Page 14 - News On 7 December 2021

KIWANIS & LEGION NEWS

MYSTERY OF THE MEDAL, WRITTEN BY: KAREN CLOUTER
One of our community members, Jan Bruce a retired schoolteacher in Madoc, Ontario shared an incredible story with me last
month.Local writer, Diane Sherman wrote an article years ago titled “Veteran’s service medal a mystery” where she explained
the beginning of this story. Legion member Don Ash, Jan’s father who served in the Second World War, originally found the
medal while working in the garden on his property forty years ago. I found out today that this is a Mons Star Medal which
would have been given to Mr. David Brockie as a group of three medals. Interesting to say the least!

Mr. Ash had the medal mounted and it was his wish to return the medal to the family, but he passed away
in 2015 and Jan has continued the search for David Brockie’s family. Research done by Charles Gordon
who was guarding the medal, uncovered a few things.
David enlisted in November 1914 in British Columbia and sailed with his battalion from Montreal, PQ as
part of the 6th Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division in May of 1915. They arrived in France in September
1915.David was wounded in November 1915 and perished 2 days later and was buried in Bailleul, a
commune in Northern France. The burning question is, HOW did the medal get to Madoc? Will we ever
find the link? David did have a sister Jessie and we know her death certificate is from Toronto. While
searching for the family history, the Brockie family came across the article Diane Sherman had written
about David’s medal and asked our Legion about it. They said the contact came from Libby Jeffery and the
surprise was that she lives in Scotland! What I can tell you is Jan has been in touch with Libby who is with
David’s great great niece.
Don Ash made it his mission to return the medal to David’s family and earlier this week, the medal was
mailed to Scotland to Libby, the closest living family member. It still does not solve the mystery but from
what I’ve been told and read about this story, I feel that having the medal in the family’s hands is what Mr.
Ash would have wanted.

Karen Clouter
Associate Member, Madoc Legion – Branch 363

David Brockie

SATURDAY ENTERTAINMENT
MADOC LEGION BRANCH 363

Starting December 4th Saturday Entertainment is
back at the Madoc Legion - Branch 363 from 2pm
to 5pm.
December 4th Austin/Young
December 11th Wally Hoard
December 17th Gary Cassibo
December 25th No Entertainment
January 1st Presidents Levy - Piano music
January 8th Bill Dickenson
January 15th Jennifer Smith & Dean Austin

COVID RULES APPLY (PER THE LOCAL HEALTH UNIT)

Must be fully vaccinated
Face Covering must be worn until seated
At this time, there is no dancing permitted