In WW2, Britain needed more timber, but lacked resources to produce it. A plea went out for aid and Newfoundland responded, by setting up the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit (NOFU), active between 1939 and 1945. Lumberjacks went out to various locations in the UK, including Ballater (Glenmuick, Camp No. 49). They built log cabins in the forest housing over 100 men. There are some traces remaining of the log cabins which were built at the time. Felled trunks were loaded onto trucks and taken to Ballater railway station. In winter 1941, ponies with sleds were used to carry the trunks down the snowy hill to a newly constructed sawmill.
Behind the remains of one such cabin, there is a poignant reminder of one Newfoundland man. A plaque has been placed on a tree by the family, saying simply 'In loving memory of dad, Ralph Crocker. Lumber Camp Foreman 1939-1941'. There is a small Canadian flag alongside the plaque. However, I spotted this tiny pin badge lodged in the tree just below the plaque and somehow the smallness of it touched me more.
Thank you to all those Newfoundland men who helped Britain in the war effort.
What a lovely tribute to these men and their families. We lived in Newfoundland for over 3 years, and one of our neighbours told us that his grandfather came over to Scotland with his wife, to cut wood in the first world War. They had a son, who became our neighbour's father. His grandfather joined the army and sadly died in France in 1918.
Love reading the history behind assorted objects and things that we find or come across. There's usually always an interesting story behind such items, but most of us have no real idea of what we ars looking at. Your photographs and narratives are just wonderful to see and read.
Reading a memoir, "This Time Next Year We'll Be Laughing." The author recounts the many perils and the sacrifices made in the UK during WWII. Like your story and photo...the efforts stretched beyond the UK too. Thank you
A moving tribute- I wonder what happened to him? An accident at the mill? Did he go to war and never return? He was obviously loved by his family no matter what. Good shot!
Lovely detail in your hoto!
Thanks for sharing Issi!