The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 91 Long before the Legion was formed, James Boyd, a long-time resident of Melville, was awarded the North West Canada Medal in 1885 for outstanding service during the Saskatchewan Rebellion. Thus began a distinguished history of military service in Melville. During the First World War, seventeen men paid the supreme sacrifice. Records show that some 800 men from Melville and district served in that war. R.J. Combe was decorated with the Victoria Cross. R.J. Wilder and G. Simpson were award the Military Medal, J. Fern with the Distinguished Conduct Medal and S. Peet with the Canadian Efficiency Medal. The present group was started as the Great War Veterans Association. Comrades M. Moore and N. Pilon joined in 1921 and became Life Members of the Branch. When the Royal Canadian Legion became official, the Branch received its charter on December 20, 1926, with sixteen charter members. During the Second World War, some 1,200 persons from Melville and district joined the forces and served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Marine. E. Alberts, W. Daniel, H. McCaffrey and J. Malec received the Distinguished Flying Cross, and C. Crosby received the George Medal, and G. Jukes was awarded the Member of the British Empire Medal. Following the Second World War, the Branch acquired many new members and the need thus arose for larger facilities. The Roxy Theater was purchased and converted into the present hall and Branch premises. In 1973, the Branch changed its name from Melville Branch #61 to Robert G. Combe V.C. Branch 61, in memory of Robert Grierson Combe who was a druggist in Melville at the time of enlisting. This Legion Branch has contributed greatly to the community through services to Veterans, and youth, and attention to many local needs. A major contribution has been the sponsorship of #2157 Army Cadet Corps for more than thirty years. Through this effort, hundreds of young people have had the opportunity to learn the value of good citizenship and service. The Legion continues to be vibrant to this day with 186 members. Outreach to the young through the schools, especially at Remembrance Day, inspires each new generation. As a Centennial project, a Wall of Honour was erected to commemorate all those from the community who have served Canada in times of both peace and conflict. An impressive Wall of Valour is maintained at the Hospital. The local museum contains many artifacts of military service and a section dedicated to the HMCS Melville. The Branch celebrates and remembers with gratitude those who have served. This Legion Branch reminds everyone of the contributions of the women and men who have contributed so much to our nation and invites us to be inspired in each new generation to continue that service. LADIES' AUXILIARY TO ROBERT G. COMBE BRANCH 61 The Ladies’Auxiliary was formed at a meeting on August 28, 1919, and received its charter in 1928 with ten charter members. Through Poppy Day Sales, caretaking of military plots in the cemetery, teas, lunches and dances, this group contributed greatly to the presence of the Legion in this community. They also donated to a wide variety of charitable causes, funding medical needs, purchasing necessities for the local hospital, giving bursaries and scholarships to youth, and providing items of comfort to the troops. Although the Auxiliary no longer meets in Melville, the tradition continues through the participation of women and men in the Legion Branch. ROBERT G. COMBE V.C. BRANCH 61, MELVILLE
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