Above: Members of the Stock family with artist Greg Hammond and Captain Rob Chan, CD (Ret’d).

On Saturday, June 8th, 2024 artist Muskoka Greg Hammond presented his piece “Honouring Herman Stock” to Chief Phillip Franks of Wahta First Nation. The emotional event was attended by members of the First Nation including members of Stock’s family, and Captain Rob Chan, CD (Ret’d) on behalf of The Queen’s Own Rifles Association.

Rifleman Stock was killed in action on D-Day 6 June 1944 while serving with The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.

Background: Herman Stock, An Aboriginal Soldier’s D-Day Sacrifice

Herman Stock was an Aboriginal Soldier from the Gibson Reserve in Muskoka (now Wahta First Nation) who gave his life for freedom when the Canadian Army landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Herman was born at Sahanatien on the Gibson Reserve on April 14, 1922, to Robert and Mary Stock. He was the second oldest of nine children in the Stock family. Early in 1941, as World War II entered its third year, Herman worked as a labourer for the Hydro Electric Power Commission on the Gibson Reserve. Aspiring to become a mechanic, he saw his plans disrupted by the war. In July 1941, 19-year-old Herman enlisted in the Canadian Army in nearby Parry Sound.

Initially, Herman trained in Canada, moving between Toronto, Newmarket, and Base Borden before officially joining the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada regiment in December. After a brief furlough in February 1942, Herman departed Canada for the U.K. on March 20, arriving eight days later. His life in the Army involved constant training, and living in barracks. In the evenings the men visited the pubs in the little English villages near where they were stationed. Whenever possible they visited the larger towns for livelier forms of amusement. Herman was not immune to this “letting off steam”, and occasionally was “Confined to Barracks” for disciplinary reasons. Despite these hardships and occasional disciplinary actions, Herman was a strong soldier, trained as a Bren Gunner.

From July 1943 to May 1944, the Queen’s Own undertook special combined operations training in preparation for the invasion of Europe. They practiced landing assaults, obstacle scaling, and minefield clearing. By Spring 1944, the regiment was ready, confident in their ability to take on the German Army. The invasion, set for June 5, was postponed by a day due to bad weather.

On June 4, Herman and the Assault Companies boarded the HMS Monowai. The men studied maps of Bernieres-Sur-Mer, the fortified beachfront village they were to attack. In their free time, they played cards, crown and anchor, or shot craps. On June 5, the men were informed that the assault would be the following day. They made final preparations, including writing “last” letters. On the eve of battle, Herman cut his hair in the traditional Mohawk style.

D-Day, June 6, began early with reveille at 03:15 then breakfast and all who wished it were given a shot of Navy rum. The men gathered their equipment and were loaded down with 50-pound packs. Herman also carried his 20-pound Bren gun and ammo as they loaded into Assault boats (LCA’s). As the LCA’s moved towards shore, strong winds pushed them off course. Charlie Martin recalled the eerie silence before they landed on Juno Beach at 08:12. The moment the ramps dropped, they faced intense machine-gun fire and mortar shells. Herman’s A Company, slightly better off than B Company, raced down the ramps under fire. Despite heavy casualties, they crossed the beach and pushed forward. Herman, always leading the way, was killed by a sniper while crossing the tracks.

Bernieres was largely secure before 9:00 a.m. but The Queen’s Own Rifles had the roughest experience of all the Canadian D-Day battalions, losing 61 men killed and another 80 wounded.

Herman’s death initiated a series of government correspondences with his family. Mary Stock received a telegram on June 14 informing her of Herman’s death, followed by official condolences from the Canadian Government and the King. Mary was required to complete documents to obtain Herman’s pay. Herman was posthumously awarded several medals, recognizing his sacrifice for Canada and the cause of freedom.

Herman and the other men killed at Bernieres-sur-Mer were initially buried just behind the beach. Mrs. Stock was informed that her son had been buried with religious rites, his grave marked with a wooden cross. In 1946, Herman was re-interred at the Canadian Military Cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, and Mrs. Stock received notification along with a map and photograph of the grave.

The bonds shared by soldiers like Herman Stock and their comrades-in-arms are profound. Years later, Charlie Martin, who had vowed to visit the families of his fallen comrades, visited the Stock family. Realizing Herman was not commemorated locally, Charlie helped erect a cenotaph in Bala in 1965. Charlie’s aid, through his position at the Ontario Department of Agriculture and sometimes personal funds, was instrumental in establishing the Iroquois Cranberry Bog in 1969. This provided work and revenue for the Gibson Reserve, serving as a practical memorial to Herman’s sacrifice.

Herman’s story of valour extends beyond his death, as his memory and legacy continue to be honoured through the efforts of the community he served.

Honouring Herman Stock – Elements of the Art

Honouring Herman Stock is a tribute that captures the spirit, sacrifice, and legacy of Herman Stock, a young man from the Wahta First Nation who served and died 80 years ago on D-Day, June 6, 1944. This memorial comprises several elements, each filled with symbolism and meaning.

Herman Stock at the Centre: The central figure of the memorial is Herman Stock, a powerful young man full of life, dreams, and hopes. His carefree demeanour contrasts with his battle dress uniform, capturing the essence of his youth and the gravity of his service, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by those who serve.

Herman Stock’s Gravestone: The gravestone serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Herman Stock. The Maple Leaf signifies his Canadian identity, and the date June 6, 1944, marks D-Day, a pivotal moment in the Liberation of Europe. This contrast between his youthful image and his gravestone underscores the profound loss felt by his passing.

The Forest: Representing the forests of his homeland, this element symbolizes bringing Herman back to his roots. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Beny-sur-Mer though beautiful, is far from Wahta First Nation. By placing Herman in a familiar forest setting, the memorial connects him to his ancestral heritage and the land he loved.
The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument: Silhouetted in the background, this monument reflects traditional Indigenous values of honour, duty, and harmony with the environment. The Thunderbird atop the sculpture represents the Creator and embodies the spirit of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. This connection honours Herman Stock while recognizing the broader contributions and sacrifices of all Aboriginal veterans.

Telegram to Mary Stock: This element highlights the personal and communal loss experienced by Herman’s family and community. The telegram announcing his death is a poignant reminder that his sacrifice was shared by his loved ones. It symbolizes the collective grief and the impact of his loss on the Wahta First Nation and beyond.

Together, these elements create a memorial that honours Herman Stock’s memory, celebrates his heritage, and acknowledges the broader sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans and their communities.

Greg Hammond 2024