LITTLE HARBOUR – Three soldiers from Little Harbour will never be forgotten, thanks to a new book compilation that focuses on their stories.
The book is a project at Little Harbour Presbyterian Church, of which the three soldiers were members. Church member Doug Stallard has spent the past few years researching their histories and, on Aug. 22, the book will be dedicated in a service at the church.
“There are three plaques on the walls of the church in their memory,” Stallard explained. “At one of the services, someone mentioned we ought to do something for them, and someone volunteered me to get the information together. It’s what I’ve been scrambling to do ever since.”
Gunner John McQueen, a teacher from the King’s Head area, fought in the First World War. He was wounded a few times overseas, but was finally mortally wounded in 1918 and buried in a French war cemetery. He was in his late 20s at the time.
Flight-Sgt. Chipman Cameron Dawson Fraser, 22, was from Little Harbour before he went to Europe with the Air Force as part of the Second World War. He was shot down in September 1942 while flying over Holland as he returned from a raid on Germany. He was buried in Holland.
Private Howard Hector Muirhead, meanwhile, hailed from King’s Head. He was a member of the Black Watch and was killed on April 5, 1945, during an attack on the town of Larem in Holland. His body was buried in a cemetery nearby.
Gathering the information has taken several years, said Stallard.
“It takes quite a while to get the details,” he said, adding that the book will feature a wooden cover, inscribed with the words in memorium, and will rest open on an oak stand in the church.
“Floyd Williston from Winnipeg is going to come in for it. He helped me get the information and was in contact with the people in Holland who look after the graves there. He’ll likely have something to say about that and the general attitude in Holland about Canadians.”
Some family members of Muirhead and Fraser are expected to attend the Aug. 22 service and unveil the book, along with Williston, who will say a few words during the dedication service. Special music is also planned for the service, which will wrap up with some light refreshments.
The dedication will be held during the regular 9:30 a.m. service at Little Harbour Presbyterian Church on Aug. 22.
