Lest We Forget

As we approach Remembrance Day, with many disturbing misadventures in real time, it is appropriate to reflect on those who gave their efforts and their lives in each of the wars in which Canada has been involved, to ensure the freedom of democracy in Canada.



Nurses and Soldiers from WWI.
A. E. 'Hoppy' Hopkins is in the back row, second from the left
84.1377.2, gift of Barbara Crawford

During the Second World War, men and women from Peace River defended our country. It was well on its way by September 1940, when John Hopkins joined up with the Calgary Highlanders and leaving the next morning. “Of course, we knew it was inevitable and not long after, Michael enlisted in the Edmonton Fusiliers,” says their mother, Mary. Michael and Dudley Stranaghan enlisted at the “old” Legion Hall. John and Michael were following in the footsteps of their father, Hoppy, who had served in the First World War.

Four years after enlisting, Michael arrived in Europe. In the meantime, he truly was on guard for thee, O Canada, as he patrolled the West Coast after the Japanese might became evident at Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941, and protected the Niagara Escarpment and the Welland Canal – a reminder – Canada’s Armed Forces protected from within, as well as without.

All Hopkins men returned home, safe. Many did not.

You are invited to view Museum Remembrance Day displays in the window of the Main Street entrance of Riverdrive Mall and at the Museum (open Tuesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Artifact of the week - Studio Portrait of Cpl. George Clarke

79.1029.2, gift of Mrs. G. Umbach

This photograph, donated by Mrs. G. Umbach, is one of several that will be featured on the blog in the upcoming months to commemorate the First World War. Also known as The Great War, this massive conflict erupted on July 28^th, 1914. Britain, and by default, Canada, declared war on August 4^th, 1914.

Peace River resident Corporal George Clarke enlisted in Edmonton mere days after marrying Annie Southcott, who had come over from England to be his wife. Originally assigned to the 202^nd Infantry Battalion, Clarke was transferred to the 31^st Battalion and saw action in France and Belgium. His unit was part of the Occupation Forces in Germany towards the end of the war. He returned to Peace River and was integral to the construction of several key buildings in town. A copy of this photograph, accompanied by George Clarke’s military tunic (jacket) are currently on display in the Peace River Gallery at the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.

Although this portrait of Cpl. Clarke appears to depict him posing in a military camp, it was actually taken in a studio. The backdrop, complete with tents and a flag, is painted on canvas and Cpl. Clarke is standing on a drop-cloth.