Good evening Leon , I see that you have spit polished the critter dens oh Boris did , I'm sure that he didn't use furniture polish. Well just a Keith's and here's a couple extra bucks for a round on me for the latter evening revelers.I enjoyed yesterdays photo's everyone, working my last of three midnight shifts tonight so this will be an abrieviated appearance tonight.
Pete-First off some wonderfull shots from Alan again , pass along our thanks aas always.I'm glad that you like the views of VRA , as Tom can attest she is quite a looker when you are upclose and under her wings ( which you can do when she's in the display hanger )The staff and restoration crews as well as the flight crews at warplane are all volenteeers,much of te crew that restored the plane over it's reconstruction phase were for the most part retired vets from the RCAF. Close inspection will show that the midupper is not exactly in the right position ( too far aft ) This was added in 1993. The aircraft that is there saw no WW2 combat it was a MK 10 built right near the end of the war at Victory Aircraft in Toronto ( now terminal two ) AS such it was taken on strength of the RCAF coastal command flying from Summerside PEI and Greenwood NS ubtil it and the rest of the patrol lancs wer retired in the 60's.She also has Avro Lincoln main landing assemblies and oleo's which tend to squeek when she taxis ( a bit larger than original Lancaster parts )I have to say that GG Clarkson was one of the better one's we have had ( at least one's I can remember ) her speaches always were from the heart.
Nick-Thank-you for the wonderfull shots of the Western Front Locomotives
Eric-I'm glad that you were able to read the Mynarski story one of the more heart rendering one's ( one of 100's from the war ) I met the tailgunner he saved about a year before he passed away. truly a remarkable man, always highly nostalgic about Andy.I can't even begin to fathom what the Railway Corps went through, they just did their jobs with out failing.I have to say that the GG's speach on the reinterment of te unkonwn had real meaning for my family.As a side story my Great Grandfather lived through the Hell of the Attack on Vimy Ridge came through without a scratch.His cousin was not so lucky he was killed in the first hours of that successfull battle. He is one of the unknown in that his remains were nevr identified.For all I know the gentleman that's burried in Ottawa could be my great Grandfathers cousin, a stretch to be sure as there wree 27,000 Canadains killed during tthe first world war that fall into the unknown category as to where they were burried.
Tom-I have to say a truly wonderfull outpouring on Fri and sat. Thanks to you for all your efforts as well.And yes that was you in that picture ( hope I caught your best side )Nice to see that you "found" a copy of Buster. I sahll endevour to dig something up for tomorrows Theme. spelling will be awfull as I'll not have had much sleep.
Mike-Thanks for the shots of the vets train and the old nostalgic shots of halifax and the Basin. *** Tom has said not much in the way of heavy marine traffic there now. Though it still is a large container port and ten canadian Atlantic Fleet still calls Halifax / Dartmouth Home.
Doug-I hope all your moving went well and that no underwear or more importantly none of your reference material has been burried in boxes.
Dl-Thank-you for this mornings contributions both to the 11th and the interesting articles on preserved steam. another place in which Europe far outstrips efforts on thuis side of the lake.You are correct in the positioning of the belly turrets on the Lancs or lack there of. It was felt that a bigger bomb capacity and less crew was the way to go on the Lancs and the Halifax's. That and the fact that they did the night ops. Unfortunatly well placed attacks had that effect.I can't lay my finger on the exact bases which the 419 SQD operated from. they were part of the RCAF's six wing, I want to say central England for their bases but I'll have to do a bit of research to confirm or deny. Looks as though it will be a landslide for TO's mayor the final numbers aren't in bu he is expected to win handily, so the TTC is safe for another 4 years.
Lars-Loved your hallmark book covers. The rights of passage book is a wonderfull read I recomend it highly
BK-Well I hope both you and Lydia have a safe and enjoyable trip. A happy Thanks Giving to you inadvance. I don't imagine the removal of the pests and the dissapearance of one is that much of a coincidence.
Rob
Greetings Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Well, it took me nearly the whole of the day to recharge my batteries from last night's venture to the Meadowlands and the Jints loss to "da Bears." <groan>
Ruth, I'll take a double JD on the rocks if you please and nothing to eat.
Seems like the Three Horsemen are holding things together on this Monday. Didn't even see CM3 I'm Not Shane! about the premises today. Hmmmmm, so that's quite a looooooooong weekend for our coalminer friend. Oh well, work hard - play hard is a motto many a sailor adheres to - coalmining folks too I suspect!
As a Norseman let me chime in with some more platitudes regarding the Brits. At this point in world affairs, wouldn't it be a huge plus IF we could muster up that resolve and forthrightness always associated with those who maintained the greatness of Great Britain What the world needs now isn't necessarily "love, sweet love" (as the song goes) what it needs is backbone!
One more, Ruith, then I gotta skedaddle. Time for "payback," as my Mrs. has been sooooooo good to me lately, and it's way past due for me to shoulder the load at home.
Until the next time!
Lars
Tuesday’s THEME for the Day is
Chicago Great Western (CGW)!
Watch for the arrivals on track #1 throughout the day!
Tom
G’day Gents!
A new day and work week (for many) has arrived. Best to begin it all with some pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery, a hot mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee and of course a selection from the Menu Board of <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts!
As noted last night, we enjoyed yet another fine Sunday Photo Posting Day! Hope the Pix “load” for you, as I’ve experienced all kinds of delays and the like trying to get “up” on the Thread. <geesh>
I see that DL has begun our day, but unfortunately, whatever <gremlins> reside in the Ether, they seem to be inhibiting my ability to view the URLs. <groan> Perhaps later on this morning things may improve – we can only hope.
Certainly hope you were able to view the Friday thru Sunday spate of Veterans – Remembrance – Armistice Day Posts. Lotsagoodstuff, fer sure, fer sure! Are you still experiencing difficulties with the Pix “loading,” especially the Sunday spread
The Halifax VIA Rail terminal and adjacent hotel is very much out of balance – good observation, DL. I’ve Posted pictures of the area in the recent past – and would do so again, but if for the difficulties described.
Seems that Penzance has much to offer, aside from the “Pirates” that is! Thanx for the tip. Will check it out once the <gremlins> retreat into the recesses of the black hole they emerged from. <grin>
Ah yes, where indeed would we be without the Brits? The more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve read, the more I’ve listened, the more appreciation I have for the resolve, the mettle and the humor of those who contributed mightily to what we call the “western world.”
One of my favorite words is “change,” not that it always is for the better. However, as with the tides themselves, change is all about. People, morays, folkways and yes, nations themselves experience it. Given that I prefer to look back in time to see where we’ve been – my appreciation and fascination with the UK seems to flourish.
Pete and I have settled in on our trip to Montreal (Delson rail museum) and a round trip aboard VIA Rail to Gaspe. Looks like May will be “it.” And yes – the 2nd Annual “Our” Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis will take place on May 17th (arrival day) to 20th (departure day). Drop me an Email on either if you would like to join us.
Have some outside work this AM, in the chill and drizzle of the day – but no rest for the retired, eh
Boris, serve ‘em all of the “spiked” OJ they can handle!
Remember: Ruth comes in at 9 AM and remains behind the bar ‘til Leon takes over at 5 PM!
Hi Tom and all in
I’ll have a full breakfast please, whilst I catch up on various posts.
Pete – thanks for that Coronation Class run down – I’d wondered about the division of the names within the class and nice to read your summary. I wonder why they decided to ‘mix’ the names between Duchesses and Cities? Only 3 in preservation is a shame – compared with this the Bullied Pacifics have done well – I suppose more had the good luck of ending up at Barry Scrap yard
(For those of you not familiar with how over 200 steam engines got saved from being cut up for scrap you might enjoy this web story here – and raise a glass to our friends from Wales).
http://www.greatwestern.org.uk/barry1.htm
http://www.greatwestern.org.uk/barry2.htm
http://www.greatwestern.org.uk/barry3.htm
Just further to information about Kimberley given your remark about Alan’s interest – I think more or less next to the old GNR station is the old Midland Railway station masters house – I think the 2 competing lines here must have run beside each other. If Alan is interested in old lines he will know doubt be able to check this out. Unfortunately this area is not yet well covered by the otherwise excellent closed stations website or it would be easy to verify:
http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/stations/sites.shtml
also – is he aware of the website dedicated to hiking abandoned lines? Just in case not:
http://www.railwayramblers.org.uk/
That tour to Old Dalby sounds interesting – I hear the test line is under threat, despite recent investment. My other half’s father worked there (at Old Dalby, as well as the on the old Derby Friargate test line) often as he worked for BR Research at the Technical Centre in Derby before retirement.
Mike – interesting jpeg pics (I really appreciate the jpeg links because you never get the probs of pics not appearing on the forum). A bit worrying to me how long ago some of those WW1 pictures look – after all, I recall speaking to my grandfather very often about his service in WW1, and that gave a sense to me of how relatively recent it all was – he died about 15 years ago which does not seem so long ago.
The vintage pics of Halifax were really interesting considering my recent visit – nice to see that pic of the Nova Scotian hotel – it has obviously been expanded dramatically since then and as a result the architecture has been all messed up (the building is now totally unbalanced, visually, I think – what do you reckon Tom?) Those pics showed the original building – very good.
Eric – nice pics of that B17 – I imagine the belly turret was precisely there to counter the attack Rob described in his tribute to the Avro Lancaster crew – I don’t think the Lancaster had that underneath protection.
The B17 pics reminds me of the collection housed in the Special American Gallery at the Imperial War Museum collection in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, England. I have been fortunate enough to go there and see a B17 in flight at one of their air shows. Some of you might be interested in the information here:
http://aam.iwm.org.uk/server/show/nav.00h00f
Rob – enjoyed your various contributions – do you happen to know whereabouts in the UK that the Canadian Lancaster crew were stationed at the time of the events you outlined? Hope you can give us a Toronto election report vis a vis prospects for the Trolleys. One of my favourite things to do on visiting that city is to ride the streetcars. I happen to believe the TTC is one of the worlds top transit authorities.
Various contributions remind me that it is not unusual (if you know where to look) to find railway company memorial at UK stations (particularly the larger ones). Derby has an impressive memorial outside the station, and on Platform 1 it has various bronze plaques which I think were moved there from other railway buildings in the town since closed and demolished.
I saw at least one well looked after memorial inside Crewe Locomotive works when I went to the open day a year or so back. There is a particularly impressive memorial outside the 1st class waiting room on Platform 1 of London Paddington Station (itself worth a look inside too) – Tom if you make the Penzance Journey be sure to take a look at this. This is what Network Rail the current owners say about it:
“The memorial which was constructed immediately adjacent to the former Royal Waiting Rooms on platform 1 was unveiled on Armistice Day 1922 by Viscount Churchill, Chairman of the GWR Board and is dedicated to the 2,254 Great Western Railway employees who lost their lives in the Great War.
This was rededicated on 11th November 1949 when Sir James Milne unveiled additional tablets dedicated to the 794 Great Western men and women who lost their lives in the Second
World War. The memorial was designed by T.S.Tait of Burnet,Tait and Lorne and contains the magnificent Bronze statue of an infantryman reading a letter by Capt. Charles Sargeant Jagger completed in 1919.”
On another matter here is an interesting site I found just by chance – which has an armistice theme – since it is about the place where the actual armistice was signed:
http://www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_rethondes_2.htm
Finally I wanted to post a picture about the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in Southern England which showed this (frankly rather surreal) line – running its armoured train during WW2 – I could not find the picture direct but it is on this page so have a look and scroll down – you will not believe your eyes if you have not seen this before:
http://www.rhdr.org.uk/rhdr/history.html
This railway, despite being surreal – is a joy to visit – as you will see it is a narrow gauge line, but scaled down large engines work it – it was built for a millionaire racing driver in the 1920s essentially as a ‘toy’ and is still going strong today. I’m pretty sure the United Kingdom is the only place in the world where you could encounter such a thing. Lars – you asked where would we be without the Brits – well, without some serious eccentrics that is for sure!!
Apols for not posting these memorial related items closer to the 11th but events overtook me.
DL
Hi Tom and all.
I have found some info on yesterday,s pic for ERIC.The loco was USATC # 1959 here is a link with a couple of pics and a short history.
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/usa.html
Pete.
Hi Tom and all
Just returned from a most enjoyable lunch with TOM and his bride. We had a great time with a really good meal.
I know the bar is closed today but I will leave some cash in the envelope to celebrate the 19th anniversary of Our Place when the bar reopens.
ERIC Thanks for the pics and drawings of the Post cars, and of the B17.Enjoyed the pic of you in the Swedish Air Force
I will look into the history of the WD 1959 if I can,. the pic was taken this October at Sheffield Park on the Bluebell Railway in Southern England.
LARS Hope you have a great time at the football it should be a great game, I will watch it on the TV.
Another great set of book covers.What a wonderful picture on the Rites Of Passage book,. it just begs the question of how long as that car stood on that track. The wagon in the bottom left of the Brit book is no youngster either.
May I agree with your comments on theFriday/Saturday posts at Our Place.
MIKE Many thanks for the pics of Halifax and the pics and links of Samson and Albion.The link to Samson that told of the locos history really is a great read. It is so good to see that this historic engine is so well cared for today.
TOM Thanks for the kind words. Halifax Harbor looks a lot quiter than it did in yesterdays photo. Talking of our fathers perhaps they may have been on shore in Liverpool after the convoy had arrived. It is a good thought that perhaps they may have been.
Great pics. It is good to compare Amtrak #78 with VIA Rail #900. These must be a good class of passenger locos as they are often left to single haul trains, it would interesting to know how long they have been in service.
I will be calling into the Emporium this week.If I remember right there are some good steam shots in The First Great Train Robbery, I think they were filmed in Ireland.
Sorry they are late, this weeks pics are from Germany by Alan
A run past with the tour loco between Hainichen and Frankenburg.
At Seifersdorf.
At Frankenburg to cross the service train which is pictured below
Hopefully these should enlarge
Canada Science & Technology Museum
Veterans Affairs Canada
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/structures/index_view.cfm?photoid=-1065110296&id=40
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/structures/index_view.cfm?photoid=-1537872159&id=38
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/structures/index_view.cfm?photoid=88044242&id=37
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/railways/index_view.cfm?photoid=54101885&id=131
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/railways/index_view.cfm?photoid=3045378&id=131
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/railways/index_view.cfm?photoid=71295182&id=131
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/scenic/index_view.cfm?photoid=675068190&id=43
http://agents.ili.ca/images/large_images/Halifax/citadel_from_sky.jpg
http://www.parl.ns.ca/samson/images.htm
http://www.parl.ns.ca/samson/samsontoday.htm
Even though the bar is
CLOSED on Sundays -
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!
G'day!
Some random Pix from my archives to enjoy on this fine bright, clear and chilly day in mid-continent USA!
Amtrak's eastbound St. Louis Mule at Kansas City, MO Union Station
VIA Rail's Evangeline Park car and westbound "Ocean" at terminal, Halifax, Nova Scotia
VIA Rail P42DC and train #33 at station, Ottawa, Ontario
VIA Rail F40PH and westbound Ocean at terminal, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Bedford Basin, Bedford (Halifax) Nova Scotia
That's it from me today!
Even though the bar at "Our" Place is
G'day Gents!
Check out the Sunday buffet ('til 2 PM) and enjoy our breakfast - brunch - lunch here at the Saloon by the Siding! Sorry, but the bar is CLOSED, but we open on Monday at 6 AM!
Nice spate of 7 Pix from Nick at 8:21 PM yesterday! Well done, Mate and supportive of what we tried to accomplish on Friday 'n Saturday for our Veterans! Looking forward to the next batch.
Pete at 10:11 PM yesterday: As always, appreciate your attentiveness to "Our" Place. Always have something nice to say to the gang! And you know, it wouldn't surprise me at all if our fathers indeed had sailed in convoys all the while never dreaming their sons would someday become great friends! Interesting posit there, eh
Eric at 3:26 AM today: I'll be sure to dig out a Pix from our travels to Bedford to provide a current view of the Basin. No large ships anymore - just private small craft, mainly sailing vessels. If only the Basin could talk, eh
Here's your URL:
http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html
Many thanx for the Pix of the Swedish mail cars; the military aircraft AND the photo of YOU with your unit in the Swedish Air Force! Now which one is YOU
I expect to be away from the bar for all of the afternoon. Enjoy the day, Gents!
Now playing at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . Sunday, November 12th thru 18th: Buster (1988) Starring: Phil Collins, Julie Walters & Larry Lamb – and – The Great Train Robber (1979) Starring: Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland & Lesley-Anne Down. SHORT: Termites of 1938.
Buster (1988)PLOT SUMMARY:
Buster is a small time crook who pulls a big time job. When he finds that the police will not let the case drop, he goes into hiding and can't contact his wife and child. He arranges to meet them in Mexico where he thinks they can begin again, but finds that he must choose between his family and freedom.
Sutherland and Connery wish to rob a moving train's safe in Victorian England. They need wax impressions of keys, coffins, dead cats, and a great deal of planning in order to pull it off.
Muriel Van Twitchett is distraught when she finds out she has no escort for a fancy party she wants to go to. Her husband has skipped out to go fishing. A friend suggests she call the Acme Escort Bureau. Her maid mistakenly dials the Acme Exterminating Company, which happens to be run by the Stooges. The boys accept her offer and show new manners to the guests. During a musical performance to a record, mice appear and the Stooges get to work. When Mrs. Van Twitchett's husband come home and finds the damage done by the Stooges, he chases them out of the house.
from: threestooges.netEnjoy! Tom
Thanks for the drink TOM I,ll have a Navy Rum on this special day please LEON and let me put a round behind the bar.
Before I turn in I would like to comment on the posts since I was here last if I may.
ROB Thanks for the pics . By the appearance of The Mynarski Lancaster it certainly gets a lot of loving attention at The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, A salute to all who look after her.
I think that Address by Governer General Clarkson is one of the best speeches I have ever read.
TOM Thanks again for the Encores. They are all great but I think "A boy on a hilltop"(#5) has that little extra. Thanks for the kind words.
NICK Great Pics of the Locos working in the Field Of Flanders. North American & British engines working together in wartime. The comment at the end of the post says it all.
11/11/06-gentlemen,2 minutes silence please:-...
Tonight,engines on the fields of Flanders ,tomorrow,engines in retirement....
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Baldwin 4-6-0 on troop train
0-6-0t by Hudswell-Clarke of Leeds
4-6-0t by Hunslet of Leeds
4-6-0 by Baldwin of Philadelphia
2-6-2 by ALCO
Reproduction of Hunslet 4-6-0 in action
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Simplex 20 hp petrol tractor in use-mid 20`s
Wear your poppies with pride.................................................................
Take care ,nick
Good Evening Gents!
Day is done and time to acknowledge the Posts from yesterday thru today (some previously mentioned):
Eric at 1:03 AM yesterday: Looking forward to your Pix spread on Sunday! Also, thanx for the explanation regarding "Cracker Barrel." We'll have to find one for you while in town for the 2nd Annual Rendezvous!
DL at 5:32 AM 'and 9:48 AM yesterday: Another outstanding Post, replete with classic trains info 'n URLs. You've quickly become the "oracle" at the bar! Pendolino line speed and ensuing "flap" very well chronicled!
Really enjoyed that article fromt the Guardian. "Sold off to a Canadian firm, "eh Interesting way to put it . . . Apparently the demise of the sleeper is simply taking a bit longer in Europe than here. Amtrak's long distance trains are for tourists - I'd bet "my boots" that hardly any passengers take those for necessity. The cost associated with bedroom accomodations would gag a healthy maggot, plus the uncertainty of on-time-arrival leaves very little alternative to those who "must" get from point A to point Zed within a reasonable degree of tolerance. Just
VIA Rail's Canadian is as close to a tourist train as you can get - plus it only operates 3 days per week from either terminus (Toronto or Vancouver). The Ocean is no longer the Ocean Limited serving the scores of communities in the Maritimes. Nope - tourists have pretty much taken over the bedroom accomodations with the prices putting those students and others back in the coach seats. No more berths, no more single bedrooms - a shame.
Lars at 9:36 AM yesterday: Gotta go easy with that "TWEETER" stuff - the Proprietor holds the key to the locker where it - the "TWEETER" is stowed! <grin>
Thanx for picking up the ball with this latest round of ignorance by the bottom feeders! Your support is always appreciated and counted on.
Rob at 10:58 AM - 4:34 PM - 4:44 PM and 4:53 PM yesterday: Thanx for the support! Appears the Forums Manager has taken action - but the "source" of it still remains. Don't understand why the media and VIA Rail are so reluctant to provide Pix of the special trains.
Wonderful shots of the Heritage Museum and other aircraft. Is that really moi Trolleys are a good "fit" too!
Pete at 12:02 PM yesterday: As always, great dialogue regarding the trains of the UK! You'll have us all converted before too long! By the by, I got a kick out of your Phil Collins discussion from the other day - still grinning.
Lars at 4:03 PM yesterday: OUTSTANDING posters of the U.S. Merchant Marine! 5- Salute to you, Sir!
Mike at 6:53 PM yesterday: Always appreciate your URLs and the effort it takes to locate 'em and provide them for us. If no one has told you lately, I appreciate and respect the service you gave to us during your tour in the U.S. Army. I have ALWAYS felt that the guys on the ground REALLY fight the wars - the rest of us fall in somewhere behind. Not there aren't casualties and dangers lurking on and under the seas or in the air - but the grunts take the hits, plain 'n simple.
Rob at 12:54 AM today: Interesting offering of history with that regiment . . .250 years.
Eric at 1:31 AM today: Thanx for the Salute, Sir!
Rob at 1:40 AM - 1:46 AM and 1:51 AM today: A most interesting story about the Canadian Railway Corps and Pilot Officer Mynarski. 5 Salute to you, Sir! Thanx for participating!
Mike at 6:24 AM today: My service is a mere token in comparison to those who gave so much more than I. The heros are in the graveyards, MIA, POW, in VA hospitals and other institutions, or at home living with the wounds and scars of battle. I salute you, Sir! Thanx for participating!
Lars at 10:31 AM today: Another fine Post featuring our U.S. Merchant Marine! Thanx for participating!
Pete at 12:23 PM today: Many thanx for the 8F loco Pix and the fine ENCORE! from last Nov 11th. Just as good the 2nd time 'round, Mate! Looking foward to seeing you 'n your bride tomorrow at our favorite winery! Thanx for particpating!
Finally,
LEST WE FORGET LEST WE FORGET LEST WE FORGET
Well good evening gentlemen.I want to thank Tom again for his final set of three wonderfull tributes I would like to declare this day well done. . One final post of interest from myself and I shall call it an evening.In the year 2000 as part of the national millenium celebrations Canada finally took that huge step forward in remembering our past history , by officially creating a tomb of the unknown soldier at Parliament Hill as part of the national cenotaph.The following is a brief discription of what transpired.
At the instigation of The Royal Canadian Legion , andwith the assistance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission , the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier were repatriated from the Caberet-Rouge Cemetery at Souchez France , near Vimy Ridge.Where this soldier was killed in action on Easter Monday 1917. The original headstone from the cemetery is now on display in the new Canadian War Museum on Ottawa, and is situated in such away that a shaft of light will shine on it at 11 O'clock each November 11th .A New headstone marking the date of the removal of te remains was placed in the cemetery back in France. each Nov 11th the national act of rememberance occurs at the National War Memorial and quite spontainiously on the first ceremony over the unknown's tomb the people who gathered at parliament hill have placed their poppies on the tomb's lid.That first ceremony at the Tomb of the unknown in 2000 attracted 25,000 people and the numbers have steadily increased each year. The following is an excerpt from the May 28th of 2000 burial ceremony for the unknown soldier. It is the eulogy read by the then Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
Quoting the moving address by GG Clarkson.
"It is a frightening thing for human beings to think that we could die and that no one would know how to mark our grave, to say where we had come from,to say when we ahd been born and when we had been born and when exactly we had died. In honouring this unknown soldier today,through this funeral and burial,we are embracing the fact that the anonymity and saying that because we do not know him and we do not know what he could habe become,he has become more than one body,more than one grave.He is an ideal.He is a symbol of all sacrifice . He is every soldier in all our wars.
Our veterns who are here with us today, know whatit is to have been in battle and to have seen their friends cut down in their youth.That is why rememberance is so necessary and yet so difficult because pain is never forgotten.
Wars are as old as history. Over 2000 years ago, Herodotus wrote "in piece, son's bury their fathers, in war fathers bury their sons.Today, we are gathered to bury someones son.The only certainty is that he was young. If death is a debt we all must pay,he payed before he owed it.
We do not know whose son he was.We do not know his name.We do not know if he was a MacPherson or a Chartrand. He could have been a Kaminski or a Swiftarrow.We do not know if he was a father himself. We do not know if his mother or wife recievedthat telegramwith tthe words "Missing in action " typed with electrifying clarity on the anonymus piece of paper. We do not know whether he had begun his life as a truck driver or a scientist, a miner, a teacher, a farmer or a student.We don not know where he came from.
Was it the praries whose rolling sinuouis curves recall a certain kind of eternity?Was he someone who loved our lakes and knew them from a canoe?Was he someone who saw the whales at the mouth of the Sagunay?was he someone who hiked the rockies, or went sailing in the Atlantic or the gulf Islands ? Did he have brown eyes?Did he know what it was to love someone and be loved back ?Was he a father who had not seen his child ?Did he love hockey? did he play defence ?did he play football? Could he kick a field goal ?Did he like to fix cars? Did he dream of owning a buick ?Did he read poetry?Did he have freckles?Diid he think no one understood him? did he just want to go out and have fun with the boys ?
The unknown soldier was not able to live out his allotted lifespan, to contribute to his country.But in giving himself totally throug duty,commitment,loveand honour he has become part of us forever. As we are part of him. "
"Our" Place 2006 Commemoration of Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day!
from page 160
Number 9 of 9 A NEW DAY DAWNS IN RAILROADING War traffic has more than doubled the volume of freight hauled by the Western Pacific Railroad from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. Wherever the going it toughest n this rugged route, General Motors Diesel freight locomotives have kept this vast stream of vital munitions moving steadily. War building is being rushed ahead with reliable General Motors Diesel power. In the days to come this dependable, economical power will be ready to do the hard jobs of peace. Throughout history, wars have set up new milestones of transportation progress. And with this war, it is the General Motors Diesel Locomotive that is ushering in the new era. What advances the future will bring are already apparent in the present performance of these locomotives and the way they are helping to meet the abnormal demands upon the railroads today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEEP AMERICA STRONG * BUY MORE BONDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LOCOMOTIVES . . ……………………ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIVISION, La Grange, Ill. ENGINES . . 150 to 2000 H.P. …….. CLEVELAND DIESEL ENGINE DIVISION, Cleveland, Ohio ENGINES . . . 15 to 250 H.P. ……… DETROIT DIESEL ENGINE DIVISION, Detroit, Mich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL MOTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIESEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . That’s it! It has been my pleasure to provide these 9 WWII Posts to all of you. Tom
Number 8 of 9 ON THEIR WAY Shades are drawn down. Lights dim low. The landscape is blotted out . . . there’s just the hum of the speeding train. These boys know what it means – the troop train is approaching the troop ships. Some draw a deep breath. A soldier fumbles for a letter. Another wonders if he can make a last telephone call. Another draws out a crumpled photograph. No, travelers don’t see this – but the trainmen of the Pennsylvania Railroad do, daily. And more so than ever now. As the swelling tide of American youth – fine and fit streams overseas . . . Of course, it takes a lot of equipment for these troop movements – but with what remains we are doing our best to serve all essential travelers . . . efficiently, courteously. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pennsylvania Railroad More to follow ……….. Tom
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
Number 7 of 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HE WHO ”steps up” ALSO SERVES . . . . . . . . . . UNION PACIFIC is doing its share to meet the nation’s vital need for dependable transportation. It’s a job we’re proud to do. Over the “the strategic middle route” connecting East with West, our gigantic locomotives are hauling not only war materials but also thousands of Uncle Sam’s men in uniform. Thus, it is apparent that travelers may not always find it possible to obtain their preferred accommodations. Perhaps only coach seats or upper berths will be available. To Union Pacific patrons, who we have had the pleasure of serving and will continue to serve to the best of our ability, we would like to say, “he who steps up also serves” and express our thanks for your cooperation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Progresssive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Strategic Middle Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Buy U. S. War Bonds – They Identify You” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More to follow ……….. Tom
Here are two more shots of rail related military pictures.
L&PS ( London And Port Stanley ) Car number twelve loading up more men for their trip to London then on CNR troop trains from their to their embarcation points in Halifax. Photo from the OERHA Collection.
Shot of TTC Small Peter Witt 2666 sporting join the RCAF posters on the ad boards, photo from the early 40's (43 or 44 ) Shot at the TTC's Hillcrest Shops. Again photo from the OERHA collection Al Patterson photographer for both shots.
Here's a few supportive photo's from trips past to the CWH.
Our Good Captain posing with 436 SQD DC3 a vetern off over 100 resupply missions in Burma this aircraft is the most flying hours DC3 still flying it was built in 1939
Two shots of the Mynarski Lancaster
Shot of CWH's B-25 Mitchell painted in #98 RCAF SQD. Also painted as would have appeared for D-Day operations
Finally two shots of The Mynarski Lanc In Flight
Good afternoon again gentlemen. Ruth a perpetual round on the chandler for the rest of the afternoon and evening.It's heartening to seeall the supportive posts today
Tom-As with last year you have outdone yourself.I know howe difficult it can be to reformat the material from before the switchover.All still good reads , thank-you again. I chanced to go to warplane again this morning for their 11th service.Needless to say no dry eyes by the end of it and at 11:30 The Mynarski Lanc The Dakota, and the fairy Firefly did a formation flyby. The PBY Canso followed shortly afterwards.The hanger was absolutly packed 90% of the collection was outside and a full two thirds of the buildiong was packed chairs of veterns their families and the general public,had to be close to 10,000 people ! The Hamilton International Airport allowed free use of thier parking lots for the overflow.
Lars- Nice to see you in again this afternoon,with the continued Merchant Marine material.Finally the Canadian MM sailors have recieved thier recognition for their part in the war.
Pete-I loved reading your encore again as well sir.I can't imagine myself working on a railway of any type under such conditions, truly a testiment to the dedication and tenacity of all the Allied troops.
Mike-I'm glad to see that you made it back in this afternoon.I know that Tom will appreciate your kind words.
Number 6 of 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A BOY ON A HILL-TOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . He used to wave at me from that hill . . . we lived just beyond it. He knew the exact time I’d be by . . . and I’d wave to him from the cab. And on my time off, I’d go to the hill with him, and we’d sit together, my son and I, and wait for the trains to come along. We’d hear their whistle calling across the distance . . . then see the long plume of smoke come into view, racing like the wind . . . and as they thundered by, we’d both wave to the engineer. Maybe there’s something in heredity – he seemed to have the railroad in his blood. When he finished school . . . well I rolled into the yards one day, and there he was – long longer my little boy, but a man. A railroad man! He might someday have taken over my run. But, last December 7th, he was twenty-one . . . I don’t know where he is now. He got is two weeks leave before he left. But whenever I pass that hill, I seem to see him, as he used to be, before he became a man and had to shoulder the responsibility of being a man. I know he wants to come back to the railroad . . . and I’m going to see that he does come back! These Japs and *** who started all this – when they creep up on him and all his fellows in arms – even if they come with a thousand tanks and mobile guns and all the dive-bombers they can find in hell – he and his buddies will meet them with fifty thousand tanks and a hundred thousand planes and two hundred thousand guns. My job, now, is to get that equipment to the ships that’ll take it to him and to all the other American boys like him, no matter where they are. And it can rain and snow and sleet and it can blow, and nothing will stop me. I’ll get the stuff through to him. I am getting it through to him. You only have to lie still in the night and listen to the rumble of the trains – the trains everywhere – to know that I’m speaking the truth. It’s my son, and it’s my country, whose lives are at stake, and I can’t fail and I won’t. . . . . . . . . . . Published as a tribute to the railroad workers of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEW YORK CENTRAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Invest in Victory . . . . . Buy United States War Bonds and Stamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More to follow ……….. Tom
Number 5 of 9 Like Father in 1917 ~ Like Son, in 1942 ~ . . . . . Americans feel at home in Britain. . . . . Americans have always felt at home in Britain . . . in peace time . . . or in war. Whether they have come over, equipped with guide books, golf clubs and cameras for a quiet sojourn among Britain’s peaceful hedgerows, historic landmarks, and the ancestral beginnings of American ideals, laws and traditions or whether they have come, as in 1942 with steel helmets, bayonets, tanks and bombers in defenses of these very ideals, by which both nations are so closely bound together in common heritage, Americans feel that they are truly among friends – in Britain. Year after year, in happier times, British Railways have brought American travelers along the magic trail that leads into the heart of Britain – the glorious, colourful panorama of History, Literature, Tradition and Ideals. Until Victory comes, as it must and will, British Railways continue to maintain their contact with their American Friends, through their General Traffic Manager, C. M. Turner, 9 Rockerfeller Plaza, New York, N. Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRITISH RAILWAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More to follow ……….. Tom
Number 4 of 9 . . . . .”Keep “Em Rollin’ . . or Else!”. . . . . says grandpappy engine 2414 to a 1942 Santa Fe Freight Diesel “Back in ’98, in the Spanish-American War,” reminisces little Old-Timer 2414, “20 cars was an average-length freight train. By World War I, we’d upped our Santa Fe freights to an average 35.9 cars. Not bad railroadin’, that.” “Not bad is right,” answers the big new freight Diesel, “but not good enough for World War II. Now we’ve stretched ‘em out another 41% to 50.9 cars, and those cars are bigger, loaded heavier, and rolling farther and faster.” “Good work, son,” says Old-Timer. “Yours is the BIG war job. Keep ‘em rollin’ – or else!” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEEP ‘EM ROLLIN’ – OR ELSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * No nation that does not possess efficient mass transportation can hope to win a modern war. In America that mass transportation job is squarely up to her railroads. If they fail, we lose. Neither battle gallantry nor industrial wizardry alone will turn the tide. To meet this tremendous responsibility, we ask for every possible consideration in the allocation of materials for vitally essential repairs, maintenance and new equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAILY THE LOAD INCREASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To date, the railroads haves met 100% the staggering demands born of this global war. Many have helped make that record possible – the War Department, the Office of Defense Transportation, civilian shippers and travelers everywhere. In the first six month of 1942 with 25% fewer locomotives, the Santa Fe moved 94% more freight ton-miles and 27% more military and civilian passenger miles than in the first six months of 1918 in World War I. Daily the load increases. No man knows what the peak will be. We do know there is a limit to the performance that can be squeezed out of existing equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SANTA FE SYSTEM LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SERVING THE SOUTHWEST FOR 70 YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buy U. S. War Bonds – They Identify You” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More to follow ……….. Tom
Although it is early in the day here I will raise a glass as, CM3 suggested, to all Veterans and Absent Friends.
Many thanks for the Thoughtful and Knowledgeable posts for Veteren,s/ Remembrance Day which is so typical of Our Place.
Thanks MIKE for the links With the bravery from Marine CPL Jason Dunham to those photos of the Vets on the Train Of Remembrance.
ROB The conditions that the Canadian Overseas Construction Corps had to work in must have been unbelievable. Many years ago, I' m afraid I cant remember where, there was a 'N' guage model of the Western Front showing the narrow guage railways serving the front line, with small petrol "Simplex " locos hauling the supplies, although as I said it was long ago, I have never forgotton it.
Thanks for the chance to read of Andrew Mynarski V.C. courage again.
ERIC Great words from your late night visit.
LARS A very fine tribute to the Merchant Marine. In the dark days of 1940s it is in no doubt that Britain would have been in very dire straits without there courage and sacrifice. My father,Grey Funnel line, as some called the Royal Navy had a great deal of respect for Merchantmen.
TOM Many thanks for the Wartime Encores There is no doubt that the railways on both sides of the Atlantic performed wonders in those dark days.
I' m sorry you could not get a picture of the 8F, I have found this one in my album.
The loco is in the condition it would have been in when it was used in the Middle East as WD 307. the loco in front No 45110 has carried the name R.A.F. Biggen Hill in its preservation days.
My Encore is a post from 11/11/2005
A toast please for all Veterns Past and Present. Very good posts on this most noteworthy of days showing how the railroads Stepped up to the Plate, as I believe you say over here, in the most diffecult of times. The skill needed to drive the often overloaded trains in the blackout many with hazardous cargos with the danger of air-raids is trully amazing. After WW1 some railway companies in the U.K named a loco in Honour of the Fallen who had previously been in the sevice of that Company. The London Brighton and South Coast had a 2-6-4 tank it named REMBERANCE. The London & North Western had a 4-6-0 named PATRIOT and the Great Central a 4-6-0 named VALOUR . The name Valour is carried today on a North American built diesel loco Class 66 owned by the GBRf company. In Britain Rememberance Sunday as it is known is commemerated by the sale of paper poppies which benifit the Royal British Legion. You may have noticed Prince Charles was wearing one on his recent visit. At the factory I went to work for in Rugby, outside the main gate is a Memorial to the Fallen of the two World Wars. In steam days on Rememberance Sunday the loco depot prepared the locomotive Patriot by covering it in poppies. the loco was then parked on a bridge which gave access to the works ajacent to the Memorial. A service was held there. After Patriot was withdrawn the loco used was a Royal Scot class 4-6-0 #46170 British Legion. this engines nameplate was a replica of the Legion emblem with a lion's head and the words to the top and bottom. I'm Afraid I dont know why Rugby was singled for this honour. Today the bridge and the Engine Shed have gone. Thankfully the Memorial and works(though much smaller still survive. Back to now I was fortunate to see the GM class 66 loco Valour on my visit to England in June.
TOM Have just caught your post and most excellent link to the Merchant Seamen I sure ROB will see the Part two which is dedicated to the author's father who was a Purser with the CPR Liners.
Reading your post caused me to wonder if our fathers ever sailed in the same convoy? I dont suppose we will ever know.
Finally a tribute to all the North American railwaymen who have served in conflicts.
A pic of the type of N. American 0-6-0 switching locos that were used in Europe during and after WWII.
Nice work from Lars! As I await the warming up before taking on some chores outdoors, I've spent some time in the Ether. Here's an interesting foto that some of you may find of interest, particularly our resident "Merchie" Lars. This foto shows Bedford basin in what is now known as greater Halifax, Nova Scotia. If the Pix were just a tad wider - one could see where our relatives reside along the shoreline of the lower right hand corner- at the end of the basin. Enjoy the URL!
This well-known photo shows a convoy of merchant ships getting ready to sail to Britain from Bedford Basin, the splendid harbour of Halifax,Nova Scotia. The photo is from A Nation Forged in Fire by J.L. Granatstein and Desmond Morton.
URL: http://members.tripod.com/~merchantships/merchantseamentribute.html
Back to the foto: Note the curve of the shoreline on the right - that's where the mainline tracks of the CN lead into Halifax proper (in the direction of the "bottleneck"). The VIA Rail trains we have taken over these 16 years or so go directly past the house, follow the landscape into downtown. A beautfiul sight for anyone interested. Too bad the domes have given way to those sterile "Chunnel Chuggers." <barf>
As I look at that foto, I wonder whether any of my father's ships anchored in that basin. Many of our convoys formed up in Halifax for the journey to Great Britain and Murmansk - runs he made over the entire duration of the struggle. Although the article in the URL indicates that after the U.S. entered the war the U.S. convoys formed in NY harbor, I do recall being told that "poppa was in Nova Scotia." I wonder . . . .
Later!
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