FROM 1926 - 2025 (and counting)

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #008 White Rock, BC

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #008 White Rock, has an interesting history in which one building in particular stands out. By the end of 1915, wounded and disabled Veterans began returning home from the Great War.  Charities originally formed to help these soldiers as government support was limited.

 

Veterans formed their own associations to secure proper care and recognition.

The Great War Veterans Association (GWVA) formed in 1916 and was the primary predecessor to the Royal Canadian Legion and played a foundational role in supporting returning soldiers in White Rock after World War I.  Established nationally in 1917, the Great War Veterans Association (GWVA) was formed to advocate for the urgent needs of Veterans, such as pensions, medical care and social reintegration.

 

Remembrance of those who served was a hallmark goal for these associations also.  In 1919, just after the First World War, returning servicemen of the area were looking for a place to call their own, while the community was trying to decide on a suitable way to honour it’s heroes.

When a local contractor suffered a tragic accident while constructing a building adjacent to the pier, the Veterans bought the building materials, and with volunteer labour and public subscriptions, the long anticipated GWVA Hall became reality.

The first GWVA Hall, which stood on pilings at the base of the iconic White Rock Pier, is now only a fond memory, but during its short, distinctive life it went beyond the expectations of the men who built it, serving not just the GWVA members and families, but the entire community. On July 6, 1921 the GWVA recognized and adopted the flower of Flanders, the POPPY as the official emblem of Remembrance.

Offering Poppys for donations became a primary fund raiser for supporting Veterans’ needs, which continues to this day.  In 1925 the Great War Veterans Association (GWVA) merged with other Veterans groups to form the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. The formal Canadian Legion Hall dedication opening was held on Sunday July 7, 1929. An impressive stone plaque in the main hall was inscribed with the names of four local White Rock men – John Wicks, David Wix, J.W. Robertson, and Charles Severn – who did not return from the Great War.

The first President of the branch was Frank McKenzie, who served through the name change from the original Great War Veterans Association (GWVA) to the Canadian Legion in 1926, and served in the leadership role on into the 1930s. The local Canadian Legion Branch in White Rock became the Canadian Legion Branch #008, White Rock. The Official incorporation of the “White Rock, British Columbia No. 8 Branch was instituted on 17 November 1926.

The euphoria of the 1920s soon dissipated in the gloom of the Great Depression. During the early 1930s, minutes of Legion meetings record the hardships of members, and their comrades’ efforts to alleviate them. Dances were held to raise funds for the membership dues for those members unable to afford them.

A meeting minutes entry in 1934 illustrates the general tenor. “the treasurer was instructed to put up the $7 needed to finance the purchase of a gramophone. It was decided to purchase up-to-date records to the value of $2 to make the gramophone a success. At the close of the meeting, the gramophone was tried out for the benefit of those who had not heard the same.” The gramophone machine was subsequently rented out at a $2 fee to help generate revenue.

In 1934 the peninsula was hit by a major storm that severely damaged the pier and the Legion building.  Both were rebuilt but at great costs.  The greatest blow soon struck. On August 27, 1935, the building of the pier was completely destroyed by fire.

The Surrey Leader newspaper reported, “The blaze, which is thought to have been caused by the explosion of a gas stove, could be seen for miles out to sea, and attracted a large crowd of onlookers.  Damage was estimated to have reached $10,000. Both White Rock and Blaine Fire Brigades battled to save the hall and store, but unavailingly, their efforts were handicapped by a receding tide making it difficult to obtain water.”

Legion members rallied quickly, announcing that the Branch was willing to contribute $1,000 – the major part of their bank account – to rebuild, and asked for public subscription. Spare cash was hard to come by and the response was disappointing to say the least.

The following summer a concession hut was built, added to bit by bit, but never attained the character of its predecessor.  Having mulled over the idea of relocating to the White Rock hilltop area for 10 years, Branch #008 finally made the move in 1949. The White Rock waterfront lost a caring and generous presence.  In 1960 Queen Elizabeth II granted The Canadian Legion with the “Royal Title” thereby formally changing the official name to the ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION.

The Legion occupied several hilltop premises for a period from 1949 until 1981 when it acquired and relocated to its current location at 2290-152 St. Surrey, B.C. The Official Opening was held on 14 March 1982. The Legion remains dedicated to Veteran Remembrance & recognition, through activities and actions supporting Veterans, the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, First Responders, and their families along with our general community and charities.

The current Royal Canadian Legion is open to the public and hosts live entertainment, dancing, meat draws, leagues for cards, darts, pool, and poker. Each year prior to November 11 REMEMBRANCE DAY, an organized Poppy Campaign is launched to educate and distribute Poppys and secure donations to aid with the continuing support for Veterans.

In June 2024 the South Surrey -White Rock Chamber of Commerce named the White Rock Legion Branch #008 “Community Builder Business of the Year” at the 25th annual Chamber Awards. An incredible honour bestowed on us by our local business community.

In July 2026, both the National Royal Canadian Legion and our local White Rock Branch #008 will celebrate our 100th Anniversary.  The White Rock Museum & Archives frequently highlights the Legion’s history through exhibits like “Lest We Forget: White Rock During the War”, which highlights the participation of local residents in WWI and WWII through personal stories and archival material.

Information Source - The Peninsula’s best-known mother and son historians, Lorraine and Hugh ELLENWOOD, are dedicated to preserving history through the White Rock Museum & Archives. Call 604-541-2222, or email: whiterockarchives@telus.net