Durham Legion Branch 308 Military History & Peacekeeping Museum

06/01/2026

If anyone is looking for a very local road trip destination check out the Cargill and Greenock Swamp Visitor Centre and Museum! It is a fantastic, well-run museum, book store, art gallery and cafe. Check them out on Facebook for hours and upcoming events!

What a perfect day for a stroll through history! ☀️🏛️

Did you know we offer a self-guided walking tour of Historic Cargill? Pick up a map and explore the village at your own pace, discovering historic buildings, fascinating stories, and information that helps paint a picture of life in the olden days. Whether you're a local or just visiting, it's a wonderful way to experience the rich history and charm of our community. Stop by the museum to start your journey through time! 🤎 OPEN 11AM-4PM every THURSDAY to SUNDAY.

05/30/2026

Part of my historical walk on June 20 will include a stop at our Cenotaph. Here we will discuss the German mortar in our park, as well as the Cenotaph monument’s soldier. It’s free to join, just register through the West Grey Public Library. We will be meeting at the Conservation Area entrance off of Highway 6, half way up the Durham Hill 🚶🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

05/29/2026

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in July!

05/27/2026

We have a neat podcast episode coming up where we chat with Legion National Foundation historian and tour director John Goheen about the Battle of Hill 62. This often-overlooked "dirty little action" as John calls it, took place in June 1916, and was a pivotal moment in the formation of the Canadian Corps. I would have to go check to confirm, but here in Durham I believe it is listed on our Cenotaph as the battle of 'Sanctuary Wood' - which it is often called. You will also see it called the Battle of Mount Sorrel.

The photos (courtesy of John Goheen) are the Hill 62 memorial; and a view from the top of Hill 62 looking toward Ypres, Belgium.

05/27/2026

This is a neat item that can be found over in the collection with our friends at the Stayner Legion. As near as we can tell it is trench art or some sort of homemade memento. All sorts of cool items can be found at local Legion branches.

05/21/2026

A big thank you to everyone who keeps the show going at Durham Legion Branch 308!

As another fiscal year comes to an end, we would like to recognize and celebrate our 2025–2026 Executive Directors for a successful year at our branch.

Back Row: Comrades Ronda Starling, Kathleen Melanson, Doug Anderson, Steven Goldsmith, Bill Noble, Stephen Townsend, and Brian Carr.
Front Row: Comrades Mary Ellen Nelson, Lee Ann Rae, Joan Milne, James Rae, and Robin Gingerich.
Absent: Comrade Sharon Weppler.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Comrades James Rae and Lee Ann Rae for their dedication, hard work, and service to our branch as they step down for the new fiscal year. Your contributions have truly been appreciated.

A very special congratulations goes out to Comrade Stephen Townsend on his retirement! While we are sad to see you step away, we are so excited for you as you begin this next chapter filled with travel, adventure, and wonderful memories with your beautiful wife. We’re definitely a little jealous! Bon Voyage, safe travels, and enjoy every minute of your retirement!

As we begin the new fiscal year, we are also excited to welcome Comrades Angela Corrigan and Kelly Mahn to the Executive Team. We are honoured to serve and hope to make our branch proud! 😁😉

05/17/2026

We are coming up on two significant 110 year anniversaries for the Canadian Corps in the First World War. June 2nd is the Battle of Mount Sorrel. I believe on our Cenotaph it is called Sanctuary Wood. Of course July 1 is the anniversary of one of the biggest and most controversial battles of the war, the Battle of the Somme. Maybe our good friend John Goheen will join us again to discuss these battles... Pictured here is the battlefield around Courcelette, Canadians attacked here (sort of from left to right, coming toward the camera) in September 1916. This was part of the larger Somme offensive.

05/15/2026

The German Panzerkampfwagen VI, or more commonly known as the Tiger, took on mythical status both during the Second World War and in popular imagination since. However, our Canadian soldiers more often than not would run into other German armoured vehicles, often the Panzer IV, or, particularly in Normandy, the Panzer V, better known as the Panther. Maybe coming up on a future podcast we will chat German armour myths and realities with our good friend Mark Proulx from Grenadier Historical.

05/14/2026