Friend Dies in Accident

Heroes Remember

Friend Dies in Accident

Transcript

We went up to Fort St. John on a winter exercise and I had this one guy, same rank as me, a corporal and we were working together as a team and sleeping right out in one of the Doosan half tracks, all our tools and that was there, good buddies. And so anyway this one night we went into town, checking around, went in and had a few beers and whatnot. So when I was ready to go back out, ready to go out to the tent or truck at that time, so my buddy he went on ahead with some guy that was going to give him a ride. So I said, "I'll be a long afterwards!" Quite a bit later I got a ride home anyways and going out there it was early in the morning then and I got off right by the base where we were and I was just walking down the road to go back to our truck and my sergeant spotted me coming and he come screaming out and just yelling and I said, "What's the matter!" He says, "Walt's dead!" That was my buddy's name Walt, he's dead. He was killed in an accident with that car. I would have been in the car with him if I had of gone so that was a close call for me but it broke me right up, I couldn't do a thing for two days. I just sat in the truck and cried, we were that close, ya... So then the sergeant-major asked me if I wanted to escort his body back to his family out in BC, out in the Island and I said, "Definitely, yes I'll go!" So they did, they loaded us into one of their planes where they put some troops in and I escorted him all the way home right to his parents. It's hard to take. Even after you have been out of the military for quite a few years, if one of your good friend dies, it really hurts.

Description

Delaying his travel home, Mr. Blake tells about the accident that claimed his friend’s life realizing that he could have been a part of it.

James Blake

Mr. James Blake was born in Belleville, Ontario in 1931, a time during Canada’s depression. Following in his father’s footsteps Mr. Blake decided to join the military. He became part of the Armoured Corps holding rank of corporal. Throughout his military time, Mr. Blake had an opportunity to deploy overseas to Crypus. Now retired, Mr. Blake enjoys life and remains active in his community. Being part of the Canadian delegation in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge is an honour for Mr. Blake and he holds a great deal of pride for his service and for all who served to earn the freedom we share today.

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