Servicemen G

Gaganoff, W. (Wes) – OS RCNVR

• Feb/45, p.1 – “…the following have arrived overseas…OS Wes Gaganoff (V-89911) % HMCS Niobe Glasgow Scotland
• May/45, p.5 – (in a letter from E. Silvester) “There are four of us Powell River boys here and as far as I can make out they (include) Syd [sic?] Gaganoff…”

• May/43, p.4 – (in a letter from Charlie Murray) “Have just arrived over here, along with Bob Gairns…)”
• May/44, p.2 – “To date…Bobbie Gairns… (is an) official prisoner.”
• Jun/44, p.2 – “In case we forgot to tell you, Bobby Gairns is a prisoner of war in Germany.”
• Apr/45, p.1 – “Everybody anxious to hear about our prisoners of war. We have Tommy Gardiner, Bob Gairns, Joe Davenport, Gordon Cooper in various camps.”
• May/45, p.1 – “Good news about our prisoners of war. The whole shebang have turned up and are in England, in Canada or on their way. Tommy Gardiner and Bob Gairns were the last to turn up. Both were in camps overrun by the Russians and were late in reporting.”
• Jun/45, p.2 – “WO Bobby Gairns blew in last week after a couple years’ captivity under the Hun. Was picked up by the Russians and takes a very dim view of their social and sanitary graces.”

Gairns, George A. (Bud) – RCAF

• Vol.18/1942/No.10-Oct. p.8 – “…Bill Gallagher graduated as (a) Pilot Officer…”
• Vol.19/1943/No.12-Dec. p.13 – “…in recent weeks comes word of the exploits of our own Flying Officer Bill Gallager, co-pilot on a coastal bomber that sank an enemy U-boat in the Bay of Biscay.”
• Jan/44, p.2 – “…and Bill Gallagher, who has been playing hide and seek with Jerry U-Boats in the Bay of Biscay, is up a notch to Flying Officer.”
• Jan/44, p.4 – (J-24213) “The News Letter has been coming along regularly and its great, even the tragic passages about the liquor shortage. Have met Gord Kipp, Jimmie MacGregor and Dick Jacobs, and had a couple of leaves with my brother in London. What a town that is!”
• Feb/44, p.2 – “And did you hear about Flying Officer Bill Gallagher’s remark, after strolling innocently down Piccadilly. “Gosh”, said Bill, blushing, “A lot of these English girls mistook me for someone they knew. Honestly, I really didn’t know them??”
• Dec/44, p.1 – “Alf Tate has been promoted to Flight Lieutenant, in which lofty atmosphere he will find many old pals, including…Bill Gallagher…”
• Mar/45, p.2 – “And here are a few messages we promised to send…Doug Taylor’s best to Bertie and Bill Gallagher.”
• Jul/46, p15 – “…on the Bay of Biscay patrol was Flying Officer [sic] Bill Gallagher, mentioned in dispatches for participation in submarine sinking.”

Gallicano, W.B. (Bernarr) – Flying Officer RCAF Overseas

• Vol.18/1942/No.3-Mar. p.7 – (photo caption) “Cadet NCO’s stand for inspection by their OC. They are Sergt. Gallicano, Corp. David Hughes, Corp. Gordie Fullerton and Corp. Grant Dallas. All boys attended the Powell River High School.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.15 – “For eighteen months, cadet training has been compulsory in BC High Schools. In Powell River, the Air Force and Army cadets have been training steadily for the past year…Already the local cadets have begun to send their graduates to the armed forces…From the Air Cadets, Sergt. Bernarr Gallicano and Ivan Hansen have gone into the RCAF…Bernarr Gallicano has held the rank of Cadet Sergt. and is considered one of the smartest cadet NCO’s in Britiish Columbia. Ex Servicemen who have watched this boy drill his company have pronounced him a natural soldier. His loss will be keenly felt by the corps.”
• Jun/44, p.3 – “Pilot Officer Bernarr Gallicano, who has been instructing at Abbotsford…(was) among recent “furloughers”.”
• Sep/44, p.2 – “Bernarr Gallicano has been upped to Flying Officer, which is good going Bernarr.”
• Nov/44, p.3 – (in a letter from “Spud” Raimondo} “Have run across…Bernarr Gallicano…”
• Dec/44, p.2 – Bernarr Gallicano goes up to Flying Officer.”

• Vol.16/1940/No.8-Aug. p.16 – “In recent weeks Tommy Gardiner, of the office, popular all ‘round athlete, headed east to commence training as a pilot.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.9-Sep. p.5 – “Back in Brandon, Manitoba, Tommy Gardiner, ex-office staff and all-round athlete, now training as a pilot, is still his old vigorous self. In a recent letter Tommy tells something of his impressions of life in the Air Force barracks. “The barracks are very spacious. There are over 1200 stationed here. Just try to picture the scene as the mess bell rings and 2400 legs drive ‘all out’ for the grub pile. You have to drive-or you are liable to go without. The grub is good considering the quantity they dish out to this hungry mob…We can make our own amusement here. We are fortunate in having dozens of accomplished musicians, also ping-pong, billiards, pool, darts, cards, piano, radio and numerous other forms of diversion…The RCAF boys are a swell gang on the whole, but there are one or two of the usual smart guys who think they are much too good to drill, etc. I have my eye on a couple of birds I’m going to take apart some night, just for a little recreation.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.12-Dec. p.16 – “And Tommy Gardiner, ex-office man, and all-round athletic star, is going through [the] intensive process of his final examination, which he hopes will turn out Pilot Officer T. Gardiner. Tommy says the maths he learned at school are child’s play to the stuff he takes now-trigonometry, algebra, aeronautics, navigation with a bunch of side slips and barrel rolls thrown in. Tommy has his eye on the Fleet Air Arm-but that matter will be reserved for a later decision.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.1-Jan. p. 8/9 – “Tommy Gardiner, of the office, writes…”I have completed over fifty hours in the air-and believe me, all the work I have ever done in my life was pie to this job. But, it’s great stuff, and I’m getting alone fine. Took the old kite up last week and put her through a few rolls and loops-am looking forward to getting on one of the big Bombers-and, boy, am I sweating on the day I let those eggs off over Berlin.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.7-Jul. p.6 – “Four potential aces returned home for a brief visit last week, each wearing the wings of the RCAF on his tunic-and each a graduate of the Commonwealth Air Training Schools…(including)…Tommy Gardiner…”
• Vol.17/1941/No.7-Jul. p.6 – “A few days after graduating as (a) Sergeant-Pilot, Tommy Gardiner (was) notified of (his) promotion to the commissioned rank of Pilot Officer.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.7-Jul. p.6 – (photo caption) “Pilot Officer Tommy Gardiner stands to attention as the camp commandant pins on his wings. Tommy received his commission a few days after graduating.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.3-Mar. p.2 – “Somewhere in the East, possibly India or Burma, is Pilot Officer Tommy Gardiner, flying the latest thing in bombers.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.5-May. p.8 – “Tommy Gardiner, our lacrosse and basketball star, spent a glorious ten days’ leave in London and way points with an officer of the Australian forces. Several weeks later Tommy turns up in Cairo, along with Sergt.-Obs. Harry Cooper and Sergt. Robin Leese. Both boys visited Cape Town en route, and they have already travelled more than half the distance around the globe.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.8-Aug. p.8 – “Our narrative now takes a quick dash back to June 23rd of this year. The entire district has just learned, with unanimous regret, that Pilot Officer Tommy Gardiner, one of our most popular youngsters, was reported missing in operations over the Ionian Sea. Tommy was last seen as his Beaufort dived to attack an Italian convoy. For a month no further word of his fate was received. Hope dwindled, save among his athlete pals, who felt the resourceful Tommy would somehow”pull it off” again, as he had in many a tight corner on the lacrosse, basketball or baseball fields. On July 23rd, one month to the day, his father, Fire Chief Dave Gardiner, received a cable stating that “Your son, Pilot Officer Thomas Gardiner, is a prisoner of war in Italy.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.12 – “Two local boys, Tommy Gardener and Joe Davenport have been officially listed as prisoners of war. Pilot Officer Tommy Gardener (sic), son of Fire Chief Dave Gardener (sic) and former office employee, was posted as missing on May 23, following an attack on an Italian convoy in the Ionian Sea. One month later his parents were cheered and the entire district gratified to hear that Tommy had been picked up at sea and was a prisoner in Italy. This will be welcome news to Tommy’s many friends in the overseas forces. The local boy was Captain of a Beaufort plane when brought down, presumably by anti-aircraft fire off Sicily.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.10-Oct. p.9 – “Fire Chief Dave Gardiner has received a brief note from his son, Pilot Officer Tommy Gardiner, now a prisoner of war in Italy. Tommy reports he is wounded and doing as well as can be expected. This will be good news to Tommy’s pals in the overseas forces.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.11-Nov. p.8 – “Now to Italy for a brief look in on Flying Officer Tommy Gardiner, now a prisoner of war. The announcement of his promotion to Flying Officer has just come through. Tommy is doing all right. Congratulations, Tommy. The boys are all pulling for you.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.12-Dec. p.4 – “…we will toast Flying Officer Tommy Gardiner and Pte. Joe Davenport, and wish them good luck and a quick release from their Italian and German prison camps.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.12-Dec. p.4 – “Most Powell Riverites have read the thrilling story of Flying Officer Tommy Gardiner’s narrow escape from death in the Mediterranean. His plane was brought down by “flack” during a brush with a portion of the Italian Navy. Tommy found himself on an empty petrol tank surrounded by a sea of burning oil. He dived, swam under water and cleared the danger zone. An Italian destroyer came up and rescued Tommy and his observer. The Powell River boy suffered slight burns and received light shrapnel wounds. He is in an Italian prison camp-where he will spend Christmas.”
• Apr/43, p.3 – (in a letter from Art Mawn) “…with Tommy Gardiner in goal and we could give any of these smart Scottish amateurs a run for their money.”
• Jul/43, p.5/6 – Flying Officer Thos. Henry Gardiner (J-5919) Canadian Prisoner of War, Campo Concentramento, PGN 35 – PM 3400 ITALY.”
• Vol.19/1943/No.11-Nov. p.10 – “Three more of our boys, Flt. Lieut. Tommy Gardiner, Pte. Joe Davenport and Sgt.-Pilot Frank Granger, are prisoners of war. High hopes were entertained that Tommy Gardiner, in an Italian prisoner camp south of Naples, might have been released or escaped before the Italian surrender. These hopes have dimmed as word came through of the sordid intrigue and double dealings that featured the selfish gyrations of venal Italian officials around this period.”
• Feb/44, p.1 – “…Tommy ahs spent most of his time in recent months flying from one prison camp to another. His present address is Flt. Lt. Gardiner, T. RCAF Stalag Luft. III Prisoner of War #3204 Germany.”
• May/44, p.2 – “From reports, Tommy Gardiner was not in the recent prison break in Germany. The only reason we can think of is that he had just arrived at that camp and didn’t know the ropes.”
• Dec/44, p.1 – “Alf Tate ahs been promoted to Flight Lieutenant, in which lofty atmosphere he will find many old pals, including…Tommy Gardiner.”
• Apr/45, p.1 – “Everybody anxious to hear about our prisoners of war. We have Tommy Gardiner, Bob Gairns, Joe Davenport, Gordon Cooper in various camps.”
• May/45, p.1 – “Good news about our prisoners of war. The whole shebang have turned up and are in England, in Canada or on their way. Tommy Gardiner and Bob Gairns were the last to turn up. Both were in camps overrun by the Russians and were late in reporting.”
• Jun/45, p.2 – “Tommy Gardiner will be in next week. His homecoming will be rather an empty one after the death of his father a month ago.”
• Vol.21/1945/No.12-Dec. p.15- “ re: Cover Picture – Flt. Lieut. Tommy Gardiner stands up for the Air Force. Tommy was shot down into the Mediterranean following an attack on the Italian fleet. He was a prisoner of war in Italy for over a year, then transferred to Germany. He was “liberated” by the Russians.”
• Jul/46, p14 – “On June 23 of that same year (1942), Flying Officer Tommy Gardiner, in charge of a Beaufort, sighted a portion of the Italian fleet on a Libyan convoy. He maneouvered [sic] to attack, and came in low through a hail of anti-aircraft fire. His plane was hit and shot down. Tommy, who had been knocked unconscious, came to, as the waters of the “Med” closed over him. A strong swimmer, he swam through the debris of his plane and a sea of flaming oil to an Italian destroyer a few hundred years [sic] away. He was taken prisoner by the Italians, interned in Italy. On the eve of the Sicilian invasion he was transferred to a German prison camp, where he remained until the Russian advance overran his compound. After varying fortunes with the Soviet forces, Tommy was liberated and repatriated to Canada.”

Gebbie, Jack – Lieutenant Canadian Army Overseas

• Vol.16/1940/No.8-Aug. p.16 – And to the Westminster Machine Gun Regiment went four of our most popular and athletic employees, Alt Anderson, Jack Gebbie, “Baldy” Haddock, and Jimmy Hall.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.12-Dec. p.7 – “Jack Gebbie, assistant beater-room foreman, is learning how to assemble and dismantle a Vickers gun.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.4-Apr. p.16 – “Jack Gebbie, former assistant beater room foreman, and one of the best all round athletes ever developed in Powell River, has received his first promotion. Jack is now Lance Corporal Gebbie – and anyone knowing him will gamble this is only a beginning.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.11-Nov. p.7 – “Jack Gebbie, of the Westminster Regiment, is now Lance-Sergeant.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.8 – “The Fifth (Armoured) Division finds Powell River equally well represented. In the smart New Westminster Regiment are a group of well known athletes and citizens. They include Sergt. Jack Gebbie, one of our best all-round athletes and former assistant superintendent in the beater room…”
• Vol.18/1942/No.10-Oct. p.8 – “Sergeant Jack Gebbie, of the Westminsters, and his pal, Bat MacIntyre, are both edging close to their commissions.”
• Feb/43, p.3 – “Jack Gebbie is sweating on his commission.”
• Apr/43, p.3 – (as Sgt.) “Last May six of our sergeants were sent as instructors and disciplinarians to the Cape Breton Highlanders. I was one of the unlucky ones. Right now I am attending an OTU at Aldershot. It is the old Sandhurst OTU. All the instructors are from the Brigade of Guards and you know what that means. Am also getting a chance to play a little basketball and badminton and do a little boxing and wrestling.”
• Jul/43, p.1 – “Jack Gebbie is now commissioned as a First Lieutenant.”
• Vol.19/1943/No.10-Oct. p.10 – “Other Powell River men now with the Eighth Army (in Italy) include Trooper Ewart Hassell, Lieutenants Ken Barton and Jack Gebbie.”
• Jan/44, p.2 – “…and Lieut. Jack Gebbie is with the Mortar Coy. Of the SLI’s.”
• Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.12/13 – “The Divisional troops, Artillery, Service Corps, Tank Brigade, etc., have Lieut. Jack Gebbie…”
• Mar/44, p.3 – 3 Group Sask. L.I. CAO CMF “Thanks for the cigarettes, which arrived in the nick of time. Give my best to all the gang, Curly, Frank, etc.”
• Apr/44, p.4 – “Have a new job for the next few weeks. Am now Administrative Officer for our group. Tell Bill Hutchinson I received his letter and will be writing in a few days. Was in Naples during the recent eruption of Vesuvius. Looked much like a forest fire on the mountains at night.”
• Jul/44, p.2 – “Jack Gebbie has a new and interesting job these days. It’s a nine days wonder and Jack finds life in Italy anything but dull in his welfare work among the troops.”
• Jul/44, p.2 – “Quite a number of the boys have visited Rome, including…Jack Gebbie – and most of the gang say “I’ll take Riverside.”
• Mar/45, p.1 – “…Lieut. Jack Gebbie (is) back in Canada. Jack will take over the position of Personnel Counsellor for service employees. It’s a big job and Jack counts on all of you fellows to give him a helping hand in the future.”
• Mar/45, p.6 – “Lieutenant Jack Gebbie has just dropped in and especially asks to be remembered to all the old Westminster crowd. Looks younger than ever, smart and dapper. Saw his son for the first time which accounts for some of his chirpiness.”
• Apr/45, p.5 – “Softball season opens May 6. Arrangements for opening will bring a Navy-Army-Air Force trio into the inaugural ceremonies. CERA Bob Redhead will pitch the opening ball. Lieut. Jack Gebbie will catch it and Squadron Leader Jock Kyles will swing the hickory.”
• May/45, p.5 – “Lieutenant Jack Gebbie is at present in Ottawa learning all about Government Rehabilitation, Pension regulations, etc. Jack has been appointed Personnel Supervisor for the Company and will handle all questions of re-employment, transfers, and so forth, as well as giving you all possible assistance in the way of pensions. Ken Macken, recently discharged, is subbing for Jack until he returns from Ottawa.”
• Vol.21/1945/No.6-Jun. p.8– “Three prominent Powell River service men, recently returned from overseas, headlined the (sports season) opening ceremonies. CPO Bob Redhead, back from Greece and way points, donned the catcher’s mask; Lieut. Jack Gebbie, home after 18 months in Italy, hurled the opening pitch; and Squadron Leader Jock Kyles, returned, following three years with RCAF Control in the United Kingdom, knocked it out of the lot (a not unusual experience for Jock!)”
• Vol.21/1945/No.6-Jun. p.14/15– “Also home in Powell River (was)…Lieut. Jack Gebbie, Saskatoon Light Infantry…Lieut. Jack Gebbie was well over a year in Italy, and took part in all the major engagements from Taranto to Rimini and beyond. Jack will take over the important post of Personnel Counsellor for service men in the Powell River Company.”
• Vol.21/1945/No.7-Jul. p.12- “Among the latter (awaiting transfer to the Pacific) is Lieut. Jack Gebbie who returned to take over the important post of Personnel Counsellor for the Company. Jack will handle all problems in connection with the re-employment and disposition of service men-a job for which his experience, background and intimate knowledge of Powell River especially fits him. He was 18 months with the First Canadian Division in Italy. At present he is in Ottawa, familiarizing himself with veterans’ legislation and rehabilitation problems before returning to Powell River to assume his duties.”
• Jul/46, p10 – “From the beaches of Pachino to the Po valley, with interim stops at the Hitler and Gothic lines, at Cassino, at the Morro and a score of other natural obstacles, Powell River was always there…with the Mortar Company of the SLI’s was Lieutenant Jack Gebbie, our Personnel Counsellor.”

• Vol.17/1941/No.2-Feb. p.13 – “During the last month several well-known local boys have been called to service or notified to report in the near future. These include…Willie Gilmour…of the office…All are scheduled for the Air Force, which brings Powell River’s contingent in that vital sphere close to 60 members.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.5-May. p.9 – “Last month Jack Carruthers…was home on leave after convoy duty in the Atlantic. In an Eastern Canadian port, Jack met Pilot Officer Willie Gilmour…”
• Vol.18/1942/No.7-Jul. p.13 – “The…officer roll roster now includes the name of Pilot Officer Willy Gilmour.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.8-Aug. p.16 – “As we go to press, news that another of our most popular lads, Pilot Officer Willie Gilmour, has paid the supreme sacrifice, was received. Willie as he was known to us all, was brought up in Powell River. He received his education here, was a leader in our athletic life-and a highly valuable employee. As far as we can learn, Willie was killed during the Dieppe raid. His death is a personal tragedy to hundreds in Powell River, who knew him intimately. To his wife and to his parents we extend our heartfelt and deeply personal sympathy.”
• Vol.19/1943/No.11-Nov. p.11 – (under “We Will Remember Them”) “PO Gilmour, Willie RCAF Aug ’42Scotland, Flying Accident.”
• Jul/46, p13 – “How well we remember these lads, because they were first in battle and were in our minds and hearts for so long…Pilot Officer Willie Gilmour, lost in a flying accident atop Ben McDhui in Scotland…- all youngsters, who were part and parcel of our community and athletic life, were sucked up in the tempest.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.5-May. p.8 – “Powell River was well represented in the latest contingent [to reach Britain]. Among the Air Force group (was) Pilot Officer Willie Gilmour…”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.10 – “On August 21st, Pliot Officer Willie Gilmour was killed in a flying accident overseas. Willie was widely known in the district. He was one of Powell River’s leading sportsmen and a popular member of the office staff. He was buried with full military honours in Kinloss Abbey, Scotland.”

Golding, Gordon – RCAC

• Vol.16/1940/No.11-Nov. p.15 – “Including Bob Leese, four former employees hold commissions. In the Canadian Scottish, Major MacGregor, VC, MC,DCM, formerly on the millright staff, commands “A” Company. Denny Green, steam plant engineer, is now Lieutenant Green, MC, Transport Officer, Canadian Scottish. And at Esquimalt, Kent Goldsmith of the Kingcome office, takes the salute of many old friends as Lieutenant K. Goldsmith, RCN.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.1-Jan. p.13 – “The excellent photograph on this page was posed specially for THE DIGESTER, and shows Pilot Officer J.A. “Jock” Kyles discussing a recent issue of THE DIGESTER with brother-in-law Lieutenant Kent Goldsmith, RCNVR…Lieutenant Goldsmith joined the Navy in the Fall of 1940, and has been serving as Paymaster-Lieutenant. He had been an employee of the Powell River Company since 1923. For several years he was paymaster at Powell River, and latterly was transferred to a responsible post in the Accountancy Department…”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.7 – “In the ranks of the bluejackets are scores of former employees, well known throughout the district. There is…Lieut. Kent Goldsmith, Kingcome Navigation accountant…worthy of the tradition handed down and maintained by the Royal Navy.”
• Feb/43, p.3 – “Kent Goldsmith has been promoted to Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander at Halifax.”
• Mar/45, p.2 – “Lieut. Commander Kent Goldsmith dropped in last week to inform us he may be transferred to Niobe in Glasgow, so look out for him.”

Golley, E.M. (Mert/Merton) – Flight Sergeant RCAF Overseas

• May/44, p.2 – “Sgt. Mort Golley is now in Newfoundland (R-128705) CAPO #4 RCAF Overseas.”
• Jan/45, p.3 – “Flight Sgt. Merton Golley dropped in last week. After a long stay in Newfoundland and way points, Mert is on the way to Civvy Street and will be discharged in a few weeks.”
• Feb/45, p.2 – “Laurence “Slick” Hembroff is back in the mill again and chasing ohms, watts and amperes about the place with his old gusto. Slick, after a year’s convalescence, returned to work early in March. And Mert Golley stepped in a couple of days before “Slick”. Back at his old trade of electrician and finds Powell River a pretty good spot. (P.S.) All the lights in town and the mill went out the other night. Don’t know whether “Slick” and Merton were around or not!!”

• Oct/44, p.2 – (K-48801) 1st Bn CSR HQ Coy Signals CAO BWEF “…Steve Gorbatuk, who had been doing some snappy signaling with the Scottish in Belgium and Holland.”
• Oct/44, p.5 – (in a letter from Claude Borden) “Had another surprise while watching a horseshoe game. The chap sitting next to me turned around and said, “I believe I know you”. It was Steve Gorbatuk, so we headed promptly for the nearest pub…”
• Vol.21/1945/No.1-Jan. p.11 – “And Italy, Steve Gorbatuk writes: “Barney MacDonald is with me here-but there are a lot of Powell River boys in the outfit, and we get together for the odd chin-wag as often as possible.”
• Mar/45, p.4 – (in a letter from C.S. Parsons) “…Met Steve Gorbatuk several times in Belgium and he is the only P.R. fellow I’ve met on the continent.”
• Jun/45, p.5 – (in a letter from B.W. MacDonald) “…Quite a few Powell River boys with me here (including) Steve Gorbatuk…Don’t know when we will be coming home but we all hope soon.”

Gordon, Chas – RCA

• Jun/44, p.2 – “And again the Navy with Petty Officer officially confirmed for…Charlie Gowdyk.”
• Jun/44, p.3 – “PO Charlie Gowdyk…(was) among recent “furloughers”.”
• He was born May 7, 1920 in Powell River and died June 26, 1972 in Vancouver, BC.

Gowdyk, Frank – Canadian Army

• Born December 29, 1918 in Powell River.
• Gowdyk served with the Seaforth Highlanders, Vancouver’s infantry regiment.

Graham, Joseph (Joe) – CSM CITC

• Vol.16/1940/No.8-Aug. p.16 – “A serious situation confronts Vancouver Island. Unless something drastic is done the Island faces stark famine in certain essential commodities. At least according to Joe Graham, former Beater Room engineer, the shortage of spuds and carrots is something the authorities should seriously consider. “I know what I’m talking about,” Joe writes from the headquarters of the 1st Canadian Scottish Regiment. “I was on kitchen fatique last week and I peeled every spud and carrot on the Island. There isn’t one I missed.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.12-Dec. p.6/7 – “In this article we show some special photographs of the troops and their home in an Eastern Canadian camp. Lance-Corporal Joe Graham, former beater-room engineer, sends them along with the remark that he can’t understand why anyone wanted to take over that country from the Indians. Among Joe’s portraits is one showing the boys of the Canadian Scottish washing their feet in a nice, cool eastern stream-15 degrees of frost. And the camp, like all newly constructed military camps from time immemorial, leaves much to the imagination and the mud. The Canadian Scottish have had their first and second snowfalls. The Powell River boys don’t think much of it, and look enviously at the Anzacs attacking the Italians [in Egypt] in 90 F weather.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.1-Jan. p.9 – “Over the New Year period, scores of the boys were home on furlough-and spent the holiday season with parents, relatives or friends. Several boys, including Joe Graham and George Crockett, made the long trip from Truro, Nova Scotia, to the West Coast, They report snow, and sub-zero temperatures-and wish they could take our BC weather back east with them.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.5-May. p.10 – “Writing from Debert, Nova Scotia, Joe Graham, former Beater Room Engineer, says he met up with Wilf Davis of the Laboratory Staff…According to Joe, the boys aren’t having much rest these days. It’s all training and plenty of it… All the boys from Debert send their regards to Powell River and wish to thank the folks for the parcels and smokes”
• Vol.17/1941/No.9-Sep. p.7 – “…News has come through of the safe arrival in England of Canada’s Third Division…includ(ing) the 1st Battalion Canadian Scottish, whose nominal roll includes twenty-two Powell River boys. Among these (is) Joe Graham, now sporting full Corporal’s stripes…”
• Vol.18/1942/No.4-Apr. p.10 – “Corporal Joe Graham of the same regiment [Canadian Scottish] has left the battalion to take a special NCO’s course and hadn’t received his cigarettes, but was told they were awating him at battalion headquarters. Incidentally, they were putting Joe through the well known hoops at this instruction school; have night marches by companies, and map reading by flashlight; and mock attacks against some of the best water-filled ditches in England.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.4-Apr. p.10 – “And the Royal Canadian Engineers are doing quite well. Jack Challis and Bob Lye report running into Joe Graham-and the boys staged another of those famous Powell River reunions that are coming to constitute a “major operation” in the Canadian Army overseas.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.8-Aug. p.15 – “Scores of letters are now coming in from the boys overseas, telling of the wonderful time they had at this historic gathering in London on July 26. They tell the story of Corp. Joe Graham and a couple of pals walking into a London pub that night. Joe shouted out at the top of voice, “Powell River ‘’Shun”-and half the population of the pub shouted “Here!”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.5 – “Scores of letters from the boys telling of the (1942) reunion have poured in. One and all consider it a red letter day in their lives. “We resumed,” said Corp. Joe Graham, “the old arguments we started three years ago!”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.8 – “Twenty-two Powell River representatives are numbered in the ranks of the First Canadian Battalion, Canadian Scottish, Third Division. They include such stalwarts as Corp. Joe Graham…”
• Vol.18/1942/No.10-Oct. p.8 – “Joe Graham is now a lance-sergeant.”
• Feb/43, p.3 – Canadian Scottish Overseas “Things are changing fast from the days I used to put on weight watching the Beaters run. A few months ago I thought I was a pack horse. Now I know I am one – but they are still trying to make a racer out of me. I’ve got to the stage now, that when they say Quick March, I start to double. Say “hello” to the old gang for me and keep your powder dry.”
• Feb/43, p.3 – “Joe Graham is now a sergeant.”
• Apr/43, p.5 – “Sgt. Joe Graham of the Canadian Scottish, …will be in Canada for several months as an instructor…Joe spent most of his leave looking up the old gang and wondering what had happened to the liquor board in his absence. Joe is looking fit, and has given us a lot of news of the gang overseas.”
• Apr/43, p.6 – “Even Joe Graham, home on leave, was seen digging potato acreage at the Ocean View hacienda.”
• May/43, p.2 – “Sergt. Joe Graham is now instructing in battle drill tactics, etc., at an advanced training school in Calgary.”
• Jul/43, p.3 – (in a letter from D.A. Jack) “…That big lug Joe Graham is sure lucky. I’ve been trying for three years to make that trip. All the best Joe. Remember the Sunday we had together at the first re-union.”
• Mar/44, p.3 – (in a letter fron W.E. Peebles) “Would like to know what Sgt Joe Graham (is) doing now. (ed: Joe is a sergeant instructor…at Currie Barracks.)”
• Jun/44, p.3 – “Sgt. Joe Graham…(was) among recent “furloughers”. And Joe went out and got drunk when he heard the old “Third” had cracked the Hun line in the first rush. A report just off the wire says a Glengarry hated soldier was stopping all traffic in Calgary, and yelling lustily, “Come on the Scottish!” ”
• Jun/45, p.1 – “About 15 have been discharged in the past month. These include…Joe Graham (Beater Room)…”

• Vol.16/1940/No.11-Nov. p.15 – “Including Bob Leese, four former employees hold commissions. In the Canadian Scottish, Major MacGregor, VC, MC,DCM, formerly on the millright staff, commands “A” Company. Denny Green, steam plant engineer, is now Lieutenant Green, MC, Transport Officer, Canadian Scottish. And at Esquimalt, Kent Goldsmith of the Kingcome office, takes the salute of many old friends as Lieutenant K. Goldsmith, RCN.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.12-Dec. p.7/16 – “And Lieutenant Denny Green, Stem Plant Engineer, 2nd Battalion Canadian Scottish, has been away on special duty in recent months learning, we understand, something of BC’s great hinterland.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.5-May. p.9 – “Latest Powell Riverite to join the ranks of the Benedicts is Capt. Denny Green, of the Second Canadian Scottish Regiment. Capt. Green was married in Victoria in May, and has been the recipient of many congratulations and good wishes from friends in Powell River.”
• Feb/43, p.3 – “Denny Green is Captain at Pacific Coast Command Headquarters, and is sweating on his Majority.”
• Aug/43, p.1 – “Capt. Denny and Mrs. Green were in for a few days’ visit. Denny is at Pacific Command Headquarters, Prince Rupert.”
• Aug/43, p.1 – “Bill (Clutterbuck) and Denny Green had a couple of beers together or maybe it was four or five.”
• Nov/44, p.3 – (Major Denny Green, DAQMG MD 7 St. John NB) “…This is a dreary looking town, but the surrounding country is lovely…We were making arrangements to come to Powell River for the Paper Makers Ball, but that is all shot now. The refreshment question is better here than in BC, but in a climate like this, that is as it should be!”
• Feb/45, p.4 – “…I am out on a limb away back here and seldom see anyone from the West. Have you got John Dunlop patched up again?”

Gribble, H. (Harold) – Private Canadian Army Overseas

• Aug/44, p.2 – “…and if any of you fellows are in London, look up Harold Gribble at No. 1 BN & PS Hospital, Canadian Army. Harold is expected home soon, but meantime is progressing okay, and would be glad to hear from any of the old crowd.”
• Sep/44, p.2 – “Harold Gribble, wounded in Normandy, is home and keeping cheerful and fit, despite his wounds. Sends his best to all his old pals Overseas.”
• Vol.20/1944/No.10-Oct. p.6 – “Pte. Harold Gribble, who fought to Caen with the Canadian Scottish has been sent home for further treatment. He will probably be discharged on recovery.”
• Oct/44, p.3 – “Harold Gribble was in last week. Has returned to Calgary, but expects to report to Shaughnessy shortly. He will probably be discharged after convalescence.”
• Nov/44, p.2 – “Harold Gribble has finally been discharged and is back in Powell River. Taking a short rest before going back on the job. Harold is fine, and sends his best to all his friends in the forces.”
• Dec/44, p.2 – “Harold Gribble is back in the Machine Room and getting along fine. Sends his best to all the crowd.”
• Vol.21/1945/No.2-Feb. p.11– “…Pte. Harold Gribble (has) been recently discharged following on severe wounds suffered in action. Harold Gribble lost an eye, serving with the famous Canadian Scots in the fighting around Caen.”
• Mar/45, p.2 – “And the best from Howard Gribble to the old “Scottish” gang, and especially Cece Poole.”
• Jul/46, p11 – (re: D-Day) “Hitting the beaches in that first unstoppable assault with the Scottish…(was)…Howard Gribble.”

• Vol.18/1942/No.2-Feb. p.8/9 – “In the RCAF are Leading Aircraftsmen Bert and Jack Grundle, prominent in local athletic circles, and both on duty in the British Isles.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.4-Apr. p.11 – “Jack Grundle is at an Air Force camp in the north of Scotland…”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.5 – “Jack Grundle came down from Scotland (for the 1942 London reunion.)”
• May/43, p.2 – “Stoker Petty Officer Scotty Abbot…ran across Jack and Bert Grundle…in Ireland…”
• Vol.19/1943/No.6-Jun. p.14/15 – “Had a chat with Bert Grundle in Algiers,” writes another local boy. “Saw him in Londonderry a few months before. We had a couple of beers and talked about Powell River and the folks at home.”
• Feb/44, p.2 – “We have official confirmation on Jackie Grundle. His wife is LAW Mildrer Grundle, and the picture we have shoes Jack can pick ‘em.”
• Vol.20/1944/No.3-Mar. p.12 – (photo caption) “(Mrs.) LAW Mildred Grundle and Jackie Grundle, just married overseas.”
• Vol.20/1944/No.3-Mar. p.12/13 – “And there is chubby-faced Jack Grundle, who has beaten brother Bert to the draw and has come out well in the lottery. Jackie is the latest, but not the last of our boys to pick up a bit of old England.”
• Dec/44, p.2 – “Expecting quite a few more of the boys home soon…Bert and Jack Grundle …are among the immediate prospects.”
• Jan/45, p.2 – “A few days later…Corp. Jack Grundle (popped in)…Jack (is) awaiting discharge.”
• Vol.21/1945/No.2-Feb. p.10/11– “…Cpl. Jack Grundle…arrived home…Jack was sent back after three years’ service with ground and repair crews.”
• Mar/45, p.1 – “Jack Grundle not out of the service and intends to continue his Art studies.”
• Apr/45, p.3 – (in a letter from Claude Borden) “…give my congratulations to Jack Grundle in bringing his English bride safe and sound to Canada.”
• May/45, p.2 – “And speaking about British brides. Must say that thus far our lads have done some slick picking. All the girls seem to like Powell River and are settling down fine. (Jack Grundle and Martin Naylor and families out shopping is quite a sight.)”
• Vol.21/1945/No.6-Jun. p.15– “Two other Powell River brothers, Bert and Jack Grundle, have returned after three years overseas; Jack in France with the RCAF, and Bert in the Mediterranean with the Radar division of the Air Force.”