Over twenty five years ago, while digging a foundation for his building supplies store in Debert, Manning McCully discovered a one-of-a-kind sandstone block with Military markings.
The sandstone block has an inscription of the central device of the Canadian Postal Corps Hat Badge.
Above this emblem is inscribed "4th CA DIV POSTAL UNIT" which was taken to represent the 4th Canadian Armoured Division Postal Unit, a formation of the Canadian Army known to have staged through Camp Debert en route to the European Theatre of Operations during the Second World War.
Below the Emblem is inscribed "July 15, 1941".
After discovering the sandstone, Mr. McCully, an Associate Member of the Sergeant's Mess of the Post Complex, loaned the stone to the base via his friend Major David Borthwick, Commanding Officer of the then Regional Medical Equipment Depot, with the stipulation that it be returned if the base ever closed.
The stone was, however, accidentally removed and shipped to the Postal Corps Museum in Trenton Ontario when the base closed in June 1996.
While attending the Remembrance Day activities at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #106 Debert, some of the Legion Members approached their Member of Parliament, Bill Casey and asked for his help in locating the stone. He soon was able to inform them that it had been located and would be returned.
Mr. McCully decided to offer it to the Debert Legion on loan for their Memorabilia Room so that those interested in Canada's Military History may view it at their leisure.
Capt. Paul Smith conveyed it back to Debert from Trenton and today we place it in a place of honour in our Branch in memory of all those who served and the many who gave their lives in war.
The Branch is seeking further history of this artifact in the hope of identifying the Artist who engraved it and recognizing his work.
If you have any information that might assist us in finding the artist,
please send it to the ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, DEBERT BRANCH # 106, DEBERT,
NS B0M 1G0
or e-mail it to: This
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Date: 10 August 2002