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Lorne Stevenson

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Lorne J. Stevenson was born in New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island in 1899. Throughout his long life he fought in both World War I and World War II. Lorne signed up for World War I at the age of 17 with the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve and was assigned to mine sweeping duties on the Gawsack, a converted fishing vessel. He often recalled the dangerous work, and the very primitive ship. Crew members would have to rely on sight alone to spot submarines and then they would drop depth charges from the Gawsack while sailing full speed ahead to avoid getting caught in the blast. Lorne recalls getting lucky a number of times and taking out some enemy submarines. He also recalled how the Gawsack would be tied to another vessel by a long rope which would sweep through the water between them and remove Sea Mines from their anchors. This would cause them to float to the surface, whereupon the crew would fire at them until they exploded. Lorne was one of four brothers who fought in World War I, all of whom survived. He never glorifies war, and acknowledges that the enemy were just following orders as he was. He even claims that he could have been friends with them under different circumstances. Lorne died at the Atlantic Baptist Nursing Home on August 23rd, 1998 at the age of 100. He was the husband of Louise Stevenson, the father of 6 children, 20 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.
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Island Archives
University of Prince Edward Island
inukshuk.ca

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