WALKERTON – After reading the articles in the Herald-Times about the Poppy Rock project, Bonnie Whittaker of Durham contacted organizer Jan Briggs-McGowan with the news that her father, Reid Hutchinson, was buried in Walkerton Cemetery.
She asked if she could place a poppy rock on his grave.
Last week, Whittaker placed a poppy rock on the grave of her father, who is buried in the north west section of Walkerton Cemetery.
There are almost 400 veterans buried in the two Walkerton cemeteries, but it’s particularly challenging to find and recognize Second World War veterans.
“We’re pleased to honour the memory of anyone who served in Canadian or Allied Military, in any of the 28 cemeteries in Brockton,” said Briggs-McGowan. “These poppy rocks are a small reminder of our goal that they may never be forgotten.”
To arrange for a poppy rock for a veteran’s grave, you can leave a message for Briggs-McGowan at the Walkerton Legion by calling 519-881-0821.
About Reid Hutchison
Born Aug. 27, 1923 in Harriston, Reid was a Flying Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. He was interested in planes from a very young age, enlisting in 1942 for basic air training at Dunnville before being sent to Bournemouth, England.
Reid then volunteered for North Africa and Italy, flying a Spitfire Mk VIII in the RAF 92nd Squadron from its base at Venafro, near Monte Cassino. That squadron had air crew from all over the British Empire – South Africans, New Zealanders, Australians, as well as British airmen.
After surviving 200 sorties, Reid returned to Harriston in 1944 and worked for a Service Station in Walkerton – that’s where he met his future wife, Jean (Caroline) Wiles.
