Southampton Cenotaph is now under consideration for revitalization and it would seem that many people have many ideas, including repairing the existing or creating a new memorial park.
The current Cenotaph is in dire need of either repair or replacement. Due to weather and age, it has undergone a considerable decline and deterioration.
When looking at surrounding communities, Southampton Cenotaph appears to be the poor ‘cousin’. Most communities have created not only renewed Cenotaphs but park-like surroundings for reflection.
For larger view, Click on Image
photos by G. William Streeter
A public meeting will be held this week on July 4th to consider both Southampton High Street and Cenotaph upgrades. The session will be held at the Bruce County Museum from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Military Heritage of Southampton and Saugeen First Nation
by G. William Streeter
“There is one thing that we all can agree on and that is that we need to Create a Memorial area in the Downtown core of Southampton, that recognizes the service and sacrifice of all of the men and women from Southampton and Saugeen First Nation who answered the call in past Military Conflicts”.
War of 1812 – Saugeen First Nation Warriors participated with Tecumseh. We can be positive that Charles Mashekewawedong and John Madwashimind did. How many others is not known.
The Fenian Raids of 1866 – 12 Men from Southampton Mustered to Goderich and Point Edward due to the threat of attack by the American Fenians. They were joined by other Bruce County men and the 32nd Bruce Militia was formed and served the county until after WWI. The 12 were the No. 1 Rifle Company led by Dr. W. S. Scott.
WWI – The First Canadian Contingent to go overseas in August 1914 included 10 men from hereunder the command of Captain Lionel Tranter.
WWI – Total Southampton Enlistments were 209 and Saugeen First Nation had 68 volunteers. Southampton had 23 who died in uniform and SFN had 5. We know the names of all 277.
WWII – Saugeen First Nation had at least 76 volunteers and Southampton would be estimated at 200 plus. Fourteen Died in uniform.
Saugeen First Nation has had volunteers serve in Korea, Somalia, Lebanon, the Persian Gulf and more with the U.S. military, and others served in the Canadian Military around the world.
Southampton also has had volunteers serve around the world with MANY in Cyprus, and including in Germany during the Cold War.
There were also 10 ladies in Uniform with one nurse in WWI and nine ladies in WWII, including one lady from Saugeen First Nation.
Our two communities have had at least 700 men and women serve our country during military conflicts.
WHAT SHOULD THAT MEAN TO US?
“WE NEED A MEMORIAL AREA THAT WE ALL CAN BE PROUD OF THAT RECOGNIZES THE SERVICE OF THESE BRAVE HEROES WHO SACRIFICED FOR US TO HAVE WHAT WE HAVE TODAY.
