Remembering Our Veterans: 2024 Veteran Highlights
Each year for Veterans’ Week, we research and highlight at least one new veteran. This year, we found that we had artifacts from four previously-unexplored Rossland veterans. We decided to dedicate this year’s temporary exhibit “Their Finest Hour” to Seaman William Dorey, Gunner Lloyd Heidler, Sergeant Robert Dixon, and Major R.T. Fraser. All four of these men (three of whom were born in Rossland) served in the various branches of the Canadian military during WWII and returned to Rossland after the war to make their lives here. We are honoured to tell a small part of their stories.
Seaman William Dorey (Service Number - V82914)
William Dorey was born in Rossland in 1926 and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in the early 1940s. He served as a ASDIC or sonar operator aboard the HMCS French, an examination vessel based out of Mulgrave, Nova Scotia.
After the war, Will returned to Rossland, marrying Pat Bowen on September 25th, 1946. Together, William and Pat had three children: Colleen, Rob, and Cecilia. Will had a love of traveling and a curiosity about the world and other cultures - a love that his children attribute to his time away from Rossland during the war. Some of the happiest times for Will were spent working abroad in Turkey (Pat joined him for this experience) and Africa. After Will retired from Cominco, he enjoyed spending time at the family cabin at Christina Lake, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Will was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #14 and was honoured to march in the Remembrance Day parade each year. Will died in 2006 at the age of 80.
Gunner Lloyd Heidler (Service Number - K603102)
Lloyd Wilbur Clyde Heidler was born in Rossland on March 2nd, 1914 to parents Adelaide Salmonson and Andrew Kusta Heidler. Lloyd grew up with his three siblings and graduated from Rossland High School before enlisting for service in WWII. He began as a private in the Westminster Regiment before transferring to the 33rd Light Anti-Aircraft Battery of the 27th Anti-Aircraft Regiment, serving as a gunner. The 33rd was based out of Vancouver, but Lloyd also served overseas. Lloyd’s older brother Sanford also enlisted, serving as a sapper in the No. 1 Canadian Engineer Reinforcement Unit.
Lloyd returned to Rossland after the war, and thanks to Lloyd’s close friend Ernie Lefevre, we have lots of pictures of Lloyd throughout the years. Lloyd died on October 11th, 1989 at the age of 75.
Sergeant Robert Dixon (Service Number - R160772)
Rosslander Robert Gelling Dixon achieved the rank of sergeant and worked on fighter planes during the war. We are honoured to have his two war medals in the collection. Both the 39-45 War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medals were issued to Canadians who served during WWII. To be awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, you had to complete 18 months of service between 1939 and 1947. Only 28 days service was required for full-time personnel to be awarded the War Medal.
Major R.T. Fraser (Service Number - K900785)
Robert Thurlow Fraser was born in Pembroke, Ontario on January 30th, 1905, and came to Rossland in 1935 to work as a senior buyer for Consolidated Mining & Smelting Company of Canada. Robert enlisted in 1940 and went on to serve with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in the 1st Echelon of 21 Army Group. The Royal Canadian Army Service Corps was the administration and transportation corps of the Canadian Army. 1st Echelon was the name given to the Quartermaster’s general staff. In his position as Major, Robert would have overseen resources, equipment, and logistics.
After the war, Robert returned to Rossland and raised three children with his first wife, Dorothy. Robert worked as a senior buyer for CM&S/Cominco until his retirement in 1970. Robert married Evelyn Banks in 1973, and the couple relocated to Vancouver in 1979.
Robert had a long history with the military, serving in the reserves from 1921 until he enlisted in active service in 1940. He returned to the reserves after the war, adding another 20 years to his service (1945-1965). From 1966 to 1980, Robert also served as aide de camp for the Lieutenant Governor of BC.
Robert died on January 25th, 1991, just a few days short of his 86th birthday.
His supply trunk or footlocker has served as a cornerstone of our Veterans’ Month exhibit for years, but this year finally sees a highlight on the man himself!
Contribute your own memories/experiences of Rossland Veterans, Service Personnel, or the World Wars:
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