Servicemen (E-F)

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.

E

✝ Eckman, Gus – Private Canadian Army Overseas

Apr/43, p.5 – “Recent enlistments around town include Gus Eckman…”
Jul/46, p11 – (re: D-Day) “Hitting the beaches in that first unstoppable assault with the Scottish (was) Gus Eckman…” “It was here on the beaches that…Gus Eckman died. ”
Jul/46, p11 - “It was here on the beaches that…Gus Eckman died. ”
Jul/46, p13 - “In the fighting in Europe…seven Powell River men gave their lives…Gus Eckman… died in (his) country’s service.”

Edwards, W. A. (Bill) – Sub Lieutenant RCN – RINUR

Vol.15/1939/No.9-Sept. p.5 – “With the crack Life Guards is Bill Edwards, well-known local youngster, now on duty at Windsor Castle.”
Vol.16/1940/No.8-Aug. p.4 – “Many local lads, including Bill Edwards…are in the heart of the battle area in England.”
Vol.17/1941/No.2-Feb. p.3 – “Bill Edwards is still on duty somewhere in England with the Lite Guards, and is now in line for a commission.”
Sep/44, p.3 – “And after a lot of prowling we have finally caught up on Bill Edwards. Bill, a Lieutenant in the RINUR is located somewhere in the Indian Ocean. You can catch him by writing Lieut. W.A. Edwards, RINUR % Lloyds Bank Limited, Bombay, India.”
Sep/44, p.4 – “Thanks for the News Letter, which brings welcome news of the old home town. Can’t say all the copies arrive, but a fair percentage does and then not only myself but the rest of the flotilla have a read of the local news. Canada had done well in the war, and there is a widespread interest in her from abroad. A great number of commodities which arrive here are from Canada, among them beer and whiskey. We have made up two pretty fair rugby teams and made quite a name in the Bombay League. As play is only possible during the Monsoon, that will be over in another month when the rains finish. Am really excited over the prospect of a couple of months home leave and with any sort of luck it will be Christmas at home. So I look forward to seeing possibly a bit of Powell River.”
Mar/45, p.2 – “Letter from Bill Edwards recently and he is still playing around with the amphibious forces in the Bay of Bengal.”
Jun/45, p.3 – 520 Cook Street, Victoria, BC “Well, after all this time I am back on the Pacific coast for a period of two months’ leave. At present I am staying here in Victoria with my mother, but hope to make a trip to Powell River.”
Jul/46, p.4 - “At this moment (September 3, 1939), Powell River was already well represented in the military force of the Empire…with the crack Household cavalry was Bill Edwards, who later transferred to the Royal Indian Navy.”
Jul/46, p.8 – “In the summer of 1944, Lord Mountbatten’s amphibious forces commenced a series of landing operations along the Burma coast, in support of the 14th Army moving down the Irrawady to Mandalay and Rangoon. In charge of a landing craft of the Royal Indian Navy was Lieut. Bill Edwards, once a Household cavalry man, later a lieutenant in the Lancashire Regt., and finally transferred, at his own request, to the Indian Navy. Bill had been in the Battle of Britain, with a Punjab Regiment in India, and, fed up on “inaction” asked and received a commission in the navy.”

Egan, J.F. (Jack) – Corporal COCTC

Vol.18/1942/No.7-Jul. p.13 – “Summer and embarkation leaves are bringing manyy of the boys back home for brief and well earned holidays…Jack Egan (is) among the lads who have been with us in recent weeks.”

Elly, J. (Johnnie) – Writer RCNVR

Apr/44, p.3 – (in a letter from H.Riley) “There are a few other Powell River Boys here (London)…(including) Johnnie Elly…”
Jun/44, p.3 – (in a letter from Jimmy Maple) “Thanks again for the News Letter, which I can assure you is most welcome to us all. I say “us”, meaning in particular, Johnny Elly…and myself, who, at present, are together at Niobe.”

Elly, Steve –

Sep/44, p.4 - (in a letter from E. Silvester) “My first week over here I met…Steve Elly.”

Elly, Walter – SBA RC NH

Apr/43, p.5 - “Recent enlistments around town include…Walter Elly…”
May/44, p.2 – “Believe we forgot to tell you Walter Elly was married quite a while ago.”

Walter Elly (ID PH002173)

Bill Emerson (ID PH002174)

Emerson, W.H. (Bill) – Sergeant RCAF

May/43, p.3 – (in a letter from Vince Forbes) “Bill Emerson is still here (Lachine, Quebec), married and settled down.”
Jul/43, p.2/3 – (R-128709) RCAF Headquarters, Jackson Bldg., Ottawa, Ont.

Eno, Floyd – LAC RCAF

Jul/43, p.2 – (in a letter from Norman Hastings) “…and Floyd Eno is up at #1 Wireless and expects to graduate around the middle of August.”
Jan/44, p.3 – “…and Floyd Eno is at Sea Island.”

Erikson, E.J. (Edward) – Private Canadian Army Overseas

Apr/45, p.2 – “Another recent arrival overseas is Ed Erikson (K-4892) R & D CITR #3 CAO

Ethofer, Anthony (Tony) – Private Canadian Army Overseas

Apr/44, p.3 – “Tony Ethofer is back in the mill on his old job…”
Jul/44, p.3 – “Think we told you Tony Ethofer is working in the Finishing Room again, following his discharge.”

Tony Ethofer (ID PH002246)

✝ Ethofer, George – Private Canadian Army Overseas

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...George Ethofer (was) killed during training in the United Kingdom.”

Eric Evans (ID PH002175)

Evans, Eric - Sergeant RCAF Overseas

Vol.17/1941/No.3-Mar. p.10 – “Another former employee, Eric Evans, well-known all-round athlete, also wears corporal’s stripes in the Air Force.”
Apr/43, p.1 – “We would like to assure Sgt. Eric Evans that his cigarettes were sent and that we are now trying to trace them.”
Nov/44, p.3 – (in a letter from “Spud” Raimondo} “Have run across…Eric Evans…”
Jun/45, p.1 - “Other fellows definitely signed up for the Pacific include… Eric Evans.”

Evans, R.B. (Russell) – Private Canadian Army Overseas

Jan/45, p.2 – (K-6150) CAO
Feb/45, p.1 - #11 Cdn. Inf. Trg. Bn., #6 CITR, CAO

Russell Evans (ID PH002231)

George Ewing (ID PH002114)

Ewing, George, Jr. – AB RCNVR

Vol.17/1941/No.12-Dec. p.7 – “With the 1st Canadian Scottish Regiment overseas is George Ewing of the Beater Room staff-and at sea with the Royal Canadian Navy is son George-both in the front line.”
Vol.18/1942/No.9-Sep. p.8 – “Twenty-two Powell River representatives are numbered in the ranks of the First Canadian Battalion, Canadian Scottish, Third Division. They include such stalwarts as Pte. George Ewing…”
Vol.18/1942/No.10-Oct. p.8 – “…and George Ewing has two stripes.”
Apr/43, p.4 - (in letter from Stan Richardson) – “Lately I’ve met quite a few of the boys including…George Ewing, Jr…”
Vol.19/1943/No.5-May. p.11 – “Dave Rennie and George Ewing are both corporals.”
Dec/44, p.3 – “…George Ewing, who was on the “Nabob” in her last sortie against the Norwegian coast, (is) in Halifax…George can be reached at HMCS Peregrine, FMO Halifax (A/B Ewing, G., V-36055).”
Feb/45, p.4 – HMCS Shelburne, FMO Shelburne, NS “Thanks for the fags and the swell Christmas News Letter sent out by the Company. Right now I am stationed ashore in this thriving village of Shelburne, where you grow old from boredom. It will be swell to get back to Canada again…My uncle, John Bichard, was here, but he was drafted off his ship.”
Mar/45, p.2 – “George Ewing, on the Uganda, is out in that area too (Bay of Bengal).”
Jun/45, p.1 - “Other fellows definitely signed up for the Pacific include…George Ewing, Jr.”
Jul/46, p.7 – “…George Ewing, Jr. was on the Nabob and narrowly escaped disaster when (the) ship was almost sunk by a concentrated attack from German dive bomber – an attack which wrote finis to the high seas activity of Canada’s first Nabob.”
Jul/46, p.8 – “Replacing the Uganda in eastern waters was Canada’s latest and finest cruiser, HMS Ontario. She arrived with…George Ewing in time to take part in the official surrender of Hong Kong.”

Ewing, George - Corporal Canadian Scottish Overseas

Vol.17/1941/No.6-Jun. p.9 – “George Ewing, who went to Debert with the First Canadian Scottish, has been in Powell River on sick leave for several weeks. George came west for an operation, and is still recuperating.”
Vol.17/1941/No.12-Dec. p.7 – “With the 1st Canadian Scottish Regiment overseas is George Ewing of the Beater Room staff-and at sea with the Royal Canadian Navy is son George-both in the front line.”
Vol.18/1942/No.4-Apr. p.10 – George Ewing, also of the Scottish, and a former beater- room pal of Joe’s [Graham}, tells of spending a week-end in Brighton to see his battalion win the Divisional Soccer Championship.”
Feb/43, p.3 – “I am in good health and keeping busy being in the Pioneer Platoon. We have to go out frequently to fix damage that our carriers have done. They knock over fences and cables and this means a big expense bill if you don’t do the repair work. We are stationed in a nice part of the country. Quite a change from Aldershot. It’s a bit difficult keeping the huts warm – but better than tents. The food is good. Had a trip to Brighton recently, and also took in the Corps Boxing Championships.”
Apr/44, p.2 – “Latest (to be discharged) is George Ewing, who was discharged from Little Mountain on April 12. George is living in Vancouver and will not be back in Powell River for health reasons. He is doing fine and sends his best to all the gang overseas.”
Jul/44, p.3 – “…George Ewing, discharged, (has been back in civies for many months. George has moved permanently to Vancouver.”

Extrand, Nels – LAC

Vol.18/1942/No.1-Jan. p.2 – picture

Photo of LAC Nels Extrand featured in the January 1942 issue of the Powell River Digester page 2.

F

✝ Fairgrieve, W.C. (Bud) – Pilot Officer RCAF

Vol.19/1943/No.5-May. p.11 – (in a list of Powell River men who have received commissions) - “Pilot Officer.”
Vol.20/1944/No.3-Mar. p.13 – “And Marjorie McPhalen, now Mrs. Bud Fairgrieves, both serving overseas (has married).”
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) Bud Fairgrieve…- all youngsters, who were part and parcel of our community and athletic life, were sucked up in the tempest.”

Farnden, A.J. (Art) – LAC RCAF

Apr/44, p.4 – (in a letter from Frank McBurnie) “Art Farnden…(has) been seen in this vicinity (Boundary Bay).”

Ian Farquharson (ID PH002212)

Farquharson, Ian – Sargeant RCAF

Fidler, R.G. (George) - Corporal RCAF

May/43, p.4 – (R-181200) Squadron 2 Wing 2 TTS St. Thomas “Received your second News Letter and believe me I enjoyed it. It is a grand idea. Am now in St. Thomas on the second leg of my Air Frame course. After seeing the east I am more than ever convinced that the guy who said “Go West young man, Go West,” knew his stuff. Would certainly like to hear from any of the boys and meantime best of luck with the News Letter.”
Dec/44, p.2 – “So too (confirmed corporal) (is) George Fidler, with the RCAF at Pat Bay.”

R.G. Fidler 1942-1945

Fishleigh, J.F. (Johnny) – SPO RCNAD

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…such well known lads as Johnny Fishleigh…worthy of the tradition handed down and maintained by the Royal Navy.”
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…Johnny Fishleigh…”
Jan/44, p.4 – (in a letter from Eddie Behan) “…Have seen a few of the Powell River lads around here (including) John Fishleigh…”
Apr/44, p.2 – “Johnny Fishleigh also is now Leading Stoker.”
Jan/45, p.1 – “…and so too is Johnny Fishleigh (a SPO) over at HMCS Givenchy, Esquimalt, BC.”

Johnny Fishleigh (ID PH002141)

Forbes, Vincent – Flight Lieutenant RCAF

Vol.17/1941/No.4-Apr. p.16 – “Vince Forbes, former office employee and track star, is being transferred from Vancouver to RCAF headquarters in Ottawa. Vince will shortly be “Corporal Vincent Forbes, RCAF”.”
May/43, p.3 – 5 Manning Depot, Lachine, Quebec “Thanks for the News Letter which I enjoyed a lot. Have been stationed here for two months, instructing on he officers initial training course. Have seen quite a few of the boys around the country. Bill Emerson is still here, married and settled down. There is also a lad named Jones who married Jean Staniforth – he is a police reporter on the Ottawa Journal. Also saw Jack Carr, but don’t know where he is now. Hank Cramb dropped in for a visit recently. He was taking a disciplinarious course at Trenton. The liquor situation here follows the same general lines as in other parts.”
Jul/43, p.2 – (in a letter from Norman Hastings) “I saw Vince Forbes at Lachine.”
Aug/44, p.1 – “Charlie MacIntosh’s team met and (according to Charlie) defeated a squad coached by Vince Forbes recently {FO Forbes, V. (C-12604) RCAF Overseas}”
Nov/44, p.3 – “Just as we were about to close yp, in comes word that Vince Forbes is now Flight Lieutenant.”
Dec/44, p.1 – “Alf Tate…has been promoted to Flight Lieutenant, in which lofty atmosphere he will find his old pals, including…Vince Forbes…”
Vol.21/1945/No.1-Jan. p.11 – “Recently Cpl. Charlie MacIntosh, RCAF, took a softball team to another camp. The opposing team was captained by Flt.-Lieut. Vince Forbes, and Charlie’s comment was: “It didn’t matter much who won. We sure are putting Powell River on the map!”
May/45, p.3 – (in a letter from K. Gustafson) “Have seen…Vince Forbes…”

Foster, Harold – LAC RCAF Overseas

Vol.19/1943/No.2-Feb. p.6 – “Harold (Foster) (has) safely arrived in England with recent Air Force drafts.”
Apr/43, p.3 – (in a letter from Walter Patrick) “Haven’t don [sic] much in the way of soccer or basketball, but now that Harold Foster and George Rennie are here, we might get together.”
May/43, p.5 – (in a letter from Bob Gornall) “Only last week I met Father Leo Hobson, who is now a padre on this station. He…had met lots of the boys. He mentioned Harold Foster, among others.”
Jun/45, p.1 – “Harold Foster came home on a “30” and expects to go to the Pacific. He worked a couple of weeks during his furlough just to try it out.”

Lewis Foxall (ID PH002342)

Foxall, R.A.L. (Lewis) – Sergeant Headquarters Pacific Command

Aug/44, p.1 – “Lewis Foxall, at M.D. #11, is also a three striper.”

Foyston, F.D. (Frank) – Flight Lieutenant 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…Frank Foyston of Kelly Spruce…All are scheduled for the Air Force, which brings Powell River’s contingent in that vital sphere close to 60 members.”
Vol.17/1941/No.11-Nov. p.6 – “Within the past month, those inseperable pals of the business machine staff, Bruce Patterson [sic] and Harry Cooper, blond Frank Foyston of Kelly Spruce, and Howie Sutton of the machine room, have reported “all present and correct” from the Old Land.”
Vol.17/1941/No.11-Nov. p.6 – “Frank Foyston was commissioned as Pilot Officer-and so too was Harry Donkersley…”
Vol.19/1943/No.8-Aug. p.12 – “And from the Middle East comes word that Flying Officer Frank Foyston has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious service. Frank went overseas in 1941, flew over Germany, and was later transferred to the Middle East Command. He has been shot down or crashed at least five times, and has been in upwards of two score operational flights. He joins Flight Lieutenant Harry Donkersley as another Powell River flying ace.”
Vol.20/1944/No.1-Jan. p.9 – “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.”
Dec/44, p.1 - “Alf Tate…has been promoted to Flight Lieutenant, in which lofty atmosphere he will find his old pals, including…Frank Foyston…”

Franklin, Fred - NZFF

Fred Franklin (ID PH002343)

Ron Fraser (ID PH002143)

Fraser, R.J. (Ron) - AB RCNVR

Apr/44, p.3 – (in a letter from Doug Ingram) “I am in a nice part of the south coast (of England) and…Ron Fraser…is with me.”
Jun/44, p.2 – “In the landing craft crews we have…Ronnie Fraser…”
Sep/44, p.2 – “Ronny Fraser, RCNVR, with the assault force on D Day, is home on a 28-day furlough. Looks fine and taller than ever.”
Oct/44, p.3 – “… Johnny Bichard…pops up in Powell River about ten days ago. Has a month’s leave. Looks swell and along with brother-in-law Ron Fraser, also home, is doing all right. We took them both out to an E Company stag recently, and the reputation of the Navy was nobly upheld.”
Vol.20/1944/No.7-Jul. p.10 – “In the landing craft that grated in broad daylight on French soil…probably included…AB Ronnie Fraser…”
Jan/45, p.3 – “Ronnie “Fearless” Fraser…after crashing ashore with landing craft on Normandy, (is) still out in BC – Ronny at Prince Rupert…Ron has his eye peeled on the Far East.”
Jan/45, p.5 - (in a letter from Beppie Tomado) “Ron Fraser is at Rupert.”
May/45, p.2 - “Quite a number of fellows who have returned in recent months are now back on Civvie Street. These include …A/B Ron Fraser…”
Jul/46, p.7 – (re: D-Day) “Carrying Canadians of the famous Third Division to the beaches (was) Ron Fraser…”

Fraser, S.A. (Sid) – Private Canadian Army Overseas

Mar/44, p.4 – (in a letter from Maurice Wilshire) “At one place here (Italy - ?) I met Sid Fraser…”
Oct/44, p.3 – (in a letter from C.O. Robson) “Have young Fraser, S.A., from Cranberry, with me, and I hand (the News Letters) on.”
Nov/44, p.2 – (K-49177) 16th Can. Spec. Employment Coy., CAO CMF
Jan/45, p.4 – “Thanks for the cigarettes and the News Letter…Was in Rome for Christmas, Where I ran into Jack Dykes. Liquor isn’t rationed here. Of course it is the Italian stuff, but who are we to be particular. Some lovely looking women in Rome, but not as good as the ones in Powell River.”
Jul/46, p10 - (re: Sicily and Italy) “All specialist branches were liberally sprinkled with lads from the paper town (including)…S. A. Fraser, Specialist Company.”

Sid Fraser (ID PH002299)

Frederickson, A.A. – Sergeant RCAF Overseas

May/44, p.2 – “To date…A.A. Frederickson (is an) official prisoner.”
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…A.A. Frederickson…(is) out of the woods and safe.”

✝ Freeman, H.G. (Harry) – Sergeant RCAF Overseas

Vol.19/1943/No.3-Mar. p.5 – “Recently, Harry Freeman…paid a visit to Nottingham, famed as a favorite Canadian port of call (seven girls to every male in the district).”
Apr/43, p.3 – (in a letter from Frank O’Neil) “Harry Freeman and I are holding a reunion here this week. Harry was with Bill Bell before Bill left for the Middle East.”
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 Freeman, killed on a raid…- all youngsters, who were part and parcel of our community and athletic life, were sucked up in the tempest.”

Frith (??)

Aug/43, p.2 – (in a letter from Joe Miller) “In our own Veterans Unit, we have…and a chap by the name of Frith who was employed in P.R. around ’31 and ’32.”

Fullerton, Gordie – AC2 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. All boys attended the Powell River High School.”

Furness, J.W. (Jackie) – Stoker RCNVR

Apr/43, p.4 – (in a letter from Stan Richardson) “…last week a ship pulled in and I went over to see if I knew anyone. Ran square into Jackie Furness…”
Jan/44, p.4 – (in a letter from Eddie Behan) “…Have seen a few of the Powell River lads around here (including) Jack Furness…”
May/44, p.3 – “Also (on home leave was) AB Jackie Furness.”
Jul/46, p.7 - (re: D-Day) “Patrolling in the area too was Canada’s anti-aircraft cruiser, HMCS Robert, with…Jack Furness on the alert for enemy sky raiders.”

Furness, Ron - OS

Feb/44, p.3 – (in a letter from T.R. Parkin) “…We have a few of the boys around here…Ron Furness…running into port.”
Apr/44, p.3 – (in a letter from H. Riley) “There are a few other Powell River boys here (London)…(including) Ron Furness…”
May/44, p.3 – (in a letter from Art Auline) “…Was at a certain barracks a while ago and found Ron Furness behind me in he grub line…later we spent a very enjoyable evening in the wet canteen.”
Jun/44, p.3 – (in a letter from Jimmy Maple) “Thanks again for the News Letter, which I can assure you is most welcome to us all. I say “us”, meaning in particular, Ronny Furness…and myself, who, at present, are together at Niobe.”
Aug/44, p.3 – (V-31387) HMCS Tillsonburg, % GPO London “…I’m on a ship now, thank heaven for that…Had a letter from Bill Calder the other day. He just got over a few weeks ago. Doing all right, but looking forward to hitting old Powell River again. Hope the liquor situation will have improved.”

Furnival, W.E. (Evans) – Sergeant RCAF

Apr/43, p.1 – “LAC Evans Furnival was married in the east last month.”
Jan/44, p.2 – “Evans Furnival is at Jericho.”
Vol.20/1944/No.3-Mar. p.13 – “Ivan Furnival did the same thing last year (ie: got married).”

Servicemen E to F

E

F