VOL. II

AUGUST, 1942

NO. 2

Published at the Hespeler, Ontario Plant of Dominion Woollens and Worsteds, Limited

ON ACTIVE SERVICE

A28091 L/Bdr. Stanley Inder

29 40th Field Battery R.C.A.,
Canadian Army Overseas.

Stanley Inder was born in the Guernsey Channel Islands. England. on March 6th. 1911, and came to Canada when he was three years of age, taking up residence with his parents in Blair. Later his family moved to Preston, then to Beaverdale and finally to Hespeler, where he made his home until enlisting. He received his education at the Preston Public School.

With the exception of one year spent at other work, Stanley was on D. W. & W. staff for approximately eleven years prior to enlisting. He was fully experienced in operating the various machines used in preparing the wool for combing, having spent most of his time in the topmaking department.

Stan was well known in sport circles. hockey and baseball being his favourite games. He was a member of local teams while in Hespeler, and since arriving in England has played in the inter-regiment hockey games.

During the first week of the war, in September 1939. Stan enlisted along with eight other D. W. & W. men. He was among the first group of local men to go overseas in February 1940, and is now stationed in England where just 29 years ago his father completed seven years’ service in the Middlesex Regiment of the Reserve Army.

Anniversary of D. W. & W. News

D. W. & W. News Had Its First Birthday in July

Last month D. W. & W. News was one year old. The event was not remarked on at the time as we had other and more important things to write about and little enough space to accommodate them. In twelve months the News has fulfilled its modest function by printing and distributing about fourteen thousand copies. In July, 1941, its mailing list included sixty-three D. W. & W. boys in the Army and Air Force. Today the number is one hundred and fourteen plus six in the Navy—one hundred and twenty in all. Forty-seven of these are overseas. In twelve months the News has reported forty-five weddings and thirty-one babies and a multitude of much less important events each of interest to some one. It has even published the maiden effort of a poet whose early promise seems to have withered as that effort was his last.

Apart from reporting these homely items the News has only one mission—to assure the boys who have one to fight that they are not forgotten and to remind you who stay at home that those boys must be backed up with more than talk and good wishes.

D. W. & W. Family

Mrs. Connor and Shirlie with Gordon Connor in the R.C.A.F photo on the table.

New Lights For Mending Room

Lighting installation recently completed in Mending Room.

ACTIVE SERVICE ADDRESSES

A59655 Pte. Howard L. Armstrong,
R.C.A.S.C. Reinforcement Unit,
Canadian Army Overseas.

R84257 LAC. Gordon Connor,
R.C.A.F.,
Ucluelet, B. C.

John H. Cunnington, Ord. Sum.,
H.M.C.S. Queen Charlotte,
R. C. N. V. R.,
c/o 224 Grafton St.,
Charlottetown. P.E.I.

A9441 L/Cpl. H. M. Ekins,
No. 2 Sub-Depot.
Canadian B.O.D.,
England.

A37994 Pte. Ellis B. J.,
No. 7 Company,
3 Cdn. Div. Inf. Reinf. Unit,
Canadian Army Overseas.

R118668 ACI. Farrow K. W.,
409 Squadron,
R.C.A.F. Overseas.

A103016 Pte. Lorne Fuller,
No. 10 Basic Training Centre,
8 Platoon, “B ‘ Company,
Kitchener, Ont.

A56867 Pte. Howard Greaves,
H. L. I. of C.,
Canadian Army Overseas.

R75912 Corp. Hartrick R. E.
R.C.A.F., No. 5 S.F.T.S.,
Brantford, Ont.

Percy T. Harvey. O. S.,
Mess 2, H.M.C.S. Prevost,
London, Ont. B11115

B11415 L. Bdr. Kennedy, G. A.,
100th Batty., 4th Regt. L.A.A.,
Canadian Army Overseas.

Sto. 2 Ralph Meyers,
H.M.C.S. York,
Toronto, Ontario.

No. 99366 Pte. Newnes W. B.,
Trafalgar Military Hospital,
London, Ont.

R89844 Corp. Oliver R. E.,
No. 31 Radio School, R.A.F.,
Clinton, Ont.

A56874 Pte. B. King,
Priory Club,
Woolwich St.,
Guelph, Ontario.

A29590 Pte A. F. Jardine,
90 L.A.D., R.C.O.C.,
3rd Medium Regt., R.C.A.,
Canadian Army Overseas.

B46888 Pte. J. R. Martin,
Hut No. B3,
No. 20 Basic Training Centre,
Brantford, Ont.

O D Lloyd Munch V-19660
H.M.C.S. Napanee,
c/o Fleet Mail Office,
Halifax, Nova Scotia.

A67857 L/Cpl. Harry O’Krafka,
4th P1., A29 I.A.T.C.,
Bennett Barracks,
Listowel, Ont.

Can. R131042,
LAC. Pipher J. A.,
R.C.A.F. Overseas.

R89950 AC2. John Reid.
No. 5 S.F.T.S.
Brantford, Ontario.

B83470 Gnr. Richardson T. P.,
29th Battery, R.C.A.,
11th Army Fld. Regt.,
Canadian Army Overseas.

D. W. & W. ENLISTMENTS

Army ………………71
Air Force …………43
Navy ………………..6
_______________________
120

Increase In Cost of Living Bonus Becomes Effective August 22nd Pay

It was announced at the August meeting of the Works Council that the National War Labour Board has ordered an adjustment in the cost of living bonus, as the cost of living adjusted index number for July 2, 1942, of 117.0 has risen by 2.4 points over the index for October 1, 1941, of 114.6, which is being used as a basis for all future adjustments of cost of living bonus. This means that effective pay period ending August 22nd, all employees now receiving a bonus of $3.75 per week will receive $4.25 per week, and all employees now receiving a bonus of 15 percent of their weekly wages will receive 17 percent based on their earnings for regular weekly hours only. The order states no cost of living bonus shall be paid on hours worked in excess of regular approved weekly hours. In no case shall the amount of cost of living bonus exceed the maximum of $4.25 per week.

In answer to questions raised in connection with the new income tax measures it was stated that as soon as definite information is obtained, special bulletins will be issued giving full particulars of the new measures. It was also mentioned that the firm will give the usual assistance to employees in calculation of their income tax returns.

Council received reports that lockers in Worsted Drawing Department were completed, No. 10 elevator pit has been deepened, and work is to be gone ahead with on installation of drain pipes for draining water from roofs over Wool Barns.

Due to enlistment of two members of the orks Council and one member leaving the employ of the Company, it will be necessary to hold elections for new members to represent the Cloth Finishing Department and the Worsted Yarn Department day and night shifts for the remainder of the year.

War Workers

Ann Eagle and Isobel Rife spinning khaki filling.

Three Musketeers

Babies Coffey, Lacey and Gibson thinking of new worlds to conquer—or maybe their next meal.

Letters from the Boys

The Editor:

A few lines to let you know I am well and that I received the cigarettes which have been sent to me. They are a welcome gift over here as they are very hard to get and very expensive.

We are now on the coast and like it fine. The people here are very friendly and are giving us as good a time as possible. I am now in H. Q. on the Bren Gun Carrier and like it here much better than in the rifle companies.

Well how is the mill working now, still 24 hours a day I suppose. Have many more of the boys joined up since I left? I have been receiving your paper from time to time but I know very few of the boys who have joined the forces so far.

Will have to get back on the job again, so thanking you for the parcels, I will close.

A37521 Pte. Glen Allen,
H.L.I. of C.,
Canadian Army Overseas.

The Editor:

I am writing to let you know that I have been receiving the cigarettes sent by the Dominion Woollens & Worsteds every month since December. These cigarettes are very much appreciated—much more than can be imagined back home. Tobacco is hard to get over here and a regular supply from home is something to be grateful for.

I also want to thank you for the “D. W. & W. News” which I get regularly. I am always glad to get this paper as it enables me to keep in touch with former fellow employees.

Wishing you the best of luck in your work and thanking you once more for the cigarettes and the paper, I remain

Yours gratefully,
A37818 Pte. James Reid,
“A” Coy., H.L.I. of C.,
Canadian Army Overseas.

The Editor:

I am writing a letter to you thanking you for the papers which you send to me. I have been getting them regularly and they are really interesting to read. I also wish to thank you for the cigarettes. I appreciate these very much.

Remember me to the boys in the mule spinning room.

Here’s thanking you again for the papers and cigs.

Yours truly,

A64778 Gnr. Atchison, L.G.,
55th Field Battery,
19th Field Regiment, R.C.A.,
Camp Borden, Ont.

PERSONALITIES

D. W. & W. enlistments for this month include Jack Coughlin and Robert Hughes-Games with the Air Force, and George Aitken with the Army, also Lefty Johnson, who was called for military training, has now enlisted with the Army, and Ralph Meyers with the Navy.

Mr. and Mrs. Willard Rickert (nee Edith O’Krafka) were presented with a coffee table and a satin comforter by the members of the Worsted Spinning and Twisting Department in honor of their recent marriage.

Lefty Johnson, who was called for military training, was presented with a set of military brushes and a leather writing case by the Cloth Examining and Shipping Department, before he left.

George Jones and Jimmy Tordoff have been called for military training.

Rheta (McDonald) McTavish was presented with a table lamp by the Burling and Mending Department, and also a Duncan Phyfe coffee table on behalf of the office staff before leaving to be married.

Jean (Gilstorf) Atkinson who was married on July 22nd was presented with a coffee table and pictures by the members of the office staff.

The members of the Card Room enjoyed a wiener roast at Puslinch Lake on Tuesday evening, July 14th. A social time was spent, refreshments were served and a ball game was staged.

The annual picnic of the Maintenance Department was held on Saturday afternoon, July 18th, at a secret rendezvous and according to all reports everyone had a good time.

Miss Clara Grisdale was informally presented with a gift by members of the office staff when she left the employ of the company to return to her home in Peterborough.

OBSERVE 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Mr. and Mrs. Austin Helliwell, who observed their silver wedding anniversary on Tuesday, July 28th, were pleasantly surprised by son 65 members of the Burling & Mending Department at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Baker in Preston. An enjoyable social time was spent and during the evening the bride and groom of 25 years ago were informally presented with a Duncan Phyfe table and matching lamp.

Warping Mill

Tom Pearce assembling the four thousand ends that make up a warp for a serge suiting.

MARRIED

Edith O’Krafka to Willard Rickert. Reside in Hespeler.

Rheta McDonald to Alexander McTavish. Reside in Kitchener.

Jean Gilstorf to Herbert Atkinson. Reside in Hespeler.

Audrey Baines to Cpl. Ross E. Hartrick. Reside in Preston.

PIT stop (Willard Rickert)

ENGAGEMENTS

Mrs. Richard Bryans of Varney has announced the engagement of her eldest daughter, Clara Olive, to Mr. George Wilbert Crosby, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Crosby, Hespeler. The marriage will take place the latter part of August.

BORN

June 12th, a daughter, Shirley Ellen, to Mr. and Mrs. Cecil. Culp.

July 24th, a daughter, Patricia Ann, to Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Tremain.

July 27th, a son, James Ronald, to Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Lindhorst.

July 29th, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Lee.

August 1st, a daughter, Dorothy Marie, to Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Hartrick.

Letters from the Boys

The Editor:

I received the May and June issues of the News today and wish to send my sincerest thanks to you and all concerned. I also received a carton of cigarettes, so I can sit down and smoke and read all night. It’s a great life.

I was very sorry to read about Norman Fleischman’s death. Please convey my deepest sympathy to his family. He was a clean sportsman and I feel we have lost one of the best chaps I ever knew.

If it is possible this summer, I mean to bring my family to Hespeler on a visit, so please say a few words for me in your prayers that I may get a “leave” this year.

I was presented with a bouncing baby daughter on May 28th. Name, Julia Ann, weight 8 ½ pounds. My other daughter Melvinia, age 2 years, is still wondering why she came. I will be sending a picture of them as soon as possible so Gordon Davis can see how the rest of the Davises are getting on.

In closing, I send my very best regards and thanks for the News and cigarettes.

Yours sincerely,
No. 21408, Petty Officer Thomas Davis,
H.M.C.S. Restigouche,
c/o Fleet Mail Office,
Halifax, N.S.

PIT stop (Norman Fleischman)

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We would enjoy hearing your thoughts on our Newsletter.

We appreciate comments from our men and women based in Canada and overseas. If you have anything to add, we encourage you to also leave a comment here. If you'd like to contact us privately, please write to our switchboard operator. Our Office will respond to your letter as time permits.

1 Comment

Heinz Kroeker on August 17, 1942 at 8:14 am

Received your most welcome cigarettes and am writing to thank you for them. The cigarettes are hard to get and are expensive. It is real good to know that you think of us over in this country. I am having a pretty good time but would like to be back again.

The mill paper is welcome and I look for it every month. I have received all of them except one.

Well, thanks a million for the cigarettes, and here is hoping that the war is over soon and we can all come back to good old Hespeler.

Yours truly,

A56866 Pte. Heinz Kroeker,
5th Canadian Armoured Division,
Infantry Reinforcement Unit,
Canadian Army Overseas.
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