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Local vets decorated with Netherlands Commemorative Medal
Ken Johnston
Editor
Many Canadians gave the “Supreme Sacrifice” in the name of freedom at the Normandy Invasion (D-Day) June 6, 1944. Their sacrifice along with the efforts of the thousands of Canadian troops that returned home from that battle liberated several countries including Holland.
The response was overwhelming with about 8,000 applications by June. Local Legion Honours and Awards Chair, Joe Kaliska, immediately took the bull by the horns and started the process of application for as many local veterans that he knew qualified. He helped fill out eight applications all of which were approved and one individual did his own and was approved. Currently Kaliska is working on two more with the possibility of another one in the offing. He noted that spouses of deceased veterans can apply to receive the medal as well and that he is willing to help them fill out the applications.
Kaliska noted that people who are unsure if they or their spouse qualify for the medal can call him at home 852-3511 or at the Legion 852-3544 for assistance.
Those receiving the Netherlands Commemorative Medal in the Rainy River area so far are, William (Willy) Almers, Alphonse Brouillette, Hilton Brumwell, Maurice Desrosier, Chuck Hall, Lloyd Hodges, Mike Meunier, Herb Nelson and the late Mike Olinyk.
William Almers
Willy was a Field Medic from the North Nova Scotia Regiment. He served in Canada, England, France, Holland and Germany.
According to Joe Kaliska, Almers was seriously injured during the war while treating another soldier.
Alphonse Brouilette
Alphonse enlisted November 1941, at the age of 28. He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers clearing land mines, dug out live bombs and built many bridges to take assault troops across many rivers on the front.
He cleared land mines at the Carpequet Airport in France in June of 1944 and took part in the rescue of Arhem, Holland (after which a famous movie was made). Brouilette’s function was commonly known a Sapper. The Sappers were moved around where they were needed during the war.
He serve right up to the end of WW II.
Hilton Brumwell
There was no bio information available for Hilton at press time.
Alphonse Brouillette
Alphonse enlisted November 1941, at the age of 28. He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers clearing land mines, dug out live bombs and built many bridges. He recalls participating in the rescue of Arhem, Holland. His job was commonly know as a Sapper. He served right up to the end of the war.
Maurice Desrosier
Maurice served four years as a Trooper in Canada, England, Italy, France, Holland and Germany.
He was a tank driver with the Calgary Tanks Regiment and was part of the First Canadian Army Troops. He was 25 when he enlisted.
Chuck Hall
Chuck enlisted with the Canadian Army February of 1942 at the age of 21. He was posted to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, a prestigious outfit nicknamed the “Little Black Devils.”
In July of 1942 he was sent to England. He eventually participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy along with his brother Jack. Chuck’s outfit was in the second wave and he was nearly run over by his own landing craft. Its motor stalled out and troops began bailing out and then when the motor was restarted Chuck was almost run over.
The Winnipeg Rifles were given a great deal of credit for their actions there. “They broke into the casements, ferreted out the gun crews with machine guns, grenades, bayonets and knives...they were shelled and mortared even in the German positions, but they kept slugging away at the enemy. After a struggle that was bitter and savage...the Winnipegs broke through into open country behind the beach...”(as reported in Canadian Press).
Chuck remembers capturing a Gestapo headquarters in Holland where the Nazis had buried 13 Jews, they had beaten to death. “They threw British guns into the graves to make it look like they had done it but we knew different.”
After several months they had made it to Holland and were ready to come home. Chuck did just that in April of 1945.
He was decorated with the 1939-45 star, The France and Germany Star, The Defense Medal, The Canadian Voluntary Service Medal and Clasp, The 1939-45 War Medal, The Normandy Campaign Medal and now the Netherlands Commemorative Medal.
Lloyd Hodges
Lloyd served with the renowned Hasty P’s (Hastings and Prince Edward Island Regiment in the 1st Division, 1st Brigade. He served for four years in Canada, England, Italy, France, Holland and Germany.
He also served with the 1st Canadian Army with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. He enlisted at the age of 18. He was discharged a Quarter Master Sgt. and was previously a Corporal and Company Sgt. Major.
Mike Meunier
Mike served with the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers. He spent 15 months overseas and was all over Holland picking up broken machinery. Some they repaired and some they scrapped for parts. They brought all the recovered machinery back to a base at Utrech.
Herb Nelson
Herb served four years in Canada, England, France, Holland and Germany with the 14 Field Regiment, 66th battery, 3rd Division, 1st Canadian Army Troops. He joined when he was 18.
After the war in Europe was over he volunteered to serve in the South Pacific, but before he could go the war was over.
Mike Olinyk
The late Mike Olinyk, enlisted along with his buddy Tony Pochalio, on Oct. 3, 1939 and served beyond the end of the war, volunteering to stay behind and help dismantle equipment for shipping home. Mike served with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry.
His first duty was coastal defense of England. He later went on a secret mission to liberate Italy. He was part of a force that invaded Sicily on July 10, 1943 and eventually went on to free the Italian people.
Olinyk served in a number of other parts of Europe including Holland.