Letter from WWII sailor killed by Nazi U-boat found in ‘the bowels’ of Calgary high school
While conducting a search through the archives of Western Canada High School, teacher Geneviève Dale stumbled upon an extraordinary find – an 81-year-old letter written by a Canadian Navy sailor during the Second World War. The letter, signed by Cecil Richard Moss, a former student of the high school, was addressed to Rosalie Cummings, a fellow schoolmate.
Dale discovered the letter in the school’s underground storage area while on a mission to locate missing yearbooks for a digitization project she was working on with her colleagues. She described the process as delving into the “bowels of the school” and sifting through drawers and boxes until she unearthed the precious artifact.
In the letter, Moss reminisced about his high school days, mentioning his favorite teachers and reflecting on track and field competitions. He also shared details about his family, revealing that he was the youngest of eight children and expressing gratitude for the care he received from his siblings.
Interestingly, Moss left school after Grade 11 to enlist in the military, highlighting his sense of duty and patriotism. His letter exuded a sense of youthful exuberance and nostalgia, making him relatable to present-day students at the school.
Towards the end of the letter, Moss expressed his longing to return home to Calgary, eagerly anticipating the day when he could reunite with his friends and family. Tragically, Moss’s dreams were cut short as he lost his life during the Battle of the St. Lawrence in late November 1944.
Moss was serving aboard the HMCS Shawinigan when it was attacked by a German submarine off the coast of Newfoundland, resulting in the loss of all 91 crew members. Records indicate that Moss was just 18 years old at the time of his death, underscoring the profound tragedy of war and the sacrifices made by young soldiers.
Dale, moved by Moss’s story, embarked on a quest to learn more about him and Rosalie Cummings. Despite limited information in the school’s yearbooks, she remains determined to uncover additional details about their lives. She plans to donate the letter to a local museum, recognizing its historical significance and its potential to connect Calgary to the broader context of world history.
The discovery of Moss’s letter serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring impact it has on individuals and communities. It stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served their country, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate decades later.
