In September of 1939 when war was declared on Hitler’s Nazi Regime, the four communities of Port Elgin, Saugeen First nation, Saugeen Township, and Southampton had a total population of less than 5,000. By war’s end, there were close to 500 who had enlisted, including more than 15 ladies, to fight for the way of life that we all enjoy today. There were 24 who died in uniform during that conflict, and we honour them every year at our cenotaphs.
When we consider WWI, we also find that close to 500 of our local men and at least three lady nurses served from four communities and 58 gave the supreme sacrifice. What all this means is, that today, there are hundreds of us, probably thousands, who are descendants of those brave souls who gave so much to fight for what they believed in.
This year, on May the 8th, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. With that happening in 1945, all of the close to 500 who were in military service began heading home in the months that followed.
For those of us who grew up here in the 1940s and 50s, these veterans were family members, our parents’ friends, our teachers etc. etc. We knew them all in our small towns of the time. Memories of the war were always present, at home, at school, in the playgrounds, yes everywhere.
Our movie theaters regularly had shows depicting all of the major events of the war. Kids shows were on Saturday afternoon. For a quarter we paid 15 cents to get in, got a free no name comic book, and bought a box of popcorn and a soft drink with the remaining dime. In Southampton at the Esquire, Mrs. Poidevine, sold the tickets, Mr. Poidevine controlled the kids, and WWII veteran Jockey Grasser ran the projector room. Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Gene Autry reigned.
Yes, veterans were everywhere we went and were a big part of life in our town. But Lincoln Doll stood out and we all knew who he was. We watched the Hollywood movies of aircraft on bombing missions into Germany, dodging anti-aircraft fire, planes being damaged, limping back to bases in the UK, not quite making it, coming down in the North Sea, being rescued by local fishermen, and ending up in the arms of their new English girlfriends. Yes, it was a different era.
This was not Linc. Linc was my Sunday School Teacher, our choir leader at the church, and most importantly he was the boy scout leader of the Southampton Scout Troop for many years. He had a positive influence on many of us mischievous young boys. All of that, and he baked the best bread in town at the “Golden Crust Shop” that he owned with his brother-in-law, Cecil Soden.
Just to see why he was a “WWII Hero”, you only have to go the Bruce County Museum online collection and put in Lincoln Doll, Distinguished Flying Cross. Following is a transcription from a British publication of a document from April 12, 1945, just days before the German Surrender on May 8, 1945.
CANADIAN
RECOMMENDATION FOR HONOURS AND AWARDS Confidential
Non-Immediate
Christian Names: Lincoln Edward Surname: Doll
Command or Group: Number 1 Group Unit: No. 166 Squadron
Total Hours flown on operations: 196
Number of sorties: 27
Recognition for which recommended: D.F.C.
Appointment held: Navigator
Particulars of Meritorious service in respect of which the Recommendation is made:
“In the 27 sorties which he has now completed, this Canadian Navigator has displayed consistent skill in locating his target and guiding his aircraft safely back to base. Some of the flights that ha has taken part in have been of a long and arduous nature calling for great endurance.
No matter what task has been set him, Flying Officer Doll has never failed to discgarge his duty with consummate skill.
On one occasion when his aircraft had developed engine trouble and been compelled to fall behind the main Bomber stream, it was isolated from the main and subjected to concert ion of the enemies’ defenses. Regardless of the great danger that threatened, Flying Officer Doll calmly carried on with the task at hand and, by his coolness, did much to contain the moral of his crew.
For his skill as a navigator, courage and devotion to duty, he is recommended for the award of “THE DISTINQUISHED FLYING CROSS”.
Wing Commander Commanding
April 12, 1945
No. 166 Squadron R A F
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REMARKS BY STATION COMMANDER:
“Flying Officer Doll has proved himself to be one of the most skillful and determined navigators in his squadron.”
Congratulations poured in from the highest level including:
RCAF Commanding Officer
Federal Minister of Air
Air Chief of Staff
Minister of National Defence
The pride of the people of Southampton in the local Beacon newspaper in September of 1945 when the Distinguished Flying Cross was formally awarded to Linc Doll.
Transcription follows:
D. F. C. Winner
F. O. Lincoln Doll of Southampton has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Flying Officer Doll, who had enlisted in the summer of 1942 completed many bombing missions over Germany. He is well known in sporting circles in Southampton District.
F.O. Lincoln Doll is Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross
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Newspaper write-up
Flying Officer Lincoln Doll has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for outstanding service with the No. 1 Group Bomber Command, which carried on the bombing of Fortress Europe. Word of his high award reached Mr. Doll on Monday and he has been the recipient of many congratulatory messages from friends.
The official citation that the award to FO Doll was made “for above average proficiency in his duty as navigator, especially on one occasion when he showed outstanding ability in his duties in guiding “a damaged plane to and from a mission.
FO Doll enlisted in July, 1942, and after training at Malton, went overseas in March 1944, and came home in August and after receiving his discharge from the RCAF officer intends to resume the baking business in Southampton.
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Linc Doll made a big difference during WWII, and he contributed a lot to Southampton on his return.
He married Margaret Cartwright and they lived here the rest of their lives, as did their son Bradley. Margaret passed in 1994, Linc in 2002 and Bradley in 2016.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
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Researched, Written and Transcribed
by G. William Streeter Feb. 15, 2025
With special thanks to the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre
