Stop by the Rossland Museum and Prestige Mountain Resort this November to learn more about Rossland’s war effort in WWII and the history of the Rossland Legion.
Their Finest Hour - Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
With the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, Europe was transformed into a battleground for the second time in less than 25 years. With memories of WWI still fresh, thousands of Canadians answered the call to arms, fighting and sacrificing for a more peaceful world. Within 48 hours Britain and France declared war on September 3rd. Canada quickly responded - joining the Allied forces within a week of Britain’s declaration. Unlike in WWI, Canada’s decision to enter the war was completely voluntary. Within the first month of the war, more than 58,000 Canadians volunteered to be part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. By 1945 more than one million Canadians (10% of Canada’s population) volunteered for overseas service. Rosslanders represented 400 of these volunteers, a disproportionately large number given Rossland’s population. Rosslanders fought in Holland, France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium.
European hostilities ended in May 1945, while the war officially ended with the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. More than 45,000 Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice, never to return home, while 55,000 more were wounded. There were thousands more that dealt silently with the effects of Combat Stress Reaction or battle fatigue (PTSD). In the 1950s, veterans represented one in every three adult males.
Centred around R.T. Fraser’s WWII footlocker, Their Finest Hour highlights four young Rosslanders who served in WWII and returned home. Featured veterans include: Gunner Lloyd Heidler (army), Major R.T. Fraser (army), Sergeant Robert Dixon (air force), and Signalman William “Spike” Treverton (army).
Beyond the Poppies: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 14 - Prestige Mountain Resort
For over 100 years, the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) has supported veterans and strengthened communities. In Rossland, RCL Branch 14 has been a steady source of community help. From sponsoring community celebrations and scholarships to their yearly Remembrance Day ceremony, the Rossland Legion has been a landing place for Rossland veterans for over a century, creating a legacy that extends far beyond just poppies.
Branch 14 officially received its charter in 1926, but its local roots began on June 25, 1919, as a branch of the Great War Veterans Association. Returning home after World War I, local soldiers faced the difficult challenge of adjusting to civilian life. The Legion gave them friendship, understanding, and peer support.
To boost community spirit, the Legion sponsored sports teams, dances, concerts, and Victoria Day events. During the Great Depression, Branch 14 spoke up for veterans, helped them find work, and gave direct cash relief to local families. Veterans banquets and dinners were a tradition that started in the 1920s and continued until just a few years ago.
Veterans Banquet, 2005
Remembrance Day Ceremony, 2000
Since 1919, the Rossland Legion has led the town’s annual Remembrance services. Originally called Armistice Day, these gatherings brought together veterans, school children, local leaders, and the Rossland City Band to march from the hall to the cenotaph (dedicated 1921). While Remembrance Day was the main commemorative event for the Rossland Legion, in early years, they often held special services for significant battles as well.
Formed in 1931, the Women’s Auxiliary was the financial heart of Branch 14. Through catering, teas, bazaars, dances, and their famous annual meat pie sales, the Auxiliary raised funds that repeatedly sustained the Legion through leaner economic years. In April 2026, after 95 years of continuous service, the Auxiliary officially disbanded, and its remaining members joined Branch 14 to continue their shared work.
The Legion met at the Rossland Drill Hall from 1919 to 1945 before moving to Washington Street. Today, Branch 14 continues its mission as a modern service club, ensuring its legacy of selfless community care extends far beyond the battlefield.
Featuring artifacts donated by Branch 14, Beyond the Poppies will be on display at the Rossland Prestige until the new year.
Thank you to the Prestige Mountain Resort for supporting our outreach exhibit program and always providing this wonderful downtown space to tell Rossland’s unique stories!
These exhibits were supported in part by Veterans Affairs Canada
Find more learning resources at VAC’s Remembrance Classroom Materials