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Scugog Citizen -- Tuesday, November 10, 1003 -- 7 a George Wolfe does not consider himself a hero Decorated veteran reflects on: the past by Heather McCrae George Wolfe of Port Perry is a veteran of World War 2, having served overseas with the Calgary Highlands Regiment. George, who resides in Port Perry, was born in Ireland and in 1938 he realized a long time dream of immigrating to Canada. He saved every penny for three years and was able to finally get a ticket for the sum of 123 pounds sterling. He crossed the Atlantic on the Duchess of Richmond, landed in Toronto and took a train to Burketon Station where he was met by Oscar Graham. During his first couple of years in Canada, George worked on the Oscar Graham farm on the First Concession of Cartwright. In 1940, he took a job with General Motors in maintenance, and two years later joined the Canadian Army. George had tried to enlist earlier but was turned down because he "was too small." After basic training in Ontario and further training in Halifax, he was on his way overseas in 1944 on a troop ship. Looking back on those days, George recalls that the ship travelled alone without escort. The men slept in hammocks six deep and were fed two meals each day. George had the job of handing out oranges at breakfast. The chap who had initially been turned down because he was "too small," ended up in active service in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Twice, he was eaptured by the enemy and twies he eluded his captors. As hgwsend other prisoners were being taken away by truck, he jumped out, fled through a wood and hid for hours in a swamp. He never saw the fellow prisoners again, nor did he ever find out their fate. In another instance with British troops firing relentlessly on the Germans, George was a hostage as three Germans approached the British to ask for a ceasefire. The Germans suddenly got "cold feet," fled in the opposite direction and George ran to the British lines. He jumped into a trench, surprising a British soldier who could only exclaim when he saw the uniform: "Blimey, it's a bloody Canadian." George earned two volunteer service medals, and two Star medals for service in France and Germany. He was also awarded the Military Medal, one in which this modest man takes the most pride. The official citation for then. Lance Corporal Wolfe leaves no doubt as to his courage and sense of duty in the face of fire. On November 1, 1944, in the vicious fighting for Walcheren Island in the Scheldt Estuary of Holland, George's platoon along a flooded bank suddenly came under heavy fire that suggested the enemy was about to counter- attack. Several times, the citation reads, "it was apparent the Platoon would be wiped out, but the mortar fire brought down by this NCO saved the situation". The Platoon was able to move to a better position thanks to the covering fire by the two-inch mortar. While under heavy fire, he helped a wounded comrade back towards the lines. "For bravery in the field" reads the inscription on the back of the Military Medal. This is the same man initially turned away from 'the Army because he was "too small." Yes, George is proud of this medal but he doesn't consider himself a hero. Rather, he sums it up this way: "There were thousands of men and women braver than I. They gave their lives for their country in the two world wars. They died so we can enjoy our freedom." George finally got back to Canada in January, 1946 and was hospitalized for a time to recover from the rigours of battle. He returned to work on the Graham farm and in 1960, married Norma Hooey. "Marrying Norma," he says now, "was the best thing that ever happened to me." A year later, the young couple was able to buy a farm in Cartwright where they raised pure-bred Herefords. George went back to work at General Motors. On the farm, he and Norma also grew Scotch Pine Christmas trees which they sold for $1 each. They raised two sons and in 1970, George retired from GM. In 1985, they sold the farm and moved to Port Perry where they have lived ever since, Now in his mid-70's George finds Remembrance Day a time to quietly reflect on the memory of his comrades who fell so many years ago. He marched with the parade Sunday in Port Perry and will attend the services this Wednesday (Nov. 11) in Blackstock. It is a time for all of us to remember the bravery, courage of men everywhere who did their duty, and of the sacrifice made by those who did not come home. TOURING TA Grand-touring style... performance-level handling. 6 SIZE 205/85R15 FIREPLACES / FURNACES | | | zee 195/70R14 Natural Gas and Propane 205/70R15 WOOD & GAS STOVES EE Ductwork and Chimney Systems 986-5846 L= hen It's Got to Get There ... Go-Fer It! Introducing ... GO-FER COURIER SERVICES P.O. 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