More Georgetown Stories

33

1935—1982

Letter from the Front

[Letter from Private Sheldon Ross, Georgetown, serving in Italy, to his cousin Sheldon of Charlottetown]:

Dear Sheldon,

This is the third letterl started to write to you since this morning. I would just get started and I would have to get out of the truck which is about the only place we have to write in. Ireceived the thousand cigs today and was sure glad to get them. I didn’t have a cig to me name. I lost over three thousand since I came down to this place. I guess Davy Jones is smoking them now. I got my quart of Scotch last night and I started visiting. I was up to see Herbie Stewart, Roy Yorston and Capt. Nicholson from Montague. We had a great time. I thought I was in the P.E.I. Highlanders again. All the old fellows were there clear of the ones that were killed or wounded. We had a grand reunion. It is the first time we were together since we came over. Well, Sheldon, it has been pretty tough the last few weeks. I had some narrow escapes (knock on wood) but I came out all right. I lost some skin off my leg but clear of that I didn’t get hurt but got a shaking up. I wish this war was over. But it won’t be long now (I hope) if the big drive still keeps going. I got me a sniper about four days ago. But the dirty dog got four of my pals first, killed one and wounded the others. He came out with his hands up crying like a baby. This is what they all do when they are cornered. Hitler’s superrnen. Well, Sheldon, I can’t think of anything more to write about so I guess I will close for now. Thanks again for the cigs. Lots of love to all Sheldon.” (Guardian, July 4, 1944)

Crucifix Passed from Uncle to Nephew

“ Sgt. Air Gunner Francis MacPhee left recently for Three Rivers after spending embarkation leave with his parents Mr. & Mrs. Joseph MacPhee. Prior to his departure he received a crucifix belonging to his late uncle Commander J. D. MacPhee (who died recently in Vancouver) who carried it on his person all during the First World War. This was the only personal property returned to him by the Germans after his having been a prisoner-of—war for 33 months.” (Patriot, July 25, 1944)

Brothers Serving Overseas Meet in

Convalescent Hospital

“F 31 167, Pte. John G.C. King and F 60614 Rfm. Lloyd N.King, sons of Mr. & Mrs. Daniel King, Boughton Island, P.E.I., Canada, met for the first time after going overseas-4n a convalescent hospital. Lloyd joined in 1939 with the PE]. Highlanders. He was first stationed in the Maritimes, then went overseas to Newfoundland. Later he took an instructor’s course at Long Branch, Ont. and after a time in British Columbia went overseas in August. He was wounded in Holland and invalided in England. Jack joined in 1943 with the Tank Corps. He was first stationed in Halifax, then at Camp Borden. He took a clerk’s course in Toronto and went to England in 1944. He was wounded in France then sent back to England. In letters to the folks at home they often wondered if they would ever meet overseas.” (Guardian, Feb. 7, 1945)

Georgetown School Honor Roll, Feb.2 1945

“Grade X, Sr.: 1. Herby Parker 2. Richard DeLory & Claire Roche, 3. Frances Prosper

Grade X, Jr.: 1. Eileen Wood 2. Gladys Fouchere 3. Harry McConnell

Grade IX Sr.: 1. Connie Mair 2. Louise Murphy 3. Jim Mair

Grade IX, Jr.: 1. Virginia Grant & Elinor Hobbs 2. Julia Prosper 3. Ray Grant. Mary Roche & Romie Condon Grade VIII: 1. Cullen DeLory, Eileen McConnell, Clarence Stewart 2 Sonny Johnson 3. Stephen DeLory, John Dicks, Freddie MacLean

Grade VII: 1. Harry Parker 2. Margaret Lavers 3. Everett Llewellyn

Grade VI: 1.Anne MacDonald2. Beatrice Mair 3. Eleanor Walsh

Grade V: 1. Bernice DeLory 2. Helen Murphy3. Lorraine Roche & Margaret David

Grade IV: 1. Bernard Walsh 2. Annie Matheson 3. Phyllis Martell

Grade 111: 1. Marguerite Hemphill 2. Vivian Allen & Sheila DeLory 3. Gerald Llewellyn

Grade II: 1. Gertrude Fitzgerald 2. Jackie Lavers & Jean Sampson 3. Donalda Landry & John Walsh

Grade 1A: 1. Margaret Dalton & Charles Mair 2. Phyllis MacLean & Stephen Gotell 3. Stewart Hanson & Leona Blackett

Grade 1 B.: 1. Lawrence Marte112. Roland Gallant 3. Roger Alan Soloman

Staff: Z.M. Rooney, Principal, Kay Roche, Mrs. F.J. Jenkins, Annie Keenan.” (Guardian, Mar. 12, 1945)

Howard Rafuse Awarded Medal for Gallantgg

“The Military Medal for Gallantry has been awarded to Sgt. Howard George Rafuse, of Georgetown. Sgt. Rafuse’s citation states that on Oct. 15, 1944. his battalion in the advance south of Biervlet with other formations was held up by heavy machine gun fire coming from a well—placed position in the front. Sgt. Rafuse was a carrier section leader with a forward company. His carrier stuck in'the marsh but Sgt. Rafuse went on alone and although wounded in the right leg he successfully knocked out the gun position killing three of the enemy and taking two prisoners thereby enabling the forward company to advance. Sgt. Rafuse then allowed himself to be evacuated.” (Patriot, Feb. 17, 1945 & Guardian, Mar. 17. 1945)

Move the Court House and Jail to Montague!

“ Editor, Patriot

Sir,

I have read with interest this winter regarding the moving of public buildings from one city to another. This brings to my mind the fact that last year at the Easter term of the Supreme Court of King’s County, the judge was not present on the day appointed. This brought down on him the ire of the Grand Jury. His alibi was that there was no hotel accommodation and the day being unfavorable for a plane he was unable to come. Now I would suggest that