Ken Stacey was born in Central Butte, Sk. 07.31.18 and enlisted in the Canadian Army 12.17.42. Ken served his country bravely in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe including Italy, France and Holland. Ken served in the Seaforth Highlanders as a driver and 3" mortar man. He was awarded the 1939-45, Italy, France & Germany Stars and War Medal 1939-45. He was discharged on 02.20.46.
Dad died December 9, 2000 and, as such, I will attempt to accurately detail the long-term negative impact the war and mustard gas testing had on my father and our family.
Let me start by saying, World War II was the defining event in my father's life. During the rare occasions I, or anyone else, could persuade him to speak about his wartime experiences it was abundantly clear the memories were extremely painful. I was not to know how painful and tragic they were until shortly before his death when he finally spoke of the horrors endured in Canada and Continental Europe during World War II. He seemed compelled to unburden his soul as the end of his life drew near. "Toughing it out" and "being brave" by maintaining these horrible secrets finally became impossible.
My father bravely enlisted in the army in December 1942 to do his part in protecting the country he loved, and the Commonwealth, from communism. Prior to the war Dad worked with his grandfather, and extended family, on a farm in Saskatchewan. By all reports he was friendly, outgoing, enjoyed dancing and other social activities.
MUSTARD GAS TESTING
Shortly after enlisting my father was encouraged to "volunteer" for a secret assignment for which he would receive a $1.00 per day bonus in addition to other benefits which, as I recall, included 10 days leave at the end of the testing, Saturdays nights off and improved meals. (Soldiers were paid $1.50 per day during WW II so the bonus was a significant enticement) The mission and risks of the Suffield, Alberta tests were not fully explained to, or understood by, the volunteers and the men signed "confidentiality agreements" which precluded discussing the tests with anyone ever. Dad described crawling through bomb craters filled with clouds of mustard gas (and perhaps other chemicals) during the assignment. His back, shoulders and neck were badly burned and blistered as a result of exposure to these chemical weapons. Dad, and the other test subjects, were quarantined immediately after the tests and were forced to sit in contaminated clothing for an extended period of time (perhaps 24 hours or at the very least overnight) while the army studied and documented the "results". My father requested, and was denied, medical treatment during this period of time. While he was on leave his injuries were cleaned and treated by my great-aunts and only then did the burns/blisters start to heal and some semblance of physical well being regained. The damage to his psyche was never treated and from that time forward my father distrusted authority figures and medical professionals.
My father died without his sacrifices being recognized or acknowledged by the Canadian Government, the military or his countrymen. In fact, I understand until 2004 the military would have denied the biological weapons testing ever occurred. Dad believed, as do I, the use of chemical weapons on our own forces was inexcusable.
PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY
In late November 2000 Dad shared two, of many, horrendous wartime experiences with me. My father had obviously been traumatized by these experiences as he sobbed uncontrollably, sixty years after the fact, when relating the following incidents:
- In Continental Europe, after a particularly deadly encounter with the enemy, my father, a driver, was assigned burial duty. He was to carry the blanket wrapped bodies of Allied soldiers from a pile of bodies to freshly dug graves. The blanket slipped from the face of the first corpse he picked up and to his horror he realized the body in his arms was that of his very best friend. Can you imagine learning of a friend's death in this fashion? Can you imagine the intense fear and sense of helplessness he would have experienced? The exercise lasted all night and after that first horrendous discovery he felt compelled to look at the face of each man he was burying. He buried 5 close friends that night and swore he would never again develop a friendship with anyone, as his grief and sense of loss was overpowering. Over the next 60 years he never allowed himself to develop any deep lasting friendships. Can you imagine a more lonely existence?
- When the Allies liberated Holland the Dutch people were ecstatic and eagerly greeted the soldiers. My father described traveling in a convoy of army vehicles and tanks into a small Dutch community and watching helplessly as the surging crowd forced a small three, or four, year old girl beneath the tracks of the tank immediately in front of his vehicle. The driver of the Allied tank was unaware of the accident and the mob was unaware of the tragedy. The look of terror on this innocent victim's face was indelibly etched in my father's mind for the rest of his life. His sense of helplessness and horror can only be imagined.
Service Information
Unit:Canadian Army
Period of Service:World War II
Service Numbers:L103613
GRANDCHILDREN:
Scott Allen Stacey
William Henry Stacey
Dad died December 9, 2000 and, as such, I will attempt to accurately detail the long-term negative impact the war and mustard gas testing had on my father and our family.
Let me start by saying, World War II was the defining event in my father's life. During the rare occasions I, or anyone else, could persuade him to speak about his wartime experiences it was abundantly clear the memories were extremely painful. I was not to know how painful and tragic they were until shortly before his death when he finally spoke of the horrors endured in Canada and Continental Europe during World War II. He seemed compelled to unburden his soul as the end of his life drew near. "Toughing it out" and "being brave" by maintaining these horrible secrets finally became impossible.
My father bravely enlisted in the army in December 1942 to do his part in protecting the country he loved, and the Commonwealth, from communism. Prior to the war Dad worked with his grandfather, and extended family, on a farm in Saskatchewan. By all reports he was friendly, outgoing, enjoyed dancing and other social activities.
MUSTARD GAS TESTING
Shortly after enlisting my father was encouraged to "volunteer" for a secret assignment for which he would receive a $1.00 per day bonus in addition to other benefits which, as I recall, included 10 days leave at the end of the testing, Saturdays nights off and improved meals. (Soldiers were paid $1.50 per day during WW II so the bonus was a significant enticement) The mission and risks of the Suffield, Alberta tests were not fully explained to, or understood by, the volunteers and the men signed "confidentiality agreements" which precluded discussing the tests with anyone ever. Dad described crawling through bomb craters filled with clouds of mustard gas (and perhaps other chemicals) during the assignment. His back, shoulders and neck were badly burned and blistered as a result of exposure to these chemical weapons. Dad, and the other test subjects, were quarantined immediately after the tests and were forced to sit in contaminated clothing for an extended period of time (perhaps 24 hours or at the very least overnight) while the army studied and documented the "results". My father requested, and was denied, medical treatment during this period of time. While he was on leave his injuries were cleaned and treated by my great-aunts and only then did the burns/blisters start to heal and some semblance of physical well being regained. The damage to his psyche was never treated and from that time forward my father distrusted authority figures and medical professionals.
My father died without his sacrifices being recognized or acknowledged by the Canadian Government, the military or his countrymen. In fact, I understand until 2004 the military would have denied the biological weapons testing ever occurred. Dad believed, as do I, the use of chemical weapons on our own forces was inexcusable.
PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY
In late November 2000 Dad shared two, of many, horrendous wartime experiences with me. My father had obviously been traumatized by these experiences as he sobbed uncontrollably, sixty years after the fact, when relating the following incidents:
- In Continental Europe, after a particularly deadly encounter with the enemy, my father, a driver, was assigned burial duty. He was to carry the blanket wrapped bodies of Allied soldiers from a pile of bodies to freshly dug graves. The blanket slipped from the face of the first corpse he picked up and to his horror he realized the body in his arms was that of his very best friend. Can you imagine learning of a friend's death in this fashion? Can you imagine the intense fear and sense of helplessness he would have experienced? The exercise lasted all night and after that first horrendous discovery he felt compelled to look at the face of each man he was burying. He buried 5 close friends that night and swore he would never again develop a friendship with anyone, as his grief and sense of loss was overpowering. Over the next 60 years he never allowed himself to develop any deep lasting friendships. Can you imagine a more lonely existence?
- When the Allies liberated Holland the Dutch people were ecstatic and eagerly greeted the soldiers. My father described traveling in a convoy of army vehicles and tanks into a small Dutch community and watching helplessly as the surging crowd forced a small three, or four, year old girl beneath the tracks of the tank immediately in front of his vehicle. The driver of the Allied tank was unaware of the accident and the mob was unaware of the tragedy. The look of terror on this innocent victim's face was indelibly etched in my father's mind for the rest of his life. His sense of helplessness and horror can only be imagined.
Service Information
Unit:Canadian Army
Period of Service:World War II
Service Numbers:L103613
GRANDCHILDREN:
Scott Allen Stacey
William Henry Stacey
Ken Stacey was born in Central Butte, Sk. 07.31.18 and enlisted in the Canadian Army 12.17.42. Ken served his country bravely in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe including Italy, France and Holland. Ken served in the Seaforth Highlanders as a driver and 3" mortar man. He was awarded the 1939-45, Italy, France & Germany Stars and War Medal 1939-45. He was discharged on 02.20.46.
Dad died December 9, 2000 and, as such, I will attempt to accurately detail the long-term negative impact the war and mustard gas testing had on my father and our family.
Let me start by saying, World War II was the defining event in my father's life. During the rare occasions I, or anyone else, could persuade him to speak about his wartime experiences it was abundantly clear the memories were extremely painful. I was not to know how painful and tragic they were until shortly before his death when he finally spoke of the horrors endured in Canada and Continental Europe during World War II. He seemed compelled to unburden his soul as the end of his life drew near. "Toughing it out" and "being brave" by maintaining these horrible secrets finally became impossible.
My father bravely enlisted in the army in December 1942 to do his part in protecting the country he loved, and the Commonwealth, from communism. Prior to the war Dad worked with his grandfather, and extended family, on a farm in Saskatchewan. By all reports he was friendly, outgoing, enjoyed dancing and other social activities.
MUSTARD GAS TESTING
Shortly after enlisting my father was encouraged to "volunteer" for a secret assignment for which he would receive a $1.00 per day bonus in addition to other benefits which, as I recall, included 10 days leave at the end of the testing, Saturdays nights off and improved meals. (Soldiers were paid $1.50 per day during WW II so the bonus was a significant enticement) The mission and risks of the Suffield, Alberta tests were not fully explained to, or understood by, the volunteers and the men signed "confidentiality agreements" which precluded discussing the tests with anyone ever. Dad described crawling through bomb craters filled with clouds of mustard gas (and perhaps other chemicals) during the assignment. His back, shoulders and neck were badly burned and blistered as a result of exposure to these chemical weapons. Dad, and the other test subjects, were quarantined immediately after the tests and were forced to sit in contaminated clothing for an extended period of time (perhaps 24 hours or at the very least overnight) while the army studied and documented the "results". My father requested, and was denied, medical treatment during this period of time. While he was on leave his injuries were cleaned and treated by my great-aunts and only then did the burns/blisters start to heal and some semblance of physical well being regained. The damage to his psyche was never treated and from that time forward my father distrusted authority figures and medical professionals.
My father died without his sacrifices being recognized or acknowledged by the Canadian Government, the military or his countrymen. In fact, I understand until 2004 the military would have denied the biological weapons testing ever occurred. Dad believed, as do I, the use of chemical weapons on our own forces was inexcusable.
PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY
In late November 2000 Dad shared two, of many, horrendous wartime experiences with me. My father had obviously been traumatized by these experiences as he sobbed uncontrollably, sixty years after the fact, when relating the following incidents:
- In Continental Europe, after a particularly deadly encounter with the enemy, my father, a driver, was assigned burial duty. He was to carry the blanket wrapped bodies of Allied soldiers from a pile of bodies to freshly dug graves. The blanket slipped from the face of the first corpse he picked up and to his horror he realized the body in his arms was that of his very best friend. Can you imagine learning of a friend's death in this fashion? Can you imagine the intense fear and sense of helplessness he would have experienced? The exercise lasted all night and after that first horrendous discovery he felt compelled to look at the face of each man he was burying. He buried 5 close friends that night and swore he would never again develop a friendship with anyone, as his grief and sense of loss was overpowering. Over the next 60 years he never allowed himself to develop any deep lasting friendships. Can you imagine a more lonely existence?
- When the Allies liberated Holland the Dutch people were ecstatic and eagerly greeted the soldiers. My father described traveling in a convoy of army vehicles and tanks into a small Dutch community and watching helplessly as the surging crowd forced a small three, or four, year old girl beneath the tracks of the tank immediately in front of his vehicle. The driver of the Allied tank was unaware of the accident and the mob was unaware of the tragedy. The look of terror on this innocent victim's face was indelibly etched in my father's mind for the rest of his life. His sense of helplessness and horror can only be imagined.
Service Information
Unit:Canadian Army
Period of Service:World War II
Service Numbers:L103613
GRANDCHILDREN:
Scott Allen Stacey
William Henry Stacey
Dad died December 9, 2000 and, as such, I will attempt to accurately detail the long-term negative impact the war and mustard gas testing had on my father and our family.
Let me start by saying, World War II was the defining event in my father's life. During the rare occasions I, or anyone else, could persuade him to speak about his wartime experiences it was abundantly clear the memories were extremely painful. I was not to know how painful and tragic they were until shortly before his death when he finally spoke of the horrors endured in Canada and Continental Europe during World War II. He seemed compelled to unburden his soul as the end of his life drew near. "Toughing it out" and "being brave" by maintaining these horrible secrets finally became impossible.
My father bravely enlisted in the army in December 1942 to do his part in protecting the country he loved, and the Commonwealth, from communism. Prior to the war Dad worked with his grandfather, and extended family, on a farm in Saskatchewan. By all reports he was friendly, outgoing, enjoyed dancing and other social activities.
MUSTARD GAS TESTING
Shortly after enlisting my father was encouraged to "volunteer" for a secret assignment for which he would receive a $1.00 per day bonus in addition to other benefits which, as I recall, included 10 days leave at the end of the testing, Saturdays nights off and improved meals. (Soldiers were paid $1.50 per day during WW II so the bonus was a significant enticement) The mission and risks of the Suffield, Alberta tests were not fully explained to, or understood by, the volunteers and the men signed "confidentiality agreements" which precluded discussing the tests with anyone ever. Dad described crawling through bomb craters filled with clouds of mustard gas (and perhaps other chemicals) during the assignment. His back, shoulders and neck were badly burned and blistered as a result of exposure to these chemical weapons. Dad, and the other test subjects, were quarantined immediately after the tests and were forced to sit in contaminated clothing for an extended period of time (perhaps 24 hours or at the very least overnight) while the army studied and documented the "results". My father requested, and was denied, medical treatment during this period of time. While he was on leave his injuries were cleaned and treated by my great-aunts and only then did the burns/blisters start to heal and some semblance of physical well being regained. The damage to his psyche was never treated and from that time forward my father distrusted authority figures and medical professionals.
My father died without his sacrifices being recognized or acknowledged by the Canadian Government, the military or his countrymen. In fact, I understand until 2004 the military would have denied the biological weapons testing ever occurred. Dad believed, as do I, the use of chemical weapons on our own forces was inexcusable.
PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY
In late November 2000 Dad shared two, of many, horrendous wartime experiences with me. My father had obviously been traumatized by these experiences as he sobbed uncontrollably, sixty years after the fact, when relating the following incidents:
- In Continental Europe, after a particularly deadly encounter with the enemy, my father, a driver, was assigned burial duty. He was to carry the blanket wrapped bodies of Allied soldiers from a pile of bodies to freshly dug graves. The blanket slipped from the face of the first corpse he picked up and to his horror he realized the body in his arms was that of his very best friend. Can you imagine learning of a friend's death in this fashion? Can you imagine the intense fear and sense of helplessness he would have experienced? The exercise lasted all night and after that first horrendous discovery he felt compelled to look at the face of each man he was burying. He buried 5 close friends that night and swore he would never again develop a friendship with anyone, as his grief and sense of loss was overpowering. Over the next 60 years he never allowed himself to develop any deep lasting friendships. Can you imagine a more lonely existence?
- When the Allies liberated Holland the Dutch people were ecstatic and eagerly greeted the soldiers. My father described traveling in a convoy of army vehicles and tanks into a small Dutch community and watching helplessly as the surging crowd forced a small three, or four, year old girl beneath the tracks of the tank immediately in front of his vehicle. The driver of the Allied tank was unaware of the accident and the mob was unaware of the tragedy. The look of terror on this innocent victim's face was indelibly etched in my father's mind for the rest of his life. His sense of helplessness and horror can only be imagined.
Service Information
Unit:Canadian Army
Period of Service:World War II
Service Numbers:L103613
GRANDCHILDREN:
Scott Allen Stacey
William Henry Stacey
Inscription
STACEY
KENNETH GORDON
PTE L103613
JULY 31, 1918
DEC 9 2000
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
PAULINE
1919-2010
Family Members
Siblings
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Mildred Irene Stacey Brovchenko
1920–1999
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Frances Alice Marie Stacey Hieb
1921–2007
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Private Melvin Henry Stacey
1924–1994
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Bluebell Stacey L'Heureux
1925–2008
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Isaac Laurel Clayton "Clayton" Stacey
1926–2014
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Eileen Stacey
1928–1928
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Oakley Douglas Stacey
1930–1967
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Joan Audrey Stacey Sundquist
1938–1993
