Nelson Daily News
April 26, 1921

Lieutenant- Governor Unveils Tablet; Major Anderson Tells History

WREATH DEPOSITED ON WAR MEMORIAL, TOO

Bugle Band Plays Last Post at Ceremony in Connection With Kaslo Celebration

In the presence of a huge gathering of people from Nelson, Trail, Rossland, Slocan, and other points, and before about 40 members of the 54th battalion standing at attention, Lieutenant-Governor R. Randolph Bruce, after making a short but brief address, untied the ribbons which held a large Union Jack flag over the memorial tablet in memory of the late Col. A. H. G. Kemball, commander of the 54th overseas battalion, who was killed in action at Vimy Ridge on March 1, 1917. The unveiling was part of the program of the opening of the Nelson-Kaslo scenic highway. As the flag was unfurled three members of the Canadian Legion Bugle band, Buglers Dave Wade, Spurgeon Langill and Fred Hartwig, and Drummers Sid J. McDonald and Claude Miller, sounded the “Last Post” in wartime style. A feature of this roll was that Spurgeon Langill was among the buglers who sounded the “Last Post” at the funeral of the late Colonel Kemball near Vimy Ridge in March, 1917.

Originated in England

The idea of the memorial tablet was originated among a number of 54th battalion men at Seaforth, England, in 1918, when a subscription list was opened and funds subscribed. Major Hicks, formerly of Cranbrook and now of Vancouver, was among those who took a lead in the matter. Close friends of the deceased also subscribed to the funds.

Major Gilbert Anderson also of the 54th battalion of Nelson stated the crowd had met to honor the memory of one of the most distinguished Kaslo citizens, the late Col. A. H. G. Kemball, D.C., 54th Kootenay battalion, C.E.F. He stated the occasion was of great interest to all returned men, and especially to those who served in the 54th battalion. Major Anderson asserted that the 54th Kootenay battalion was completely organized and officered, but most of those units were broken up in England, and the identity temporarily lost.

Fate on several occasions threatened the 54th Kootenay battalion with extinction, said Major Anderson, and it was only for the personal influence exerted by Col. Kemball that the calamity was averted, and he said, they proceeded to France as a unit of the 11th Brigade. He stated that this spirit shown for the welfare of the officers and men of his command naturally caused him to be held in the highest esteem. Major Anderson said that all ranks regarded the late colonel as a friend at all times, and a councilor of experience when in need of advice. He declared that the colonel knew how to fight, and he laid down his life on the battlefield in unselfish devotion to his duty, King and country.

Following the unveiling, Rev. David F. Cowie of Kaslo read the memorial prayer, after which the bugle band sounded the “Retreat.”

Mrs. Kemball Wires

A telegram was received from Mrs. Kemball, wife of the loved late colonel, stating that it was impossible for her to attend the unveiling, but thanked the 54th battalion and citizens of Kaslo and all others for the kind appreciation shown by them to her late husband.

The veterans paraded with the bugle band to the Kaslo war memorial erected to the boys of Kaslo who died in the great war. The lieutenant-governor placed a wreath on the monument as the buglers and drummers sounded the “Last Post.” One minute of silence was given in honor of the fallen heroes.