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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Original Post - Nov 11, 2007 - 02:49pm PT
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November 11th is called Remembrance Day in Canada. It is the day on which the Great War, later called World War I, ended in 1918. I believe it is called Veteran's Day in the U.S.A.
Canada was heavily involved in both the First and Second World Wars right from the start, and there were substantial human and economic sacrifices. My father and his brother both served. An edited version of the following article was published in the Vancouver Sun on April 28th, 2005, and I thought it might interest some of you.
The sixtieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War is coming up, and it will be marked in many ways. The generation that saw Canada and her allies to victory over the Axis is dwindling. Few veterans who saw active service are much less than 80 years old. Some will live to ensure that we remember them well into the 21st century, but many will be gone in another decade. All the more reason to honour them, and to remember.
Some will remember more than the end of a brutal struggle and its consequences for the world. The Second World War had tremendous impacts on families and individuals, and it is their stories we must remember as much as the big pictures of ideology, strategy, brutality, geopolitics and stupidity. Over 42,000 Canadians died, each one an individual, with family, friends, hopes and dreams.
Perhaps war is part of the human condition, from which we can know but little respite. Still, if we do not remember what happened, and why, and the stories of those who were involved, then as the philosopher Santayana said “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. We should not glorify or celebrate, but must remember and honour.
He was born in 1925, the son of Scandinavian-Canadian homesteaders in the dry lands of southwest Saskatchewan, and he was named for his grandfathers. In the false dawn of the 1920s Canada was recovering from the bloodbath of the First World War, in which over 60,000 Canadians died. Still, it was a time of much hope, when few foresaw what was to come.
He grew to be a young man, with a younger brother and then five sisters. It was a frugal life, always threatened by the vagaries of weather and markets, and with few social services. But there were the consolations of large, close families, and a small community knit by heritage and interest. Expectations were lower than nowadays, but there was always hope. Even if it was a windy –40 in the winter, the dances at the school and community hall seem to have compensated.
He went to school, participated in community life and sports, and had great fun with his brother and their friends, including pranks familiar to all Canadian farm boys. His family didn’t have much money during the Dust Bowl and Depression, but his father worked at the grain elevator, and they made do. Once there was only an orange, an apple, a small bag of nuts, and some hard candy in each child’s Christmas stocking, but many were worse off.
When war began in 1939, he was a young man, still in school, still helping out on the farm. By summer 1940, it was clear that it would be a long, uphill struggle for Britain and her allies. The eventual entry of the U.S. into the war in late 1941 made victory likely in the long run, but it was clear the war would be fought to a bitter end, and Canada's human, economic and political commitment was enormous.
In June, 1943, he graduated from the one room school (formerly a pool hall), and two days later he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was 18, and the possibility of not enlisting probably never even occurred to him. When he enlisted, he was six feet tall, and weighed 129 pounds. Tall, lean, and still growing. For all the stories to the contrary, the food in the air force must have been tolerable, for he soon put on weight.
He also picked up the habit of smoking while serving, along with glasses, friends, more education, a girlfriend, and later a bicycle. He trained to be navigator of a Lancaster bomber, and was commissioned in April 1944. He then had his last home leave, before being sent to England to complete training. By then his brother had enlisted in the army, although it was unlikely he’d see combat, except perhaps in the Pacific.
By late 1944 victory in Europe was clearly only a matter of time. Still, casualties were high as the First Canadian Army fought its way through the Netherlands and northwest Germany. How many families must have faced the brutal reality of the telegram announcing the death of a loved one, months or only days before the end of the war.
During winter and early spring of 1945 he continued training, flying over England and Wales regularly, mostly at night. His training wouldn’t end before Germany surrendered. He would not see combat in Europe, and was thinking of his future. He had a map of Norway, and wanted to continue his education when demobilized. Still, wars take a while to wind down.
So it was that one spring night, he and his crew-mates took off on yet another training flight. They took off in late evening, in good weather. It deteriorated, and by the early hours it was snowing at the landing field. A plane landed, and was heavily iced. An hour later, another plane was heard. Visibility was nil. Attempts were made to establish radio contact, and flares were sent up to guide them in, all to no avail.
Soon after 3:00 AM on April 28th, 1945, the plane crashed nearby, and the entire crew died. One of them was my uncle, Richard Knut Ourom. He was barely 20. The others on board were Norman W. Guy, John D. Travis, Donald R. Wilson, Henry W. Jones, Verle E. Cline, and James R. Williams.
The European war ended on May 8th, although the war with Japan dragged on for three more months. For the families who received a telegram on April 30th, as a result of the crash, there was little to celebrate.
The crew were buried at Brookwood cemetery, near Aldershot. It’s a lovely, peaceful, but terrible military cemetery. There is a plaque in memory of Flying Officer R. K. Ourom at St. John’s Lutheran Church, near Battrum, Saskatchewan. At least four others from the area died in the war. Tommy Douglas' government named a geographical feature in Saskatchewan after each native of the province who died in the Second World War. Ourom Lake, at the confluence of the Reindeer and Churchill Rivers, was so named. My uncle also lives on in memory.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 11, 2007 - 02:52pm PT
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Here is my uncle and four of his crew, in late 1944. They were then training on a Wellington bomber. Uncle Richard is the fair haired tall one in the back.
Here he is on his last home leave, in summer 1944.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 11, 2007 - 03:05pm PT
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The crash occurred at a place called Stoke Rochford, just south of Grantham in central England. Various family members from Canada and Norway had visited the cemetery where the crew is buried, near London, but none had ever been to the crash site. All we knew was that it was a hall, or estate, about 15 km from their base. Little did we know...
In summer 2006, I got a call from Veteran's Affairs in Ottawa. They'd had a call from External Affairs in London, who in turn had been contacted by a man at Stoke Rochford who wanted to contact us. (Bureaucracy...) Anyway, the upshot was that this man was the health & safety officer at Stoke Rochford, and ex-military. His name is David Frampton. In 2005 they started finding debris from the crash. David got the local search club involved, and they started finding live bullets. He then knew it was a military plane, and was able to work out which one, and try to contact the families. Years ago I'd requested the records from Veteran's Affairs, and there we were.
Stoke Rochford Hall (http://www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk/); is now a teachers' training and convention centre. It was built in about 1840, when the owners had 38,000 acres of property. The main hall burnt down a few ago, and is being rebuilt - cost 15 million pounds. Sir Isaac Newton was born nearby, and there's an obelisk in his memory on the grounds. During the war, a paratroop brigade that went to Arnhem was based there. It's a "hall" in much the same way as a palace is a "house".
On November 19th, 2006, a memorial for the crew organized by David was held at Stoke Rochford. About 200 attended, including a variety of dignitaries. One of my aunts, one of my sisters, and two cousins and their families who live in Leeds were also there. It was a perfect autumn day. They started with services (12th century stone church), trooping of colours, dedication of the memorial and various short speeches, and a lunch. We met a woman who'd seen the crash, while out in the fields early in the morning with her grandfather, during lambing. Also several Lancaster veterans, and a lot of others. Stoke Rochford and David did the event and the crew proud.
The memorial is cast from aluminum from the wreck. (They didn't do a very thorough job cleaning up after the war.) Behind it is a Canadian maple tree - picture taken spring 2007, when it started greening.
En route to Tuolumne and Salt Lake City in August, I stopped in Willows, California. I'd noticed that one of the crew's family was from there, and thought it worth a try. I got some helpful advice from the library, and eventually the Willows newspaper published something. Within a week I'd spoken with Sergeant Cline's two sisters, both in California, but not Willows. Some internet sleuthing also eventually led to a cousin of Sergeant Jones, who lives in England. Perhaps we'll eventually find the other families.
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screelover
Mountain climber
Canuckistan
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Nov 12, 2007 - 04:24pm PT
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Anders,
Nice post and touching story. I got down to the war memorial in Ottawa yeasterday for the service. Still a few of the WWII vets showing up. A huge crowd there yesterday, more than usual.
My dad and mom both served during the war. My dad was in the RCAF as well. Spent most of the war training commonwealth pilots at a base near Lethbridge, then was sent to England in 44 as a nightfighter piloting a mosquito. was shot down over Holland in mid-44 and nearly made it to Spain before being captures. Spent the rest of the war in a camp in norther Poland and got liberated by the russians - a whole other adventure.
Anyway, when he was shot down, his navigator didn't make it out of the plane. The Dutch finally found the wreakage of the plane a few years ago and recovered the remains and held a proper burial. It took a load off my dad, as he's always been bothered by the fact that the wreck had not been located.
He's 93 now, still going strong. It's only in the last few years he's been able to really talk about those experiences.
His is a generation I have come to have enormous respect for.
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Geno
Trad climber
Reston, VA
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Nov 12, 2007 - 06:46pm PT
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Anders, Thank you for this story on this day. R. K. Ourom was a great man. God Bless him and all his crew. Men like him and the reason we get to live the life we have. Gene Smith
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Nov 12, 2007 - 10:16pm PT
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Anders- Thanks for the moving tribute to your uncle. Heartbreaking that he was killed so close to the end of the war.
Rick
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Nov 12, 2007 - 10:31pm PT
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hey there mighty hiker... say... thank you for sharing your heart in this matter and sharing the names of these men.... they are not forgotten now... and will always be part of others that live now, as live-decisions affect folks in ways not always seen on the surface... now, their lives can still do work, even while they are gone... god bless...
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Nov 12, 2007 - 10:36pm PT
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hey there screelover....
as to your quote:
"He's 93 now, still going strong. It's only in the last few years he's been able to really talk about those experiences."
war does not leave on, easily... and folks that have not been there, dont understand... the days never turns out how one may wish... and it forever changes the hearts that witnesses that...
then, when they make it through... they still see it through eyes take "saw more" than the "return home"... and who went down, to make it possible...
god bless...
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Nov 12, 2007 - 11:26pm PT
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Screelover wrote: My dad and mom both served during the war. My dad was in the RCAF as well. Spent most of the war training commonwealth pilots at a base near Lethbridge
Wouldn't surprise me to find out that my parents knew yours. Both of them were in the RCAF before, during, and after WWII, and my dad trained pilots and gunners. Don't remember if he was stationed at Lethbridge at any point, but I'll bet he crossed paths with your dad and/or mom.
He's going to be 90 next year, and still going strong.
D
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 13, 2007 - 12:17am PT
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One of my aunts, who was then sixteen, went with my grandfather to get the telegram that told them that my uncle had died. He wasn't able to open it.
I'll look at the records and see if I can find out if Uncle Richard trained in Lethbridge in 1943 or 1944. It wouldn't be at all surprising - part of the Commonwealth Air Training plan. He enlisted in Regina, but one of the bigger training centres was Lethbridge. There is a picture of him with his graduating class, taken in 1944 in Saskatoon.
Flying a Lancaster was a dangerous business. They flew mostly at night, and didn't have a lot of armour or weaponry. The statistics are grim:
3,933 out of 7,377 were lost in action
51% of those who served on them died in action
9% of those who served on them died in training
A tour of duty was 30 missions, and an average of about 4% were lost on each mission.
There are still seventeen intact Lancasters, of which two are still flown.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 11, 2008 - 03:24am PT
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Today is the 90th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Great War, on the western front. The cease fire was at 11:11 AM on November 11th, 1918. It is commemorated as Remembrance Day in Canada, and Veterans Day in the U.S.A. It seemed appropriate to bump this thread in memory.
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Jennie
Trad climber
Idaho Falls
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Nov 11, 2008 - 05:07am PT
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Perhaps war is part of the human condition, from which we can know but little respite. Still, if we do not remember what happened, and why, and the stories of those who were involved, then as the philosopher Santayana said “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. We should not glorify or celebrate, but must remember and honour.
Very appropriate words, Anders….
Celebrating war is incorrect and contrary to human goodness. But we must keep in memory and HONOR those who consecrated their will, action and deeds in the struggle against oppression and who suffered and sacrificed their lives in pursuit of a righteous end.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Nov 11, 2008 - 05:36am PT
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hey there mighty hiker.. say, just stepping in again this year, to back up your post for "remembrance day - memorial" once again...
thank you for the fine and very touching post--sometimes in the modern-world, with all the "daily captivations for ones mind" folks forget these were real people, individuals (not just a clump of names), ...and there are real people still out there, still...
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Tomcat
Trad climber
Chatham N.H.
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Nov 11, 2008 - 09:20am PT
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Headquarters 26th Infantry Division
Subject:Award of Silver Star Medal 13 January 1945
To:Staff Sergent Norman E.Stryker
Citation
Staff Sergeant Norman E.Stryker Jr. 33761147,Infantry,Company A,101st Infantry Regiment,United States Army.For gallantry in action near Bezange la Petite,France,on October 23,1944.In the attack on strong enemy positions on high ground near Bezange la Petite,23 Oct 1944,the first and second squads of the first platoon,Company A,were held up by hostile mortar,machine gun and small arms fire.the third squad of which Staff Sergeant,(then private),Stryker,a rifleman,was a member was committed to bolster the attack.Staff Sergeant Stryker advanced alone under intense enemy fire to a forward position from which he employed his own fire against the enemy to cover the front of his platoon while it reorganized and dug in.This act drew heavy enemy fire upon himself.Later he again exposed himself to direct enemy observation and fire to carry supplies to the men of his squad.His courage under fire,his aggressiveness in action and his unusual devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Staff Sergeant Stryker and the armed forces of the United States.
By command of Major General Paul
My father's first combat engagement.Later shot twice in France, but returned to duty.He'll always be my hero.
He passed in 1978,but I have a tear in my eye today.
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tradchick
Trad climber
White Mountains
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Nov 11, 2008 - 10:02am PT
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Nice post Tom, it brought tears to my eyes too. Your Dad was a brave man, sorry you didn't have more time with him.
Love,
Les
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Chris2
Trad climber
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Nov 11, 2008 - 03:17pm PT
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A moving poem Tami. Thinking of the Veterans or wars past and present, this day (and their families).
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Nov 11, 2008 - 03:27pm PT
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A few years back, I called a vet friend on Vet's Day and thanked him for his service, It was a bit touching for him and he said it was better than any f^ckin birthday he's had. Tim spent three hard tours in Viet Nam and over the years, I've seen him go through the slow painful healing process. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for those who served during war.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Nov 11, 2008 - 03:31pm PT
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These people should always be honored and remembered every day. Not just one day a year. That's what I do.
God bless the US and those who fought for her. Rest in peace, we appreciate and remember your service. Rest now.
edit: the Canadiens kick ass too and I pray for them as well!
and the Brits, Aussies, Polish, and Czech's. God bless you guys.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 11, 2008 - 03:47pm PT
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There are between ten and fifteen verified veterans of World War I who are still alive, aged between 105 and 112. From any of the combatant countries. One is Canadian, although he has lived in the U.S. since 1924, and one is American.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surviving_veterans_of_World_War_I
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 11, 2008 - 04:55pm PT
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About 68,000 Canadians died in World War I, and another 42,000 in World War II. Most were buried near where they died, particularly in France, Belgium and England, and still lie there. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains cemeteries all over the world for them.
There has been a unique program over the last week. The names of all Canada's World War I dead have been projected onto the sides of buildings, in their memory. Each night, starting November 4th, about 9,000 names have been shown. The display starts in London, England, at dusk, then continues west with the sunset line to Halifax, Fredericton, Ottawa, Toronto, Regina, Calgary and Edmonton. The names are also all projected at the national war memorial in Ottawa.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=8d0ff22a-79b5-4854-aa26-8bfeb0da82f1
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