' , -Md./ . ) Q MILITARY < Fight to continue against Lt. Gen. Chester Hull personally involved in righting a wrong By Jack Evans The Intelligencer The war against the error-riddled documentary series, The Valor and the Horror, will continue, Lt. Gen. Chester Hull (retired) told the annual Remem- brance Banquet in the Legion Hall Wednesday night. But with the release this week of an assessment of the series by the CBC's own ombudsman, confirming that the work was riddled with errors and distor- tions, Hull said Canadian veterans have at least "won the battle." Still remaining is either a correction or withdrawal of some 2,000 video cassettes marketed by the National Film Board, mostly to school groups. Hull reviewed how he became directly involved, along with thousands of veter- ans across Canada, in an outcry against the documentary after it aired last Janu- ary following a massive promotion. He was particularly concerned with the in- stalment Death By Moonlight, about the role of Bomber Command, with which Hull had direct experience. The series seemed to take an "anti leader stance" from the start, Hull said. Hull singled out the chief producer and creator of the series, Brian McK- enna, for most of his criticism. (McKenna, even following the CBC ombudsman's re- port, continues to defend his work, refut- ing evidence introduced by military historians who appeared before a recent Senate subcommittee.) Hull traced how representatives of the producers canvassed the media as pro- tests mounted, seeking support in the in- terests of "free speech." Yet the same people seemed determined to deny veter- ans' spokespersons freedom of speech be- fore the senate sub- committee, Hull said. He urged the more than 200 veterans and their families in the audience to con- tinue their support to counter the errors by writing their Member of Parliament, the CBC, or the Senate Subcommittee "if you support our position," he said. As a result of the studies and effort aroused by the documentary series, Hull said: "Many of us have learned more about ourselves (about the war) than we Chester Hull documentary knew 50 years ago and obtained more insight into the sacrifice so many made." Among those giving quick support was Quinte MPP Hugh O'Neil, who said: "All of us thank you for your effort to main- tain the dignity of those who fought." He added that the "5,000 Canadian forces personnel now serving overseas are proof of the respect the world has for Canada's forces." Mayor Shirley Langer stressed the im- portance of Remembrance, and urged people to "pursue peace with energy." Another highlight of the banquet was an essay on Remembrance by Sea Cadet Lauren Rushton, inspired by a tour of Vimy Ridge. First World War vets among guests of honor Two surviving veterans from the First World War were among guests of honor for the annual Remembrance Banquet. They are Frank Risteen and Stanley Harbord, who have been regular visitors at veterans' functions, including the an- nual Vimy Banquet, for many years. Their introduction during the banquet by chairman Tom Riley inspired a stand- ing ovation from the crowd. Also introduced as a guest of honor was Bertha McCormick, the area's last surviving Silver Cross mother. Mrs. McCormick, now in her early 90s, lost a son aboard the corvette HMCS Trentonian. She also presided as Silver Cross mother and laid a wreath during the morning Remembrance Day service held indoors in the Armouries Wednes- day. n kit A^oo