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.
Learn about the wartime and family life of John V. Sinclair, a World War II veteran who courageously enlisted at just 17 years old. After surviving battlefield injuries in France—thanks to a dramatic rescue by his neighbor “Chappy” Adams—he returned home to Selkirk, dedicated 25 years of hard work to the Manitoba Rolling Mills, and proudly raised a remarkably vibrant family of 11 children.
Follow the wartime service of James Laye, a Second World War veteran who stepped forward to serve in the Canadian Army alongside his brother Jack. As a dedicated member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, his commitment and sacrifice in the defense of peace and freedom remain an enduring part of his family’s legacy and community history.
Follow the poignant wartime journey of Jack Norquay, a proud Selkirk native and member of the historic Dufferin Gang who enlisted with the RCAF in 1942. Serving overseas as a dedicated bomber-aimer, he affectionately named his Halifax aircraft ‘Millie’ in honor of his wife, flying successful operations over Germany before making the ultimate sacrifice over Kassel in 1943.
Follow the life of Jack C. Laye, a Second World War veteran who served in the Canadian Army alongside his brother James as part of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang. After returning home, he earned his Red Seal in carpentry, dedicating his post-war career to North American Lumber, Government Services, and the Selkirk Mental Health Centre.
Follow the wartime experiences of Jack B. Gunter, a dedicated World War II veteran who enlisted with the Fort Garry Horse Armoured Tank Corps. Serving as a mess cook and supporting frontline troops during the critical D-Day Invasion, he bravely served alongside four of his siblings as a proud member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, leaving a legacy of family sacrifice and community service.
Honor the memory of Harry Scramstad, one of more than one million brave Canadians who stepped forward to serve during the Second World War. Serving alongside his brothers, Bob and Otto, as a vital member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, his sacrifice in the pursuit of peace stands as a lasting testament to his community.
Honor the memory of Harold Starr, one of more than one million brave Canadians who stepped forward to serve during the Second World War. As a vital member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, his sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and freedom stands as a lasting testament to his community, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come.
Follow the extraordinary life of Harold Little, a D-Day veteran who courageously navigated a swimming tank onto Juno Beach. Despite losing an eye to a landmine during the landing, he heroically carried a wounded comrade to safety, later returning to Europe to complete his service with the historic Dufferin Gang. After the war, he built a legendary local career as a commercial and government recovery diver, a legacy celebrated today at the Marine Museum of Manitoba.
Follow the selfless life of Harold Henrikson, who stepped away from school in the 1930s to support his family at the Selkirk Foundry. After marrying in Ontario and enlisting with the Lord Strathcona’s Armoured Horse Tank Corps, this proud member of the Dufferin Gang fought in the Liberation of the Netherlands and Belgium before returning home to raise his family, work at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, and serve as a dedicated Mason and Legion member.
Learn about the dedicated community life of Gordon Coutts, a proud World War II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. As a recognized member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, he returned home to build a lifelong career at the Manitoba Rolling Mills and remained deeply involved with the local Legion, leaving a legacy of service both at home and abroad.