Chapleau Boys Go To War' story of significant contributions at home and abroad in World War 1 and World War 2

The Chapleau Boys Go To War is  the story of the contributions and sacrifices made during World War 1 and World War 2, at home and abroad by the people of Chapleau.

My cousin, Michael McMullen and I have been working on this project for several years, and the book has now been published. 

In the introduction we note that 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the start of WW 1 and the 75th anniversary of the start of WW 2.

" Canadians volunteered to serve from all across their country for both conflicts, and small towns and villages, like Chapleau, made significant contributions to both war efforts. They went to war because they believed it was the right thing to do. They were representing their families, friends, neighbours, colleagues and all of Canada, and were willing to pay the Supreme Sacrifice."

Our research revealed that there were 283 enlistments in World War 1 with a Chapleau connection, and 416 in World War 2 -- an incredible number given the population of the community during both wars.

Some returned home but others did not not. There were 32 "Chapleau boys" who died while on active service in the first world war and 29 in the second. We pay special tribute to the fallen with a biographical sketch and photos of them where available.

We have included a list of the names of all those with a Chapleau connection who served in both wars.

We also provide a look into the founding of Chapleau in 1885 with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, as well as life on the home front In both wars with a fascinating look at the work of the Chapleau branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society and other projects.

We were able to obtain some letters  from Chapleau boys in both wars who were overseas providing a glimpse into their lives on the front lines, a number of them written home near Christmas.

After World War I, Chapleau's first reeve G.B. Nicholson and his wife, Charlotte, had St. John's Parish House built in memory of their son Lorne who was killed on active service, and his friends. It became the Legion Hall. The book also notes the contribution of Branch No. 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion, from its founding in 1926 on.

Michael K (left) and I have serious chat about Chapleau Boys Go To War

On June 25, 1978, the cenotaph was moved from its original location beside St. John's Anglican Church to the Legion property. In 2000, the Chapleau Cree First Nation established the Fox Lake War Veterans Memorial. In 2014, Donald White, Chapleau's oldest living World War II veteran attended the Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph.

Henry (Harry) Byce and his son, Charles Byce, were Chapleau boys. They enlisted and fought in WW 1 and WW 2, respectively. Both received exceptionally high honours for valour and bravery for their individual war exploits. They were among the highest decorated Aboriginal veterans. We tell their stories.

Four Chapleau boys, Willard Bolduc, Baisel Collings, Donald Freeborn and Lloyd McDonald were among the recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross. We share their stories of bravery.

With thanks, particularly to former cadets, we were able to share highlights of 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps.

Both Michael and I share some personal thoughts, and in my case, for the first time in my life, I share an anecdote involving Dr. Karl Hackstetter, John McClellan and me when I was in Grade 9 at Chapleau High School.

There is a chapter on cemeteries and monuments globally, compiled by Michael, some of which he has visited.It is a most valuable resource and also shows the high esteem in which our "Chapleau Boys" are held.

Michael McMullen explained that "fallen 'Chapleau Boys' are commemorated by name on the Chapleau cenotaph, and for WW I on a plaque at St. John’s Anglican Church. "

Michael added:

"We wanted to know more about them and for most of them, have been able to put together short resumes with pictures that include family information, occupation at enlistment, place of enlistment, some of their armed forces experience, date of death and cemetery or memorial information. This is our way of preserving their memories.

"We hope the information we have provided for foreign cemeteries and memorials will help to provide a context to where the Chapleau Boys were when they were killed or died due to war inflicted causes.

"We also hope our work will be used as a reference for family descendants to do research on their relatives that served in wars. It is important that photos of those who served and letters that they sent home are preserved with details of their service. If not, this material will be lost, if not already lost, with the passage of time.

"Ideally, our book will serve as a catalyst for families to search old shoeboxes for pictures and letters from those who served. Also, medals and awards should be documented for future family generations. It is important that this information not be lost. We owe this to all Chapleau Boys who have served in wars and conflicts."

I extend my most sincere personal thanks to Mario Lafreniere, publisher of the Chapleau Express, for inviting me to write Chapleau Moments almost six years ago. Had he not done so, I likely would not have begun my research into "Chapleau Boys Go to War". Our book is available now

Our book is available at Chapleau Village Shops, http://amazon.com (key words: chapleau boys war), or from me.. My email is mj.morris@live.ca   If you live in Ontario and/or specifically Ottawa region, I will get Michael K to look after your order.

"The Chapleau Boys Go To War" presented to Cranbrook Public Library

The Chapleau Boys Go To War now has a place in the Cranbrook Public Library following  presentation of a copy to chief librarian Ursula Brigl.

Accompanied by  Ron McFarland a World War II veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Navy,  and Bill Nightingale who served 33 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force,


I presented a copy to Ursula,on behalf of my co-author Michael K McMullen and myself,

To have Ron and Bill take time to attend the presentation, made it especially meaningful, even though they are not "Chapleau Boys", officially, they represented all of them, and all who have served Canada in our nation's armed forces. Thank you so much!

Terry Burgess, treasurer of the Friends of the Cranbrook Public Library, made the arrangements for the presentation, and Ursula Boy, president of friends of the library also attended. Thanks Terry and Ursula.

Bill, Ursula Boy, MJM, Ron, Terrry (Joel Vinge photo)

Thanks to Joel Vinge for being the official photographer.

On a personal note, I have lived in Cranbrook just on 26 years now, and am so delighted that the library agreed to add The Chapleau Boys Go To War to its collection. I often visit Rotary Park here and spend time looking at the names on the Wall of Honour and the Cenotaph from Cranbrook and area who served in the armed forces. Every time is a visit home to Chapleau too.

I am reminded that it is so important to focus on those things bringing us together in this nation, rather than those dividing us. Thanks Ron and Bill.
IF YOU LIVE IN CRANBROOK AREA AND WOULD LIKE A COPY...
My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau Boys Go To War' story of significant contributions at home and abroad in World War 1 and World War 2

The Chapleau Boys Go To War is  the story of the contributions and sacrifices made during World War 1 and World War 2, at home and abroad by the people of Chapleau.

My cousin, Michael McMullen and I have been working on this project for several years, and the book has just been published. 

In the introduction we note that 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the start of WW 1 and the 75th anniversary of the start of WW 2.

" Canadians volunteered to serve from all across their country for both conflicts, and small towns and villages, like Chapleau, made significant contributions to both war efforts. They went to war because they believed it was the right thing to do. They were representing their families, friends, neighbours, colleagues and all of Canada, and were willing to pay the Supreme Sacrifice."

Our research revealed that there were 283 enlistments in World War 1 with a Chapleau connection, and 416 in World War 2 -- an incredible number given the population of the community during both wars.

Some returned home but others did not not. There were 32 "Chapleau boys" who died while on active service in the first world war and 29 in the second. We pay special tribute to the fallen with a biographical sketch and photos of them where available.

We have included a list of the names of all those with a Chapleau connection who served in both wars.

We also provide a look into the founding of Chapleau in 1885 with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, as well as life on the home front In both wars with a fascinating look at the work of the Chapleau branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society and other projects.

We were able to obtain some letters  from Chapleau boys in both wars who were overseas providing a glimpse into their lives on the front lines, a number of them written home near Christmas.

After World War I, Chapleau's first reeve G.B. Nicholson and his wife, Charlotte, had St. John's Parish House built in memory of their son Lorne who was killed on active service, and his friends. It became the Legion Hall. The book also notes the contribution of Branch No. 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion, from its founding in 1926 on.

On June 25, 1978, the cenotaph was moved from its original location beside St. John's Anglican Church to the Legion property. In 2000, the Chapleau Cree First Nation established the Fox Lake War Veterans Memorial. In 2014, Donald White, Chapleau's oldest living World War II veteran attended the Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph.

Henry (Harry) Byce and his son, Charles Byce, were Chapleau boys. They enlisted and fought in WW 1 and WW 2, respectively. Both received exceptionally high honours for valour and bravery for their individual war exploits. They were among the highest decorated Aboriginal veterans. We tell their stories.

Four Chapleau boys, Willard Bolduc, Baisel Collings, Donald Freeborn and Lloyd McDonald were among the recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross. We share their stories of bravery.

With thanks, particularly to former cadets, we were able to share highlights of 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps.

Michael (left) and I chatting about Chapleau Boys Go To War

Both Michael and I share some personal thoughts, and in my case, for the first time in my life, I share an anecdote involving Dr. Karl Hackstetetter, John McClellan and me when I was in Grade 9 at Chapleau High School.

There is a chapter on cemeteries and monuments globally, compiled by Michael, some of which he has visited.It is a most valuable resource and also shows the high esteem in which our "Chapleau Boys" are held.

Michael McMullen explained that "fallen 'Chapleau Boys' are commemorated by name on the Chapleau cenotaph, and for WW I on a plaque at St. John’s Anglican Church. "

Michael added:

"We wanted to know more about them and for most of them, have been able to put together short resumes with pictures that include family information, occupation at enlistment, place of enlistment, some of their armed forces experience, date of death and cemetery or memorial information. This is our way of preserving their memories.

"We hope the information we have provided for foreign cemeteries and memorials will help to provide a context to where the Chapleau Boys were when they were killed or died due to war inflicted causes.

"We also hope our work will be used as a reference for family descendants to do research on their relatives that served in wars. It is important that photos of those who served and letters that they sent home are preserved with details of their service. If not, this material will be lost, if not already lost, with the passage of time.

"Ideally, our book will serve as a catalyst for families to search old shoeboxes for pictures and letters from those who served. Also, medals and awards should be documented for future family generations. It is important that this information not be lost. We owe this to all Chapleau Boys who have served in wars and conflicts."

I extend my most sincere personal thanks to Mario Lafreniere, publisher of the Chapleau Express, for inviting me to write Chapleau Moments almost six years ago. Had he not done so, I likely would not have begun my research into "Chapleau Boys Go to War". Our book is available or please email me at mj.morris@live.ca for other purchasing options. 

"The Chief" stuck as decided by the Chapleau Midgets of 1970-71

As I was reading a message from one of my former students from Chapleau High School on Facebook, it struck me that I have sure been called an awful lot of names over the past 60 years or so.

Growing up I was simply Michael or Mike, my mother being the one person who always called me Michael.

When I became a newspaper reporter in 1964, bylines were so important and Michael was used in them except at the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix where the legendary managing editor P.V. Wade made me Mike Morris, but he usually called me by my last name, as in "Morris, get in here now!" After I started teaching at Chapleau High School, I became "Mr Morris" and had great difficulty adapting to it.

As CHS student

I still recall telling Robert Fife, now the Ottawa Bureau Chief of The Globe and Mail one day that my name was Michael not Mr but not much I could do about it.

The principal of the day J.B. Walsh would come into the staff room and sternly say, "Mr. Morris, my office now!" Just a shade of difference between Mr Wade and Mr Walsh.

As young reporter

Shortly after I started teaching, the 1970-71 Chapleau Midgets hockey team fired their coach (yes, they fired him) and hired me. At a practice Keith McAdam one night, said, "Hey, MJ...!" and before he got any further in no uncertain terms I told the team I was "Mr Morris" to them. I had really adapted quickly to being a Mr. Teaching high school will do that to you.

I stormed out of the dressing room having made my point, lit a cigarette, and listened through the door to the players talk it over. They really did not think Mr sounded right, but what to call me so that I wouldn't lose it again. Lionel Corston, my next door neighbour and First Nations person spoke up and said, "Let's call him Chief. He's the chief and we are the Indians." Immediately they all agreed. (I use the word Indians totally in the context of the dressing room conversation.)

The dressing room door opened and led by team captain Jamie Doyle, who had hired me, they marched past, each one saying, "Hi Chief" with the mischievous smiles that only kids can display when they have won a round.

What could I do? The name stuck, at first just used by hockey players, then much more widely, and when someone wanted to really make a point it became "The Chief said..." Of course for the most part I was Mr Morris at school. Like all teachers I also became "Sir" as in "Sir said.." and later I had an increasing number call me "MJ" and still do.

As politician 1978

While living in Chapleau I became the reeve (mayor) of Chapleau, and I was called Reeve Morris, Mr Reeve and at times "Your Worship" --- an honorific I actually hated and still do when I hear it in reference to the head of a municipality.

But not all names I have had were terms of endearment. Here is one example as told to me by Gilbert Landry, who was the head custodian at CHS for many years and my good friend. One night Gilbert was at a social gathering when the conversation turned to the Canadian economy which was in a downturn in the early Seventies. Gilbert reported that one person commented: "I know what's wrong with the economy. It's all the fault of that son of a bitch Morris and Trudeau." Pierre Trudeau was prime minister of Canada at the time.

I know that in my time I've been called an SOB and worse whether it has been because of my involvement in hockey or politics or whatever. But that's OK.

At College of the Rockies it was mostly Michael. On Facebook, it seems that I'm getting Michael, Mike, MJ, and Chief most of the time. The odd Sir or Mr Morris.

At College of the Rockie

How did I deal with it when people asked me what I preferred to be called over the years. I have simply replied that whatever makes them comfortable. Obviously Chief brings back some of the fondest memories while coaching those Midgets who were so much a part of my life 40 plus years ago, and for Lionel Corston who died far too young.

In the past ten years I have a new one. My best friend calls me "Bud" as in "what's up today Bud?" when he contacts me on Facebook or phone or with a text.

By the way, today I am Michael J. Morris, with my cousin Michael K. McMullen, as our book 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' became available on Amazon.com.

Please comment or email me at mj.morris@live.ca.