65 The Royal Canadian Legion www.mbnwo.legion.ca BIRCH, Vernon Russell WWII Russell was born on January 10, 1913, to Joseph and Miriam (Davis) Birch in the RM of Rosedale, Manitoba. He received his education in the area and worked for Swift Canadian and Hartford Construction prior to enlistment. In January 1943, Russell joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and went overseas in the same year. He fought in Normandy, France and was wounded in action there. He married Hilda (Nyquist) on June 20, 1942, and she lived in Brandon, Manitoba while Russell was overseas. When he returned, they made Brandon their home and he worked for the government. Russell passed away on December 18, 1980, and is buried in Brandon Cemetery. BLACKWELL, Henry Westbrook WWII Henry was born on November 24, 1913, to George and Mary Maud (Sirett) Blackwell in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His parents were from the Langford Municipality near Neepawa. At an early age, the family moved to Stony Mountain, MB. Henry received his education there and at Darlingford, Elkhorn, and Transcona (Winnipeg). He worked as an insulating contractor after finishing school. Henry enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in October 1940 and was shipped overseas in June 1941. He was serving as a Wireless Op/Air Gunner and was shot down as he was returning to Scotland from a mission over Europe. Henry tried to bring his bomber down, but was unable to do so. His crew had escaped by parachuting out. He died on November 26, 1941, and is buried in Kinloss Abbey Burial Ground (Military Cemetery) in Moray, Scotland. His name and data have been inscribed on the Blackwell family plot gravestone in the Neepawa Cemetery. BOSWORTH, Arthur “Art” WWI Arthur was born in London, England in 1892, and immigrated to Canada in 1911. He worked on farms in the Alexander and Bradwardine area near Brandon, Manitoba. He joined the 221 Battalion in Winnipeg shortly after the outbreak of the war in 1914 to help defend the motherland. He received his basic training in Winnipeg. He left on April 9, 1917, by train for Halifax and from there by ship on April 18 to England. They reached their destination on April 29 and were stationed firstly at Shorncliffe Camp. After more training in England, he was sent to France. He was wounded at Vimy Ridge and was hospitalized in England and then returned to Canada early in 1919. He received farmland from Soldiers Settlement Board and was told there was good farmland in Gladstone. Mrs. Bosworth came from North Hampton, England. Arthur also kept a diary of his time in Winnipeg and England. He was an active member of All Saints Anglican Church, The Royal Canadian Legion Gladstone Branch 110, and his community. Arthur passed away on August 16, 1981, at the age of 89.
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