Author
|
Topic: Private William J.J. Cushley, 1st Bn, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Read 791 times)
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
 Offline
Gender: 
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
Pte. William Jonathan James Cushley... died in battle, 1RCR, C Company, Battle of Panjwaii, 03, Sept, 2006.
Rest in Peace.
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2023
|
Thanks Mike, and to his family and friends and Regimental Family, my humble condolences., may he Rest In The Peace he so desreves, another ultimate sacrifice for his pals, friends and all free minded people every where on our great earth, ranrad
|
RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
|
|
|
Jim Hickson
CWO H.J. Hickson, MMM, CD. (Retd)
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 5185
Pro Patria
|
Hi Mike
Keep up the good work!!!!
Jim
|
1961-Depot San Lenorado
1962-1st Bn RCR Ex Gagetown
1962-JR NCO Course Grad 19 Oct
1962-1965 Germany B-C-D-A Coy (Revecated Nov 64)
1965-1967 Sigs Pl Cyprus Prom CPL 'til xmas and C of Drums
1967-1973 Cpl, MCpl, Sgt, Sigs, D Coy
1973-1977 CFOCS Chilliwack Prom WO
1977-1982 UEO, Sigs, Pl WO RECCE, CSM B&A Coy,
1982-1984 SIT School
1984-1988 Career Manager (Prom CWO 1986)
1988-1990 RSM 1RCR
1991-1995 CWO Adm(Per) - C Of S
1995-1999 Base CWO Wainwright
1999-Retired
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
Thanks guys. Hopefully, when the lads are home safe, they can visit the association site and trace their steps through our postings and comments. Unfortunately, they will not ALL be coming home and those who have perished in the service of their country, as Royal Canadians, surely deserve recognition here and everywhere Royals tread..... Wish I could find some more on Private Cushley. Hopefully, once his friends return, this thread will expand with stories of his life.
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
Here is a report form Port Lambton. The town/community is working on a memorial to be placed at the center of the town. By God, as a Royal Canadian, I can only say how proud I am of the people of Port Lambton as they honour one of brothers in arms and their hometown hero.
Port Lambton Mourns Soldier's Death
The small town of Port Lambton is coming to grips with the loss of one of its own.
21 year old Private William Cushley was killed on the battlefield less than a month after he arrived in Afghanistan.
Family friend Sheldon Planette says he was the kind of guy you want your son to have as a friend, and your daughter to have as a husband.
Private Cushley was killed in a battle with the Taliban on Sunday.
His body was returned to CFB Trenton last night.
The community has set up a small memorial at the Cushley home, and it's now working towards a permanent memorial in the town's centre.
A funeral is being planned for sometime next week.
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
National Defence / Defense nationale
Funeral of Private William Jonathan James Cushley
Media Advisory
MA-31 CBG 03-06 - September 11, 2006
PORT LAMBTON, Ont. – Private Cushley's funeral service will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 466 John Street in Port Lambton this Wednesday at 11a.m. Media can attend the funeral but will be restricted to the exterior of the church. Interment will follow the funeral service. The internment will not be open to the media.
Visitations will occur today 7-9 pm and tomorrow 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the church. Media are asked not to attend the visitations and to respect the family's need for privacy during this time of sorrow.
Private William Jonathan James Cushley, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa , Ontario was killed on September 3, 2006 fighting against Taliban insurgents approximately 15 km west of Kandahar City . Private Cushley's unit was part of Operation MEDUSA, a significant combined effort between the Afghan National Security Forces, Canada and our other NATO partners in the International Security Assistance Force aimed at removing armed militants from the Panjwayi and Zhari district region so that displaced villagers can return to their homes and re-establish their livelihoods without living in constant fear of the Taliban.
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
Please take a moment to offer your condolences. There will come a time when his parents, who are grieving today, will look upon these words with pride.
http://www.legacy.com/can-ottawa/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=19133822
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2023
|
Good stuff Mike, am sure many , many will appreciate being able to sign the guest book to remeber this fine young man and his family, ranrad
|
RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
|
|
|
jim thomson
CD,UN Cyprus, Peacekeeping, Police Exemplary Medal City of Calgary Police Medal
Hero Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 83
Pro Patria
|
Thanks for the info Mike. It was nice to review the book and see so many familiar names and friends from all over. It shows that people care and know our troops are doing the right thing.
|
Pro Patria
Jim
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
I think there is still time for others to share their condolences.
Slain soldier laid to rest in Port Lambton
Wed, September 13, 2006
Will Cushely died in Afghanistan
By CHIP MARTIN, LONDON FREE PRESS REPORTER
PORT LAMBTON - Private Cushley’s last march with his comrades took him past the elementary school from which he graduated in 1999.
All 140 pupils at Sacred Heart school lined up outside as Will Cushley’s coffin, an honour guard of soldiers and a large crowd of mourners moved past on their way to the cemetery for the community of 700 just down the street.
Students, some of whom were in kindergarten when Cushley graduated, wore red tops and tiny black armbands and many threw flowers toward the sad procession.
“He did something for us,” said a teary-eyed Kara Moran, a 13-year-old in grade 8. “He fought for us and made us all proud.”
The school has been conducting daily prayers since Cushley, 21, died Sept. 3 with three other Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, the second combat casualty from Western Ontario.
A memorial at Sacred Heart includes Cushley’s graduation picture, a globe with Afghanistan highlighted, accompanied by news reports of his death.
“This really has hit the community hard,” said Sacred Heart principal Tom Baker.
The school is planning to establish a Will Cushley award of some sort, he said. Discussions have just begun about the appropriate memorial for the fallen graduate.
“He loved fine arts and he loved to draw,” said Baker. He suggested the award will be something along those lines.
Senior students at the school today were just beginning their education when Cushley graduated.
The St. Clair River community virtually ground to a halt for the full military funeral at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Police diverted traffic away from the area.
Among those who couldn’t fit into the church were Port Lambtonites Louise Dodge and Gail Cook, who stood outside the church silently holding a large Canadian flag.
Neither knows the Cushley family personally, but Cook said: “We’re one big family in Port Lambton.”
Dodge said the flag was a token of support for Cushley and his family. “We’re proud of him,” she said.
Pallbearers were members of the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR) in Pettawa with whom Cushley had served.
When the flag-draped coffin arrived at the church it was saluted by a colour party from the Walpole Island Veterans’ Association who held Canadian and American flags and those of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines.
Two military chaplains joined parish priests Rev. Greg Bonin and Philip Joseph in conducting the hour-long service attended by family, friends and military personnel.
Parents Errol and Elaine Cushley were joined by daughters Lisa, Tonia and Amanda, who tearfully told mourners they wish Will was still with them. “You had such a big heart and you were so full of life,” said one.
Cushley’s friend, Tyler Atkins, remembered Cushley as a pal “who would never hurt anyone intentionally.” He said Cushley was committed to the military, quoting him as saying: “I just wanted to make a difference.”
“Our troops need to know we stand behind them,” Atkins said.
Major Peter Scott, commanding officer of 1RCR, praised Cushley as “a hero, a warrior. We need to put Will on a pedestal.”
Scott said while his comrades mourn the loss of one of their own, “Will’s death has provided them the extra energy they needed and they will win the war against terrorism.”
An Elvis Presley recording of My Way was played during the service and a poem about Cushley’s sacrifice was read, penned by a family friend. The poem read, in part: “A lad of only 21, a young man brave and true, who gave his life to defend the rights of a people he never knew ...”
After the slow march past the schoolchildren to the community cemetery, an honour guard of 12 soldiers fired three volleys into the air. Then a bugler played The Last Post, a bagpiper played a lament and Reveille was performed before the flag was removed from Cushley’s coffin and presented to his mother.
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
I just stopped in at the codolences site and let me tell you, seeing all your names and your kind words made it all clear to me just what being a Royal Canadian is all about. If you have not done so, please do so before they close down the site.
http://www.legacy.com/can-ottawa/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=19133822
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
One can only hope that spirit of Will's patriotism touched the hearts of these children. Who knows, the seed may have been planted that will one day grow into a fine , outstanding Royal Canadian in Will's honour.
Schoolchildren stand for slain soldier's procession
By CHIP MARTIN, SUN MEDIA
PORT LAMBTON -- Pte. William Cushley's last march with his comrades took him past the elementary school from which he graduated in 1999.
All 140 pupils at Sacred Heart school lined up outside as Cushley's coffin, an honour guard of soldiers and large crowd of mourners moved past on their way to the cemetery in the community of 700 just down the street.
Students, some of whom were in kindergarten when Cushley graduated, wore red tops and tiny black armbands, and many threw flowers toward the sad procession.
"He did something for us," said a teary-eyed Kara Moran, a 13-year-old in Grade 8. "He fought for us and made us all proud."
The school has been conducting daily prayers since Cushley, 21, died Sept. 3 with three other Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.
"This really has hit the community hard," said Sacred Heart principal Tom Baker.
The school is planning to establish a Will Cushley award of some sort, he said.
The St. Clair River community virtually ground to a halt for the full military funeral at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Pallbearers were members of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR) in CFB Petawawa, with whom Cushley had served.
Parents Errol and Elaine Cushley were joined by daughters Lisa, Tonia and Amanda, who tearfully told mourners they wish Will was still with them. "You had such a big heart and you were so full of life," said one mourner.
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
Lest We Forget....
PRIVATE WILLIAM CUSHLEY, 21
Born in Port Lambton, Ont., Cushley was a member of the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. The morning he deployed to Afghanistan, his mother, Elaine, dropped him off at the bus. She promised not to cry—going so far as to bet her only son $50 that her eyes would stay dry. Moments after Cushley climbed on board, his mom lost the wager. He got off the bus, gave her one last hug, then left for Kandahar. On Sept. 3, 2006, Cushley was killed in a chaotic battle with the Taliban. Below is a copy of the handwritten note he left for his mother.
If you are reading this, I’m sorry, but I will not be coming back home. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me. I really do appreciate it. You were always there for me even when I didn’t want you to be. I have one last favour to ask you. In this envelope is two more letters, one for Tasha, one for Brandy. If you could please deliver them to them I would really appreciate it. I just want you to know that I love you and that I fought bravely and did everything I could to come home. Do not weep too much, I will always be with you in heart & spirit! Love always & forever, Will P.S.—you can keep the $50! LOL.
http://www.macleans.ca/article.jsp?content=20071031_155243_6392&page=1
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
BJ MacLean
B.J. / Rusty
Veteran 500+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 798
Pro Patria
|
WOW WOW WOW
now that got the emotions going. My he Rest In Peace.
BJ
|
B.J. MacLean
35 Yrs
Always a Proud Royal
|
|
|
David Payne
Hero Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 47
(Optional) Your Text here.
|
Adds reinforcement to the saying, say it now, hug them now regardless of their age, because you never know when ................
I had the "Luck? " of talking to my boy the night before he got hit with an IED.
If you got anything to say say it NOW!!!!
Pro Patria
David Payne
|
|
|
|
|
ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2023
|
Right on David... say it NOW, for another chance may not come... none of us knows, and that in itself is a good thing.....may all of our heroes rest in peace and may i thank them for all they have done for us all....ranrad
|
RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3092
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
Remembrance hits home in Lambton
By JACK POIRIER, SUN MEDIA
SARNIA -- He died serving his country.
He died defending his comrades.
And on Remembrance Day, the soldiers who served with Port Lambton's Pte. William Cushley in Afghanistan will honour their fallen friend during a ceremony at the cenotaph in Wallaceburg.
"It makes me feel good. William deserves it," said his mother, Elaine Cushley.
Her son, barely a month past his 21st birthday, died during a ferocious battle with the Taliban on Sept. 3, 2006.
Cushley's platoon, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, took part in a major offensive aimed at taking control of two dangerous districts in southern Afghanistan.
He was the first soldier from Lambton County killed in combat since the Korean War.
Fellow soldiers in town today and tomorrow will attend the cenotaph service and visit Cushley's grave.
"They couldn't be here last Remembrance Day because they were still in Afghanistan," Cushley said.
She said it was hard for many of the soldiers because they couldn't attend the funeral. So, a memorial service for her son was held for them to attend on the first anniversary of his death.
"A lot of them broke down. It was really difficult for them," she said.
Now, it's time for the community to return the favour and show appreciation to the soldiers for putting their lives on the line, Cushley said.
"I know Port Lambton loves them. But, generally, I don't think they're getting a lot of support right now and they need it. The media coverage has been sparse at best."
She predicts a large crowd for tomorrow's ceremony.
Her daughter, Tonia, is flying in from England to take part, with an armful of wreaths to present on behalf of the British Legion.
With tragedy striking home, it confirmed how big a sacrifice the soldiers make for Canada, Cushley said.
"I never paid much attention to Remembrance Day myself till (tragedy) struck my family," she said. "And I have no intention of ever letting anyone forget William."
|
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
|
|
|
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
| | | |
Logged