The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 71 With the formation of the Great War Veterans Association in 1919, a Radville Branch was organized to work in the interest of Veterans and their dependants. The name was changed to the British Empire Service League and then later to the Royal Canadian Legion. The original charter members were: Dr. O.H. Bertrand C.G. Boog, Fred Breeze, W. J. Ferguson, Andrew Lovatt, Thomas Topping, H. Sanders, Cameron Stuart, Wilfred McNaught, William J. Oliver, Murray Skelton, George Herbert, Chas Mavor, G. Taylor, and Walter Cassidy The original Legion hall, known as the Memorial Hall, was built in 1928 on Main Street in Radville. The Branch has re-located twice since, and is now operated out of the building, which was originally the Masonic Lodge in Radville. The Legion has always remained active in Radville. The ice carnival and sports days were sponsored in the late 1940's and 1950's. One of the main interests of the Branch lately has been the Cenotaph located on Main Street in Radville. The two plaques on the cenotaph bear the names of the Radville area men who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. Branch members have cared for and maintained the location out of respect for their fallen comrades from the two world wars. At the request of the Legion, the town of Radville undertook a complete refurbishing of the cenotaph site, which is now a beautiful part of Main Street. The Legion has been able to continue providing Remembrance Day services to the community of Radville, and has conducted the Poster and Essay contest, as well as a bursary program in the schools to keep the children of the next generations interested in the efforts of the Legion and its members. The Branch continues to provide support and comradery for its Veterans. RADVILLE BRANCH 42 Current Radville Legion Hall - 2006 Re-furbished Cenotaph located on Main St. Little is known of the origin of the “Cenotaph” or those responsible for its placement in Rouleau. It is assumed that Ex-servicemen were involved in this project. It was sculpted in Italy after WW1 and dedicated by Lord Byng of Vimy on April 22, 1925, to honour all the fallen from Rouleau and District. Originally it cost $2000.00 - $4000.00 to build and in today’s world would cost over $70,000.00 to replace. On November 19,1925, twenty-five returned men met to form the Ex-servicemen’s social club. On March 22, 1926, it became The Rouleau Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League. At that time, the main purpose was to help Veterans and their dependents receive fair pensions, disability allowances and adequate medical care. The focal point of Legion activities is perpetuating the memory of fallen soldiers. Meetings were held at various places in the area and membership rose to approximately 50 members by 1945. In November of 1946, plans were made to construct the Rouleau Memorial Rink and the fundraising was in the forefront of the Legion Branch. Their biggest effort was raffling-off a 1949 Mercury car. Once the rink was completed, the Rouleau Branch moved into their clubrooms above the skating rink, which continues to be their meeting rooms today. Membership in 1971 was approximately 30 members. The Rouleau Legion continues to hold Remembrance Day Services at the School or United Church and the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph, followed by lunch. Until November of 1988, the membership sponsored a public dance in the Town Hall. Currently, a supper is still held for Veterans and guests. The Legion membership endeavours to live up to its aims and principles. Although membership has decreased, they carry on with sponsorship of academic and sports scholarships, annual Remembrance Day Literary competition and poppy drive. They are still involved in the Track and Field program and sporting events for members and aid in many local community projects. In September of 1991, the cleaning and restoration of the Cenotaph began. With the Branch efforts and donations from the community, the perimeter of the cenotaph was secured with wrought iron fencing, a flagpole with lights added. ROULEAU BRANCH 44 (Cont’d...)
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