103 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca DELMAGE, Ernest Charles “Ernie” WWII Ernie was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba in 1918. His military service began in March 1936 when he enlisted in the 12th Manitoba Dragoons in Minnedosa. He was 18 and a farmer. Ernie and a group of NCO’s were called to take a course at Camp Borden, Ontario, in the Armoured Corps School. After three months, he became an instructor and was posted to Debert, Nova Scotia, to become part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division as RCEME (Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers). Ernie became part of the Light Aid Detachment (LAD) of the REME and was posted to the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Their motto “Through mud and blood to the green fields beyond” originated from General Worthington. He was the originator and father of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps and is now buried in Camp Borden. In the fall of 1942, Ernie’s LAD was loaded on board the Athlone Castle and sailed for the United Kingdom, arriving in Liverpool, then proceeding to the Aldershot area. They trained and moved around England until the LAD arrived in France on D-Day plus 28 at Bernières-sur-Mer. They came under fire at Caen. Two men from the LAD investigated a report from local French civilians that there were some Germans in a nearby barn. This resulted in the capture, by two very surprised LAD men, of ten German prisoners including two SS men. The LAD moved into Germany in February 1945, forcing Germans back across the Rhine. The LAD then moved back into Holland with the Brigade before crossing the Rhine once more towards the end of the war. Throughout the whole campaign in northwest Europe, there were no men lost through enemy action. During Ernie’s stay in England, he met and married Emma Ruth Kirby, from Sedgeford, Norfolk, on January 8, 1944. He arrived back in Canada two years later, with Ruth and his son arriving four months after him. After being discharged, Ernie farmed for a year to qualify for VLA benefits. Then he was able to purchase his grandfather’s homestead. However, Ernie decided to rejoin the 12th Manitoba Dragoons and again proceeded to Camp Borden to qualify for his commission. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in 1946, then to 1st Lieutenant in 1951, at which time he took over command of the Dragoons “A” Squadron in Minnedosa. In the post war years, Ernie also had Cadets in Dundurn, SK and Shilo and Clear Lake, MB. He took an army call out with the regular army in 1954 and was with Instruction and Administration of HQ, Prairie Command until 1961. He rented his farm out. After 1961, Ernie was promoted to the rank of Captain. He retired officially from the Army on January 1, 1969. He worked for a few businesses in town before joining the Minnedosa Consumers Co-op for 18 years, until retirement in 1982. Ernie and Ruth sold the farm in 1965, having brought four children into the world. He was a life member of The Royal Canadian Legion Minnedosa Branch 138 and was a member for 62 years. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and involvement with the Manitoba Trout Farmers Association. Ernie and Ruth spent many winters in Victoria, BC. Ernie passed away in 2009. Ernie received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, Defence of Britain Medal, France and Germany Star, 1939-1945 Star and War Medal 1939-1945.
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