Complete List of Historical Notes – Dreams of Things That Were

The purpose of this page is to display all Historical Notes in one place.

The following Historical Notes are present:

Historical Note

Historical Note – Newspaper Clipping – Letter From Germany – September 14, 1942

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1942-09-14-a-1
Title: Historical Note – Newspaper Clipping – Letter From Germany – September 14, 1942
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1942-09-14-a-1_Newspaper Clipping_Letter From Germany_September 14, 1942
Created: 2023/03/24 02:21
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 03:17
Permalink: hist-blk-1942-09-14-a-1
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

Mrs. Elton Newman Forwards a Letter From War Prisoner Harry William Manchester to her hometown newspaper.

Transcription:

LETTER FROM GERMANY

The following letter was received by Mrs. Elton Newman, of Cottam, from. her brother, Cpl. Harry Manchester, a prisoner-of-war in Germany, and we have been given permission to publish same.

September 14th, 1942.

My Dear Sister:

At last I have had a chance to write to you, although the news in very scarce. I hope you are all well. As for me. I am about the same. We are having fairly decent weather. I wrote you a while back in France, but doubt if you received it. Please give my kindest regards to all my friends and relatives. I would also be glad to hear from any of them, even if I won’t be able to answer them.

We are gradually getting hold of some old cards and books to help pass the time. This is one place where we find out the wonderful work the Red Cross is doing. It’s hard to believe until you see it.

You will probably wonder what you can send me. You can send cigarettes and pipe tobacco and some good warm clothing, a long sleeved sweater would be fine, also combs, tooth brushes, razor blades, towels and some chocolate bars would sure be appreciated.

A lot of stomach trouble amongst us. Cecil Gulliver (Essex) is my bed partner and hasn’t been out of bed for two days, so I try to look after him as he did for me. Doug Scratch is here behind one, he’s about the same.

I am doing some ‘of my old work (police) around the camp. It isn’t hard work and it helps to pass the day.

Well, I would like to say more but I haven’t room. So keep smiling all of you, until that day.

Love to all,

Harry

Cpl. Harry Wm. Manchester,

Can. Prisoner of War, No. 26043, Camp Stalag VIII.B.

Germany.

End of Transcription

Content Note:

Content…

Source: Newspaper Clipping – Letter From Germany – September 14, 1942
Source Note(s):

The Windsor Daily Star, May 13, 1943.

Related Item(s):

Art_1942-05-??

Historical Note

Historical Note – Narrowly Escaped Drowning

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1931-07-16-1
Title: Historical Note – Narrowly Escaped Drowning
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1931-07-16-1_Narrowly Escaped Drowning
Created: 2023/03/24 02:21
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 03:01
Permalink: hist-blk-1931-07-16-1
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

These sober-faced lads, Harry Manchester, 13, and Wilbur Rigg, 14, were saved from drowning at the Bridge Avenue Bathing Beach yesterday afternoon, a few seconds after another lad, Lloyd Rigg, 13, had sank to death. The boys had been playing on a raft. Almost exhausted, they were pulled onto the diving board by a male bather. Wilbur tried to rescue his brother, but his strength was not equal to the task.

Editor’s Note: Harry William Manchester is at left.

Content Note:

Content…

Source: The Border Cities Star, July 16, 1931
Source Note(s):

Extracted from a clipped newspaper article.

Related Item(s):

– No Related Item(s) –

Historical Note

Historical Note – Letter From Germany – Forwards POW Letter

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1943-05-13-1
Title: Historical Note – Letter From Germany – Forwards POW Letter
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1943-05-13-1_Letter From Germany_Forwards POW Letter
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 03:06
Permalink: hist-blk-1943-05-13-1
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

Mrs. Elton Newman Forwards a Letter From War Prisoner Harry William Manchester to The Windsor Daily Star.

EDITOR, The Windsor Star,

Sir: I have copied a letter from Cpl. Harry William Manchester, Stalag VIIIB, Germany, to Miss Onnellee Rewis [Reive], Kingsville [Ontario]. I wonder if you would please print it in your paper, so everyone may be thankful for all they’ve done for our brother while he is in Germany

MRS. ELTON NEWMAN, R.R.2, Ruthven, Ont.

Dearest Onnellee:

This is my first chance to write you this month, so you can imagine how anxious I am to get at it. I have received quite a number of letters this month, also four Christmas cards. A lot of letters from you. I also received 1,000 cigarets from the Windsor Smokes Fund and received my first personal parcel February 11.

Please thank your grandmother and everyone else who has helped to make my existence here comfortable and happy. I would like to write to them all individually but writing paper does not permit me. Things aren’t too badly now with our little group of 17, but being a new working party, the supplies have been short as it takes them quite a while to come from the Stalag. The wood is all pine and spruce and quite small, so it is not too hard, but healthy.

I have had a lot to do for myself, being the senior N.C.O. and commander of the party. It makes extra. It seems that every night I have to get the interpreter and get something thrashed out which takes lots of brain work in a place like this. But I must not complain though, as it is such a relief to be unchained. I guess I will have to bring this to a close for this time, so again please than everyone for their kindness.

CPL. HARRY WM. MANCHESTER

In Camp Stalag VIIIB, Germany.

Content Note:

Content…

Source: The Windsor Daily Star, printed May 13, 1943.
Source Note(s):

– No Related Source Note(s) –

Related Item(s):

– No Related Item(s) –

Historical Note

Historical Note – The Essex Scottish Regiment Heraldry

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_2019-12-31-1
Title: Historical Note – The Essex Scottish Regiment Heraldry
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_2019-12-31-1_The Essex Scottish Regiment Heraldry
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 02:22
Permalink: hist-blk-2019-12-31-1
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

Regiment adopts Highland dress and is renamed the Essex Scottish (Highlanders) under the command of Lt.-Col. Alan Prince, great-grandson of Col. John Prince. The official tartan is the McGregor, named for Lt.-Col. Walter McGregor, whose family founded Ford of Canada and who supplied the funds for the new uniforms. The regimental crest has a red shield with three white sea axes symbol of Essex County, England, the motto Semper Paratus (Always Ready) and a lion’s head at the top. The Highland Laddie is the regimental quick march.

Content Note:

Content…

Source: The editors at HarryManchester.com
Source Note(s):

– No Related Source Note(s) –

Related Item(s):

– No Related Item(s) –

Historical Note

Historical Note – Initial POW Notification

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1942-09-01-1
Title: Historical Note – Initial POW Notification
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1942-09-01-1_Initial POW Notification
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 03:23
Permalink: hist-blk-1942-09-01-1
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

The notification that Harry William Manchester was being held as a prisoner of war (POW) came through the International Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. The handwritten notes (below) were in Harry’s correspondence archive held by his sister, Mrs. Elton Newman of Cottam, Ontario.

The initial notification to Harry’s family that he is being held as a prisoner of war in Germany:

Content Note:

Content…

Source: Artifact collection maintained by Mrs. Elton Newman of Cottam, Ontario, Canada.
Source Note(s):

The original notification consists of a hand-written note, unsigned and undated; circa September 1, 1942.

Related Item(s):

– No Related Item(s) –

Historical Note

Historical Note – POW List Climbs Above 230

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1942-10-01-1
Title: Historical Note – POW List Climbs Above 230
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1942-10-01-1_POW List Climbs Above 230
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 03:24
Permalink: hist-blk-1942-10-01-1
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

The Windsor Daily Star news article of Oct 1, 1942, listing additional known POWs captured on the Dieppe Raid. Acting L/Cpl Harry William Manchester, 783 Walker Road [Windsor, Ontario] is listed.

Transcription of News Article:

List Climbs Above 230

Number of Scottish Held Prisoner by Nazis Increases

More than 230 men of the Essex Scottish Regiment previously reported missing in action, following Dieppe are now listed as prisoners of war, according to information being received by relatives here from the International Red Cross.

Telegrams are continuing to arrive at homes in the Windsor district, bringing the glad news that a son or husband is alive somewhere in Germany.

MANY PRISONERS

Over 500 members of the regiment were reported missing after Dieppe. Reports to date indicate that at least half this number were taken prisoners. In estimating the number of Scottish held as prisoners, allowance must be made for the fact that the families of some Scottish members do not live in this district and The Star as a result, has not yet been advised of word received through the Red Cross.

Relatives of men of the Essex Scottish Regiment who have received official notice of men who are now prisoners of war are asked to communicate by mail with Lieutenant-Colonel J. E McCorkell, commanding officer of the First Reserve Battalion of the Essex Scottish Regiment, at the Windsor Armories.

KEEPING LIST

For the purpose of maintaining a complete list of men of the regiment now prisoners of war, Lieutenant-Colonel McCorkell is anxious to have complete details of name, rank, regimental number, prisoner number and name of the prison camp.

Included in the list to date are 24 officers of the regiment. Major John A. Willis, reported “missing, believed killed, and Lieutenant Alfred Douglas Green, reported missing, have not been reported prisoners to date. Another Scottish officer, Lieutenant James Palms, of Detroit, was reported killed and reports of the attack contained special mention of his bravery as he led his men up the Dieppe beach.

Other Windsorites who were with the Royal Canadian Engineers in the Dieppe raid were reported as prisoners today.

New additions to the list of prisoners are as follows:

LATEST REPORTED

Sergt. John Worth Henley, 1222 Argyle road

L Sergt. James William Scott, 1097 Moy avenue.

Pte. Clarence Judd, Tilbury.

Pte. Eugene Labonte, Tilbury,

Pte William Schramek, Tilbury.

Sapper Ernest Lafaive, 793 Parent avenue.

Sapper James Patterson Sheppard, 420 Church street

Pate George L. Browning, 1500 Francols road.

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1940-07-14-2
Title: Historical Note – The Essex Scottish Regiment Deploys Overseas
Sequential Number: 2
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 2
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1940-07-14-2_The Essex Scottish Regiment Deploys Overseas
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 02:22
Permalink: hist-blk-1940-07-14-2
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

Content Note:

Content…

Source: The editors at HarryManchester.com
Source Note(s):

– No Related Source Note(s) –

Related Item(s):

– No Related Item(s) –

Historical Note

Historical Note – Canadian Active Service Force

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1939-09-01-1
Title: Historical Note – Canadian Active Service Force
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1939-09-01-1_Canadian Active Service Force
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 02:22
Permalink: hist-blk-1939-09-01-1
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

“C.A.S.F.”

The Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) was the field force raised by the Canadian Army in the Second World War. Legally, it was distinct from the Permanent Active Militia and the Non-Permanent Active Militia, and a soldier had to be attested for service. The CASF had its own standards for enlistment and began recruiting on 1 Sep 1939.

The term CASF was deleted in late 1940, and the term Canadian Army (Active) was used to represent full-time military units.

The Canadian Active Service Force was officially mobilized on 1 Sep 1939.

This content re-published with permission from www.canadiansoldiers.com, with our gratitude. Licensing and copyright of www.canadiansoldiers.com content remain in effect for this re-published content.

Content Note:

Content…

Source: The editors at HarryManchester.com
Source Note(s):

– No Related Source Note(s) –

Related Item(s):

– No Related Item(s) –

Historical Note

Historical Note – H.M.T. Empress of Australia Message, Berthing, and Mess Cards – July 23, 1940

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1940-07-23-a-4
Title: Historical Note – H.M.T. Empress of Australia Message, Berthing, and Mess Cards – July 23, 1940
Sequential Number: 4
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 4
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1940-07-23-a-4_H.M.T. Empress of Australia Message, Berthing, and Mess Cards_July 23, 1940
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 03:32
Permalink: hist-blk-1940-07-23-a-4
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

Within his letter to his sister, Mrs. Elton Newman dated October 16, 1940, Harry William Manchester enclosed several information cards distributed on the transport ship for the Trans-Atlantic crossing. These cards rendered important information about the timing and details of that crossing.

The cards are annotated as follows:

1. Reverse of Message:
Message To C.A.S.F. Convoy – July 23, 1940

H.M.T. Empress of Australia Information Card, July 23, 1940 during the Atlantic crossing from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Scotland.
Annotated by Harry William Manchester:
This was our convoy
Empress of Australia
Monarck of Bermuda
Duchess of York
Antonia
Samaria
Revenge
Emerald
Two Polish ship that I can’t think of their names

Save this too

2. Reverse of Berthing Card:

Empress of Australia
Left Borden July 14th
arrived in Halifax July 16th
Left Halifax July 23rd
arrived in Scotlane 2nd
” ” Aldershot 4th

3. Reverse of Mess Card:

Empress of Australia

Content Note:

Content…

Source: The Artifact Collection of Mrs. Elton Newman, of Cottam, Ontario, Canada.
Source Note(s):

These information cards were issued to the soldiers of the Essex Scottish Regiment upon embarking the H.M.T. Empress of Australia for the Trans-Atlantic crossing to the United Kingdom, July 1940. The cards were subsequently mailed to Mrs. Elton Newman of Cottam, Ontario, Canade, by Harry William Manchester in his letter of October 16,1940.

Reverse of Message:
Message To C.A.S.F. Convoy – July 23, 1940

Save this too

Reverse of Berthing Card:

Empress of Australia
Left Borden July 14th
arrived in Halifax July 16th
Left Halifax July 23rd
arrived in Scotlane 2nd
” ” Aldershot 4th

Reverse of Mess Card:

Empress of Australia

Related Item(s):

ED-BLK_1940-10-16-1
Art_1940-10-16
Art_1940-07-23-a
Art_1940-07-23-b
Art_1940-07-23-c

Historical Note

Historical Note – Life of M.P. Is Busy One

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_1941-05-01-1
Title: Historical Note – Life of M.P. Is Busy One
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_1941-05-01-1_Life of M.P. Is Busy One
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 03:35
Permalink: hist-blk-1941-05-01-1
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

Newspaper Article from Mrs. Mary Hutzel about Lance Corporal Harry William Manchester’s military police duty in Southern England, circa 1941.

Content Note:

Content…

Source: The Artifact Collection of Mrs. Elton Newman, of Cottam, Ontario, Canada.
Source Note(s):

– No Related Source Note(s) –

Related Item(s):

– No Related Item(s) –

Historical Note

Historical Note – Essex Scottish Regimental Advance Party Departs for England

Reusable Block Serial ID: HIST-BLK_2023-01-30-01
Title: Historical Note – Essex Scottish Regimental Advance Party Departs for England
Sequential Number: 1
Reference to the SELECT Type: Historical Block Sequence Number: 1
Record Name: HIST-BLK_2023-01-30-01_Essex Scottish Regimental Advance Party Departs for England
Created: 2023/03/24 02:22
Last Modified: 2023/03/24 02:22
Permalink: hist-blk-2023-01-30-01
Record Author: Admin Three

Content:

The “advance party” of the Essex Scottish Regiment departed Camp Borden, Ontario, for England on June 5, 1940. An advance party precedes the movement of the regiment so as to prepare facilities for the arrival of the regiment at its destination; in this instance, Warburg Barracks, Aldershot, England.

Content Note:

Content…

Source: The editors at HarryManchester.com
Source Note(s):

Harry William Manchester mentions the movement of the “advance team” in his letters of June 1st and 4th, 1940. (Art_1940-06-01 and Art_1940-06-04)

Related Item(s):

– No Related Item(s) –

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