Wireless Operator (Ret’d) Douglas Finney
A Veteran of the Korean War, Doug Finney has always had a passion for remembrance. Born and raised close to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, Finney’s father was already serving in Korea as a Colonel when Doug joined the Canadian Army. He would go on to serve for 14 months in Korea, as part of the 81st Field Regiment, which later evolved to the 4th Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
As a Wireless Operator, Finney holds many first-hand accounts of the sights and sounds from the conflict in Korea. “I was never in combat, but it was always around. You had to be on your toes.” After 14 months overseas, Finney returned to Canada intact – but the same could not be said about many of his comrades. Sadly, 516 Canadians lost their lives during this important chapter in our country’s military history.
Upon returning to Canada, Finney turned his attention to commemoration, and providing support for his fellow Veterans and their families. He became a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in 1954 and held numerous executive positions, including Branch President on several occasions. In 1988, he joined a committee which spearheaded the construction of a 38 unit seniors’ apartment building in Oshawa, Ontario, now known as the Branch 43 Senior Manor. He led an initiative to erect a monument on the Legion property, complete with a large flag pole. Commemorative events are regularly held at this site.
Finney is also an active member of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada, where he has served as National Treasurer and National Vice-President. Over the years, he’s assisted with a variety of projects – but the one that is most near and dear to his heart is the Wall of Remembrance located at the Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton, Ontario.
In 1997, the Korea Veterans Association of Canada established the monument to commemorate the 516 Canadians who lost their lives during the conflict. The wall includes a variety of features that pay tribute to the Canadians who served in the Korean War, including the Korea Veterans Association insignia, the Canadian Armed Forces insignia, the United Nations insignia, and the names of the participating Canadian forces.
The Wall of Remembrance in Brampton, Ontario. The monument serves as a tribute to the 516 Canadians who lost their life during the Korean War.
“They were set to come home and start a family.”
For Finney, the Wall of Remembrance is a reminder of why Canada participated in the Korean War – and serves as a tribute to those who never returned home. “Most of the names on this wall, they were young, of course… some of them right out of school like me. They were set to come home and start a family.”
“The families are extremely grateful. And the response we’ve received from the Korean people has been tremendous.”
Finney notes that the Wall of Remembrance allows for the families to commemorate the sacrifice of the fallen. “Anyone who didn’t make it back, we have their names on the plaque describing who they were, and what they did. The families are extremely grateful. And the response we’ve received from the Korean people has been tremendous.”
Finney was recognized in 2011 with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his efforts in commemorating Canadian participation during the Korean War. The Commendation is awarded annually to deserving participants, and is authorized by the Governor General of Canada.
Over the years, Finney has returned to South Korea to commemorate the Korean War, including ceremonies that marked the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
As we remember the Canadians who served in the Korean War and recognize those who lost loves ones in the defence of peace and freedom, Douglas Finney is this week’s Face of Freedom.
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