Lest We Forget

I remember as a child participating in the Remembrance Day ceremonies at school. Although I was young, I felt sadness for the fallen, and thankfulness for the bravery of all who served our country. I understood the sacrifice, but only in a broad sense. I didn’t personally know anyone who had served.

After I began researching my ancestral roots I stumbled upon a second cousin on a genealogy message board. After the awkward “You don’t know me because I was born in secret and put up for adoption but we’re related” conversation I was thrilled to find a thick manila envelope delivered to my home address from him. He had sent me incredible documentation of my great grandfather, George Angus Grant’s service in WWI.  Included with the documents were photos of my great grandfather, one as a young man in his Army Dress Uniform and one when he’s older, in his Legion Uniform. I was thrilled! I was in awe! I was looking at my own great grandfather!

 

This spurred me on to search for more of my kin who had served, and what I found was astounding. Many family members in both my maternal and paternal lines had served our country.

My grandfather, James Farrer served in WWII along with at least two of his brothers, my grand uncles Hiram and Ernest. My grandmother, Joan Lockerbie, who enlisted when she was only 17 years old, served as a Private in the Canadian Women’s Army Corp, No. 8 Company in WWII. Her brother, my grand uncle, Robert Lockerbie also served in WWII as a Gunner. He sadly died during the war, while stationed overseas and is buried in Italy. My grandfather, Angus Grant served as a Paratrooper in the Korean War. His father, my great grandfather George Grant served as a Private in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, 112^th Overseas Battalion, Regimental No. 733394 in WWI. He fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of Amiens. He was wounded in the Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of Amiens by shell gas. Both times he was treated and released back to service.  My great grandfather, Sidney Adams, also enlisted when he was only 17 years old and served as a Sapper in the No. 2 Tunnelling Company (Engineers), Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force, Regimental No.1060284.  According to his Pay Book he was stationed in Brussels. My great grand uncle, Aubrey Vidito also served in WWI. Unfortunately, he died while serving overseas at the age of 21 and is buried in Haifa, Israel.

Angus Grant (R), Korean War

Robert Lockerbie, WWII

James Farrer (R), WWII

I am in awe of all who serve, and am proud of those within my own family who have shown so much bravery in serving our country. To them I say with deep gratitude, thank you.