Features
One man’s story – Barry Leipsic: choosing to serve his country during World War II
By BERNIE BELLAN Over the years we’ve had many stories in this newspaper chronicling the stories of brave Jewish men and women who served in various armed forces over the years.
It’s one thing to read history books that describe wars, it’s another thing to read personal accounts of what it was like to be in an actual war.
Recently we were contacted by Peter Leipsic, who asked us whether we’d be interested in seeing correspondence from around the time of World War II which tells the story of his own father, Barry’s, experiences, serving with the Fort Garry Horse, a mechanized unit of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Among the artifacts Peter has in his possession are a number of letters written by Barry to his parents, Louis and Nell Leipsic, along with newspaper clippings describing some of the action in which Barry Leipsic was involved.
I note, after having read Peter’s own account of his family history in the Jewish Foundation Book of Life, that his mother, Yvonne, met her future husband in London, England, when Barry Leipsic was stationed there during the war. In Yvonne’s obituary, the story how she happened to meet Lieut. Barry Leipsic is told: “She recalled her blind luck when during the Blitz, due to a local fire, she was forced to spend the night at the hotel. In the morning, she discovered her entire apartment building had been leveled by a direct hit. It was at about this time that she was introduced to Barry Leipsic, a dashingly handsome 25-year old Lieutenant from Winnipeg, stationed in England with the Fort Garry Horse Tank Regiment. Yvonne and Barry were married in 1944. Like so many war brides she immigrated to Canada, to its winters and remoteness; a world even more foreign than anything for which England might have prepared her.”
While Lieut. Leipsic remained in England, Yvonne Leipsic – like many a war bride, came to Canada on her own. According to Peter’s account in the Book of Life, however, his mother, who was born in Vienna, was “accustomed to culture and refined living, and found adjustment to Winnipeg difficult.”
What Peter also told me was that his father was badly wounded during the war. Barry Leipsic lost his left eye, part of his right ear, and was also wounded in his left hand. Yet, according to Peter, his father never dwelled on his war wounds. In fact, he was prone to taking out his glass eye and playing with it – to the amusement of his children and later his grandchildren.
What follows are excerpts from letters, newspaper clippings, and telegrams, that give an insight into the character of Barry Leipsic – someone who grew up in a well-to-do Winnipeg family, yet who joined the Canadian army early on in World War II.
Here is an excerpt written to his mother in September 1939, when she was visiting in New York and Barry was in Winnipeg:
“Dearest Mother…
“You will be happy to know that your son is going to serve his country and the Jews. Yes, I have enlisted in the Fort Garry Horse (mechanized)….I was going to wait until you returned home but after giving it due consideration and thought I decided it would be easier for both of us, doing the good deed while you were absent. It will be a year before we are fully trained and equipped and by that time the war should be over. Please don’t think I enlisted just for the thrill or “getting away from it all” spirit…I do honestly believe that every Jew able to serve should do so at this time. In fact it is going to be very uncomfortable for a good many Jews if a good percentage do not enlist….
“Please wish me luck in my new vocation.”
“All my love to you darling and hurry home”
“Barry”
First enlisted as a corporal, it wasn’t long before Cpl. Leipsic received his first promotion – to sergeant. Here are excerpts from a letter Barry Leipsic wrote to his parents in June 1940, informing them of his promotion, during his training at Camp Shilo:
“Dear Mom, Dad, etal,
“A pleasant and somewhat expected surprise came today. Major Halpenny called myself and another Corporal into the Orderly Room and in a very solemn voice informed us that we were promoted to Lance Sargeants. Financially that means another 25 cents per day, we have the same standing, perform the same duties as sargeants and are addressed as sargeants. However, officially it does not take affect (sic) until tomorrow when it appears on regimental orders, so as to play the safe side better write me still as corporal.
“The reason for the last line is one can never be to (sic) presumptious (sic) in this army and here’s the reason why. It seems quite likely that we will be leaving camp tomorrow, as to our destination, that is yet to be seen but I am positive we will not be leaving Canada, it is even rumored that we might go to a prison camp at Fort Frances or Hudson, Ont. To guard alien prisoners, however that is only a rumor. Just as soon as I have anything definite I will let you know. This afternoon our advance party left, and all stores are being packed, kits inspected for shortages etc and above all the rumors are flying like bats in a haunted house. There is nothing official as yet and I suppose we will only know definitely when we get on the train.
“There is nothing at all to worry about and remember that I will let you know when anything further takes place.
“Until then I am your devoted son.
“Love Barry”
Included with the artifacts Peter Leipsic has in his possession is this amusing bulletin that was posted at Camp Shilo in June 1940:
“ATTENTION ALL YIDS
“A large piece of Versht and two loaves of rye have been received by Bdr. Herb. Ludman, of the 20th Anti-Tank Battery.
“All Yiddlach are cordially invited to have dinner, today, at the 20th Battery Orderly Room tent at 1230 hours today, (8-6-40).
“Let’s see you there!”
“Herb Ludman
“Secty.
“C.C.Y.S.
“Canadian Corps of Yiddish Suckers)”
The Fort Garry Horse was part of the Canadian group that landed at Normandy in June 1944. Members of the Horse fought their way across France, into Belgium, Holland, and finally into Germany.
In a clipping that Peter Leipsic has in his possession, an account written for the Canadian Press on August 2, 1944 describes some of the action encountered by the Fort Garry Horse in an article titled “Garry’s Heavy Barrages Stop Nazi Panther Tanks”:
“LONDON, Aug. 2—(CP Cable)—Two tank experts of the Fort Garry Horse, a Winnipeg regiment, told a press conference here Tuesday how Canadian tanks on the Normandy front are dealing with crack German Panther units.
“Capt. Harry Sleigh of Winnipeg said the Panthers are met by laying down a concentration of high explosive and Canadian tankmen had been highly trained in this type of fire.
“On the Caen front eight days ago, he said, the Fort Garry formation’s supply vehicles got within 200 yards of the tanks and 200 percent of the normal supply of ammunition and fuel were brought up within easy reach in order to keep up the fire.
Lieut. Barry Leipsic, Winnipeg, said German anti-tank weapons were good, particularly their 88-M.M. gun. He described the Canadian attack on Carpiquet airfield July 4 when battleships firing from the sea assisted the artillery barrage and tank-supported infantry to break through.
“Lieut. Leipsic, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Leipsic, reside at 186 Dromore ave., joined the F.G.H. in September, 1939. In August, 1942, he graduated from the officers’ training centre at Brockville, Ont. He spent a short time the following November on leave here and then went overseas.”
It was in February 1945 – and by this time Lieut. Leipsic had been promoted to Captain – that Captain Leipsic was badly injured in battle. Yvonne Leipsic was first notified by telegram that her husband had been wounded, soon to be followed by this letter:
“Mrs. Yvonne L. Leipsic…
“Dear Madam,
“Confirming my telegram dated today I regret to inform you that your husband, Capt. Barry Leipsic, has been reported wounded 10 FEB 45.
“No particulars of the nature and extent of his injuries have yet been received, but I can assure you that any further information received here regarding your husband will be communicated to you immediately…
“Yours faithfully,
“(L.S. APPLEFORD) Major”
That letter was subsequently followed by this communication, on March 2, 1945:
“…I am directed to inform you that the following additional information has now been received regarding your husband, Capt. LEIPSIC, Barry, of the 10th. Armd. Regt.
“The diagnosis of your husband’s wounds is as follows: “Gunshot Wound of the Right Ear, the Left Eye and the Left Hand.”
“Yours faithfully,
“(L.S. APPLEFORD) Major”
Capt. Leipsic had been in charge of 19 tanks in Holland at the time he was wounded. He was hit in the head by machine gun fire. The bullet passed through his left eye, coming out his right ear.
Finally, on August 8, 1945, Captain Leipsic, who was now back in Winnipeg, received the following letter:
“Dear Capt. Leipsic:
“I have noted with regret that it is necessary for you to retire from the Canadian Army by reason of wounds sustained in action. Mere words may not seem of much value to you in these circumstances but you should not leave the Army without the assurance I now give you that your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed or unnhonoured.
“In the activities of this Nation I am sure due credit will be paid to those who, like you, carry with them into their civil life visible evidence of the highest patriotism. You are fully entitled to cultivate an inner sense of pride in your achievements and your honourable service in war for your Country’s need and for civilization’s salvation.
“I close with the hope that you may profit by the security and happiness in your civil life which you have done your utmost to earn and do truly deserve.
“(A. E. Walford),
“Major-General,
“Adjutant-General”
Following the war, Barry Leipsic reentered the family business of Aronovitch & Leipsic. He and Yvonne had two children: Peter and Richard. Barry Leipsic died in 1983.
Features
5 Ways to Carve Out Gym Time in Your Life
From rewriting your brain and sticking to a disciplined workout regime, find the top 5 ways to carve out adequate gym time in your daily routine.
A Brief Introduction
It can be a hassle to find the time to work out if you are busy with everyday responsibilities. By incorporating a few practical strategies into your daily life, you can start being consistent with your gym routine.
- Remember Your Motivation to Prioritize
If you’re trying to be consistent, you need to know why you started out. People may have different reasons to commit their time to the gym. Be it to build muscles, lose weight, deal with stress, or improve overall health, having a clear vision of your goal will help you stick to it. With your reason to start always on your mind, you will now have a reason to keep showing up, day in and day out. This helps cut out excuses and prioritize your wellbeing.
- Reduce Your Barrier to Start
The more hurdles you keep on your way to start, the harder it will be to continue with your habit. The easy solution is to cut down on the effort it takes to get started. Pick an accessible gym over a fancier one that you would need to go out of your way to visit. By picking a gym along the route of your daily routine, you can seamlessly incorporate working out as part of your day. Be it near your workplace or your home, the location makes hitting the gym convenient.
It also helps if you plan ahead. Be it your preworkout, your protein shake, or other health supplements from flexpharma.is, make sure you are restocking before you run out. Anabolic steroids are possibly one of the most popular items that have methandrostenolone. Injectables, fat burners, and fusion steroids are some of the trending fitness products that have been creating a buzz across the world.
Keep your gym bag ready to go and lay out your workout gear ahead of time so that you are left with no excuses.
- Get a Gym Buddy for Accountability
Nothing helps drive athletes more than having a sense of community and camaraderie. People interested in weight training already know about the importance of a spotter. Having a friend, a partner, or a peer in the gym will help keep you on track to consistency. This also provides a sense of community, making it more rewarding to attend workout sessions regularly and push each other towards breaking new personal records.
- Incorporate Workouts in Your Daily Activities
It is impossible to make it to the gym every day without fail, be it due to work, family, or other responsibilities. For those days, make it a habit to not skip your workouts. There are many home workout videos and apps available that offer a range of exercise options with little to no equipment. You can start with mini-workouts like planks or squats during short breaks. It can even be as simple as going for a quick stroll for five minutes while stuck at work if you are pressed for time. The easiest way to increase your fitness and stamina is through Sermorelin, Semaglutide, and other cutting-edge peptides to start with.
- Rewire Your Brain
Science talks about neuroplasticity and the power of the positive feedback loop. Without having to learn more about cognitive sciences, you can still make use of these hacks to trick your brain into enjoying training. For every achievement, celebrate yourself. Be it a happy shout of victory on breaking a personal record or getting a new flavor of protein bar, with every celebratory action, you reinforce the positive effect of being consistent at the gym. By creating a positive experience, you make it easier for your brain to stay engaged and consistent at the gym.
Conclusion
It takes careful planning to commit to gym life. While hard work is always rewarded in the gym, in order to get to the gym day in and day out, you also need to work smart. By removing the common hurdles and being dedicated, you can make sure you reach your personal wellness goal.
Features
When will we most likely see an NFL expansion team from Canada?
It’s currently the middle of August, meaning that the biggest sporting show in North America doesn’t start for another three weeks. On September 5, the curtain will come down on the new NFL season as the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosts Baltimore Ravens at Arrowfield Stadium.
It’s not just Americans that love football though, the game and in particular the NFL is hugely popular north of the border here in Canada. Every week millions of Canadians tune in to cheer on their favourite teams and keep refresh their phones to find out the latest NFL standings.
What though, are the chances of Canadian NFL fans checking their phones to see how a Canadian team is doing in the standings? Read on to find out.
The History of NFL Expansion into Canada
Broadly there are two camps in Canada when it comes to NFL expansion. Those on one side of the debate claim that they don’t need an NFL team and that having one would cause harm to their own domestic competition.
On the other side of the battlefield are those who claim that the NFL is more popular in Canada than its own domestic league and that it is baffling that millions of Canadians are forced to support American teams when they could be supporting one of their own in the NFL.
Traditionally the second camp has been winning the argument, but only just. Which explains why many attempts for an NFL expansion into the country have failed, as the physical barriers to overcome have been, at times, overshadowed by the ideological ones.
From around 1975 to 2015, there have been numerous attempts to set up a franchise in Canada – particularly in Toronto – but none have taken hold. The closest that we have gotten to NFL action north of the border was when the Buffalo Bills played six regular season games at the Rogers Centre between 2008 to 2013.
(The fans might have loved the Toronto series, but it’s safe to say the Bill’s players didn’t particularly enjoy it.)
What’s Stopping Expansion?
Currently the argument for expansion is gaining momentum, but despite that there are still substantial obstacles to overcome. The key one is that there is no current suitable venue that the NFL see as being able to sustain a franchise.
In terms of supporter numbers, Toronto is the only feasible location for an NFL franchise. With a metropolitan population in excess of 6 million and an estimated football viewing audience of just under a million, it is by far and away the standout contender to host an NFL team.
Unfortunately, The Rogers Centre has since been turned into an exclusively baseball venue since being used as a temporary home for the Bills back in 2013. The next alternative in Toronto is BMO Field, the home of MLS side Toronto FC.
Whilst the 31,000 seater stadium is perfectly serviceable for MLS, its capacity puts it at below half of the average capacity of an NFL stadium (70,000).
What the Future Holds for Canadian NFL Expansion
There are three possibilities for a Canadian NFL expansion. The first is that the 18,000 seat expansion to BMO field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup satisfies the NFL. That would bring the total capacity at the stadium to just under 50,000, which would still make it the smallest stadium in the NFL but only by around 10,000 seats.
Or, that the stadium can be further expanded to bring it into line with other NFL venues and thus remove one huge obstacle to expansion. The other alternative is that work begins on a purpose built venue with the backing of local businessman and American entrepreneurs who are keen to see NFL played regularly in Canada.
Potential Timeframes
If the first two stadium possibilities are possible then we could see a Toronto based NFL team at the end of the decade. That’s a best case scenario. The most likely however is that BMO Field is deemed unsuitable for the NFL, leaving another venue to be found.
Unfortunately, 70,000 seater stadiums aren’t cheap and finding someone to finance a project of that size without the guarantee of an NFL franchise is highly unlikely. Until then, it looks like we’ll have to continue backing our own domestic league and enjoying the NFL from afar…
Features
Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.
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