In 1944 the average age of our soldiers was 19. His parents were most likely not born in Canada. He was short haired, well muscled but still a boy - not yet dry behind the ears - not able to buy a beer, but old enough to carry a gun and fight for his country and our democratic way of life. He was just an average student and probably never finished high school, but loved playing hockey and softball.  He liked roller skating and jazz and dancing to Tommy Dorsey.

He put on ten or fifteen pounds because the meals were regular and lights out was ten PM. He had trouble spelling thus letter writing was a pain, but he could strip a Bren gun and reassemble it in 30 seconds in the darkest night. He knew about 2 inch mortars and mills bombs and could use them all with deadly purpose He kept his canteen full ( (Generally water) and enough socks to keep his feet dry. He could dig a slit trench and give first aid when needed. He could march till he was told to stop and have a quick nap till told to march again..

He obeyed orders instantly be he still kept that spirit of individual dignity. He was self sufficient. He could build an oven out of clay to bake bread , or a still to purify water for drinking. He could cook his own meals and mend his own clothes as well fix his own hurts rather than go to first aid.  He could not remember if out National Anthem was God Save The King Or O Canada, but he could not sing either of them.

He learned to use his hands as weapons to take a life and also to give first aid to save a life. He will do twice the work of a civilian, for a dollar a day and find a bit of humor to share with his buddies. He has seen more suffering and death than anyone should have to in a life time.

He has crept over dead bodies he helped to create because the enemy would not surrender and because he had that stubborn streak that Canadian soldiers do not quit till the enemy is defeated. And then cry in public and in private for friends lost in the fighting.

Just as his father and grandfather had done he was willing to pay a price for our freedom. Just because he only had to shave once a week he was still a man. He was a proud Canadian man fighting with stubbornness to keep our country free and paid a very heavy price

He asked nothing in return except to be understood why he volunteered. Remember him always, for he has earned our respect and admiration.

As you go to sleep keep this picture in your mind—A short stop in the fighting, a bit of shade and a quick nap and a bit of army rations.

When you read this give a short prayer of thanks for what they did and also for the Fathers and Mothers at home wondering each day if there would be bad news arriving by telegram, and when you see a veteran just a quick thank you is all the reward he was expecting



Attention all men and women that served in the Canadian Armed forces as Dispatch Riders. Your existence and service has finally been recognized.
I would like to extend on your behalf a special thank you to the Canadian Motor Cycle Hall of Fame for the recognition of the Canadian men and women
that served in the armed forces as Dispatch Riders.

You were on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week, regardless of weather conditions. There are no records of the number that were trained to be
Dispatch Riders or of the casualty rate,(which was very high), so this recognition is long overdue.

I was honoured on Saturday October 25 at the annual awards ceremony to be inducted into The Motor Cycle Hall of Fame and excepted the award on
behalf of all those that had ever served as a dispatch rider in the Canadian Armed Forces, so the few of you that are still alive can now claim to be a member of
the Canadian Motor Cycle Hall of Fame.

The award reads:

On behalf of the Government of Canada
It is an honour to pay tribute to
The Military Motorcycle Riders - Canada

Many young men like Harry Watts
Who rode for excitement answered the call for dispatch riders
Their selfless serving has forever ensured that
The motorcycle and soldier have planted a wheel print firmly in history

A Soldier and his motorcycle are synonymous with
Duty, bravery, integrity, and strength as defended peace and freedom

It is an honour to celebrate the significant contributions
These brave soldiers have made to Canada and the betterment of our world
Congratulations on your induction to the Canadian Motor Cycle Hall of Fame 2008

We will not forget

Harold Albrecht MP

Kitchener Conestoga

October 2008

Thorough preparation must lead to success. Neglect nothing

Arthur Currie