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Billy McCann Park2003
Day Street at Rosseau Avenue, Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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"The streets in our community have been named for people who were killed in action. Streets like Atwood Street, Robson Street, Moroz Street, Valde, Larche, Widlake. Parks in our community were also named: Billy McCann Park, and today we have schools that we named for men who also served as part of the war."Flight Sergeant William Alexander McCann enlisted in January 1941. Previous to joining the air force, he was a member of the Cameron cadets with whom he gained Dominion honours in marksmanship. Following enlistment, he was trained as an Air Gunner in Canada. He was sent overseas in October 1941. Sgt William Alexander (Bill) McCann died in service to King and Country when his plane, a Wellington Bomber was shot down during a bombing raid over Bremen. Flight Sergeant Bill McCann, R.C.A.F. was killed in action on June 28, 1942.
Located at the corner of Rosseau Avenue West and Day Street, "It was decided to give the playground a name and it will be known as "The 'Bill' McCann Memorial Playground". It was on these very ground that Bill spent may of his childhood days while attending Central School. He was always one of the popular boys on the grounds" as reported in a Transcona News article on October 4, 1945.
Billy McCann Park stands as a memorial to William Alexander (Bill) McCann, a young man who grew up in Transcona and attended Central School. He was regarded as an outstanding individual in collegiate athletic events. He was also a member of the Transcona Rugby Club and an active member of the Young People's Association of Knox United Church. He was the son of Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Florence McCann of 181 Oxford Street, Transcona, Manitoba.
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The bandstand in the middle of Park Circle looking south1914
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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As early as 1910, real estate developers recognized the needs of the community to have land reserved for recreational purposes. As a result, space for a public park was included in the original plans of what would later become the Town of Transcona. Since its creation in 1911, the park has been referred to by several names including "Town Park", "Central Park Circle", "Memorial Park", "Park Circle", and "Circle Park". In the early years, musicians played at a beautiful band stand which was once located in the centre of the park. In addition to musical events, the park has been a centre for recreational sports, leisure activities, community celebrations, and memorial services. In 1954, the old bandstand was torn down and the public war memorial which was originally erected by the Town of Transcona in 1931 at the corner of Regent Avenue and Oxford (now Day) Street was moved to the park and placed in its present location where it may be seen today. On September 25, 1998, the park was given a new name to reflect its importance, history, and meaning to the community and was officially dedicated as "Memorial Park Circle".In later years, bronze plaques were added to the façade of the stone centoph to cover the engrave names that were worn and weathered.
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Valde Avenue - In memory of Victor Lewis ValdeVictor Lewis Valde was the son of Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Emma Valde of Transcona, Manitoba. He was affiliated with Transcona Memorial United Church in Transcona. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force served as a Air Gunner. Flight Sergeant Victor Lewis Valde was reported missing after flight operations in the Transcona News. He died on November 2, 1944 at age 20. He was buried in Rheinburg War Cemetery, Germany (Coll. grave B. 14-18). In recognition of his supreme sacrifice and service to King and Country, Victor Valde's name was memorialized through the re-naming of "Valde Avenue" (formerly called Parker), which intersects with Day street in the area of North Transcona.
Robson Street - In memory of Wishart Robson
Wishart Robson was born August 1, 1916. He was the youngest son of Mr. James and Mrs. Margaret Robson of Winona Street and Edward Avenue in Transcona, Manitoba. He was educated at Central School in Transcona. He worked at the Creosote Company and the Cordite Plant in Trancona prior to enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force in June 1941. He received his training in Canada through the British Commonwealth Air Training Program (B.C.A.T.P.) and received his commission in 1942. Flight Lieutenant Wishart William Robson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 1944. He stayed in the Air Force after the war and was killed in an airplane accident in Northern Manitoba on August 20, 1949. He was 33 years of age. He was a member of Transcona Legion Branch No.7 and a member of Transcona United Church.
Atwood Street - In memory of Bertram "Bert" Edwin Atwood who was killed overseas.
Flight Sgt. Bertram Atwood enlisted in the Air Force in June 1941 and was trained through the British Commonwealth Air Training Program (B.C.A.T.P.) at Edmonton, Prince Albert, and Yorkton. He received his wings in February 1942 and went overseas two weeks later in March 1942. Between March and November 1942, Flight Sergeant Atwood made at least 14 operational flights over Germany. He was reported missing in action over Germany. His death was later confirmed by the International Red Cross according to German Information on January 13, 1943. He was killed in action at 27 years of age. He is buried in Reichswald Forest Cemetery, Germany (Grave 2.G.11.).
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Atwood Street, named in memory of Bertram 'Bert' Edwin Atwood2002
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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Article relating how Bertram Atwood was killed11 February 1943
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
Credits:Transcona News
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Robson Street sign, named in memory of Wishart Robson2002
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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This article related how Wishart Robson has won the DFC for gallantry31 August 1944
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
Credits:Transcona News
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This article is showing a 1944 picture of Wishart Robson and King George VI25 August 1949
England
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Robson Street, named in memory of Wishart Robson2002
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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This article reports Victor Lewis Valde missing9 November 1944
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
Credits:Transcona News
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Article confirming the death of P.O. Victor L. Valde2 November 1944
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
Credits:Transcona News
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Widlake Street sign, named in memory of Tom Huntington Widlake2002
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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