PADRE NANGLE AND MONUMENTS

Newfoundland Memorial Park, Beaumont Hamel,
 Somme, France

Padre Thomas Nangle played a major part in the building of Newfoundland Memorial Park, Beaumont Hamel.  He was also a driving force behind the erection of our magnificent War Memorial in St John's.

Bowring Park, St John's

When speaking of memorials and monuments, Padre Nangle said that they were "Monuments to our Glorious Dead and to our just as Glorious Survivors.  They are monuments to the Mothers that bore such brave sons and the Land that bred them." 

St John's War Memorial

Whatever part of Newfoundland you are in tomorrow, 1st July, do your utmost to get out to your local War Memorial and honor them all.

MY GRANDFATHER, MY HERO

This post, about William Gushue, another "Glorious Survivor", is a touching tribute from his grandson, Don Mallard.  Pte Gushue had very strong connections with St Patrick's Convent Schools and Holy Cross School.  All the Mallard girls, as well as their grandmother, attended St Patrick's and the boys are all Holy Cross boys.  There is nothing else for me to say except, thank you very much, Don, for this moving story.  We are so pleased you shared it with us.

"As the first of July ... in Newfoundland (Remembrance Day) comes round,  I keep looking out into my garden - not really my garden, but a work of art of my beautiful wife Brenda. I notice one flower that I really love, because it was the symbol of remembrance for Newfoundland before we became a province of Canada! It is, of course, the beautiful blue Forget-Me-Not.

It also brings back many memories of my childhood and memories of my beautiful grandparents! I was the first of a flock of thirteen Mallards. Being the first born, I had a special place in their hearts which I didn’t hesitate to take advantage of. We lived in a three story house at the bottom of Stephen St. Three small apartments and I shared the middle one with my Nan and Pop Gushue. Mom and  Dad shared the bottom floor larger apartment with the rest of the kids. My Aunt Kay, Uncle Art shared the top floor with their family! They all treated me like a king and I loved them and will never forget them. The house was later expropriated during the urban renewal times in the early sixties. It stood just west of Barter’s Hill....where City Hall stands now!

When I was invited to share a few words about my Grandfather Gushue I didn’t quite know where to start.  You see he was a Veteran of Two World Wars and one of the most influential people in my life along with my Nan Gushue and my wonderful Mom and Dad. I was so blessed to be brought up with so much love that is still alive to this day! That’s their legacy - I can’t thank them enough!

The inscription on the service medal says: 

Don's Grandfather's Medal

1914-1918  

 

8293 P F E

W. Gushue

NEWFD F.C

When I researched a little, I found out that Pop Gushue served in the Forestry Unit of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during World War I. This is not a war story, but a tribute to a man who left his home and family to serve his country in the Great War.

As a boy I remember speaking to him about the War, but he never spoke much about it. He never spoke of seeing any action. Maybe that was a good thing!  He did speak of some of his comrades whom he remembered fondly!  Being of this generation he was very proud of his regiment. “Better than the Best” he would say, quoting a British General describing the courage and toughness of the Newfoundland Regiment.  He was very proud of the letter from the King thanking him for his service upon his return home! Over a hundred years ago now. He liked to speak of places he had been, but the First World War was something he didn’t say a whole lot about to me as a kid.  Maybe the memories were too painful... no doubt he lost a lot of his friends.

Letter signed by King George V and Pte Gushue's medal

In the years following the war he settled down, married and had four children, my Aunt Kay ( Cathrine ) my Aunt Anne, my Mom Helen and Uncle Bill. Mom and Uncle Bill are still with us today and what a blessing that is! He married Mary Monica Flynn, (my beautiful Nan Gushue) one of the sweetest souls God ever created.  

Mary and William Gushue

Pop became a sailor, he worked on many different ships and was away from his family for long periods of time! It must have been so hard on my Nan Gushue. Following the War and then into the twenties and depression years of the thirties he worked “on the boats” mostly as a Chief Steward. We cannot imagine the hard times they went through. This is how he provided for his family. He did see the world and spoke of the many places he had been! The homecomings must have been joyous, but being away for such long periods of time his children would hardly recognise him. 

Then it came again in September 1939. Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Germany invaded Poland and Great Britain and the Empire were at war again. Pop became one of the brave Merchant Seamen who worked the unarmed ships that were crucial to keeping Great Britain, now alone in Europe with vital supplies. The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the most crucial battles of World War Two! German submarines were everywhere and they were lethal, sinking hundreds of ships. 

I remember him telling me a sad story of he and one of his friends. Pop had gotten a berth on the “MV Narissa” as Chief Steward. In the meantime he had gotten a better berth on another vessel, “The Monarch of Bermuda”. He met his friend walking in the street. His friend did the same type of work as he and he told him of his berth on the “Narissa", which he had just given up. His friend applied and got the berth that was his.  Shortly after “The Narissa” was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine and Pop’s friend lost his life. I know Pop Gushue had a very hard time with this. He felt he had sent his friend to his death. 

He told me of a close call he had when he ended up overboard during a blackout in Scotland...he managed to save himself and a number of his fellow sailors who had fallen overboard too!  I remember my Nan Gushue poking fun at him telling him it wouldn’t have happened if they weren’t all drunk, not sure if they were drinking or not, but that was Nan...being the wife of a sailor that was the first thing she would think. Pop would just chuckle at that!

After the War Pop Gushue returned home.  He finally got closer to home. He landed a real good job out in Argentia, at the U S base there.  It looked like things were looking up, but life throws many curves. Pop found his eyesight failing. He was later diagnosed with Glaucoma and in a short while went totally blind in both eyes!  Back then the health care was nowhere where it is today, but Private William Gushue of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment WWI and Merchant Seaman of WW2 was now facing an even greater challenge than bullets and submarines. He would be blind for the rest of his life.

I can tell you now what sustained him and helped him and got him through those difficult years.  He was a man of great Faith. I can remember him walking back and forth our long narrow hallway on Stephen St. with his white cane in one hand and his Rosary in the other.  I remember the priest coming to our house with the Blessed Sacrament and the reverence for the Eucharist, which is the center of our Catholic Faith, that was displayed. I remember my Nan Gushue preparing a small alter of two candles and a crucifix in their bedroom and nobody spoke while the priest was in the house ministering to Pop!  His Faith sustained him and nurtured him for the remainder of his life. I remember Nan Gushue and Pop on their knees with Mom and Dad and the rest of the family leading the Rosary during Lent and other times. Because of Nan and Pop,  and my Mom and Dad, this gift of Faith has been passed on to all of their children, and grandchildren as well. Mom still has the Rosary every Monday night with the family.

What a gift that has been passed on. In my own Faith journey I remember the words of Father Kevin Mckenna’s blessing and the gift that has been passed on to all of our family...”and may he grant you the greatest of all gifts, the final perseverance in the Faith of Jesus Christ...no matter what!" This gift that was passed on to me personally has sustained me through a ten year battle with two types of cancers.

So my Grandfather (Pop) Gushue is definitely my hero. I have and always will have a soft spot in my heart for all veterans and those who serve and have served. May God Bless them and their families! We owe them so much...we must never forget them!

God Bless you all!

Don Mallard"

Don placing Forget-Me-Nots on his grandfather's grave 

THANKS TO 'ARCHIVAL MOMENTS'

As well as St Patrick's Convent Schools, St Patrick's Parish, Holy Cross Schools, and Holy Heart of Mary High School are all part and parcel of our school experience so we like to post about them also. Today's post, which is in honour of another of our "GLORIOUS SURVIVORS", has a Holy Heart connection.  

I am a big fan and follower of 'Archival Moments'.  On 25th February 2019, 'Archival Moments' featured the story of the return of Private Michael Ryan to his home in Calvert.  The Holy Heart connection comes through Michael Ryan's daughter, known to some of us as Sr M Reginald and to others as Sr Marie Ryan.  Whatever name you knew her by, Sister spent many years at Holy Heart of Mary High School and quite a few of us had the good fortune to be taught by her.  

Sr M Reginald/Sr Marie Ryan,
Holy Heart of Mary High School, circa 1964

Michael Ryan had enlisted at St John's on 8th February 1917. According to 'Archival Moments', it was in February 1919 that Private Ryan "arrived home from France by the Corsican, he was home after two years of service having seen some of the most severe fighting of the war, but came through without a wound."   It went on to say that  on 14th February "the ladies of the Harbour tendered Private Ryan a splendid reception in St Joseph's School." 

The MC for the occasion was Joseph Sullivan and he welcomed the young man with the words: "We are glad to have you back again and our only sorrow, and we feel sure yours also, is that your poor chum Charlie who enlisted with you, is not here tonight to share with you our joy, but God willed otherwise, and tonight he, like so many others of our "Better than the Best", sleeps in a hero's honoured grave in France, a martyr to the Huns' frightfulness."  Private Ryan was then presented with a purse and a gold watch and fob as a remembrance of his home coming.

Pte Michael Ryan, Regimental Number 3468

Michael Ryan eventually married Bridget Clancy and they raised a large family which included two priests, Fr Kevin and Fr William, and a Nun, Sr Marie P B V M.

Fr William Ryan

According to his obituary, Michael Ryan lived the rest of his life on his "beloved Southern Shore".  On Sunday morning, 3rd April 1955, Michael Ryan was preparing to take his family to Mass when he died suddenly of a heart attack. Again we quote from his obituary: "Having lived a life given over first to the fear and love of God, it was perhaps fitting that he should die on the way to worship Him."

His son, Fr Kevin, was the main celebrant at Michael Ryan's funeral.  Private Ryan was escorted to the cemetery by a Guard of Honour of the Canadian Legion.  When the final prayers had been said and the Legion ritual completed, they dropped red Poppies into his grave.  "And they buried him among the Fir Trees where the Hill slopes towards the broad Atlantic - within the sight and the sound of which he had lived all his life."

"GLORIOUS SURVIVORS"

While never forgetting those who died, in the next few days we will remember those who fought and survived the horrors of World War I. Padre Thomas Nangle referred to them as "glorious survivors".  

Cathy Taylor entered Kindergarten at Mercy Convent about 1963.  The following year she started Grade 1 at St Patrick's Convent.  Cathy remembers Sr Kieran, her teacher, very well and she  still has her Report Card from that year. She must have been a good student because she came first in her class! Cathy graduated from St Patrick's, Grade 9, in 1971 and moved on to Holy Heart of Mary High School.  In this post Cathy Taylor Coffey pays a fond tribute to her grandfather,  Sgt Victor Taylor, who enlisted on 2nd September 1914. 

Sgt Victor Taylor, Newfoundland Regiment Number 111

"My grandfather was Victor Taylor, and he was one of the First Five Hundred in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, number 111.  He was born on November 10, 1889. He grew up on the South Side Road, and later lived on Topsail Road, and then on Craigmillar Avenue, where I grew up. He was a machinist by trade and worked at Job’s down at the docks.

He survived the battle of Beaumont Hamel on July 1, 1916. I had always thought that he was one of the 68 that answered roll call on July 2, 1916, but my Aunt Patricia (married to John Taylor, my uncle) had recently informed me that he was not on that list. 

I do know that he was one of three ‘runners’ that day, so he would have been one of the first to go over the top that morning. This was according to one of the staff at Beaumont Hamel Memorial in France that I spoke to in June, 2000. 

As to what happened to him that day we will never know. He never spoke of the war much to us, but he did speak to my Uncle Gus Blackwood who was in the Air Force (married to my aunt, Mary {Taylor} Blackwood). Like many, he was probably more comfortable sharing stories with someone else who had also served.

Although my grandfather did not often speak of the war, he was very proud of the Newfoundland Regiment. When I was little he used to sing us his marching songs, “Mademoiselle from Armentieres”, taking care to leave out the naughty bits! He also talked a little about life in the trenches. He had issues with his feet throughout his life as a result of frostbite, and also issues with the skin on his face from mustard gas, which he survived by urinating in his handkerchief and covering his face with it. He never told us about this, but Uncle Gus told me. He was also hospitalised for a time with dysentery. 

Luke, at the Danger Tree, 
Newfoundland Memorial Park, Beaumont Hamel

In June, 2000, we took our youngest son, Luke, to The Somme and  Beaumont Hamel. I was the first grandchild and Luke was the first great grandchild to visit the site. Luke’s train ticket number from Paris to Amiens was '111', which was Pops’s regimental number. It was a very emotional experience for me as I walked through the remnants of those same trenches where he would have walked under very different circumstances.

Every year my grandfather gave me money to get a poppy for myself and him, and so I would stop at that little store at the foot of Patrick Street on my way home from school. I remember the store clerk always saying it was too much money, but it was what my Pops wanted me to pay, so I did. 

I wear my poppy for him especially, every Remembrance day."

Thank you very much for sharing this lovely personal story with us Cathy.  Imagine Luke's ticket being number 111!  That was an amazing coincidence and I expect you have saved the ticket.  I think your grandfather would be as proud of you as you are of him.

CLUNY MACPHERSON, A RETURNED SOLDIER,

As we approach 1st July, we remember those heroes who fought and died in WWI.  Of course, that is right and proper and long may we continue to honour them and their total sacrifice.  But, many answered the call to arms and, at the end of that loathsome war, returned home to family and friends.  It certainly couldn't have been easy to readjust but most managed to settle back into the life of their communities. Those who fought and returned are also heroes, deserving of honour and remembrance.   

One such returned soldier was Dr Cluny Macpherson.  Dr Macpherson had no direct link with St Patrick's but I am pretty sure that he was the family doctor for many of our families.  I know that he was ours and, although I can't personally remember him, some of my older siblings could recollect Dr Macpherson making house calls. 

About eighteen months ago we spent the day at the Imperial War Museum, London and John took loads of pictures. Newfoundland's contribution was evident amidst the two floors of WWI displays and memorabilia, and Cluny Macpherson's was prominent.

John's photo of the Imperial War Museum, London

WWI Trench markers, displayed at the Imperial War Museum, London.  (Another of John's photos.)

Cluny Macpherson was born in St John's on 18th March 1879.  He earned his medical degree from McGill University, Montreal, and eventually made his way back to St John's where he set up practice as a physician.  At the outbreak of WWI, Cluny enlisted and was commissioned as a Captain and Principal Medical Officer of the newly formed 1st Newfoundland Regiment.  Previously, he had started the first St John Ambulance Brigade in Newfoundland and now members of the Brigade enlisted in the Newfoundland Regiment. Captain Cluny Macpherson organised them into an Ambulance Unit which continued throughout the War.  Capt Macpherson saw active service in Belgium, France, Salonika, Gallipoli and Egypt.  He was mentioned twice in dispatches. 

Capt Cluny Macpherson in Egypt (Internet photo!!)

The Germans first used poison gas against the Allied troops in April 1915. To combat the gas, two not very successful devices were hurriedly issued to troops.  Captain Macpherson came up with an improvement on these two and invented an early version of the gas mask.  His invention, the British Smoke Hood, was a canvas hood treated with chlorine-absorbing chemicals, fitted with a see through mica eyepiece.  This was adopted by the British Army and introduced in June 1915. 

Forerunners of the Gas mask. (John took this picture through the glass case.)

Captain Cluny Macpherson's invention.  (A cropped version of John's photo.)

Captain Macpherson was injured in Egypt and returned to Newfoundland in October 1916.  He resumed his medical practice in St John's, served as Director of Medical Services for the Militia, and held various posts for the Newfoundland Medical Society.  Dr Cluny Macpherson retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and lived and worked in his home town until his death on 16th November 1966. 

WHAT THEY SAID

I think you all know that St Patrick's Convent School, Deanery Avenue, which  opened in 1921, was built as a Memorial to those of the parish who fell in WWI. Every year, on 1st July, Newfoundlanders remember them and all who fell in that brutal conflict.  This Blog also tries to honour them in some small way.  For that reason, in the couple of weeks leading up to 1st July, the posts will concentrate on our Regiment and its men.  In this first post, "WHAT THEY SAID", I will simply quote what some others have said in regard to the Newfoundland Regiment.

The plaque from St Patrick's Convent School,  Deanery Avenue 

In Scotland, they were popular with the locals and on 25th April 1915, The Edinburgh Evening News said "THE NEWFOUNDLANDERS WILL LEAVE BEHIND THEM THE NAME OF A MODEL REGIMENT, WHICH KNEW HOW TO HONOUR ITSELF AND THE PLACE WHENCE IT CAME."

Of course, their bravery in the face of terrible odds also impressed those who fought alongside them.  After the horror of 1st July an eyewitness, Pte F H Cameron of the King's Own Scottish Borderers had this to say, "ON CAME THE  NEWFOUNDLANDERS, A GREAT BODY OF MEN, BUT THE FIRE INTENSIFIED AND THEY WERE WIPED OUT IN FRONT OF MY EYES.  I CURSED THE GENERALS FOR THEIR USELESS  SLAUGHTER - THEY SEEMED TO HAVE NO IDEA OF WHAT WAS GOING ON."    

Throughout the war, the Newfoundland Regiment was highly thought of as a  brave and dependable body of men - a Regiment to be trusted and to rely on.  In October 1918 there was ferocious fighting in the Steenbeck.  A respected British Officer, Brigadier General Freyberg,  heartened to learn that his left flank was being protected by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment remarked, "THANK GOD, MY LEFT FLANK IS SAFE!"

In a letter to the Government of Newfoundland, Sir Douglas Haig, expressed his admiration of the Regiment's courage and determination on 1st July, 1916.  "I SHOULD LIKE YOU TO LET MY FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE EMPIRE IN THE OLDEST OVERSEAS PORTION OF THE BRITISH REALM KNOW HOW WELL THEIR LADS HAVE DONE......., HOW PROUD I, AS THEIR CORPS COMMANDER, AM TO HAVE HAD SUCH A BATTALION UNDER MY COMMAND, AND TO BE A COMRADE IN ARMS OF EACH AND ALL OF THEM. 

NEWFOUNDLANDERS, I SALUTE YOU!  YOU ARE BETTER THAN THE BEST."

ENNIS SISTERS AT JUNO BEACH, 6th JUNE 2019

THE ENNIS SISTERS PERFORMED AT JUNO BEACH ON 6th JUNE 2019, THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY LANDINGS.  JUST FOLLOW THIS LINK ENNIS SISTERS AT JUNO BEACH

THE ENNIS SISTERS

A LOVELY SONG, BEAUTIFULLY PERFORMED BY THE ENNIS GIRLS.  IT WAS A FITTING TRIBUTE TO ALL INVOLVED IN THE EVENTS OF D-DAY, 6th JUNE 1944.

PHOTOS FROM MAURICE CHARETTE,CIRCA 1936

Maurice Charette has sent some beautiful photos and, with a little luck, someone out there will be able to enlighten him, and us, as to the occasion.  It is definitely an event at St Patrick's Convent but what was the event?

Elizabeth Murphy, in white dress, 2nd from right, circa 1936

The photos belonged to his late mother and Maurice has identified her in the group of four women on the right side of the picture.  She is wearing a white dress and is second from the right.  Now let me tell you a little about this lovely lady.

What is this grand event at St Patrick's Convent, circa 1936?

Maurice's mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Murphy, was born in St John's 24th May, 1914.  She lived with her family at 9 Patrick Street.  The family later moved to 544 Water St. Elizabeth's father died in 1924, when Elizabeth was about ten years old.  Her mother was left to bring up Elizabeth and three sons, Bill, Tom and Michael, on her own.  No doubt, Mrs Murphy was an heroic woman as times definitely were  hard.  However, Maurice said that the Nuns were good to her and gave her work to help feed the family. They also helped her to buy a sewing machine. 

Gilbert and Elizabeth on their Wedding Day, 1st February 1945

During World War II, Gilbert Charette  from Britt, Ontario, was serving with the Canadian Army at Blackhead. He and Elizabeth met and fell in love. On 1st February 1945,  they were married at Elizabeth's Parish Church, St Patrick's, on Patrick St.  After the War, the couple and their baby daughter moved to Ontario where eight more children were born to them.  The couple enjoyed a long and happy marriage of more than sixty years. Elizabeth passed away on 26th November 2005.  Just months later, on 14th April 2006, Gilbert passed away.

Maurice lives in Sault Ste Marie but keeps in touch and visits his relatives in Newfoundland.  The family still attend Sunday Mass at St Patrick's and Maurice has accompanied them on several occasions.

Clergy attending event at St Patrick's Convent.  Who are they?

Doreen McAllister Heffernan has suggested that the priest, second from the left is a young Fr J J Murray who served at St Patrick's about that time.  Anne Walsh has told Maurice that her great aunt, Nellie Byrne, is the lady on the left of the four ladies on the right hand side. 

I am delighted to say that several others in this photo have been identified.  Marina Carew Aita puts forward Kathleen (Kay) Hayes as the young woman with the priest in the presentation photo.  Kay was a life long member and great supporter of St Patrick's Parish.  Carmelita Hearn has positively identified the girl at the extreme right of the group of four on the right hand side of photo.  It is her father's youngest sister, Bridie Hearn.  Bridie, a musician and teacher, was well known and respected in our parish.  Carmelita said Aunt Bridie would have been about sixteen years old when this photo was taken.

The priest on the right of the photo and in the presentation photo is, we are almost certain, Fr T J Flynn (later Bishop Flynn).  Fr Flynn was Pastor of St Patrick's from 1932 to 1945.  In 1945, he was consecrated Coadjutor Archbishop.  Judging from his clothes, I would say that at the time of this photo, he would have been Monsignor Flynn.  I am happy to be corrected on that if someone knows better. 

We think these photos are an historic treasure and we would be more than delighted if someone can tell us anything, (no detail is too small) about these photos, the people, and the event.  Please get in touch with us at mcallistrsmith@gmail.com.  We will be forever grateful!  

Maurice, I can't thank you enough for sharing these wonderful pictures and your mother's story with us.  It is so nice to learn a little about a  St Patrick's girl who, although at a different time, walked the same corridors and sat in the same classrooms as so many of us.

What is being presented here?