ONTARIO EAST BRITISH HOME CHILD FAMILY

2020 EVENTS


It is with heartfelt disappointment the OEBHCF must cancel all activities at this time.  COVID-19 has changed so many facets of our lives. Our association is no different.

Once we feel it is safe, to do so, new event dates will be set.

Remember you can still find us.

Facebook:  "Ontario East British Home Child Family"
&
Email: oebhcf@gmail.com

                                                                                                                                     August 6, 2020
Picture




             Wreath laid at
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                          Canada's National

                                                             War Memorial
 





    The British Home Children and their descendants who enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force as well as their descendants who have chosen to join the Canadian   Military Services since that time were once again remembered with a honorary wreath at the National War Memorial in   Ottawa during Canada's National Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11, 2019. The wreath bearer was Cadet William O'Shea of the 325 Cornwall Kiwanis Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. William's great-grandfather, Edwin Baker was a British Home Child.

    The Canadian government declared 2010 the Year of the British Home Child and then in the same year Ontario's government   declared September 28 as British Home Child Day. Remembrance Day 2013 marked the first time the contributions and sacrifices of   British Home Children and their descendants were acknowledged by the laying of a wreath at the National War Memorial. On   February 7, 2018 the Canadian Parliment with an unanimous vote passed Motion M-133, making September 28 nationally recognized   as British Home Child Day in Canada. 

    Some British Home Children who were first placed in the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Valley areas before enlisting in the Canadian   Expeditonary Forces include:
  • Claude J.P. Nunney # 410935 recipient of the Victoria Cross
  • William John Dominey # 1042925 died at Passchendale
  • Francis Foreman # 41020 injured in France in 1915 returned to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1919
  • Herbert Bretherton #639688 spent time in France with Canadian Labour Pool and returned to Shawville, Quebec
  • Charles Reaper # 814924 survived Vimy Ridge and died in 2003 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 
​    So many more names could be part of this list, but British Home Children had a tendency to hide their true past. It would be a   huge undertaking, if not impossible, to find each one who joined up. OEBHCF remains dedicated to providing a wreath every   November 11th Remembrance Day for placement at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. It recognizes all the British Home   Children and their descendents who are part of Canada's military history. ​