Timothy J. Stewart CD                                                                                           Regimental Historian

 

When Canada declared war against Germany in September 1939, thousands of volunteers stepped forward to serve King and Country.

Conn Smythe part owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a decorated veteran of the Great War volunteered for active service a second time and encouraged his players to consider it as well.

Many did. Names that are synonymous with the great Leaf teams of the 1930s and 40s including: Syl Apps, Turk Broda, Hap Day, Bob Davidson, Red Horner, Gordie Drillon, plus eleven others enlisted with the 2 nd Battalion The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Machine Gun) on the same day, August 6, 1940.

As new recruits they underwent basic training including rifle drills and specialized training on the .303 water-cooled Vickers machine gun.

The 1 st Battalion of The Toronto Scottish had arrived in England prior to Christmas 1939 and the 2 nd Home (Reserve) Battalion, organized in 1940 was to supplement the overseas battalion.

With the increase of NHL players volunteering for military service, thus diluting the competitiveness of the league, there was discussion of halting play.

Continuing however was seen as an important morale booster to hockey fans in Canada and the United States.

Several NHL team owners wanting to protect their star players ensured they were kept out of combat roles and given duties on military bases or jobs in critical war industries.

Many of those who shipped out to England ended up playing hockey for any number of service teams that started up, once again to keep morale high amongst the troops and the civilian population.

Chris Korwin-Kuczynski of the Lakeshore Business Improvement Area will be making a presentation of photos to the regiment later this year of the 17 Maple Leaf hockey players who volunteered during World War II.

It is 78 years this month since the tragic death of New Toronto’s Irene Watson, who enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and would become one of the first airwomen reported missing and killed in action.

Watson was a Globe and Mail correspondent and a stenographer-reporter for The New Toronto (South Etobicoke) Advertiser, one of Ontario’s largest weekly newspaper at the time.

She lived on Eighth Street and worked as a clerk at Silvert’s Shop before enlisting in February 1942 and requested to work in an administrative role.

Watson was born in England and lived in New Toronto with her family for 19 years. She attended New Toronto Public School and Mimico High School, where she excelled. She was the president of the Members’ Council, YWCA in Toronto from 1941-1942.

She was described ‘as a conscientious, keen and a progressive officer.” The RCAF said: “Watson has special qualifications training and aptitude for recruiting and doing valuable missionary work. In interests of recruiting, strongly recommend reconsideration of posting.”

Watson received a noteworthy commendation from Brigadier General John B. Brooks, of the U.S. Army, for organizing and presenting a show, songs and stories for stranded passengers.

Section Officer Watson was serving in Newfoundland as part of #116 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron during her last days. She and 11 others were flying in a Canso aircraft when the pilot attempted to land in bad weather and poor visibility.

Tragically, they crashed nose-first on a lake in Newfoundland.  The plane sank right away and only five people aboard survived.

Watson was 24 when she was killed on November 8, 1943. She had been in the RCAF for just 21 months.

She is believed to one of the first airwomen in Canada to be reported missing and killed in active service. Sadly, she was declared dead but  her body was never recovered.

Her name is inscribed on the Ottawa Memorial commemorating members of the Air Forces of the British Commonwealth who lost their lives.

She is also one of only five women listed in Toronto’s Golden Book of Remembrance.

The City’s Golden Book of Remembrance pays tribute to those who perished in the Second World War. These books contain the names of service people from Toronto who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The book was officially dedicated by the City on December 28, 1947 and contains the names of servicemen and servicewomen from Toronto who gave their lives between 1939 and 1945.

Watson left behind two sisters and two brothers. One was Sgt.-Maj. David Watson, of the Tank Corps.

 

 

 

Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and former Town of Weston Mayor Charles Wesley Boddington was a true Canadian war hero.

Boddington was born in Weston in 1921 and died in 1984 at the young age of 63. He is buried at Sanctuary Park Cemetery, on Royal York Road.

The Toronto native served in World War II, where he lost an arm and leg when a bomber he was flying was hit by gunfire and ‘exploded’ over Dusseldorf, Germany.

He spent the rest of the war in a German Prisoner of War (POW) camp.

Military records show that Flight Lieut. Boddingtown and a crew of about five from 426 Squadron were shot down as they flew a Thunderbird aircraft over Germany in November 1944. They had taken off from a military base in Linton-on-Ouse, near Yorkshire, England.

RAF records state that “a Thunderbird crew captained by F/L C. W. Boddington also went missing.”

“Four of this latter crew (including Boddington) were made prisoners of war,” according to the military, which added Boddington was injured from the blast, which set a section of the plane on fire.

Three crewmembers were killed.

Boddington and four of his colleagues spent more than a year at a German POW camp.

Life at some POW camps were damn dreadful. There was limited rations, clothing or medicine for ailments. The POWs lived in constant fear.

On his arrival back home in Weston in 1947 Boddington carried on with his loss of limbs. He managed to establish and operate a motor vehicle licensing bureau, which he ran until his death.

With much to offer and money in his pocket, he dabbled in politics and ran as a Progressive Conservative in the riding of York West in the 1968 federal election. He placed third.

Undeterred, he ran again in 1969 for the position of Mayor of York, in a tough race, in which he was defeated by Philip White. He ran a third time and was elected Mayor of Weston, before it was swallowed up by York.

He also served on York’s Board of Control after the town was amalgamated with the City of Toronto.

Boddington was named to the Order of Canada in 1977.

The feisty veteran was again in the news in 2014, more than three decades after he passed.

It turned out that the former Town of Weston mayoral chain was missing for a number of years.

Workers noticed that the display case hold the chain had disappeared.

After much investigating, it turned out that the town’s final mayor, Boddington, kept the chain to make sure it didn’t end up stolen of placed in a dusty archive when York became part of Weston.

Boddington was a tough man. In his years as a prisoner of war in a German camp, he was never known to complain or make a scene.

There were as many as 9,000 Canadian soldiers, airmen, naval sailors and merchant seamen who were captured by the enemy and held as POWs during the Second World War. Many were held in miserable conditions in some of the worst prisons.

Perhaps the worst atrocity committed against Canadians during the war occurred after the D-Day invasion in June 1944, when as many as 156 Canadian soldiers were executed by their German captors in the Normandy countryside, after being taken prisoner.

 

And you think you had a hard day.

This senior was in hand-to-hand combat with a huge black bear and is alive to talk about it.

A tough Norman Ruff, 80, was last week awarded an OPP Commissioner’s Citation for bravery for punching the large bear in the head repeatedly with his fist, just like a boxer in a ring.

The bear in July 2019 entered their Township of Muskoka Lakes home around 1:53 a.m. through an open kitchen window, the OPP said in a release.

Ruff left his wife, Lois, in their bedroom for safety, as he went to investigate the ‘rustling noises in his residence.’

He turned on the light and “observed a black bear rummaging through his kitchen.”

“Then bear was startled, reared up and began growling and snarling,” said the OPP. “Without regard for his safety, Ruff stood his ground even as the black bear began to approach him.”

“To protect himself and his wife, Ruff began to fight the bear by repeatedly punching it in the head,” the OPP continued. “The bear fought back, scratching Ruff while continuing to growl and snarl.”

“Mrs. Ruff managed to navigate around the fight to open a door, allowing a bear to eventually exit the house,” police said. “Ruff received cuts to his chest and injured his arms and hands from fighting with the bear, but luckily did not incur serious injuries.”

The senior’s heroic actions were incredible given the immediate dangers he faced, police said.

He was commended by the OPP for his ‘selfless and quick actions that protected his wife and himself from potential serious harm.’

Presenting the citation (in photo) were Superintendent Laura Houliston, Lois Ruff, Norman Ruff, Inspector Mike Burton and Provincial Constable Will Forrest, who responded to original occurrence more than two years ago.

The owner of a popular Long Branch pizzeria is red hot today after someone stole a poppy donation box with the cash inside that was meant for members of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The donation boxes are a major part of the Legion’s fundraising campaign around Remembrance Day, on November 11. The legions have been hit hard for funds after being forced to shut their income-earning rental halls due to COVID-19.

“It is very disappointing,” says Adrian, of Adriano’s Pizza and Pasta, at 3329 Lake Shore Blvd. W.,  near Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Thirtieth Street area. “This money is to help the veterans who fought for this country.”

The well-known pizzeria has been in the community for a long time and is a proud supporter of many area charities.

Adrian has been known to give out free slices, even clothing, to the homeless or those in need.

He says the theft occurred on November 1 after a woman came in for a slice but did not have enough money.

The pizza maker offered her a slice for free.

He says the poppy donation box and woman disappeared as he was in the kitchen preparing a slice. There was no one else in the store.

“There was some money inside the box,” he explains. “It is a terrible thing to rob the veterans.”

He recalls  police was not called and the woman did not return.

Adrian says he seen the woman in the area before.

Also, residents are being reminded that there are four places in the community to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Poppies can be obtained until November 10 at the Long Branch Legion, Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., with all proceeds going to the Poppy Fund.

On November 11, there is a sunrise service at 7 a.m. at the New Toronto Monument at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, near Kipling Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W.

There are 11 a.m. ceremonies also taking place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., just west of Brown’s Line.

There is another 11 a.m. service at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 643, at 110 Jutland Rd., near Islington Ave.

And a fourth taking place at 11 a.m. at the Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 West Mall.

COVID-19 rules in place.

 

 

Time is a factor as police work hard to find whoever stole an expensive array of  jewelry and heirlooms from a high-rise condo at Humber Bay Shores.

The elaborate pieces of jewelry are costly and of “immense value to the victims,” Toronto Police said in a news release on November 1.

Police were notified of the incident on October 27 at 7:30 a.m. when officers were called to a condo in the Marine Parade Drive and Lake Shore Blvd. W. area.

Detectives said between December 2020 and October 2021 someone broke into a residence and stole the valuable pieces.

“A quantity of jewelry and personal items were stolen,” according to investigators. “Some of the pieces of jewelry are family heirlooms and have immense value to the victims.”

Police have released photos of some of the jewelry that were stolen.

Officials are not sure if it was an inside job and are going through security camera footage in search of clues.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200,

Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

There were a number of costumed children in our community out hitting the sidewalks in search of candies.

The number of kids this year dressed in Halloween costumes carrying plastic bags in hand appeared to be slight, and it also depended on where you live.

In Alderwood, few children ventured out, and it was with their parents during the evening.

The costumes were grand, with a trio of beautiful princesses, showing up at our door.

In Lakeshore Village, a member of the Business Improvement Area, was handing out candies at Lakeshore Blvd. W., and Sixth Street.

The front patio of a business was decorated with scary lights, goblins, talking skeletons and other inventions to help scare children.

There were lots of children as expected, but not close to the more than 300 trick or treaters they’ve had in previous years.

Only 56 per cent of Toronto residents said they would be opening their doors to hand out candies this year due to COVID-19 restraints.

Still, all and all, the children enjoyed themselves, virus or not.

 

The U.S. land and sea borders re-opens with Canada on November 8 and here is what you need to know in crossing, according to Canada and U.S. Border officers at the Peace Bridge.

If you’re travelling by air to the U.S. you must present a valid passport or Nexus card valid for the duration of your stay, and proof of a COVID-19 negative viral test (rapid antigen), done within 72 hours of your planned entry to the U.S. These tests start at $40 CAD.

Official proclamations and regulations are still forthcoming, but these are the requirements for entry we know so far: a passport or Nexus card valid for the duration of your stay, travellers 12 or older must provide proof of complete vaccination.

Travellers are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after completing the full series of an accepted vaccine.

Currently people entering the U.S. via land and sea borders do not need to provide proof of a COVID-19 negative test. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not yet said whether this will change.

The accepted vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, mixed doses of the two, Janssen-Johnson & Johnson and mixed doses of AstraZeneca.

Accepted Proof of Vaccination. The Government of Canada has announced that it will not be developing their own vaccine certificate for international travel. Instead the 10 provinces and 3 territories will use their systems to provide proof of vaccination for Canadians travelling within or outside of Canada. The U.S. government has not yet provided details on acceptable proof of vaccination.

Here are entry the requirements for Canada.

All travellers (air/land/sea) are eligible to enter Canada if they qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.
Requirements include a passport or Nexus card. Visitors to Canada must ensure documents are valid for the duration of their stay.

Travellers five or older must provide proof of a COVID-19 negative molecular test (PCR, NAT, NAATS or RT-LAMP) done within 72 hours of your planned entry to Canada. These tests start at $135 USD. Please note that rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Travellers 12 or older must upload proof of vaccination using ArriveCan (available for iOS, Android or online), up to 72 hours before arrival. Travellers are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after completing the full series of an accepted vaccine

Canadians are always eligible to enter Canada but must complete testing requirements and mandatory quarantine if they do not qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.

Accepted Vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, mixed doses and Janssen-Johnson & Johnson.

Accepted Proof of Vaccination. Hard copy, photo or PDF file proving each vaccination, enhanced proof of vaccination with QR code.

You must use ArriveCAN, to enter your proof of vaccination, up to 72 hours before your travel. If you don’t use ArriveCAN before arriving at the border the federal government won’t consider you a fully vaccinated traveller, even if you meet all the other requirements.

For more Information, contact U.S. Customs & Border Protection at 905-871-1608 (press 4) or Canada Border Services Agency at 905-994-6330. Both are at the Peace Bridge Crossing.

 

You can now get your Poppy at the Long Branch Legion, Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

From now until Wednesday November 10^th, you can stop by their patio to pick up a Poppy, and other related articles, with all proceeds going to the Poppy Fund.

Here are some Remembrance Day ceremonies taking place in our community on November 11.

Sunrise service at 7 a.m. at the New Toronto Monument at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, near Kipling Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W.

There are 11 a.m. ceremonies also taking place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., just west of Brown’s Line.

There is another 11 a.m. service at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 643, at 110 Jutland Rd., near Islington Ave.

And a fourth taking place at 11 a.m. at the Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 West Mall.

COVID-19 rules in place.

November 11 – Lest We Forget

 

Thai chef Oyy Tiwaporn loves food and dreamed of opening her own restaurant.

Oyy believes that ordinary Thai food can be extraordinary and her Thammada Thai Cuisine, at 2888 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Sixth Street, is receiving rave reviews.

Thammada, which means simple, is one of the newer eateries in New Toronto, and residents seem to love its delicious ‘home-cooking style’ cuisine.

“All our dishes are natural and we cook our food on the spot,” says Oyy. “Our food is just like your mom’s cooking at home.”

She learned about spices and preparing traditional dishes from watching her mother and grandmother cook as a child in Thailand.

Oyy moved to Canada almost 30 years ago and began working on her dream. She loves Etobicoke and lives with her family in the Humber Bay Shores area.

Thammada is her second restaurant. She also owns Simply Thai, popular with High Park area residents at   2253 Bloor Street W., which has won several awards for its food and services.

“Thammada is a different restaurant because we bring home-style cooking to you,” she explains. “Here you can create your own menu and like street food we cook on the spot.”

Oyy says “as ordinary as Thai street food may seem, it always amazes us with extraordinary flavors and brings so much joy to the table.”

She has the phrase ‘Be Extraordinary’ lit in neon lights inside the restaurant to remind customers of her cooking. The restaurant is clean, cozy and comfortable. A licence to sell alcohol is being obtained.

“Our name Thammada may mean ‘simple” but our food is quite extraordinary,” Oyy says. “All our food is cooked with passion and love,”

Well-known business owner Lydia is a lunch time regular.

“They are nice people and the food is all fresh and very tasty,” Lydia says. “The food is authentic and you can taste the ginger and other spices.”

Area resident Susanna described the Pad Thai meal as one of the better Thai dishes she has had.

“The food is very tasty and cooked in genuine Thai style with lots of spices,” she says. “I would go back and recommend this place to my friends.”

Also available is all your Thai favourites as Khao Soi, Pad Se Ew, with flat big rice noodles, egg and Chinese broccoli, which is a foodie favourite.

The restaurant has received hundreds of reviews which are mostly in the 4.5 out of five range.

You can reach Thammada at 647-398-2978 or orders can be placed online by visiting www.thammada.online