Inspired By a True Story

Sergeant Simon Fraser

“Don’t forget me, cobber.”
Statue by Peter Corlett, Australian Memorial Park, Fromelles, France.
(P. Ferguson image, September 2004)

Introducing a new series…

The other day I wrote all blossoms are perfect, nonetheless I will always continue my search in awe of each petal, each burst of new life, new joy, new inspiration. In these current days of complication, I also turn to the history of others whose resilience in adversity was noted, recorded and recognized.

Not all worthy deeds received laurels…and amongst the honourees many would credit their rewards to their team, their unit rather than to themselves. It’s all part of the job….and yet their acts of willed, goodly purpose provide so much more for this day and tomorrow. Their actions remind us that in times of adversity we all have an ability to become selfless, to take action, to find the time to make a difference. No matter how large, how small, with or without reward, kindness to one and other is our humanity, our therapy.

So, this day when we wait for the next day, the next blossom…remember to stay safe…one day at a time….one breath…one care…we are all one blood.

Acting Lance Corporal Nelson Kitchener Barrett
#1 Canadian Plastic & Jaw Surgery Unit
Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps
Commendation for Distinguished Conduct

The Senior Officer, CMHQ. (Canadian Military Headquarters), has been pleased to commend the distinguished conduct of this NCO under the following conditions.

On 26 Aug. 42, L/Cpl. Barrett, while carrying out his normal duties in a hospital, heard screams from an adjoining ward. He ran to find that a patient suffering from severe eye and facial injuries had set fire to the dressings on his head while attempting to light a cigarette. Without hesitation, L/Cpl. Barrett covered the patient’s eyes with his bare hand and with the other smothered the flames. The patient had already lost the use of one eye and, as even a minor burn would have ruined the sight of the other, this N.C.O., by his initiative and prompt action undoubtedly saved the patient from total blindness.

The conduct of this N.C.O. is worthy of the best traditions of the Service, and his act of distinguished conduct will be recorded on his conduct sheet, in accordance with K.R. (Can.) 1518 b (XVI).


About The Author

pferguson
Paul has worked with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company since 2009 as producer, historian and research specialist. Paul first met Casey and Ian WIlliams of Paradigm in April 2007 at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium when ceremonies were being held for the re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial, France. Paul's sensitivity to film was developed at an early age seeing his first films at RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany and in Sardinia. Paul returned to Canada in 1967 and was further amazed by David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge on the River Kwai". Film captivated Paul and with time he became increasingly interested in storytelling, content development, character, direction, cinematography and soundtracks. At the University of Victoria, Paul studied and compared Japanese and Australian film and became interested in Australian film maker Peter Weir and his film "Gallipoli" (1981). Paul was entranced when he learned Weir had visited the beaches, ridges and ravines of the peninsula. The film "Gallipoli" alone led Paul on many journeys to sites of conflict in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Malta, Hawaii, Gallipoli and Salonika. It was, however, when Paul watched documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, "The Civil War", that Paul understood how his own experience and insight could be effective and perhaps influential in film-making. Combining his knowledge of Museums and Archives, exhibitions and idea strategies with his film interests would be a natural progression. Paul thinks like a film-maker. His passion for history and storytelling brings to Paradigm an eye (and ear) to the keen and sensitive interests of; content development, the understanding of successful and relational use of collections, imagery and voice. Like Paul's favorite actor, Peter O'Toole, he believes in the adage “To deepen not broaden.” While on this path Paul always remembers his grandmother whose father did not return from the Great War and how his loss shaped her life and how her experience continues to guide him.

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