Servicemen H

Hansen, David

• Jan/44, p.2 – “David Hansen, youngest of the Hansen clan is also in the Navy. (ed: Remember, he was the kid who was just starting high school when you {older men} left.)

• 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…Ivan Hansen is the son of Alf Hansen…a decoration holder of the last war. Ivan is an all-round athlete and one of the best swimmers and divers in the district.”
• Apr/43, p.4 – 5 EFTS, High River Alta “Please thank the Powell River Company for the 500 cigarettes. I must admit I don’t smoke, but they were heartily received by my chums. After Manning Depot, I was sent to Claresholme for duty, and it was some duty. It consisted of an every “Joe” job they could think of, and some they made up on the spur of the moment.”
• Oct/44, p.2 – “LAC Ivan Hansen, you know, that sun-blackened lad that used to do the high diving stunts with the rest of the school kids, is now with the RAF India Command.”
• Nov/44, p.3 – (in a letter from “Spud” Raimondo} “Have run across…Ivan Hansen…”
• Jan/45, p.4 – (in a letter from Don Clarke) “Ivan Hansen (is) in this squadron. See a lot of Ivan…our work is very interesting.”
• Jan/45, p.5 – (in a letter from Graham Wright) “Would like to say hello to Ivan Hansen. (ed: write Ivan at: (R-181403) #435 Squadron RCAF India Command.)”
• Vol.21/1945/No.1-Jan. p.10/11 – “Last week from somewhere in India, a letter arrived from Cpl. “Dint” Hunter…Said Dint: “It was just like Old Home Week when I arrived out here. Hardly arrived at the station before I ran into Ivan Hansen, Don Clarke, Bob Gornall and Johnny MacIntosh.”
• Feb/45, p.3 – “The News Letters are coming along in good time and am sure glad to get them…I see Don Clarke practically every day and Bob Gornall (R-74519), both being in the same squadron. On Christmas eve they gave us one bottle of beer and 5 pkgs of Woodbines and a couple of boxes of matches. We got the same issue on New Year’s and haven’t seen beer since.”
• Vol.21/1945/No.4/5-Apr./May p.11– “Out in India working with the swiftly advancing forces of Admiral Mountbatten is the 435th Squadron, RCAF. In the squadron six Powell River lads are carrying on the fight against the Jap. These are Flying Officers Don Clarke and Jock MacIntosh, Corporals Bob Gornall and Dint Hunter, LAC Ivan Hansen and Ron Smythe. All of these lads were posted seperately to the RAF India Command, and were unaware of each other’s whereabouts. Don Clarke was posted to the 435th Squadron. A few days later Jock MacIntosh turned up to make it a Powell River two-some. Then came along Dint Hunter, wondering what he would find in India. He found Don and Jock, who had been joined by Ivan Nansen, Bob Gornall and Ron Smythe. “It was just like Old Home Week,” reminisced Dint in a recent letter.”It was sure great to see so many of the old gang together, and, believe me, we made the most of it.”

Harper, Ernie A. – RCAF

• Vol.18/1942/No.7-Jul. p.13 – “Summer and embarkation leaves are bringing manyy of the boys back home for brief and well earned holidays…Jack Harper (is) among the lads who have been with us in recent weeks.”
• Aug/43, p.1 – “Jack Harper (son of Bert Harper) (has) returned from Overseas.”
• Jul/44, p.3 – “Jack Harper, Jr., discharged, (has) been back in civies for many months…Jack is working in the mill.”

✝ Hassell, Ewart – Trooper 28th Armoured Reg’t. Canadian Army Overseas

• Vol.16/1940/No.7-Jul. p.2/3 – “Another father and son combination is that of Harry Hassell, of the wharf crew, and his son Ewart. Both were accepted in the DCOR, Vancouver’s famous infantry unit.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.12-Dec. p.7 – “From Cranberry comes father-now Company Sergeant-Major Harry Hassell, of the Wharf Crew, and now with the DCOR’s in an eastern camp-and son Ewart, a private in his dad’s battalion.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.5-May. p.8 – “At least five Powell River boys crossed the pond with the “Dukes”…(including) Private Ewert [sic] Hassell…”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.8 – “In the Fourth Division, our boys comprise the better part of a platoon in the First Battalion DCOR’s who have recently arrived overseas as an armoured unit. The list includes Trp. Ewart Hassell…”
• Apr/43, p.4 – “Just a line of appreciation for the Powell River Company smokes. We are kept busy here and the people are very hospitable – and now the fine weather is starting, we are looking forward to the months ahead.”
• 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.”
• Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.12/13 – “The Divisional troops, Artillery, Service Corps, Tank Brigade, etc., have Tpr. Ewart Hassell…”
• May/44, p.1 – “Also (thanks to) Ewart Hassell for the much appreciated copy of the ‘Crusader’.”
• Jul/46, p10 – “All specialist branches were liberally sprinkled with lads from the paper town…(including)…Ewart Hassel [sic], Tanks Corps…”
• Jul/46, p11 – “Our military casualties in the Italian campaign were not light…Ewart Hassell…paid the supreme sacrifice…”’

• Vol.16/1940/No.7-Jul. p.2/3 – “Another father and son combination is that of Harry Hassell, of the wharf crew, and his son Ewart. Both were accepted in the DCOR, Vancouver’s famous infantry unit. Harry served during the World War, 1914-1918 with the Imperial forces.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.11-Nov. p.15 – “Harry Hassell of the wharf is now “Sergeant Harry,” and spends his time training awkward squads.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.12-Dec. p.7 – “From Cranberry comes father-now Company Sergeant-Major Harry Hassell, of the Wharf Crew, and now with the DCOR’s in an eastern camp-and son Ewart, a private in his dad’s battalion. Harry is back for his second whirl at the Hun.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.1-Jan. p.3 – “Captain and Adjutant Eric Barlow, formerly of the Canadian Bank of Commerce and Company Sergeant-Major Harry Hassell of the Wharf, head our contingent of the “Dukes”.”
• Jun/45, p.4 – Sergeants’ Mess #48 CIBTC St. John’s Que. “…Thanks for the News Letters which are full of interest back here. Glad to hear that so many of the boys are getting home. This is my third camp since Brockville. It is a Permanent Force Barracks and it is about the best camp I have been in—and the beer is more plentiful here than at most places, which helps a lot. Am giving basic training to boys going to the Pacific and they are a fine bunch of lads…My regards to all the old crowd.”

Heaton, Johnny (Red) – Private Canadian Army Overseas

• Vol.15/1939/No.10-Oct. p.8 – “Another member of the Grinder room crew, Johnny “Red” Heaton, has joined the Irish Fusiliers in Vancouver. “Red” says the Irish are a great bunch and that army life is not nearly as tough as some of the old soldiers in Powell River had painted it. “Red” is doing fine and says “hello” to all the gang.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.7-Jul. p.12 – “Several Powell River boys have landed safely overseas (including) Corporal Red Heaton…”
• Jul/43, p.4 – (K-67035) “Hq” 3rd Canadian Division Overseas “Received your March issue of the popular News Letter and really enjoyed reading it. It is so nice to hear the boys’ opinion of their jobs and to find out where they are. Bill Price and Fred Harding are the only ones I see often. Of course, Jock Munro is always around, still arguing about soccer. We see lots of good games over here. How about giving us a little dope on sports in your next issue. Please give my thanks to the Company for the cigarettes, of which I received 600 last week and they were a life saver.”
• Jan/44, p.2 – “…in the Central Mediterranean is…a flock of others, including our old playmate Pte. Red Heaton.”
• Jan/44, p.4 – HQ 1st Can Corps CMF “Above is my new address, so you wont delay in sending the News Letter. Had the pleasure of a couple of hours’ chat with Colonel MacGregor and we talked Powell River all the time. Is Hillbilly Jack Ellis still around. (ed: Driver Corp. in the Reserve Init.).”
• Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.12/13 – “The Divisional troops, Artillery, Service Corps, Tank Brigade, etc., have Pte. “Red” Heaton…”
• Feb/44, p.2 – “If any of you run across Red Heaton, with the CMF, that him that another old grinder room pal, Tpr J.G. McKenzie (K-71714) HQ Ssdn. 5th CAB, is in the same area.”
• Mar/44, p.2 – “We are betting that an even hundred will come back with British brides (and wish the boys in the CMF would remind Red Heaton that things aren’t quite the same in the back streets of Bari, Foggia, etc. as they were around Riverside!)”
• May/44, p.4 – ADV HQ 1st Can Div CMF “… Finally received the News Letter, after missing about three copies, and it was sure good to read it again…am going to Bari on leave and will be able to tell you if it has any resemblance to Riverside on New Year’s Eve. How is Tommy Prentice coming along with the liquor ration…He should be out here to sample the wine, just like paint remover.”
• Jul/44, p.1 – “These are some of the more recent (papers) – as they are also those fascinating Mediterranean papers that…Frank Donnelly…and scores of other fellows have sent along.”
• Jul/44, p.2 – “Quite a number of the boys have visited Rome, including…Red Heaton – and most of the gang say “I’ll take Riverside.”
• Jul/44, p.4 – (in a letter from Bill Crockett) “Dick Jacob and I had a good snort of decent French wine last night (ed: Wonder how it stacks up against that stuff that Red Heaton and Charlie Robson are quaffing down in Italy, Bill)”
• Aug/44, p.3 – “July News Letter arrived o.k., and it was the first in nine weeks…and speaking about Reunions in Powell River, for the love of Mike, don’t include wine on the ration list. Never want to look that stuff in the face again…and tell Frank Oldale to get me a nice sharp picaroon, as I’ll be back swinging it soon. All the best to the gang.”
• Feb/45, p.3 – “Red Heaton, after wading and wallowing across half the waterways of Italy gave the classic retort: “Water! Does the so-and-so think we’re standing in beer!”.”
• Jul/46, p.8 – “From Powell River in those almost forgotten days, went John “Red” Heaton…John joined the Irish Fusiliers and went overseas in 1942.

• Vol.17/1941/No.12-Dec. p.7 – “The two Hembroffs, father Lawrence, sergeant in a Searchlight battalion, and son Bill in the RCAF, are both keeping the old flag flying. Lawrence was on the electrical staff, and Bill was in the Steam Plant.”
• Jul/44, p.3 – “And your old pal, Sgt. Lawrence [sic] “Slick” Hembroff, has received his discharge. Expect him back here any day.”
• 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!!”

Henderson, Eric – LAC RCAF Overseas

• May/43, p.4 – (in a letter from Charlie Murray) “Have just arrived over here, along with Eric Henderson…”
• Aug/43, p.2 – (in a letter from Garnet Gibson) “I was over here from January to April before I met any P.R. boys, but one night I met Eric Henderson…”

• Vol.15/1939/No.10-Oct. p.8 – “Down in Vancouver, drilling daily with the Canadian Seaforths, is Norman Hill, former all-round athlete. Norm was one of the first to enlist from Powell River, and his regiment haas been definitely selected to proceed overseas with the first Canadian division. He writes he is enjoying the life and sends his regards to all his friends in Powell River. Norm was employed in the Grinder Room.”
• Vol.15/1939/No.12-Dec. p.16 – “Inset is Norm Hill, one of the first Powell River Company employees to reach England since the outbreak of war. Norm was the first local employee to join the colors, enlisting in the Vancouver Seaforths a few days after war was declared, and left Vancouver for the east several weeks ago. Recent press dispatches announce the safe arrival of Norm and the famous Seaforths at a British port. Along with Norm are Dave Jack, well-known Powell River soccer player, who enlisted shortly after Norman, and George Harris, formerly of the staff of the Bank of Montreal in Powell River. All these boys have a wide circle of friends locally, and their safe arrival through the subs and mines of the North Sea will be welcome news to their many well-wishers. Carry on, Seaforths!”
• Vol.16/1940/No.1-Jan. p.14 – Norm Hill writes from England that he is keeping fit and settling down to active training. In describing his trip across the Atlantic, Norm says: I can’t tell you what boat we were on-but it was a big liner and we were all comfortable. We were escorted by British warships-I can’t say much about this either-but it certainly brought home to all of us, for the first time, just what the British navy meant, and why the Royal Navy has command of the seas.” Norm says, as far as he knows, the other Powell River boys in the Seaforths, Dave Jack and Bob Harris, are keeping well. Norm doubtless now appreciates what many local ex-service men learned to appreciate on their first trip across the sea under wartime conditions-that the most comforting and inspiring sight in the world is to see a British cruiser or destroyer slide beside your transport and take up its protective position. It’s a grand and glorious feeling, Norm!”
• Vol.16/1940/No.4-Apr. p.15 – “Norman Hill, former company employee and all-round athlete, now serving with the Vancouver Seaforths at Aldershot, England, writes to say he is enjoying life across the pond and looking forward to the time when his division heads into action. Rumors, according to Norm, about the destination of the Canadians, were flying about, as rumors do in any army. One rumor had the Canadians in Egypt, another that they were on their way to the Dardanelles, and another that they might go to the east as garrison troops. The odd rumor suggested they might eventually go to France, but nobody took that one seriously, said Norm! The troops are drilling steadily, and Norm reports he has had extensive instruction in musketry, Bren gun and anti-tank rifles-along with a good amount of squad drill, P.T. and bayonet fighting, with the odd fatigue thrown in. In his concluding paragraph Norm expresses the feeling of the boys of the Seaforths when he says: “Believe me, I am proud to be both a Canadian and to be here trying to do my share, however small it may be.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.7-Jul. p.3 – “From Norm Hill, former grinder room employee, comes word from England that he was much disappointed in just missing the big show in France. His unit was embarked and ready to go when the order was countermanded.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.8-Aug. p.4 – “Many local lads, including Norm Hill…are in the heart of the battle area in England.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.9-Sep. p.4 – “The first “casualty” in the ranks of Powell River’s fighting forces is reported from England. Norm Hill, well-known local athlete with Canadian First Division in England, writes that he recently took time off to get married. His bride is an English girl-and along with his many local friends we wish Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hill good luck and happiness. Norm states the troops have all experienced numerous air raids. “I had,” he writes, “the good fortune to see the RAF in action against the Hun recently, and these boys are sure on the job. I wouldn’t have missed the show for anything. We saw several Huns plummet out of the skies, and it was a grand sight. Put your money on the RAF, and put it on the nose.”
• Vol.16/1940/No.11-Nov. p.1 – “Exlusive to the Digester is this recent portrait of Private Norman Hill, First Seaforths, well-known employee and all-round athlete, with the charming bride he has taken to himself in England. We take this opportunity of wishing Mr. and Mrs. Hill all good luck and future happiness.”
• Vol.17/1941/No.2-Feb. p.3 – “The Seaforths, who will be to the fore if any invasion of Britain is attempted, include…Norman Hill, of the groundwood department…”
• Vol.17/1941/No.4-Apr. p.10/11 – “From England, Norm Hill writes a few interesting commplaces in the Battle of Britain. “They have the measure of the incendiaries,” says Norm. “It is a common sight to see tiny sacks of sand perched beneath each lamp-post. Nearly every home is equipped with a stirrup-pimp and other accessories. With all the damage done and more likely to come, life still goes on unperturbed in these beautiful isles…The British certainly have ‘guts’-and usually answer ‘bloody_______s’ when Germany is mentioned. The old feeling of tolerance for Germany and the German people has disappeared.” Norm tells of an interesting meeting, which brought back memories of Powell River. “For a long time,” he goes on to say, “I have been billeted with Sir Ernest and Lady Benn. Recently a girl came here to work who has an uncle in Powell River. The uncle is Alfred Sherwood (a member of the electricians’ crew). Small world, isn’t it?
• Vol.18/1942/No.5-May. p.9 – “Norm Hill and Len Taylor have taken English brides.”
• Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.8 – “The old First Division, the Seaforths, mighty in name and tradition, have seven Powell River boys in the ranks. There is Pte. Norm, Hill, grinder room and leading all-round athlete…”
• Vol.19/1943/No.4-Apr. p.16 – “Ken (Barton) sees quite a bit of Norm Hill, as they are both stationed at the same barracks.”
• Apr/43, p.2 – Pte. Seaforths Overseas “Have just finished an NCO course and am hoping my promotion to corporal may come through shortly. Thank goodness I may escape being a lance corporal – that is a helluva state of existence. My wife is looking forward to coming out to Canada. The cigarettes arrived out of a clear sky yesterday, and were a real treat. Please thank the Company on my behalf.”
• May/43, p.2 – “And Norm Hill of the Seaforths has started on the way up with hook number one.”
• Vol.19/1943/No.5-May. p.10 – “In the last mail, we discovered that Norm Hill, Scotty Connelly and Bill Crockett are now corporals.”
• Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.12 – “Dave Jack and Sgt. Norm Hill were left behind when the (Seaforths) sailed.”
• Mar/44, p.5 – (re: the Reunion Pictures) “We showed them on Sunday, March 5th and over 1100 people came out…and Norman Hill’s old mentor Mr. Lang left his Courtenay drug business for four days just to see Norm.”
• Vol.20/1944/No.3-Mar. p.13 – “Then there’s Geno Bortolussi and Norm Hill, old track pals, now running in double harness (ie: both married).”
• Apr/44, p.6 – “At present it looks as if Box Lacrosse may be revived again. ..Very few of the old crowd left – and we could use Norm Hill and Daws Pirie as whistle tooters. These kids need a strong hand – and both these lads had it.”
• May/44, p.5 – “Brenda Cooper, daughter of our superintendent Russ Cooper, is a first class prospect in the women’s high jump. She is clearing 4’6” without much coaching, and this is good going (Have told her to hang on for another year and she can have Martin Naylor, Norm Hill and Stan Richardson to coach her).”
• Aug/44, p.3 – (in a letter from W.D. Carter) “…and Norm Hill (is) very close to our camp.”
• Aug/44, p.3 – (K-52116) #1 Can. Inf. Wing CTS CAO England “…Received 600 cigarettes and copy of the Digester and they were certainly appreciated, but I can’t understand why I haven’t been receiving the News Letters as I feel sure you are sending them…My wife and I took part in a recent sports meet. I won the standing broad jump, 9’2” and my wife and I won the three-legged race – but I sure felt it the next day…Saw Earl Dore recently and he is doing fine.”
• Jun/45, p.1 – “About 15 have been discharged in the past month. These include…Norm Hill (Wharf)…”
• Jul/46, p.8 – “From Powell River in those almost forgotten days, went Norman Hill…with the Seaforths in December, 1939.”

Hobson, L.H. (Leo) – Honorable Squadron Leader RCAF Overseas Middle East Forces

• May/43, p.5 – (in a letter from Bob Gornall) “Only last week I met Father Leo Hobson, who is now a padre on this station. He is looking very fit and has met lots of the boys. He mentioned Harold Foster, among others.”

• Aug/43, p.1 – “…and LAC Pete Holborne (is) out with BNAF.”
• Mar/44, p.5 – (re: the Reunion Pictures) “We showed them on Sunday, March 5th and over 1100 people came out…Pete Holborne’s mother and sister were beaming with honest pride as Pete did his stuff in approved style.”
• Dec/44, p.1 – “Pete Holborne, our sharp-eyed snapper of persons and personalities, has been boosted to Corporal, and now tells the other guy how to take the pictures.”
• Dec/44, p.5 – (in a letter from Walter Vandervoort) “I have seen…Pete Holborne several times, as I’m stationed not to far away.
• Feb/45, p.4 – (R-118323) (Can) #6 MFPS RCAF Overseas BLA “Please convey my thanks to the Powell River Company for the Company letter which was greatly appreciated and helped a lot…The other evening we went pub crawling, or whatever they call it in Holland and to my surprise ran smack into Claude Borden and Gorden Menzies. Sure were a sight for sore eyes, and – need I go further, or let you draw your own conclusions?…In the past month I’ve seen Walt and Harold Vandervoort and Father Van Wetten.”
• Apr/45, p.3 – (in a letter from Claude Borden) “…Guess Pete Holborne has told you that he, Harold Vandervoort, and myself had a couple of get-togethers up in Holland.”
• May/45, p.3 – (in a letter from Harold Vandervoort) “Pete Holborne and I are the only P.R. boys in 39 Recce Wing…No. 5 and 6 MFPS did all the processing for 400 Squadron—and boy, there is a squadron—3 million 91/2 x 71/2 prints between D-Day and V-E Day. For example, every paratrooper who took part in the Rhine crossing had photographs of the area in which they were working…if I recall correctly the figures for that “do” laid end to end the prints would stretch out to 47 miles, and we used something like 10 tons of chemicals in just over 24 hours…We are having a chance to look over Germany…Anxious to be on our way home.”

Holmwood, – RCA

• Mar/44, p.1 – “Bill Hopkins is swinging right through the stake hole to grab off a Stoker 1/c rating.”
• Oct/44, p.2 – “Bill Hopkins, recently transferred eastward climbs back into view as a Leading Stoker (V-48561) RCNVR HMCS Peregrine FMO Halifax NS.”
• Nov/44, p.2 – HMCS Joliette GPO London

Hughes, David – Pilot Officer RCAF

• 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.”
• Jul/43, p.5 – “This month…David Hughes…joined up in the Air Force and (is) at #3 Manning Depot, Edmonton…just graduated from High School”
• Vol.19/1943/No.7-Jul. p.11 – “Among recent enlistments (was) David Hughes…in the RCAF.”
• Aug/44, p.2 – “A late flash – David Hughes has just graduated as a Pilot Officer at McLeod, Alberta.”
• Vol.20/1944/No.11-Nov. p.13 – (photo caption) “Another brother and sister combination in the services. Left: Ldg. Wren Frances Hughes and (right) PO David Hughes.”
• Jan/45, p.2 – “Pilot Officer David Hughes…RCAF (is) being discharged and transferred to Civilian Reserve.”
• Jun/45, p.2 – “Young David Hughes, after being discharged from the Air Force, is back in again with the Fleet Air Arm and expects to land in the Pacific in the near future.”

• Oct/44, p.2 – “…is now with the RAF India Command. So too is that scrappy sportsman, Dint Hunter.”
• Nov/44, p.3 – (in a letter from “Spud” Raimondo) “…Have run across Dint Hunter…”
• Jan/45, p.4 – (in a letter from Alan Todd) “Had a note from Dint Hunter in India recently, and he is doing fine.”Vol.21/1945/No.1-Jan. p.10/11 – “Last week from somewhere in India, a letter arrived from Cpl. “Dint” Hunter…Said Dint: “It was just like Old Home Week when I arrived out here. Hardly arrived at the station before I ran into Ivan Hansen, Don Clarke, Bob Gornall and Johnny MacIntosh.”
• Apr/45, p.3 – (in a letter from Alan Todd) “Hear from Dent [sic] Hunter…regularly and may get down (his) way one of these days.”
• May/45, p.3 – (R181010) 436 Sqdn RCAF SEAAF “…All the lads remark about their beer problem. We have none. The beer is so scarce that it is not any kind of a problem. Was in Calcutta last week; very crowed and very Indian…We are on the Nips’ back door at all times and in a short time I’ll be resting my weary bones in Rangoon. Say hello to Bert and Bruce. “Burma” Hunter.”
• Vol.21/1945/No.4/5-Apr./May p.11– “Out in India working with the swiftly advancing forces of Admiral Mountbatten is the 435th Squadron, RCAF. In the squadron six Powell River lads are carrying on the fight against the Jap. These are Flying Officers Don Clarke and Jock MacIntosh, Corporals Bob Gornall and Dint Hunter, LAC Ivan Hansen and Ron Smythe. All of these lads were posted separately to the RAF India Command, and were unaware of each other’s whereabouts. Don Clarke was posted to the 435th Squadron. A few days later Jock MacIntosh turned up to make it a Powell River two-some. Then came along Dint Hunter, wondering what he would find in India. He found Don and Jock, who had been joined by Ivan Nansen, Bob Gornall and Ron Smythe. “It was just like Old Home Week,” reminisced Dint in a recent letter.”It was sure great to see so many of the old gang together, and, believe me, we made the most of it.”
• Vol.21/1945/No.12-Dec. p.16- “This month’s special feature introduces Gordon Wayne Hunter, two-year-old son of Cpl. Gordon (Dint) Hunter… Wayne’s father, “Dint”, is now in England after a year in Burma, and is still on duty with his squadron.”

Hunter, T.R. (Tommy) – RCA

Hutchison, Lawrence – Stoker 1st Class –RCNVR

• May/43, p.5 – (now in the service) “Lawrence Hutchinson, RCN…”
• Feb/44, p.5 – “Bill Hutchinson just dashed in to tell us his son Stoker 1/C Laurence (sic) Hutchinson was married last week. “Who did he marry, Bill” we asked. “How in blazes should I know” growled Bill as he shut the door in our face. And that’s the way it goes!”