During the Second World War, 31 men and women from Dufferin Avenue in Selkirk, Manitoba, known as The Dufferin Gang, enlisted together to serve their country. Their story reflects the city’s remarkable unity, loyalty, and courage in a time of war.
Thomas “Tom” Albert Norquay (1925–1979) was a Selkirk-born Second World War veteran who enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of Toronto as an optometrist and opened the very first optometry practice in Selkirk.
William Daniel Griffiths (1898–1962) was a Welsh-born First World War veteran who served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France. Settling in Selkirk after the war, he worked as an accountant for the Manitoba Rolling Mills (MRM) and actively contributed to his community as a member of the Lisgar Masonic Lodge and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 42.
Stefan Victor Arni Stefanson (1919–1980) was a Selkirk-born Second World War veteran who enlisted in the Canadian Army with the Irish Fusiliers Regiment, serving on the Canadian west coast and in Jamaica. Following his military service, he remained active in his community, notably playing for the Selkirk Legion intermediate hockey team.
Sigurjon “Siggi” Goodbrandson (1920–2003) was a Manitoba-born Second World War veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery. After returning home, he enjoyed a long career as a machinist at the Manitoba Rolling Mills (MRM) and was an active, lifelong member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 42 in Selkirk.
Roderick “Roddie” Fiddler (1912–1996) was a Manitoba-born Second World War veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery. After returning to civilian life, he spent decades working at the Selkirk Mental Hospital (later the Selkirk Mental Health Centre) and remained a deeply dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 42.
Richard “Dick” Johnstone (1901–1993) was a Scottish-born Second World War veteran who served with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. A long-time Selkirk resident, he worked as a greenskeeper at the Selkirk Golf Course and later as a local handyman, while actively contributing to his community as a founding member and Grand Chieftain of the Manitoba Highland Gathering.
Raymond Edward Fiddler (1924–1981) was a Manitoba-born Second World War veteran who enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Following his military service, he worked as a tugboat captain for the Suzanne E on the Hayes River and later with Marine Transport.
Paul Henrikson (1924–1992) was a Second World War Royal Canadian Navy veteran who served on the HMCS Uganda. After the war, he dedicated his life to education as a beloved teacher at Selkirk Collegiate and the Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School, while also serving his community as a town councillor, Deputy Mayor, and active member of numerous local clubs.
Remember the dedication of Otto Scramstad, a proud World War II veteran who answered the call to serve in the Canadian Army. Alongside his brothers Bob and Harry, he stood as a vital member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, leaving behind an enduring legacy of family sacrifice and community service.
Learn about the wartime sacrifice of Lawson Dillabough, a brave young man from Selkirk who answered the call to serve during the Second World War. As a dedicated member of the historic Dufferin Gang, his commitment alongside his neighbors and peers stands as an enduring testament to his community’s profound legacy of military service.