Images from the Lundahl Family

It road high in the mast of the Quesnel in World War II. But where did the Thunderbiard come from, and where is it now? Follow the links below to unravel this mystery as best you can...

Or read about the mystery of 1894. Peterborough, Ontario. Was it murder or mishap? It is all in Bev Lundahl's new book about the death of David Scollie. A fire. A body in the fire. But where is the head!? Available through your local public library or book store.

Submitted by Bev Lundahl, December, 2004 Although Len E. Lundahl was not in the South Saskatchewan Regiment, these images show what life was like for young Saskatchewan men who entered the navy, or young women who worked in munitions plants during the 1940's. Len Lundahl met Jean McGregor as result of a rabbit hunting trip near Hitchcock and/or Bryant, Saskatchewan around 1939. After this Jean went with two other women from southeast Saskatchewan to Ajax to work in a munitions plant. Len enlisted in the services, going to Moose Jaw and then to Calgary(Tecumseh), then to Halifax(Stadacona). He served on the Quesnel, a corvette, in the Canadian Navy. The following comments were received from Jim Silvester about the identity of some of the people depicted in the images of the Quesnel crew:

"...I too have been in contact with Dave Freeman, as a matter of fact I was the replacement for his father when I was drafted aboard the Quesnel as a QRII on Oct.6.1941. I recall the old "Thunderbird" very well. I have also been in touch with Stan Noble, and another old shipmate A.J. Jefferies.

I regret that I am unable to give any more information as to the demise of the Thunderbird, as I was drafted off shortly after the ships picture was taken in September 1944. Due to my promotion. It was still up on the crowsnest when I left.

I too have a picture of the ships crew taken Sept. 1944. I am the Leading Seaman standing right behind the Thunderbird Stan Noble is at the top, right next to the mast. .

I went to the Web site that you have with the pictures of the ships crew. Very Good.

I regret that I never had much to do with the Engine room crew as I spent all my time on the upper deck. If your Dad went aboard in June/44 then I really didn't get to know him as I left on Sept.8/44, but the picture with the engine room staff with Chief ERA Bill Symington and you dad. Other members were, if I have the names right, were:- Keating, Mayo, McEwan, Alberts, Corrie, Jamieson and Moynaugh. The second picture was of the Officers. Connolly, Brown, Ritchie, Laing (who was the CO) Milledge (Exec Officer) Kitchener and Karr.

I too still have one of the ship's crests, I also sent one to the Naval Museum in Esquimalt.

If you could send an attachment of the picture of the "T bird" up the mast I would appreciate it. Also a larger picture of the person standing beside the 4" Gun, I might be able to identify that person.

Hope I have given you some more info re: the Quesnel, as I was with her for 2years and 11 months."

- Jim Silvester, 21Mar2005.

See the Wikipedia article for more on the H.M.C.S. Quesnel.

I.D. Photo of Jean McGregor, munitions plant, Ajax, Ontario, about 1942.

Len Lundahl in uniform

Jean McGregor prior to leaving Saskatchewan, 1941

Len Lundahl, high school graduation, River Falls, Wisconsin, 1939

Len Lundahl, Nova Scotia, 1943

Jean McGregor, location unknown

H.M.C.S. Quesnel Crest. Corvettes were named after flowers or towns.

H.M.C.S. Quesnel

H.M.C.S. Quesnel

This Thunderbird totem pole was always mounted on the mast when the Quesnel sailed. If anyone knows the history of this totem pole, contact bev.lundahl@accesscomm.ca

The crew of the Quesnel. Photo passed Navy censor 1Sep1944. Notice totem pole.

The crew of the Quesnel. Notice totem pole.

The crew of the Quesnel. Notice totem pole. Back row, far right, Bill Simmington, Chief ERA(Engine Room Artificer). Front row, far left, Len Lundah ERA, Fourth Class.

Engine Room, H.M.C.S. Quesnel?

Royal Canadian Navy Technical Training Courses - L.E. Lundahl's Grades - he was 17th in a class of 101.

Halifax?

Graduation Class, 10Aug1943

Statement of War Service Gratuity - front side

Statement of War Service Gratuity - back side

Person unknown - note radar above gun

Artificer Apprentice Course No 2 Graduating Class - also known as "B" Division, taken at Dominion Provincial Training Centre, Victoria Park, Calgary, AB - 6Jul1942 - left side

Artificer Apprentice Course No 2 Graduating Class - also known as "B" Division, taken at Dominion Provincial Training Centre, Victoria Park, Calgary, AB - 6Jul1942 - middle

Artificer Apprentice Course No 2 Graduating Class - also known as "B" Division, taken at Dominion Provincial Training Centre, Victoria Park, Calgary, AB - 6Jul1942 - right side

Graduating Class - list for left photo

Graduating Class - list for middle photo

Graduating Class - list for right photo

Returned Service Men and Women - Reception - Macoun, Friday, December 28th, 1945 - front and back covers

Returned Service Men and Women - Reception - Macoun, Friday, December 28th, 1945 - inside pages

Wedding Photo - 1Nov1945 - Jean McGregor & Len Lundahl - St. Giles Anglican Church, Estevan, Saskatchewan

Gals Aglee newspaper cartoon - The benefits of working in a war plant!

Jean & Len Lundahl, with her new daughter Bev Lundahl, 1947

Restored 14Jan2015 GCS/gs