Bringing Vimy Home On April 9th, 1917, Canadian troops achieved a momentous but costly victory at Vimy Ridge. Canada’s pivotal role in the battle was meticulously planned and executed -- a successful assault, overcoming formidable German defences: the victory, showcasing Canada’s military prowess and fostering a sense of national identity was a turning point. The Battle of Vimy Ridge remains a symbol of Canadian courage and unity, commemorated annually as a defining moment in Canadian history.
On April 9th, 2024, at the Elgin County Heritage Center (460 Sunset Dr., St. Thomas), around forty eager listeners were given a more personal touch to our Canadian history in regards to Vimy Ridge by local historian, Blair Ferguson. Rather than talk about Vimy Ridge as a battle, Blair personalized it by discussing eight Dutton area men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country there. Ellis Sifton is the name most people in this area are familiar with, as he earned a Victoria Cross that day. While a German machine gun nest pinned down many men, Ellis charged the machine gun and was able to remove the threat, saving many men’s lives. However, a dying German officer shot and killed Ellis Sifton. While Ellis is greatly renowned in our area and beyond for his bravery, seven other Dutton locals were killed during the battle, some within minutes of battle starting, some enduring wounds that would kill them over a year later. Sidney Keillor, Leslie Clark, Ernest Ward, George Hefford, George Stewart, Joseph Williams and Chas. B. Brewer were likely all known to each other, and as Blair explained, as the telegram death notices started coming in, the small community was likely in shock, seeing that they had lost so many of their own. Blair detailed some of the personal connections between these men. For example, Ellis Sifton and Sidney Keillor were neighbours. On the eve of the battle, Blair said, the two were talking about their experiences, and Ellis offered Sidney his jerkin so that he could stay warm and dry. When Sidney asked why he would do this, Ellis replied, ‘Because your mother would never forgive me if I didn’t look after you’. Blair is leading a group of individuals raising funds to build Dutton Dunwich’s very own cenotaph. “This cenotaph is giving these men, who lie elsewhere, a connection to their home, so their souls, if you will, can find a place of grace in their own community,” says Blair. While fundraising has gone well, they are still tens of thousands short of their goal of bringing a place of peace for these eight men, as well as for all the others from their community who fought for Canada. For more information on how you can support this project, email ddcenotaph@gmail.com.
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Real Living • Spring 2024 • Page 11
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs