Conquest Second World War Roll of Honour

This memorial is dedicated to those who served in the Second World War. In 1913, in an endeavour to prepare Canada to share in the defence of the empire, a move was made to organize a troop of Saskatchewan Light Horse in Conquest. After some preliminary work, the plan was abandoned as impractical. One of the first from Conquest to enlist in the First World War was Charlie Greer, a veteran of the South African War. Many more joined from Conquest. Roy Cavanaugh, a local boy from one of Conquest's pioneering families, was one of the first casualties in the First World War. He was so badly wounded in the Battle of Somme that he only lived a short time. Ted Rogers, who was with Roy at the time, was wounded by the same shell, but his injuries were minor. Other casualties included: Chas. Wilson, T.J. Carson, Wm. Drysdale, Ronald Baddagel, Andrew Noble, R.M. Knowles, Fred Ball, A.J. Body, Cecil Halliday, J.W. Andrews, A.K. Bender. Among those wounded were Dick Moore, George Gray, Russ McLaughlin, H. Head and J. Minchin. With the signing of the armistice it naturally followed that the community wished to see its sons return home as quickly as possible and to honour them upon their return. "Welcome Home" gatherings were held as opportunity arose and the boys were made to feel that their services had been appreciated. During the war years, ladies' organizations and the Red Cross sent many parcels overseas, and Victory Loans and Red Cross drives were highly successful. The community of Conquest was well represented in all branches of the services in the Second World War. Although there were casualties, the number was less than the First World War. Stanley Wick and George Nisbet were the only casualties from Conquest. During this war, as in the First World War, the Red Cross, Victory Loan and all other drives were well supported, the Community surpassing its objectives in each case. For many years following the First World War an annual Memorial Service was held on the Sunday nearest May 24th. This was later changed to the actual day set apart for Remembrance, November 11th. As the boys and girls returned home from the Second World War, "Welcome Home" evenings were held. The returning veterans received autographed "Welcome Home" booklets, and when the final list was completed all received engraved rings.