Branch member provides clarification to article
By Gord Johnsen, Oyen Legion, Acadia Branch #208 Member
With the permission of David McKinstry, Secretary Acadia 208, I would like to clarify a couple of points in the written article, “Acadia Branch #208 celebrates 65th anniversary” which appeared in The Oyen Echo, Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
The “Don McKay Jr. Chest” was not auctioned off at the Ian McKay sale years ago. As it turned out this chest was found by Doug Jones on the now deserted sale grounds and taken home by Doug. It was cleaned up and subsequently donated by Doug and Yvonne Jones to the local Legion, Acadia Branch #208. The overall intent was to have this chest remain in memory of the McKay family. It could then be used to store artifacts of WWII within the possession of the Legion.
Ev Mills stands proudly in front of the Mills Family Display she and her family set up for the Royal Canadian Legion #208 65th Anniversary.
The treasure trove of WWII documents, medals, letters were purchased at the sale by an unknown party in Hanna, AB. These treasures were sold in a cardboard box (no doubt like a "grab box") probably for five dollars. Realizing the historical significance to someone's family in Oyen the purchaser contacted Greg Frobb, formerly Oyen's Dentist and asked who would take charge of these WWII artifacts. Greg contacted Gord Johnsen, a WWII Aviation Historian and formerly Oyen's Pharmacist, who very quickly said, "Yes, I will take charge of this on behalf of the McKay family." When the project was completed, the very logical home for this overall Donald McKay, Flying Officer (F/O) display was the Oyen Legion, Acadia Branch #208. May these WWII letters, original telegrams, medals, Donald McKay's King's Commission, etc, be looked after very well. When on display for special occasions, please take a closer look at the WWII history of a local Oyen boy.
One last correction in David's story - Don McKay was not shot down in 1942. Per my RCAF/PAF research and my story of Don McKay in The Oyen Echo, Volume 49, No. 42 (November 6, 2018), Don McKay was piloting a Lancaster Bomber, Operation and Target Name: "Berlin" on the night of August 31 - September 1, 1943. Sadly, his Lancaster was shot down over Berlin, Germany. He was 1 of 10,659 Canadian aircrew killed, joining with an overall total of 55,573 allied aircrew who gave their ultimate sacrifice while serving with RAF Bomber Command. Don McKay has no known grave. His name is inscribed on the black granite Memorial at Bomber Command Museum of Canada located at Nanton, AB.
"Lest We Forget ... "
Submitted with respect and Congratulations for 65 Years of Legion service to Oyen and District.