Servicemen (D)

Servicemen are listed alphabetically by their Surname.

✝ Indicates individuals who died during military service.

Military abbreviations used in service files have been compiled by Library and Archives Canada and can be viewed by clicking here.

D

Dallos, Grant - Sergeant RCAF

Vol.18/1942/No.3-Mar. p.7 – (photo caption) “Cadet NCO’s stand for inspection by their OC. They are Sergt. Gallicano, Corp. David Hughes, Corp. Gordie Fullerton and Corp. Grant Dallas (sic). All boys attended the Powell River High School.”
Jul/43, p.5 – “This month…Grant Dallas [sic]…joined up in the Air Force and (is) at #3 Manning Depot, Edmonton…just graduated from High School”
Vol.19/1943/No.7-Jul. p.11 – “Among recent enlistments (was) Grant Dallas (sic)…in the RCAF.”
Feb/45, p.1 – “And Grant Dallos, RCAF was last reported somewhere in the Middle East, en route to India.”
Apr/45, p.1 – “Latest word that Sgt Grant Dallos, RCAF (son of Joe) is now in India. Write him, Sgt. Grant Dallos, K-210881 (Can.), c/o CPF, Bombay, India.”

Grant Dallos (ID PH002165)

Grant Dallos (ID PH002224)

Daly, R.H. (Hugh)

Jun/45, p.5 – (in a letter from B.W. MacDonald) “…Quite a few Powell River boys with me here (including) Hugh Daley…Don’t know when we will be coming home but we all hope soon.”

Gord Dalzell (ID PH002274)

Dalzell, G.W. (Gord) - Trooper Canadian Army Overseas

Vol.18/1942/No.2-Feb. p.8 – “Another local trio are the three Dalzell boys, all in England with the 9th Armored Regiment. These boys arrived in England just before Christmas.”
Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.8 – “In the Ninth Armoured Regiment (BCD) of the same division are the three Dalzell boys, Bill, Gordon and Norman…”
Jan/44, p.2 – “The three Dalzell boys, Norm, Bill and Gord, are in the Central Mediterranean.”
Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.12 – “The 9th Armored Regiment recently arrived in the Mediterranean area…Some of those identified include the three Dalzell boys, Norman, Bill and George (sic)...”
Jul/46, p10 - (re: Sicily and Italy) “The 9th Armored regiment had with them the three Dalzell boys, Bill, Norm and Gordon.”

Dalzell, N.J. (Norm) - Corporal Canadian Army Overseas

Vol.18/1942/No.2-Feb. p.8 – “Another local trio are the three Dalzell boys, all in England with the 9th Armored Regiment. These boys arrived in England just before Christmas.”
Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.8 – “In the Ninth Armoured Regiment (BCD) of the same division are the three Dalzell boys, Bill, Gordon and Norman…”
Jan/44, p.2 - “The three Dalzell boys, Norm, Bill and Gord, are in the Central Mediterranean.”
Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.12 – “The 9th Armored Regiment recently arrived in the Mediterranean area…Some of those identified include the three Dalzell boys, Norman, Bill and George (sic)...”
Jul/44, p.1 – “Norm Dalzell…has grabbed two well earned stripes out of the Italian heat and flies. (Corp. Dalzell, N.J. K-1055, 9th Armored Regiment (BCD), CAO, CMF)”
Jul/44, p.5 – “…Thanks for keeping me on the News Letter list. It is a grand job and all success…Still in Sunny Italy and have had our part in speeding the “Tedeskies” on their way…There has been so much talk of rationing in Canada that I decided to send along one of many lists which I use here.
Jul/46, p10 – (re: Sicily and Italy) “The 9th Armored regiment had with them the three Dalzell boys, Bill, Norm and Gordon.”

Dalzell, W.E. (Bill) - Trooper Canadian Army Overseas

Vol.18/1942/No.2-Feb. p.8 – “Another local trio are the three Dalzell boys, all in England with the 9th Armored Regiment. These boys arrived in England just before Christmas.”
Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.8 – “In the Ninth Armoured Regiment (BCD) of the same division are the three Dalzell boys, Bill, Gordon and Norman…”
Jan/44, p.2 - “The three Dalzell boys, Norm, Bill and Gord, are in the Central Mediterranean.”
Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.12 – “The 9th Armored Regiment recently arrived in the Mediterranean area…Some of those identified include the three Dalzell boys, Norman, Bill and George (sic)...”
Dec/44, p.3 – “Bill Dalzell is in an Italian hospital (Tpr. Dalzell, W.E. K-1053, 9th Armored Regt., CAO, CMF “In Hospital”) with a broke leg and is doing fine.”
Feb/45, p.2 – “Bill Dalzell on latest reports was still in hospital in Italy, but doing fine. Met a Canadian nurse there, which made it even finer.”
May/45, p.2 – “Sgt. Bill Dalzell is back in Zealandia, Sask.”
Jul/46, p10 - (re: Sicily and Italy) “The 9th Armored regiment had with them the three Dalzell boys, Bill, Norm and Gordon.”

✝ Daubner, H.A. (Bud) - Flight Sergeant Pilot RCAF

Vol.17/1941/No.5-May. p.10 – “Last month, “Bud” Daubner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herb Daubner, was k for a brief leave, wearing the stripes of a sergeant-pilot and carrying the RCAF wings on his tunic. Bud is the second Powel River boy to graduate in the Empire Training Scheme.”
Vol.18/1942/No.2-Feb. p.9 – “The RCAF also claims Sergeant-Pilot Bill Daubner, now flying Spitfires and Hurricanes in England, and brother “Bud” training for the same job in an eastern Canadian centre.”
Vol.19/1943/No.11-Nov. p.11 – (under “We Will Remember Them”)“Flt.-Sgt. Daubner, “Bud” RCAF June ’43 Canada, Flying Accident.”
Feb/43, p.2 – (Rivers, Manitoba) “Thanks for the cigarettes…It is nice to know the folks at home are thinking about us and you may be certain we are always thinking of them, and of all our associations with the old Home Town.”
Apr/43, p.1 – “…and Bud Daubner (is) a Flight Sergeant.”
Jul/46, p13 - “How well we remember these lads, because they were first in battle and were in our minds and hearts for so long…(including) Sgt. Pilot Bud Daubner, lost in a flying accident in Canada…- all youngsters, who were part and parcel of our community and athletic life, were sucked up in the tempest.”

Bud Daubner (ID PH002164)

✝ Daubner, J.W. (Bill) - Sergeant Pilot RCAF Overseas

Vol.17/1941/No.4-Apr. p.11 – Another Powell River boy has received his RCAF “wings”. “Bill” Daubner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herb Daubner, has returned for a brief furlough after successfully passing through the rigid tests of the Empire Air Training Schools.”
Vol.17/1941/No.7-Jul. p.6 – “Powell River’s quota of graduated pilots has now been increased to six-…Sergeant-Pilot Bill Daubner having already passed (his) final tests.”
Vol.17/1941/No.9-Sep. p.7 – “In the RCAF, “Shadow” Brooks and “Hob” Marlatt and Bill Daubner stand as the vanguard of a larger Powell River contingent that will soon join the RAF in their offensive against the Hun.”
Vol.18/1942/No.2-Feb. p.9 – “The RCAF also claims Sergeant-Pilot Bill Daubner, now flying Spitfires and Hurricanes in England, and brother “Bud” training for the same job in an eastern Canadian centre.”
Vol.19/1943/No.11-Nov. p.11 – (under “We Will Remember Them”) “Flt.-Sgt. Dauber, Bill RCAF May ’42 – North Sea. Leading Coastal Patrol Flight Against Enemy Shipping.”
Jul/46, p13 – “How well we remember these lads, because they were first in battle and were in our minds and hearts for so long…(including) Bill Daubner, missing in the Frisian Islands area…- all youngsters, who were part and parcel of our community and athletic life, were sucked up in the tempest.”

Davenport, Joe - Private Canadian Army Overseas

Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.9 – “At Dieppe, the Powell River casualty list was practically nil. Joe Davenport was taken prisoner…”
Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.12 – “Two local boys, Tommy Gardiner (sic) and Joe Davenport have been officially listed as prisoners of war…Private Joe Davenport, of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, was taken prisoner at Dieppe. Joe left Powell River some time before enlisting to go east. He joined the Hamiltons in 1940. His regiment in the Second Canadian Division was in the vanguard that stormed through Dieppe.”
Vol.18/1942/No.12-Dec. p.4 – “…we will toast Flying Officer Tommy Gardiner and Pte. Joe Davenport, and wish them good luck and a quick release from their Italian and German prison camps.”
Vol.19/1943/No.11-Nov. p.10 – “Three more of our boys, Flt. Lieut. Tommy Gardiner, Pte. Joe Davenport and Sgt.-Pilot Frank Granger, are prisoners of war.”
May/44, p.2 – “…to date Joe Davenport (is) and official prisoner.”
Apr/45, p.1 – ”Everybody anxious to hear about our prisoners of war. We have Tommy Gardiner, Bob Gairns, Joe Davenport, Gordon Cooper in various camps.”
May/45, p.1 - “Good news about our prisoners of war. The whole shebang have turned up and are in England, in Canada or on their way…Joe Davenport…(is) out of the woods and safe.”
Jul/46, p.9 – (re: Dieppe) “Joe Davenport, now back home was taken prisoner as the Royal Hamiltons butted head on into vicious opposition in the left centre of the attack.”
Jul/46, p12 – (in a photo) caption: “Group of Canadian prisoners in Germany. Joe Davenport of Powell River, captured at Dieppe, is in the third row, fifth from the left.”

Davies, F.W. (Fred) - Gunner RCA

Jan/45, p.4 – (in a letter from Eddie Quinn) “…and I met Fred Davies at New Year. He is stationed close by.”
Mar/45, p.4 – (K-16187) #1 CARU, CAO “…Just had a 9 days’ leave to Scotland and visited Glasgow and Edinburgh. Saw John Brown & Co. at Clydebank and can those fellows build ships on a big scale. Only trouble is when these Scots make with words I get confused.”

Harry Davies (ID PH002247)

Davies, H.L. (Harry) - WO Canadian Army Overseas

Vol.16/1940/No.11-Nov. p.15 – “Bat McIntyre [sic]…now holds the rank of Corporal-as does Harry Davis, former City Motors Agent.”
Jul/44, p.2 – “Here are some of the Army lads thus far identified in Normandy…(including)…Harry Davies.”
Jul/46, p11 – (re: D-Day) “The supporting troops included…CSM Harry Davis [sic] .”

Davis, Wilfred - Flight Lieutenant RCAF

Vol.16/1940/No.10-Oct. p.6 – “This week “Shadow” Brooks…headed east to begin his training as a pilot-along with Wilf Davis of the Laboratory staff.”
Vol.17/1941/No.5-May. p.10 – “Writing from Debert, Nova Scotia, Joe Graham, former Beater Room Engineer, says he met up with Wilf Davis of the Laboratory Staff. Wilf is in the Air Force and asks to be remembered to all his friends in the “lab” and on the golf course. According to Joe, the boys aren’t having much rest these days. It’s all training and plenty of it…All the boys from Debert send their regards to Powell River and wish to thank the folks for the parcels and smokes”
Apr/43, p.1 – “Wilf Davis (has) been boosted to Flying Officer.”
Mar/44, p.1 – “Wilf Davis is up to Flight Lieutenant.”
Mar/44, p.4 – (J-6710) RCAF c/o Officers Mess, Trenton, Ont. “…Please convey my thanks to the Powell River Company for the generous gift of cigarettes. They arrived in good shape…Last June I had a god break from instructing when attached to RAF Transport Group long enough to ferry a plane to Africa.”

Dawson, Donald - Gunners Mate 1/c American Navy

May/44, p.1 – (ed. note re: collection of armed forces newspapers – “How about a line up on what they print in the Pacific, Don Dawson!)
Aug/44, p.5 – USS SC 733, % Fleet PO, San Francisco “…On top of the pleasure at receiving the News Letters, have also received the 600 cigarettes and am very grateful. Was in port for a rest last May, my first leave in 13 months. Sure tough to read about those Overseas Reunions and not be there. My regards to the Old Home Town, and the boys Over There…and thanks again for the News Letters and Cigs.”
Sep/44, p.2 – “Had word today that Don Dawson, who has been in the South Pacific for the past two years, will be back in Powell River this week, on his first home leave. In his last letter he asks to be remembered to the old crowd.”

Donald Dawson (ID PH002115)

Bill Dawson (ID PH002264)

Dawson, W.G. (Bill) - LAC2 RCAF

May/43, p.5 - (now in the service) “Bill Dawson, RCAF.”

✝ Deakin, A.K. (Art) - PO RCAF Overseas

Vol.17/1941/No.2-Feb. p.13 – “During the last month several well-known local boys have been called to service or notified to report in the near future. These include…Art Deakin of the Canadian Bank of Commerce…All are scheduled for the Air Force, which brings Powell River’s contingent in that vital sphere close to 60 members.”
Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.13 – “Among Air Force personnel serving in the (Mediterranean) (is) PO Art Deakin…”
Jul/46, p13 - “How well we remember these lads, because they were first in battle and were in our minds and hearts for so long…(including) Art Deakin…- all youngsters, who were part and parcel of our community and athletic life, were sucked up in the tempest.”

Denton, J.B. (Brian) - Cfn COF

Feb/44, p.3 - (in a letter from C.O. Robson) “…Brian Denton (is) still with us…(on the Sangro River, Italy)”
Mar/44, p.2 – (K-92347) 77 LAAD RCOC attached 4th Field Park Sqdn, RCE CACMF “Brian Denton is still in the Mediterranean area and tells us he keeps close contact with Bill Moore, Jack Challis and Charlie Robson.”
Mar/44, p.5 – Received the News Letters and the 1000Cigs. Today and was sure pleased to get them. The old gang sure seems to be scattered around the world. I’m still in close contact with Bill Moore, Jack Challis, Charlie Robson, but so far haven’t seen any others. Bob Craig is within fifty miles of here but we haven’t got together yet. We may meet in a wine cellar one of these days.”
Jul/44, p.3 – “Harold Rowe…was walking through the ruins of ancient Pompey and ran across Brian Denton. They hoisted a few on he old home town.”
Aug/44, p.4 – “…Thanks a million for the fags and as far as the News Letters go, they really are tops down here. Marriages seem to be slacking off in Blighty. Guess the boys figure one fight at a time is enough…Recently spent a week at a rest camp near Salerno – lots of swimming, but not much of a place to rest in…Had the pleasure of meeting my old chum Jimmy Lyle while there, and we had quite a reunion. Also ran into Howard Rowe…By the way, how’s the beverage situation back in the Home Town…I’m reclining in a bed at present in #15 Can. General. Supposed to have pneumonia or something, but don’t feel too bad at times.”
May/45, p.4 – 1Can. Recoy. Coy., #2 Heavy Section, RCEME, CAO “Your latest batch of 900 fags arrived yesterday and they sure come in handy here, also got the News Letter a few days ago and enjoyed it very much. Looks like your days of printing ‘em are almost over now. We can’t seem to realize that it’s so close to finished yet. I guess of course if we home it would be different. It’s sure a great change up here from Italy, but I’m really looking forward to the reunion back in good old P.R. I guess we should be back by Christmas at the latest; see by the “News” some of the boys are drifting back now.”
Jul/46, p10 - (re: Sicily and Italy) “All specialist branches were liberally sprinkled with lads from the paper town…(including)…Brian Denton, R.C.E.M.E.”

De Vito, Louis - Canadian Army Overseas

Louis De Vito (ID PH002349)

De Wynter, E. (Scotty) – Lance Corporal Canadian Army Overseas

Jul/44, p.2 – (K-50047) 8 Coy, 2 Bn. #1 CBRD, CA, CMF “Scotty De Wynter is out in Italy and has run across several of the boys already.”
Feb/45, p.4 – (in a letter from W.K. Patton) “…I have run inti …Joe De Wynter, who (is) in this regiment.”
May/45, p.3 – Westminster Regt. (M), A. Coy., 1 Plt, CAO “Many thanks for the nine hundred Sweet Caps I just received. And appreciated very much. Well, the war with Germany has at last been won. And can’t say hoe happy we are. Guess all you back there in good old P.R. are just as happy too. So we may be seeing you all again in a very few months now. Thanks again for the cigs and my very best wishes to you all.”
Jul/46, p10 - “From the beaches of Pachino to the Po valley, with interim stops at the Hitler and Gothic lines, at Cassino, at the Morro and a score of other natural obstacles, Powell River was always there…with the Westminsters (was) Scotty De Wynter…”

✝ Dickson, W.R. (Bill) - LAC RCAF Overseas

Jul/46, p13 - “How well we remember these lads, because they were first in battle and were in our minds and hearts for so long…(including) Bill Dickson…- all youngsters, who were part and parcel of our community and athletic life, were sucked up in the tempest.”

Disney, D.M. (Doug) - Lieutenant Canadian Army Overseas

Jan/44, p.2 - “Guess you heard that Lieut. Doug Disney…(was) wounded in Italy; Doug with the PPCLI’s…
Vol.20/1944/No.2-Feb. p.13 – “Our Central Mediterranean casualties to date include the following: Wounded-Lieut. Doug Disney, PPCLI.”
Jun/44, p.2 – “Lieutenant Doug Disney, after being wounded around Ortona, has been transferred to Intelligence and is doing press work, probably around Bari.”
Oct/44, p.3 – “And your old friend, Lieut. Doug Disney, wounded in Italy, expects to be discharged shortly.”

W. Dittloff (ID PH002116)

✝ Dittloff, William – SPO RCNVR

Vol.20/1944/No.7-Jul. p.10 – “Aboard the Alberni was SPO W. Dittloff.”

Dodsworth, Frank - Sergeant RCAF

Aug/44, p.1 – “Frank Dodsworth is back at Three Rivers after graduating as a Sergeant, Air Crew.”
Dec/44, p.2 – “Quite a number of discharges lately, mostly Air Force, who have been returned to Civvy Street, but are subject to recall in six months. These include Frank Dodsworth.”

Frank Dodsworth (ID PH002163)

Ted Dolan (ID PH002341)

Dolan, T.E. (Ted) - Corporal Canadian Army Overseas

Vol.17/1941/No.9-Sep. p.7 – “…News has come through of the safe arrival in England of Canada’s Third Division…includ(ing) the 1st Battalion Canadian Scottish, whose nominal roll includes twenty-two Powell River boys. Among these (is)…Ted Dolan…”
Aug/43, p.2 - (in a letter from Joe Miller in Victoria) “Also see a lot of the younger generation scattered around…(including) one of the Dolan boys from Westview.” (most likely Ted but could be T.W. Dolan with RCNR, or, but unlikely, D.J. Dolan with American Services.)
Jul/44, p.1 – “And our thanks again for all the Army papers sent in…to Ted Dolan for the workmanlike sheet of the Canadian Scottish…”
Jul/44, p.2 - “Here are some of the Army lads thus far identified in Normandy…(including)…Ted Dolan.”
Jul/44, p.4 – (K-57743) Spt. Coy. Can. Scottish Regt. CAO BWEF “…The News Letters are coming through regularly and sure help us keep in touch. As you may know we have seen a lot of action. Not what most of us expected, but it’s still a pretty grim business. We were one of the first battalions to land – I landed at H * 55 – but there were some of our boys ahead of that. It didn’t take the fellows long to go through the famous West Wall, but it was tough going at times. Dick Jacob is still with us and he has done a grand job ever since D Day in one of the hardest jobs of all, stretcher bearers. They were magnificent.”
Jan/45, p.1 – “And Teddy Dolan, who has followed the Canadian Scottish from Victoria to Debert, to Aldershot and to France, is now wearing a couple of well deserved stripes.”
Jan/45, p.3 – “…This Christmas being our first in action was not the same as the others, but we didn’t do so badly. The cooks did a good job and we were out on the line at the time, which helped. Looking forward to a Blighty leave and the English pubs…Say hello to the boys in Italy for me.”
Jul/46, p11 – (re: D-Day) “Hitting the beaches in that first unstoppable assault with the Scottish (was) Teddy Dolan…”

✝ Donkersley, Harry - Flight Lieutenant (DFC and Bar) RCAF

Vol.17/1941/No.11-Nov. p.6 – “Frank Foyston was commissioned as Pilot Officer-and so too was Harry Donkersley…”
Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.9 – “Out in hard-pressed Malta are Pilot Officer Harry Donkersley and his Spitfire.”
Vol.18/1942/No.11-Nov. p.1 – “This month’s cover page is dedicated to Pilot Officer Harry Donkersley, RCAF, who has been awarded the distinguished Flying Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the Mediterranean. Harry is one of our best known youngsters. A leader in all phases of scholastic activity, quiet and modest in demeanor, he is a credit to his parents and to Powell River. He is in every sense a Powell River boy. He was born, raised and educated in Powell River…So it is with a real and personal pleasure that we congratulate Pliot Officer Donkeersley on the award of the DFC, congratulations in which we are joined by the entire population of Powell River and District.”
- Vol.18/1942/No.11-Nov. p.8 – “Headlining the news of Powell River boys in the forces is the announcement that Pilot Officer Harry Donkersley of Powell River has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for conspicuous gallantry in action. Harry was awarded the decoration for sinking four Italian merchantmen and probably sinking a tanker during recent heavy attacks on the Axis supply lines in the Mediterranean. The Powell River boy has been stationed on Malta for several months. “His outstanding work,” says the official citation, “denied to the enemy vital supplies in a most crucial stage of operations.” Harry was born in Powell River twenty-three years ago. He was an outstanding member of our younger set, a leader in student affairs at school, and an all-round athlete. The DFC to Pilot Officer Harry Donkersley is the first decoration to come to Powell River in the present conflict…So, this month, residents of Powell River, hats off to Harry Donkersley of the RCAF! And we may mention in passing that the Powell River boy’s action in the Mediterranean drew special comment from Bill Henry in his NBC “By the Way” broadcast.”
Vol.18/1942/No.12-Dec. p.4 – “We will toast Pilot Officer Harry Donkersley, that fine lad who has brought credit to his parents and to Powell River…”
Vol.19/1943/No.3-Mar. p.4-5 – “Word has been received as we go to press that Flight Lieutenant Harry Donkersley, DFC and Bar, is in England, and will be presented with his decorations by His Majesty the King at a Palace investiture. All Powell River will be behind Harry on that historic occasion. The local boy, son of Harry Donkersley, head welder for the Company, won his cross and bar while stationed at Malta. In this same period he was promoted from Pilot to Flying Officer and recently to Flight Lieutenant.”
Vol.19/1943/No.4-Apr. p.7 – “The picture on the opposite page…shows Powell River’s famous airman, Flight Lieutenant Harry Donkersley, DFC and Bar, photographed leaving Buckingham Palace, after being presented with his medals by his Majesty the King. Harry won his decorations over historic Malta. He destroyed or damaged at least six important Axis convoy ships carrying precious supplies to hard-pressed Marshal Rommel and participated in numerous attacks on units of the Italian navy. “He showed,” said the official citation, “outstanding qualities of leadership and initiative.”
May/43, p.2 – “Scotty (Abbot) had a couple of beers with Harry Donkersley in Gibraltar.”
Vol.19/1943/No.6-Jun. p.14 – “I met Harry Donkerslsey in Gibraltar, “ writes Scotty Abbott. “We had a few beers together, and Harry took his plane back to England.”
Jul/43, p.1 – “An outstanding item from the Home Front viewpoint was the arrival in Powell River last week of Flight Lieutenant Harry Donkersley, DFC and Bar. Harry has had a very busy time looking up his old friends and meeting new acquaintances. A reception was held for him at Willingdon Beach, Westview, on July 7th. Harry had to speak over the “mike” and found it worse than attacking an Italian Fleet Unit in the Mediterranean.”
Vol.19/1943/No.7-Jul. p.1 - “This month’s cover picture…shows Flight Lieutenant Harry Donkersley, DFC and Bar, being congratulated by Dr. Paul Marlatt, President of the Canadian Legion Branch, after the presentation of a specially engraved watch from the citizens of Powell River. It is the first occasion in Powell River history that such a presentation has been made to a local resident. The presentation was a token of Powell River’s pride in Harry’s achievements in the Mediterranean, where his courage, tenacity and resource were accorded special recognition.”
Vol.19/1943/No.7-Jul. p.12 – “On Wednesday, July 7th, Flight-Lieutenant Harry Donkersley, DFC and Bar, was officially welcomed “home” by thousands of his friends and fellow citizens of Powell River. Harry had arrived in Powell River 10 days previous. No official reception party had been organized out of deference to Harry’s own wish to spend the first part of his leave with his family and relatives. On July 7th, at Willington Beach, in a setting which Harry knew so well and where he played as a youngster, Powell River paid its official tribute to the modest youngster whose exploits gained him two decorations and a presentation to His Majesty the King, at Buckingham Palace. Representatives of all public and military bodies were on hand; and supporting Harry on the platform were members of his family, his proud mother and father, and his equally proud if not prouder grandfather and grandmother. Both Harry’s father and grandfather had served their country in the last war. “A chip off both old blocks,” was the succinct way in which one spectator summed up our young airman, and that is high praise, here or elsewhere.”
Aug/43, p.3 – (in a letter from John Hartley) “Ft. Lieut. Harry Donkersley, DFC, is stationed here (Patricia Bay) and I had the pleasure of meeting him and am looking forward to the pleasure of flying with him.”
Vol.20/1944/No.1-Jan. p.8 - “Two local men have been decorated for gallantry, and several others have been mentioned in despatches. In the former group are Flying Officer Harry Donkersley, DFC and Bar, and Flying Officer Frank Foyston DFC.”
Jul/46, p13 - “How well we remember these lads, because they were first in battle and were in our minds and hearts for so long…(including) Harry Donkersley… - all youngsters, who were part and parcel of our community and athletic life, were sucked up in the tempest.”
Jul/46, p14 – “One night an Italian convoy of six ships was feeling its way hopefully through the Mediterranean night, with oil and other much needed equipment for Rommel. Suddenly, the skies above the convoy were illuminated by flares – and behind the flares came a Wellington torpedo bomber, leveling off for an attack. Before the attack was finished, four enemy ships had been sunk, two damaged, and the rest of the convoy dispersed. The citation, which later awarded the DFC to this intrepid airman, stated “that his outstanding leadership and initiative deprived the enemy of vital supplies during a critical stage of operations.” The pilot was Flight Lieutenant Harry Donkersley of Powell River. A few weeks later Harry was awarded a bar to his DFC for a similar exploit. This fine lad returned to Powell River in June, 1943, and was posted to duty in Canada. On January 9, 1944, he was piloting a Ventura plane on a flight from Lethbridge to Patricia Bay. Somewhere in the mountains of B.C. the plane was lost – and another of our splendid young men had answered his last roll call.”

Harry Donkersley (ID PH002172-2)

Harry Donkersley (3rd from left) (ID PH002172-4)

Harry Donkersley (ID PH002172)

Donkersley, W.R. (Roy) - Private Little Mountain

Jun/45, p.1 – “About 15 have been discharged in the past month. These include…Roy Donkersley (back in the mill)…”

Donnelly, Frank - Gunner Canadian Army Overseas

Apr/43, p.5 - “Recent enlistments around town include…Frank Donnelly.”
Aug/43, p.1 - “…and Frank Donnelly will probably be looking up the boys along the Strand very shortly.”
Jul/44, p.1 – “These are some of the more recent (papers) – as they are also those fascinating Mediterranean papers that…Frank Donnelly…and scores of other fellows have sent along.”

Dore, E.J.C. (Earl) - Sergeant CAC

May/43, p.1 – “Corporal Earl Dore is back at camp after his recent marriage to Sis Oster, who is stationed at an Eastern Air Port.”
Jan/44, p.2 – “You probably saw most of the new arrivals at the Reunion… (including)…Earl Dore.”
Feb/44, p.5 – “The first pictures of the Beaver Club Reunion have just come in…These newspaper cuts are not so hot. And we didn’t see Corp. Earl Dore…in any of the pictures.”
Vol.20/1944/No.3-Mar. p.13 – (in a list of those who have married) “Have you forgotten…Earl Dore…?
Apr/44, p.2 – “…In to town pops “Sis” Dore…in a sweet spot to ride herd on Corporal Dore – and Sis asks us to tell Earl that is just what she intends doing.”
May/44, p.4 – (K-66085) CAO England “Hiya, how about a coke? And thanks a lot for the cigarettes and News Letters – and please thank the Company for the thoughtful way they look after our interests over here…Received a couple of letters from Jock Kyles and Roy Lund…and you should see CSM Gino Bortolussi laying down the law to the NCO’s…Guess by the time this arrives, my wife (Sis) will have been there and gone.”
Aug/44, p.3 – (in a letter from Norm Hill) “Saw Earl Dore recently and he is doing fine.”
Sep/44, p.5 – “…Boy, how I would like to drop in for a coke with you fellows and belly up to the old counter once more…thanks for Roy Lund’s and John Lawson’s address…Had quite a surprise last week when Barney MacDonald and Bud Casey dropped in here. Bud has sure settled down and is a first class soldier. Barney is over in France now. Ran into Jack Parkin last night and he gave me a parcel of P.R. News and Criers and Digesters, and I certainly enjoyed them…Notice the boys are going in for Softball. Have played the odd game of real baseball over here, and the old soupbone is in pretty fair shape.”
Nov/44, p.5 – “…Am enclosing a sample of paper from the Valleyfield Paper Co. Limited, located just outside Edinburgh. This sheet is made from straw. Speed of machine, 110 ft. per minute, wide open. Width about 96 inches. Really enjoyed the trip through this mill. They couldn’t do enough for me. Hope to look over the mills in Liverpool on my next trip.”
Mar/45, p.1 – “Dapper Earl Dore, putting the troops through their paces at #1 CIRU, England, is now Sgt. Dore, By gad!”
Jun/45, p.3 – “Thanks for the cigs which were a real godsend in these days of shortages…Have just completed a month’s course at Hythe Wing S.A. School…By the way, met Ken Godwin the other day in Aldershot. He is now at OCTU Sandhurst…Frank Trevison dropped in the other day and is feeling fine…Again many thanks for letters and cigs.”

Draginouch, Sammy - Sergeant

Apr/45, p.4 - (in a letter from W.T. Gann) “Another Sgt. In this outfit is Sammy Draginouch of Wildwood. He was an old pal of Bob Redhead and the Price boys will remember him. He used to be on our old ball team up there.”

Draper, W.H. (Bill)

Jan/44, p.3 – “Bill Draper has been transferred to #50 M.T. Area Repair Shop, RCAF Burnaby.”

Drayton, George – Corporal CAC CMF

May/44, p.2 – “George Drayton early this year celebrated his promotion to Lance Corporal by marrying Miss Doris Hough, at Epsom, Surrey.”

✝ Drayton, Henry (Hank) – Private Canadian Army Overseas

May/43, p.5 - “We thank the scores of boys who have written us and are only sorry we can’t include all your letters. We hope to get around to most of them some time. Meantime we would like to acknowledge letters from…Hank Drayton…”
Vol.19/1943/No.11-Nov. p.11 – (under “We Will Remember Them”) “Pte. Drayton, H. Inf. R.U. Sept ’43 England, Mortar Explosion.”
Jul/46, p13 - “In the fighting in Europe…seven Powell River men gave their lives…A total of 13 Powell River boys were killed while serving with the Army...Hank Drayton (was) killed during training in the United Kingdom.”

Drayton, W. (Bill) – Flight Sergeant RCAF

Oct/44, p.4 – (in a letter from J. (Slim) McVicker) “One of the Drayton boys (Bill) has been here (Shaughnessy Hospital) for seven months, troubled with his back and legs.”

Roy Drury (ID PH002263)

Drury, R. (Roy) – Private Canadian Army Overseas

May/44, p.3 – (K-65599) B. Coy., Westminster Regt. CA CMF
Jul/46, p10 - “From the beaches of Pachino to the Po valley, with interim stops at the Hitler and Gothic lines, at Cassino, at the Morro and a score of other natural obstacles, Powell River was always there…with the Westminsters (was)…Roy Drury.”

Duke, J. – Private Canadian Army Overseas

Jun/45, p.3 – (K-49316) 4th Btn., Can. Scot. Regt., A Coy., 5 Platoon, COF “…Spending my last few days in Holland before going on to Germany to do occupational duty. This camp is near Arnhem and the whole countryside has been devastated by war. Still a lot of mines around. Haven’t received News Letters lately but hoping my mail will soon catch me up.”

J. Duke (ID PH002275)

Alex Dunlop (ID PH002171)

Dunlop, Alex – Sergeant RCAF

Nov/44, p.1 – “Alec Dunlop, who spent a couple of years in ground crews and later remustered, has graduated as a Sgt. WAG.”
Nov/44, p.2 – “Sgt. Alec Dunlop is back in town after completing his WAG course. He is placed on Civilian Reserve for six months, which means he will be back in the mill again.”

Dunn, Harry

Vol.16/1940/No.9-Sep. p.4/5 – “Our next note came from the Navy, from Dan Wallace… He says: “We had a real Powell River gathering in Victoria recently, Harry Dunn, Sandy Allen [sic], Sam Rees, Bill Gandy, Charlie (??) , ‘Scotty’ Abbott and myself, so figure it out for yourself.”

Dunn, Mickey – RCAF

Vol.15/1939/No.9-Sept. p.5 – “The outbreak of war finds several former local boys already serving at home or overseas with the permanent forces of the Empire. In the Royal Air Force in England are Robin V.[sic] Leese…and Mickey Dunn... Both boys have been in the Air Force for the past eighteen months.”
Vol.16/1940/No.8-Aug. p.4 – “From England comes word that Mickey Dunn…finally emerged safely from the great Dunkirk evacuation. Mickey had been reported missing but turned up slightly wounded. He is now, according to recent word, recovering from minor wounds in an English hospital. Mickey is in the Air Force.”
Vol.17/1941/No.2-Feb. p.3 – “Other former Powell River boys in action against the Hun are Mickey Dunn, son of the late Maurice Dunn. Mickey is with the Royal Air Force in the Mediterranean…”
Vol.18/1942/No.12-Dec. p.4 – “Our thoughts go out to Sergt. Mickey Dunn and others who are in the Medditerranean and North Africa and who may have little leisure in which to enjoy the Christmas trimmings we are taking as a matter of course.”
Jul/46, p.4 – “At this moment (September 3, 1939), Powell River was already well represented in the military force of the Empire…in England with the RCAF (was) Mickey Dunn…who had just left local school to serve (his) country.”

Dunn, Robert (Bob) - Petty Officer

Vol.18/1942/No.3-Mar. p.2/3 – “Working out of eastern ports, guarding convoys, hunting submarines or sweeping up mines, are lads who were born here, or who spent most of their lives in our midst…(including.)…Bobby Dunn…”
Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.7 – “In the ranks of the bluejackets are scores of former employees, well known throughout the district. There is…Seaman Bob Dunn, former boxing star and machine room employee…worthy of the tradition handed down and maintained by the Royal Navy.”
Vol.19/1943/No.1-Jan. p.9 – “And when we grow a bit too introspective on this fuel shortage or freezing weather give a thought to…Bobby Dunn… and scores of others who keep the U-boats from our shores and protect our men in their journeys across the high seas in all kinds of weather.”
Apr/43, p.1 – “…and Bob Dunn is a Leading Seaman.”
Apr/43, p.4 – HMCS Cornwallis, Halifax “I think the News Letter is a darn good idea. I can’t say much about things here but would like to know how Alt. Anderson is making out. Say hello to all the folks for me. I received the Powell River Company’s fags in February. Not doing much boxing these days, as I have been away taking a course which kept me busy.”
Vol.19/1943/No.5-May. p.10/11 – “Bob Dunn, now a Leading Seaman, wioll pick up his PO rating when he returns to the east.”
Aug/43, p.1 – “Bob Dunn is also heading for his Petty Officer’s rating.”
Jan/44, p.2 – “Bobby Dunn is bobbing back and forth across the pond.”
Feb/44, p.3 – (in a letter from T.R. Parkin) “Bob Dunn and I get together every time he is in port.”
Sep/44, p.4 – (in a letter from R.J. Killin) “I met Bob Dunn up in Newfie.”
Mar/45, p.4 – (in a letter from Scotty Abbot) (ed:’s note – “If you run across Bob Dunn, you might drop a depth charge close enough to scare him into writing, Scotty.”)
May/45, p.3 – (A-3167) P/O R. Dunn, HMCS Niobe c/o FMO 45 Renfield St., Glasgow “…Not much to write about recently. The first day I arrived in Glasgow I heard about Mr. Bird from Duncan who is on his way home…The beer here is the same as ever. NO GOOD! V-E Day was quiet. People were too tired and too happy to do much in the whoopee line. They were thankful it was all over. Niobe threw a big party for everybody. Fine beer. And just in passing, hope to be home by Xmas, but not alone. Have found a girl in St John, NB and think she will like Powell River.”

Jul/46, p.6 - “Lads like…Bob Dunn…kept Powell River colors at the masthead, as convoy after convoy battled its way to the sorely pressed shores of the United Kingdom.”

Bob Dunn (ID PH002122)

Dykes, G.S. – Gunner Canadian Army Overseas

Feb/45, p.1 – “Latest arrivals include G.S.Dykes, (K-602376), #3 CITR D Coy, CAO

Dykes, Jack – Private Canadian Army Overseas

Jan/45, p.4 – (in a letter from S.A. Fraser) “…Was in Rome for Christmas where I ran into Jack Dykes.”
Jul/46, p10 - “From the beaches of Pachino to the Po valley, with interim stops at the Hitler and Gothic lines, at Cassino, at the Morro and a score of other natural obstacles, Powell River was always there…with the Westminsters (was)…Jack Dykes.”

Dykes, Raymond – CSM Canadian Army Overseas

Feb/44, p.2 – (re: marriages) “And CSM Raymond Dykes is in double harness.”
Mar/44, p.2 – “Paul Razzo is out of hospital and back again at the job of depleting Scotland’s timber reserves. Paul runs a caterpillar along with his brother George - and Ray Dykes as CSM looks benevolently on – we hope!”
Vol.20/1944/No.3-Mar. p.13 – (in a list of those who have married) “Have you forgotten…Ray Dykes…?
Oct/44, p.2 – “Heck, we almost forgot to mention that Sgt. Ray Dykes, (H-62542) 9th Coy. CFC CAO, proudly announces the birth of a son and heir on October 12th.”
Mar/45, p.3 – (in a letter from Paul Razzo) “…spent a few days with Ray Dykes. He’s still a Sgt.”

Servicemen D

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