March 2, 2018.  Lori (Muttart) Eggert, a relative of PEI WWII Pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART – whose story has been featured on this blog – is organizing an event to commemorate what would be the 100^th birthday of Elmer Muttart, who died in 1941 after his plane was shot down in The Netherlands.

For those who may be interested in attending the event on March 10, 2018 in the Borden-Carleton Legion, here are the details that Lori has passed along:

(Photo on left: from Canadian Virtual War Memorial at http://www.veterans.gc.ca)

I have organized the following event, in honour of the life of Flight Sergeant Elmer Bagnall Muttart, a distant relative of mine, on what would have been his 100th birthday.

The Legion is very supportive of this event and has encouraged its members to attend, in uniform if possible.  The Sergeant-At-Arms will march on the Legion Colours (flags) at 2 pm to commence the event, and off again at 5 pm to close the event.  The Cape Traverse Iceboat Committee is sponsoring the event, and there will be a huge cake with Elmer’s picture on it.  Hoping to display as many photos and articles about his life as I can find as I would like to celebrate his amazing accomplishments, not just his heroic sacrifice.

Please join us on Saturday March 10, 2018 (2:00 pm) at the Borden-Carleton Royal Canadian Legion Branch #10 to honour the life of a local son, brother and Canadian hero, born March 14, 1918 in Cape Traverse, PEI, on what would have been his 100th birthday.

Sadly, during WWII, at the age of 23, Elmer gave his life in a heroic act of bravery which spared his crew and many other lives. He is buried in Harlingen Cemetery in The Netherlands.

With the blessing of his surviving sister, Helen, and her family, we would like to celebrate the remarkable life of Elmer Bagnall Muttart, at an appropriate venue, the Royal Canadian Legion in Borden-Carleton. The Cenotaph outside bears his name and that of many other local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

For more on his tremendous act of heroism, please read a blog written by Pieter and Daria Valkenburg:  The story of WWII pilot Elmer Bagnall Muttart from Cape Traverse, who saved the Dutch village of Wons and his crew after being shot down in October 1941.
https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/the-elmer-bagnall-muttart-story/comment-page-1/#comment-62

The non-profit Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation in The Netherlands and the non-profit Tryon & Area Historical Society (TAHS) here on Prince Edward Island have partnered to raise funds for a memorial plaque to be placed in Wons, The Netherlands, in October 2018. Those who wish to make a donation for the memorial plaque will receive a charitable receipt at this event from members of the TAHS.

Cake and refreshments to be shared.

All are welcome.

#CanadaRemembers

️ STORM DATE: Sunday March 11, 2018 at 2:00 pm ️

What a wonderful event!  Pieter and I hope to be home in time to attend and we look forward to meeting readers of this blog.

Details for those wishing to donate to the project for a memorial plaque to be placed in Wons:  Cheques may be written out to TAHS and mailed to Tryon & Area Historical Society (TAHS), PO Box 38, Crapaud PE C0A 1J0.  In the subject line, identify your cheque as being for the “Muttart Memorial Fund”.  A charitable donation receipt will be sent to all donors.

If you wish to donate and you live in Europe:  Bank transfers may be made to Stichting Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation, Bank Account # (IBAN) NL35ABNA0569579856, and state in the subject line “Attn D.S. Drijver for Halifax L9561”.

The Cenotaph Research Project is far from over, and your input is welcome.  Please share your photos, comments, or stories by emailing us at dariadv@yahoo.ca or by commenting on this blog.

Upcoming presentation:  Pieter will be speaking about the Cenotaph Research Project at Central Trinity United Church in Breadalbane on March 25, 2018, at 7:00 pm.  More details to come.

© Daria Valkenburg