burns down at Connaught Rifle Range in Ottawa
1941-07-24 – Sergeant-Major Pat Rooney finishes training as company commander at Connaught
1941-11-06 – Joe Rooney becomes Sergeant-Observer in the RCAF
1941-12-18 – Sergt.-Major P. J. Rooney attends sand table exercises in Renfrew
1942-03-12 – Sergeant-Major Patrick Rooney in charge of recruiting in Almonte for service the Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment for “B” Company in Almonte and Arnprior
1942-03-12 – Ser.-Observer Joe Rooney returned to B. C. after furlough in Almonte
1942-03-19 – S-M Rooney in charge of recruiting for B Company, First Battalion Lanark & Renfrew Scottish at Almonte
1942-05-14 – Flight Sgt.-Observer Joe Rooney stationed in Alfred’s Bay, BC
1942-05-21 – Helen Rooney marries James Larkin
1943-06-10 – Q. M. Sgt. Pat Rooney stationed on the East Coast is home on furlough
1943-08-05 – Q. M. Sgt. Pat Rooney sends paper from West Coast
1944-09-14 – Quartermaster Sergeant Patrick Rooney and Pilot Officer Joseph Rooney on furlough in Almonte
1944-10-12 – Pilot Officer Joseph Rooney arrives in England
1945-02-01 – Mrs. P. J. Rooney’s funeral announcement, Pat was stationed in Alliford Bay, B. C. (Haida Gwaii) approx. 5000 km from Almonte (about the same distance as Liverpool in England)
Also, Joe Rooney is in England
1945-11-08 – C.Q,M.S. Pat Rooney stationed at Nanaimo is on furlough in Almonte (Nanaimo is approx. 4400 km from Almonte)
1945-12-06 – F.O., J. S. Rooney back from overseas (India)
1945-12-27 – James Larkin husband of Helen Rooney presumed dead, lost in a plane crash near Norway
Patrick Rooney
1940-08-29 – Signed up with the military
1942-03-12 – In charge of recruiting in Almonte
1942-04-16 – Becomes active
1943-06-10 – Stationed on the East Coast
1943-08-05 – Stationed on the West Coast
1945-02-01 – Stationed in Alliford Bay, B. C. (Haida Gwaii)
1945-02-22 – Stationed in Prince Rupert BC
1945-11-08 – Stationed at Nanaimo
Joseph Rooney
1941-01-09 – Joins the RCAF
1941-11-06 – Becomes Sergeant-Observer in the RCAF at Paulson Field, Man.
1942-03-12 – Stationed in BC
1942-05-14 – Stationed in Alfred’s Bay, BC
1944-08-10 – Married in Vancouver, BC
1944-10-12 – Arrives in England
1945-12-06 – Back from overseas (India)
Helen Larkin (Rooney)
1942-05-21 – Marries James Larkin
1945-12-27 – James Larkin husband of Helen Rooney presumed dead, lost in a plane crash near Norway
– More information from Veterans Affairs about James Larkin is located at the end of the document. Commemorated on Page 532 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance.
Michael Rooney
1940-08-29 – Signed up with the military
Articles from the Almonte Gazette
The following is the actual text from the articles contained in the Almonte Gazette.
1940-08-29 – Cpl. P. J. Rooney and M. L. (Michael) Rooney in Petawawa
CHILLY NIGHTS AT PETAWAWA CAMP
Members of B. Coy. Lanark and Renfrew Regiment from Almonte and district will conclude their two weeks period of training at Petawawa Camp this weekend. While there is no definite word in respect to the exact time they will return, it is thought that a special train will bring them in some time Saturday afternoon on evening.
The men went to camp in the midst of a hot spell but this soon was replaced by weather so cold that they could have stood great coats. It is understood that the drilling and physical exercises were fairly strenuous during the days that the men were in camp but they had their evenings to themselves.
1941-01-09 – Joe Rooney joins RCAF after managing the store
JOIN FLYING CORPS
During the Christmas season two well-known young Almonte men were notified that their applications for enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force had been accepted. They were Mr. John Foy, manager of the local branch of Dominion Stores Limited, for the last four years and Mr. Joe Rooney, who had managed the Rooney tobacco business and pool parlour for some time. Both are now at the Manning Depot in Toronto. Mr. Foy has been in the employ of the Dominion Stores for over ten years, starting in the Almonte branch. He relieved in other stores throughout Eastern Ontario and when Mr. Lyle Morris was moved to Pembroke as manager in 1936, Mr. Foy succeeded him. He was very popular with his patrons being of a pleasant and accommodating disposition. Neither Mr. Rooney nor Mr. Foy knew at the time they were accepted by the Flying Corps to what branch of training they would be assigned.
1941-07-10 – Sergeant-Major Pat Rooney’s tent burns down at Connaught
HIS TENT IS BURNED
Military couriers from the training camp at Connaught Ranges have arrived in town with the distressing tidings that Sergeant-Major Pat Rooney’s tent was destroyed by fire of undetermined origin a few nights ago. It appears that our genial fellow townsman was reposing under canvas at the time the fire demon paid an unwelcome visit. While details of the case are lacking it is understood that Sergeant Rooney was wakened by the fire alarm sounded on the bugle. He found his quarters burning merrily and escaped into the night minus some of his belongings and with his hair singed. Reports that his uniform went up in smoke and that he had to appear on parade next day enveloped in a barrel are denied, by the latest official communique issued at camp headquarters. It is also denied that a German plane flew over the camp and dropped an incendiary bomb on the sergeant’s tent. There were several other local boys in the same tent and the probable explanation is that some one of them dropped a lighted cigarette too close to the canvas.
1941-07-24 – Sergeant-Major Pat Rooney finishes training as company commander at Connaught
LOCAL BOYS END TRAINING PERIOD
B. Company Back From Camp At Connaught Ranges After 21 Days
Boys of B. Company, Lanark & Renfrew Scottish, returned from 21 days training at Connaught Ranges last Saturday. They were under the command of Major L. H. Colbeck of Almonte. There were 45 men from Almonte and 23 from Arnprior. This is the second period of camp training that this detachment has experienced, The first being last summer at Petawawa Camp when Major J. C. Irvine was O. C. and Major Colbek second in command.
There were 114 in the company last July and, since that time 40 have enlisted for active service which is considered-a very good record.
At the camp this July an unexpected combination of events placed Major Colbeck in command. Col. Gardiner, Col. Beatty and other commanding officers of various units were ordered home to assist in the current recruiting campaign. At the same time about six other officers went on active service. This left Major Colbeck O. C. of the camp, a position he retained for 21 days. He had a depleted staff of assistants and the work was heavy.
Patrick J. Rooney was company sergeant-major and was acting commanding officer of the company during the first two weeks at camp. Other N. C. O.’s from this town were Sergeant E. H. Farnham and Corporal C. C. Hutchinson who took over the duties of C. Q. M. S. at the middle of the camp period.
Major Colbeck took over command of B Company in April when Major J. C. Irvine of Arnprior, was transferred to No. 32, C.AR.T.C., Peterboro.
During the winter months the local detachment of the campaign were put through a rigorous course of training under the supervision of its O. C. This included musketry, squad, platoon and company drill, gas training and first aid. The barracks are in the top story of the McArthur Block, formerly the I.O.O.F. Hall.
On his return to Almonte Major Colbeck was high in his praise of the men in the local company and they spoke well of their commanding officer.
There were about 4,100 men in the camp and the responsibility of the O. C., who was suddenly placed in charge, was considerable. Major Colbeck had a busy time in the last few months between his duties as principal of the high school and O. C. of the local military unit.
He has now gone on a vacation.
1941-11-06 – Joe Rooney becomes Sergeant-observer
BECOMES SERGT.-OBSERVER
Friends of Mr. Joe Rooney were pleased to see by an item and picture in the daily papers recently, that he has graduated as a sergeant-observer in the R.C.A.F at Paulson Field, Man. He is a graduate of Almonte High School and a son of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Rooney of this town.
1941-12-18 – Sergt.-Major P. J. Rooney attends sand table excercises
ATTEND SAND TABLE EXERCISES ON SUNDAY
Five N. C. O.’s from the local company of the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment attended what are known as sand table exercises at Renfrew on Sunday. Others came from the detachments in Smiths Falls, Perth, Pembroke, Arnprior and Carleton Place. Those who went from here were Acting Sergt.-Major P. J. Rooney, Sergt. E. H. Farnham, Sergt. E. L. Lyons, Corp. Edgar J. Lee and Corp. T. J. Scissons. The exercises are part of the course of field instruction prescribed by the army. They consist of map-reading and theoretical manoeuvres based on observations taken from a raised model of terrain made from sand. Following the course of instructions which was held at the armouries the men were entertained to dinner at Hotel Renfrew.
1942-01-01 – P. J. Rooney and Son contest for cigarettes for soldiers
This is the text from an ad in the Gazette:
CIGARETTES
For Some Almonte Boys Overseas
Contest Closes Sat., Jan. 3
Hurry! Last Chance To Vote For
Your Favorite “Boy” In Our
Popularity Contest
CONTESTANTS
Pte. Jim Foy
Pte. Geo. Larocque
Gnr. Jim Southwell
Sigm. Des Smithson
A. C. 2 John Bardin
Sapper Bill Ledingham
L-Cpl. Jack Neill
Gnr. Bert Julian
Gnr. Eddie Sonnenburg
Gnr. Nels Dunlop
Pte. Pete BoKon
Sigm. F. Cruickshank
Pte. Ken Barr
Pte. Alex Goodall,
Pte. Norman Guthrie
Pte. Alex Spinks
Sapper “Hockey” Julian
‘ Gnr. Alden Spinks
Sigm. Alan Barker
Pte. Allan Armstrong
Pte. Williard Smithson
Pte. Charles Fraser
Pte. Charles Munro
Pte. Arthur Gemmill
Pte. Alex Labron
Sigm. Don Buchan
Cpl. Jack Hepworth
Pte. John Siterrard
Pte. George Henery
Pte. Percy Finch
P. J. Rooney and Son Ronson Lighters and Supplies Dr. Plumb Pipes
Tobacco— Drinks— Candy
1942-01-08 – P. J. Rooney and Son winners of cigarette contest for soldiers
CIGARETTE CONTEST WINNERS
Winners in P. J. Rooney & Son’s “Almonte Boys’ Overseas Cigarette Contest,” which closed on Jan. 3rd are as follows: 1st. Pte. Geo. Larocque; 2nd Pte. Jim Foy; 3rd Gnr. Jim Southwell. First prize was 2.000 cigarettes; second, 1000 and third 300. While the contest is over Rooney & Son have a large stock of blades, shaving accessories and tobacco for Overseas parcels.
1942-03-12 – Sergeant-Major Patrick Rooney in charge of recruiting
LOCAL REGIMENT TO BE MOBILIZED
Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Unit Will Be Organized For Active Service
After almost two-and-a-half years of war it has been decided to mobilize for active service the Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment and orders to this effect were received by the commanding officer, Lt.-Col. J McL. Beatty of Pembroke, Tuesday afternoon. Since the beginning of the war the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish, although not mobilized has sent some 73 officers and 2,000 men to active service units.
“B” Company of the unit includes Almonte and Arnprior districts with two platoons here and one in the neighboring town. The Local N.C.O.’s N. C. Officers in charge locally are Acting Sergeant-Major P. J. Rooney, Sergt. Frank Honeyborne; Acting Quarter Master Sergt. E. H. Farnham; Acting Sergt. Eddie Lyons and Corp Edgar Lee.
Last Friday Sergt.-Major Rooney was called to Pembroke together with N.C.O.’s of similar rank from other towns of Lanark and Renfrew to take a short course of instruction and, if successful, receive permanent rank. At that time the plans were to place Mr. Rooney in charge of recruiting here which meant full time work. Now that orders to mobilize have been confirmed it is expected this will be adhered to.
Those who are now enrolled in the regiment may enlist voluntarily in the active unit but they cannot be forced to serve overseas. If the regiment is used in Canada, on the other hand, they are bound to serve with it wherever it is located.
In a statement issued after the mobilization order came through Lt.-Col. Beatty said that recruiting will commence at once. Either the officer commanding the regiment or the second in command will be drawn from men who are now overseas, as will either the officer commanding or the second in command of each company Lieut.-Col. Beatty is to nominate either the O.C. or the second in command of the five companies which are located at Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior, Smiths Falls and Perth.
During the past four days a school for service N.C.O.’s has been conducted at the Pembroke armories, with personnel attending from Renfrew, Carleton Place, Almonte and Smiths Falls and they will be appointed as N.C.O’s in the active force.
Start Recruiting At Once
Recruiting will commence immediately and men from 19 to 45 will be accepted at recruiting offices which will be opened at Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior, Almonte, Carleton Place, Smiths Falls and Perth.
In addition to the active service battalion, the regiment will recruit a reserve battalion with a strength of 34 officers and 773 other ranks. The reserve unit expects to go to Connaught Ranges for 15 days training early in July.
1942-03-12 – Sergeant-Major Patrick Rooney and Ser.-Observer Joe Rooney
Sgt.-Observer Joe Rooney and Pilot Observer Mac Thomson left on Friday night for their posts in B. C. after spending a furlough at their homes here.
1942-03-19 – S-M Rooney in charge of recruiting for B Company, First Battalion Lanark & Renfrew Scottish at Almonte
RECRUITING STARTS FOR LANARK-RENFREW UNIT
Mr. P. J. Rooney of Almonte, returned home last Saturday after a week’s course of training at Pembroke as a result of which he was raised to the rank of sergeant-major of B. Company, Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment. This is the branch of the unit comprising Almonte and Arnprior. As stated in last week’s paper the regiment has been ordered mobilized with a second regiment as a reserve. Recruiting, locally in charge of Sergt.-Major Rooney will be carried on for both battalions with main stress, of course, being laid on the active service one.
To this end S.-M. Rooney will be at the armouries, McArthur Block (over the Gazette office) from 9 to 9 each day. Already he has made arrangements for 12 volunteers to go to Pembroke for a medical board.
Mr. E. H. Farnham has been appointed O.C. of B. Co., Reserve Battn., Lanark & Renfrew Scottish with the rank of second lieutenant.
The following members of the Company have joined the 1st Battalion (active) C .S .M ., P. J. Rooney; Cpl. T. J. Scissons, Cpl. J. E. Dick, Ptes. Wlm. Miller, G. J. Price, T . E. Spinks,
G. W. McNulty, W. C. New, D. T Blakeley, R. H. Edmonds, T. B. Voyce, C. A. Newton, K. C. Miller, A. J. Morrow, R. J. Proctor, J. G. Phillips, T. H. Smith.
In addition a number of men including two sergeants, have applied for active service but have been turned down as medically unfit.
This leaves the Reserve Co.’s strength badly depleted. Recruits are urgently needed. We will accept men 17 to 19, from 35 to 50; also married men from 30 to 35, and others from 19 to 35 whose medical category may not permit them to enlist in the active battalion.
1942-05-14 – Flight Sgt.-Observer Joe Rooney stationed in Alfred’s Bay, BC
Flight Sgt.-Observer Joe Rooney and Flight-Sgt. Mack Thomson of the RCAF, stationed at Alfred Bay, B. C. are spending a furlough at their homes here.
1942-05-21 – Helen Rooney marries James Larkin
Larkin-Rooney
Charming in every detail was the wedding Tuesday morning at nine o’clock in St. Mary’s R. C. Church here, when Helen M. Rooney of Ottawa, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Rooney’ Sr., of Almonte, was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to James M. Larkin, son of Mrs. Mary Larkin of Pembroke.
Rev. Gerald Gorman, P.P. of Eastview, officiated at the ceremony.
The altar of the church was appropriately decorated with spring blooms. Miss Mary Hogan rendered the wedding music, while Mrs. Arnold Newton of Almonte, and Mrs. Laura Doolan of Flint, Mich., sisters of the bride, were the soloists. The ushers were two brothers of the bride, Sgt. Major Patrick Rooney of the Lanark & Renfrew Scottish, Connaught Ranges and F. Sgt. Joseph Rooney, R.C.A.F., Alfred Bay, B.C. The bride, given in marriage by her father, was becomingly gowned in lily white net with a faille taffeta basque, full bouffant double net skirt trimmed with contrasting bands. She wore a heart shaped head dress with a finger-tip veil. She carried an arm bouquet of Bettertime roses and lily-of-the-valley.
Mrs. D. Arthur McCabe of Ottawa, sister of the bride, was the matron-of-honor.
She chose a gown of floral organza in sunni pink embossed in white, full skirt with bolero jacket to match. She wore a perky hat of floral organza, flower trimmed and carried an arm bouquet of Sweet Peas, and roses.
Mr. Vincent Quinn of Renfrew, assisted the groom.
Following the ceremony a reception was held at Hotel Almonte.
Later the young couple left on short honeymoon and on their return will reside in Pembroke.
For travelling the bride wore a coat of ruby glow fine wool in flared lines with lynx dyed fox lapels and a dress of the same material. She wore a Knowlton model hat of ruby glow with a crown of tiny wings in matching tones.
Out-of-town guests included Misses Orma Hunt, Kay Rooney and Maude Robinson of Ottawa; Pte. Arnold Newton of the Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Connaught Range; Mrs. Mary Larkin, Mr. and Mrs. Earl St. James, James Teevans, Rev. Father Jeffrey and Mrs. M. Kehoe, all of Pembroke; Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Quinn, Mrs. J. Roberts, MW. M. Tobin and Mrs. J. Goulet of Renfrew, and Joseph Hogan of Utica, N. Y.
1943-06-10 – Q. M. Sgt. Pat Rooney stationed on the East Coast is home on furlough
Q. M. Sgt. Pat Rooney of the Lanark & Renfrew Scottish, stationed on the East coast, is home on furlough.
1943-08-05 – Q.M. Sgt. Pat Rooney sends paper from West Coast
LANARK AND RENFREW UNIT PUBLISHES PAPER
We are in receipt of a weekly publication entitled “The Forty Twa.” It is published in the interests of the officers and men of the Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment now stationed at a point on the West Coast. While there was nothing to indicate who sent the paper we rather suspect it was Q.M. Sgt. Pat Rooney. In the forefront of the publication is an editorial by Lieut.-Col. P. H. Gardner, M.C., V.D., officer commanding the regiment. The mimeograph has been used to produce the “Forty Twa” and there is a lot of work in it—about 20 pages 18 x 10 inches. The art work is especially good and the cover is attractively adorned with the name of the paper, the crest of the regiment and a sketch of an Indian totem pole with a background of mountain scenery.
1944-08-10 – Joseph Rooney’s wedding in BC
Hughes-Rooney
Rev. Father Martin officiated at the marriage ceremony on July 14th. at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver, when Margaret Ella, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Hughes of Aldergrove, B. C., became the bride of W.O. Joseph Stephen Rooney, R.C.A.F., second son of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Rooney of Almonte, Ont.
Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by her sister Miss Esther Hughes as bridesmaid.
The bride chose an Ashes of Roses dressmaker suit with white accessories.
Her corsage was of gardenias and violets.
Sgt. James Ridyard, R.C.A.F. of Peterboro, was groomsman. Rev. Father Farrell was soloist.
After a wedding reception and breakfast at the Vancouver Hotel the bride and groom left by boat for Seattle and Tacoma on their honeymoon.
1944-09-14 – Quartermaster Sergeant Patrick Rooney and Pilot Officer Joseph Rooney on furlough in Almonte
HOME ON FURLOUGH
Pilot Officer Joseph Rooney spent a few days in town on his way west to visit his wife. He is stationed in the Maritimes and is on furlough. Quartermaster Sergeant Patrick Rooney is also on furlough which he is spending with his family in Almonte. He was stationed on the West Coast but has been taking a course at Camp Borden.
1944-10-12 – Pilot Officer Joseph Rooney arrives in England
ARRIVES IN ENGLAND
Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Rooney, Sr., have received word that their son, Pilot Officer Joe Rooney has arrived in England.
1945-02-01 – Mrs. P. J. Rooney’s funeral announcement, also Joe Rooney in England
Funeral of Mrs. P. J. Rooney (Mary Drummond)
A large number of relatives and friends paid final tribute to the memory of Mrs. P. J. Rooney, Jr., at her funeral which was held from the residence of Mr. P. J. Rooney, Sr., on Saturday morning, Jan. 27th at 10 a.m. to St. Mary’s Church.
Rev. Canon J. Cunningham, P. P., officiated.
Deceased, who was the only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Drummond, was born in Almonte 36 years ago.
Surviving are her husband, P. J. Rooney, C. Q. M. S., of the `, now stationed at Alliford Bay, B. C., and one son, John Kevin Rooney.
The pallbearers were Messrs. Arthur McCabe, Arnold Newton, Kenneth Horton, Melville Paul, George Hourigan and Alex Wright.
The remains were placed in St. Mary’s vault to await interment in the spring.
Many spiritual and floral offerings were received and among the latter was a wreath from the Sergeant’s Mess, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie Regiment, Prince Rupert, B. C.
Among those who attended the funeral from a distance besides her husband, who flew from the coast to be present, were, Miss Mary McDonald, Ottawa; Mrs. Francis Wall, Arnprior; Mrs. Wm. Mulvihill, Pembroke; Mrs. Herbert Lawn, Fort Coulonge, Que.; Miss Gertrude Morton, Renfrew; Mr. Pat Kennedy, Corkery; Harvey Drummond, Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Green, Kinburn;
Misses Mary and Nora Hogan, Mrs. J. M. Larkin, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McCabe and Miss Kay Rooney all of Ottawa.
Notes:
1. C. Q. M. S is Company Quarter Master Sergeant.
2) Alliford Bay is located on the Haida Gwaii Islands off the coast of British Columbia. It is approximately 5000km from Almonte which is about the same distance as Liverpool, England.
ALMONTE BOYS MEET
Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Rooney, sr., received a letter from England from their son Joseph Rooney, R. C. A. F., stating that he was on the move again. He also mentioned that one night recently when he was standing in a queue before a motion picture theatre, he heard someone yell “Rooney.” Turning around he found Paratrooper Donald Green, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Green of Almonte. They had a good visit together. He didn’t say whether the name “Rooney” was unusual over there or whether he answered automatically to his own.
1945-02-22 – C.Q.M.S. P. J. Rooney stationed in Prince Rupert BC after death of his wife
P. J. Rooney, Company Quartermaster, Master Sergeant, of the Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury Regiment left for his station at Prince Rupert B. C., on Thursday after a furlough spent at his home here following the sudden death of his wife.
1945-11-08 – C.Q,M.S. Pat Rooney stationed at Nanaimo is on furlough in Almonte
C. Q, M. S. Pat J. Rooney who has been stationed at Nanaimo, B. C. is spending a furlough with his son and parents here.
1945-12-06 – F.O., J. S. Rooney back from overseas (India)
BACK FROM OVERSEAS
Among the men who have returned or are returning from Overseas lately are the following; F.O., J. S. Rooney, R.A.F., India, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Rooney Sr.
1945-12-27 – James Larkin husband of Helen Rooney presumed dead
NOW PRESUMED DEAD
In a casualty list released on December 19th the name of F. O. James Meyrick Larkin, who has been listed as missing for a considerable time, is added to the category of those presumed dead for official purposes. He was a former manager of the O’Brien Theatre here. His widow, who resides in Ottawa, is the former Helen Rooney of this town.
1946-01-03 – Harold Newton’s British Empire Medal announcement
AWARDED B.E.M.
In the New Year’s list of Navy Operational Awards appears the name of Harold William Newton, Stoker Petty Officer, R.C.N.V.R., of Almonte, who received the British Empire Medal. His wife, Mrs. Anna Newton and family reside on Martin Street. Petty Officer Newton is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Newton of Almonte.
February 6, 2021 · Harry Purdy( retired CD MWO RCEME). Served in CFB Lahr ( third tour NATO). The 70/ 80 era: where became known for his contributing volunteer work for the Canadian Forces Network ( CFN). On retirement of The Military; he became a full time radio broadcaster; with CFN. Having the opportunity to represent the Canadian Forces abroad. He did the radio shows such as Country Sunup; the Western Express.
He interviewed so many Artists such as: Dolly Parton; Johnny Cash; Dick Dameron( too many to mention). After Lahr closed in 1994: he came back to Canada( Carleton Place : Ont). He passed at Almonte Gen Hospital; Ont: on the 1 Feb 2020.But never forgotten.he did the circle of life. He passed it on; so I could carry on. As: a Third Generation Soldier: I pass it on to the next generation. Rip. Dad.Respect and gratitude! ( too many to mention).
I was just about to add this to our Carleton Place Military page ” Photos of Those we Remember” on Facebook but decided it needed to be documented and then I will post it..-Linda S
I could not help but notice in your list of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II, an error in a family name That is the name of Frank Cavers, misspelled as Frank (The C Cavers name has become familiar to me because of a visit to the Cavers family home here in Ramsay recently. The farm holds a great deal of interest for me and I have come to learn a little of the people who lived there. Fortunately their history is fairly recent and easily obtainable. It is through this interest that my attention was drawn to your list of men and noticed that Frank Cavers was not remembered. Please let us give proper credit where it is due. Yours truly, Daphne Stevens Carp
November 1980- Almonte Gazette
Author’s Note: When I came upon this letter to the editor from 1980 I knew Frank Caver had to be documented for posterity.
CANADIAN VIRTUAL WAR MEMORIAL
Robert Franklin Cavers
In memory of:
Warrant Officer Class II Robert Franklin Cavers
March 23, 1943Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Military Service
Service Number:
R/97637Age:
26Force:
Air ForceUnit:
Royal Canadian Air ForceCitation(s):
1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, War Medal 1939-45, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Additional Information
Born:
April 23, 1916 Appleton, OntarioEnlistment:
March 14, 1941 Vancouver, British Columbia
Son of Thomas Edgar and Bessie May (nee McNabb) Cavers, of Almonte, Ontario. Brother of Harold, Melville and Agnes.
Commemorated on Page 145 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page.
Burial Information
Cemetery:
CARLETON PLACE UNITED CEMETERIES Ontario, CanadaGrave Reference:
Lot 20.
Thomas Edgar Cavers
BIRTH
9 Feb 1883Ramsay, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada
DEATH
23 Dec 1957 (aged 74)Almonte, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada
1957, Thursday January 10, The Almonte Gazette, page 6 Obituary THOMAS EDGAR CAVERS The funeral of Thomas Edgar Cavers took place December 26th from the Fleming Bros. Funeral Home, Lake Ave. West, Carleton Place to the United Cemetery for interment. Rev. J. Ray Anderson of Almonte conducted the service. Mr. Cavers died in the R. M. Hospital, Almonte, on December 23 after a short illness. He was 74 years of age and was born February 9th, 1882 in Ramsay Township, son of the late Thomas Cavers and his wife, Margaret Miller Thom. He had farmed for years in Ramsay and attended Appleton United Church. He was married in June, 1915, to the former Bessie May McNab. Surviving besides his widow are two sons, Harold of Toronto; Melville of Almonte, a daughter (Agnes), Mrs. Tudor of Perth, a brother, James of Carleton Place and a half sister, Miss Margaret Cavers of Almonte. The pallbearers were Messrs. Ollie Stewart, Victor Kellough, Duncan Stewart, Stewart Cavers, John Lowe and Edward Lowe. Among the beautiful floral tributes were pieces from Almonte Legion, Weaving Room of Collie’s mill, Appleton W.I.. Appleton W.A
Bessie May McNabb Cavers
BIRTH
23 May 1892Carleton Place, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada
DEATH
18 Apr 1980 (aged 87)Carleton Place, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada
1980, Wednesday May 7, The Almonte Gazette, page 2 Bessie May McNabb Cavers, Nel-Gor Castle Nursing Home, Carleton Place, died April 18, at the age of 87 Mrs Cavers was born May 23, 1892. in Ramsay township, the daughter of the late David McNabb and Agnes Kellough On June 30. 1915, she married the late Thomas Edgar Cavers, a farmer, in Appleton Mrs Cavers was a member of Zion Memorial United Church, a charter member of the Appleton Women’s Institute, and a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion, branch 240 She was the mother of the late Frank and Harold Cavers, and the sister of the late David, George, and Welland McNabb. Mrs Cavers is survived by her daughter Agnes Tudor, of Toronto, and her son Melville Cavers, of Almonte A public funeral was held April 21 from the Alan Barker Funeral Home The service was conducted by Reverend Mitchell. Burial took place at the United Cemeteries. Ashton Mrs Cavers pallbearers were Tom Proctor, Delbert Barr, Art Fulton, Doug Stewart, Bert McRae, and Bill Struthers
From the North Lanark Museum ( Appleton)
Only two years after the Collie Woollen Mills began production World War Two began. The war was a major boost to the local economy. The mill shifted to 24 hour a day production in order to fill the military contracts. The mill produced woollens for uniforms, blankets and other military needs.
The war deeply affected the community of Appleton as sons and daughters enlisted to protect their country while families worked extra shifts at the mill
When the war was over, the community prepared an honor roll that hung in the Appleton Community Hall. The honor roll now resides at the North Lanark Regional Museum in Appleton:
This honor roll, which hung in the Appleton Community Hall until it was destroyed by fire, commemorates those Appleton residents who volunteered for active service during World War II. A silver star denotes those soldiers who gave their lives.
Bert Aitken
Stewart Aitken
John Barden
Leslie Barden
Gertrude Blaney
Earle Bridges
Frank Cavers (*)
Harold Cavers
Melville Cavers
John Collie
Jean Collie
Henry Collie
Forest Dezell
Harold Dowdall
Gordon Duncan
Hugh Duncan
Kenneth Duncan
Robert Duncan (*)
William Duncan
Arthur Fee
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick
Leonard Ford
Jack Gallagher
James Galvin
Jack Gladish
Max Gladish
Gordon Hallahan
Rupert Hopkins
William B. Hopkins
Russell James (*)
Hugh Kennedy
Earle Lowe
Stewart Neil
Bernard Pye
James Pye (*)
Keith Salisbury
Clyde Service
Ralph Sinnett
Harold Snedden
Lawrence Spinks
Leonard Spinks
Eric Stead
Neil Stewart
Raymond Struthers
William Struthers
George Walkley
Rank: Warrant Officer Class II Trade: Air Gunner Service No: R/97637 Date of Death: 23/03/1943 Age: 26 Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force, #113 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron (Yarmouth,, Nova Scotia) Citation(s): 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, War Medal 1939-45, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp
Killed at Yarmouth airport, N.S., with 3 other aircrew, when their plane crashed after take-off and then exploded. Son of Thomas Edgar and Bessie Cavers, of Almonte.
This is my mother and father at their rental house behind the museum in Carleton Place. I am not sure of the year. Their names were Francis and Isobel (Warren)Robertson. All photos from Gail McDowell- thank you!
In 1908 my grandfather was the main salesperson for mount forest company here in mount forest ontario.He was a long time resident of Carleton Place.his name was W.J.Warren.
My uncle was killed in action and i have photos of him. His name was James (Jim) Warren from Carleton Place.
Son of William James Warren and Isobel Snedden (nee Cochrane) Warren of Carleton Place, Ontario; husband of Ordelia Giles (nee West) Warren of Ottawa, Ontario. Brother of Isobel, Jack and William, predeceased brother David. On Wednesday, September 17, 1941, Miss Hilda Cram’s class held a remembrance service in Memorial Park in Carleton Place, Ontario. All of the pupils placed flowers at the base of the cenotaph’s single shaft. Prayers were said and the oath of remembrance prayer was recited. Leonard Baird sounded ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ on the trumpet. The class was the students taught by Jimmy Warren before his enlistment for overseas service. The Town of Carleton Place remembered Sergeant Warren by naming a street in his honour.
Commemorated on Page 47 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page.
Ordelia Giles West Early 1950s —Renfrew, Ontario, Canada- Wife
Ordelia Giles West lived in Carleton Place, Ontario, in April 1941. Ordelia Giles West married James Snedden Warren in Ottawa, Ontario, on March 18, 1941, when she was 24 years old. Her husband James Snedden passed away on June 17, 1941, in Devon, England, at the age of 28. They had been married 3 months.
This was my grandmother,also a CP resident Isobel Robertson
When Isobel Cochrane Snedden was born on August 4, 1883, in Lanark, Ontario, her father, David, was 28, and her mother, Ellen, was 25. She married William James Warren on August 16, 1911, in her hometown. They had five children during their marriage. She died in 1983 in Ontario at the age of 100, and was buried in Almonte, Ontario. Her son James Snedden passed away on June 17, 1941, in Devon, England, at the age of 28. (see above)
Hello Linda: I am enclosing a couple pictures and wondering if you could insert them for me in the Tales of Almonte– Mark Ward– Greatly appreciated.
Name: William Harrison Ward Enlisted: Oct,15,1940 Discharged: Feb. 25,1946 Service Unit: Royal Canadian Airforce, Enlisted Oct. 27,1952 Discharged Dec.30,1962, Service Unit: Canadian Army ( Militia ) 5th Ordnance Battalion (London Ont) Governor General Foot Guards ( Ottawa Ont.) Service: Wartime, Regular Force, Allied Forces.A picture of my father and his Service Book. This is greatly appreciated. Mark Ward
Doris Christine Ward served on active service with the Royal Canadian Air Force from September 3, 1942 and was honourably released and transferred to the Reserve Class “E” on the Fourth day of April 1946.” When a new style of uniform came out my mother was 1 of the ladies asked to model it. Mark Ward
Picture of my mom and dad . My dad met my mom in England as she was serving in the woman’s Air Force . They married and my mom came to Canada after the war as a war bride Photo Roger Rattray
The centre item is a telegram to my Grandma letting her know he arrived in Europe OK and of course send some cigarettes :)- Roger Rattray
Hi Linda : I found this in the my dads old scrapbook and thought it was a good time to send it just prior to Remembrance Day . I found my dad in both articles as he served with the RCAF in England . Roger Rattray
Sandra Rattray My husband ‘s father, Howard Rattray, and his father, John Rattray and their predecessors, owned part of Indians’ Landing. The story that was passed down was that the Indians used to trade their furs in there (at the former Patterson’s Furniture Store and Funeral Home or embalming room) This was common knowledge to many of the older locals-The Little Door by the River
Hi Linda : I found this in the my dads old scrapbook and thought it was a good time to send it just prior to Remembrance Day . I found my dad in both articles as he served with the RCAF in England . Roger Rattray
Carleton Place soldier is welcomed. Left to right: Irwin Crampton, brother; Mrs. T. A. G. Crampton, wife; Pte. T. A. G. Crampton; Mrs. I. Crampton, sister-in-law.
Picture of my mom and dad Howard Rattray . My dad met my mom in England as she was serving in the woman’s Air Force . They married and my mom came to Canada after the war as a war bride Photo Roger Rattray
To help people stay healthy while rationing food, the government put together Canada’s Official Food Rules, that told people how much of each of the six food groups — milk, cereals and bread, meat, fruits and vegetables, fish and eggs — they should eat every day. You know it today as the Canada Food Guide.
These cards above permitted Mrs. McColl of Carleton Place to purchase rationed food from a local shop. Eleven million ration cards (lead image) were issued in Canada. Inside there were coupons issued for such things as sugar, butter and meat
People were willing to deal with it because we were very clearly attacked by another nation’s military and were presented and for Canadians, it was the ultimate exercise in sharing. Since Great Britain was virtually cut off, our food exports provided an essential lifeline to the mother country. By the end of the war Canadian exports accounted for 57 per cent of all wheat and flour, 39 percent of bacon, 24 percent of cheese, and 15 percent of eggs consumed in Britain.
I don’t think vegetables were rationed as they didn’t require much resources to cultivate them (no grain to feed them, etc), and they started the dig for victory project which increased the amount of ground growing food dramatically (basically anywhere that was a decent patch of soil was use for planting). People got inventive, things like carrot cake were popular (grow your own carrots).
Weekly ration for 1 adult (~1944)
Food
Amount
Bacon & Ham
4 oz
Meat
~ 1/2 lb minced beef
Butter
2 oz
Cheese
2 oz
Margarine
4 oz
Cooking fat
4 oz
Milk
3 pints
Sugar
8 oz
Preserves
1 lb every 2 months
Tea
2 oz
Eggs
1 fresh egg per week
Sweets/Candy
12 oz every 4 weeks
Here, the past, and its culinary turns, could be more instructive then we might think. Certainly puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?
Frugal Wartime Recipes to See You Through Challenging Times!
This is a recipe for simple currant spiced buns that turned out so absolutely tasty and yummy and easy to make that I simply called them GLORIOUS.. They are not only economical but taste sooo good!–https://the1940sexperiment.com/2009/11/12/glory-buns/
The more I think about it the more I think it’s a terrible, terrible thing. I think about war a lot and I think about how all over our world it has effected every day families regardless of colour or creed.
I made these WWII ‘Glory Buns’ today after I had observed the Remembrance Day silence and while I listened to the full Remembrance Day service from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, on my local radio station, CKBW.
First of all I listened to Pierre Allaine
Pierre Allaine: Was a 14 year old when war broke out. He used to ferry people, lying flat on a barge during the night, across the river, by pushing the barge silently with a long pole to the free side of France. Pierre recited Flanders Field at the service in Bridgewater today.
Next I watched Frank Hammond who shared his thoughts… Quote: Conflicts today are not being resolved through power and the only real way is through negotiation…
And then Bert Eagle… Quote: Bert Eagle: There should NEVER be another war again, EVER, yet if I were a young man again and we went to war I would serve my country gladly…..
Above all I’ve been thinking of the BRAVE men and women who have taken part in a war and lived through it or given their lives and the BRAVE families at home battling to keep their children safe and fed and holding things together…
And the Glory Buns? It was such a glorious day that it needed to be celebrated with simple glorious food on my best glorious tray….. it reminded me just how lucky we really are.
Recipe for Glory Buns
12 oz of wholewheat flour (or white)
2 oz margarine
2 oz sultanas/currants/raisins (optional)
2 oz sugar
8 fl oz warm water
3 teaspoons of quick rise dried yeast
1 teaspoon dried cinnamon powder
pinch salt
To glaze:
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons sugar
Method Place all the dried ingredients in a bowl (apart from dried fruit) and stir Rub in the margarine Mix in the dried fruit Add in the warm water Knead well (use extra flour if mixture is too sticky) Divide dough into 12 balls Place on greased deep sided tray (I like to use the 8 x 8 inch foil trays and place 4 balls in each) Cover with plastic film or plastic bag Leave to rise somewhere warm for an hour or so When risen place in oven at 180 C for 15 minutes or so until golden brown When cooked remove from oven onto a wire rack to cool When cool prepare glaze by heating the water and sugar together until dissolved Using a pastry brush apply the glaze generously
Anyone know the name of the former Lanark Doctor this 1952 news article is referring too? The article mentions some of the things found in Lanark such at Glenayr Kitten sweaters.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
The Malta Aces
Squadron Leader Irving ‘Hap’ Kennedy was a Canadian fighter pilot. He flew Spitfires in Europe and Malta and Sicily and Whirlwinds and an American Kittyhawk in an amusing adventure in North Africa. He was shot down in France after the Normandy invasion and escaped.
One of the last of the future Canadian aces on Malta was a man with matinee idol good looks: Irving “Hap” Kennedy, who arrived in December 1942. His seven months of operations from Malta with 249 Squadron netted him five of his 12 victories. Like MacLennan, Hap wanted no more to do with war, and returned to the small town outside of Ottawa where he had grown up.
He became a much-loved country doctor first in Lanark Village and then back to Cumberland. “There was a need,” he says. “There were few doctors. I wanted to be a country doctor.”
His father had been Cumberland Township’s clerk treasurer. He was also a First World War veteran wounded at Vimy Ridge. For 37 years, Dr. Hap delivered babies at a rate that made him lose count He was the only doctor in the middle delivering hundreds of babies and making a powerful yet peaceful contribution to his hometown of Cumberland, Ontario, for decades.
They are out there. But soon they will all be gone. Perhaps you think of them as simply that older gentleman that walks his small dog down your street every day, the elderly fellow fumbling with his wallet ahead of you at the check out, that quiet guy who wears a badged blazer to church on Sundays, or that wonderfully kind, retired doctor who tends his garden. They live among us, blend in, live quietly and in the end they face the inevitable with dignity and quiet strength. To most neighbours and passersby, they are largely invisible, but once they were the boldest hearts, the fastest warriors, the most dashing and handsome of men, the most steadfast of comrades.
They are the fighter pilots of the Second World War. They are the ordinary men who stood up in the face of abject evil, prevailed and returned to live and love. They are the reason for our freedom. They are the lucky ones. Many did not return and those that did, lived their lives to the best of their abilities as tribute to their fallen brothers.
No one did more during their time in the RCAF, nor lived the remainder of their hard fought life with more dignity, contribution and gentleness than Cumberland, Ontario native Irving Farmer Kennedy. Known as “Hap” to his air force friends and “Bus” to his local community, Kennedy died on Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at the age of 91.
Mike Potter, Founder of Vintage Wings of Canada, had much the same thoughts when it came to describing the priviledge of his friendship with Kennedy:
“We are occasionally reminded that there are giants that walk among us, but sometimes they are heavily disguised. Hap Kennedy, as he was in his 80s when I had the privilege to meet him on several occasions, was a soft-spoken, friendly, modest and courteous gentleman, a father, grandfather, country doctor, and a strikingly handsome man in his old age. The few photos we have of him as a young man show him as the kind of clean-cut handsome young man you hope your daughter will bring home to introduce to the family, but they do not tell the whole story.
But here, behind the handsome face, is one of Canada’s magnificent warriors – a man who voluntarily entered some of the toughest and most dangerous fighting of recent times, where every engagement was the modern equivalent of hand-to-hand combat. Simply surviving Hap Kennedy’s war would have been an accomplishment, Malta in ’42, Sicily in ’43, D-Day in ’44. But to chalk up victory after victory and become one of Canada’s most celebrated Aces of the war sets him apart. READ more here– CLICK
( too many to mention).
lindaseccaspina 