Field of Crosses

5 days ago

As we share this day with loved ones, we pause to give thanks for the peace and freedom we hold dear. We are grateful for the donors, volunteers, and supporters across Alberta and throughout Canada whose generosity and dedication make The Field of Crosses possible each year. Your commitment helps us honour the fallen and keep their memory alive for generations to come.

Happy Thanksgiving 🍁

www.fieldofcrosses.com/

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Field of Crosses

1 week ago

Thank you Brookline friends !! Love having you on the teamBrookline PR is proud to once again support the Field of Crosses Memorial Project, a moving Calgary tradition that honours those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

From November 1–11, more than 3,700 commemorative crosses will stand in solemn formation along Memorial Drive NW - a powerful tribute to the over 3,600 Southern Albertans who gave their lives for Canada and the 120,000 Canadians recognized with special crosses throughout the park.

Each year, this five-acre field of remembrance comes to life through the dedication of volunteers who prepare, install and maintain every cross with care and respect. Their efforts ensure the site stands as a visible reminder of courage, loss and gratitude during the Eleven Days of Remembrance.

As preparations shifts from the workshop to the field, the Field of Crosses team urgently needs volunteers to help bring this year’s tribute to life. Whether you can assist for a few hours or a few days, your contribution ensures every cross stands tall in time for Remembrance Day.

To join this meaningful community effort, visit www.fieldofcrosses.com/volunteers to sign up for a volunteer shift.

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Field of Crosses

2 weeks ago

𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐏
Age: 28 – F/L RCAF
Date of Death: 04/11/1945

Edward Pattern Harling was born on April 26, 1917, in Calgary, Alberta to Thomas William and Elice Kate Pattern Harling of Calgary, Alberta. Edward was the brother of Thomas Victor and William Thomas. Edward married Joyce Elinor Stewart Harling on September 23, 1939, in Calgary. The couple later welcomed their daughter, Patricia Ann.

Edward attended Cresent Heights High School in Calgary where he completed his senior matriculation course and finished high School and the age of 19. He chose not to attend university, and instead developed hobbies in sports including rugby, swimming, basketball, hockey, and later flying. Edward worked as an office clerk and a meat packer at Burns & Co. Ltd in 1940. He had previous military service as a Seargent with the Calgary Highlanders from 1935-1937.

Edward enlisted in Calgary on June 28, 1940, with the Royal Canadian Air Force, service number J/4331. He was trained on various aircrafts such as Fleet, Avro Anson, and Gypsy Moth in Calgary.
He flew anti-submarine patrols off Canada's East Coast. In 1943 he switched to transport aircraft and flew with the 168 (Heavy Transport) Squadron. Here he established a reputation for determination and energy in the face of the worst transatlantic weather.

At the end of war, Poland was in economic ruins and through the Polish Red Cross they appealed to the Canadian government to deliver several tons of life saving penicillin to Poland. The only RCAF unit with extensive transatlantic experience was the 168 Heavy Transport Squadron based at Rockcliffe, Ontario, they were given the task of delivering the medicine.

Dispatched on October 31, 1945, F/L Edward Harling and crew, flying their RCAF Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress # 9202, on a humanitarian mission transporting 5,500 pounds of penicillin and other medical supplies. They took off from CFB Rockcliffe, Ontario, the first leg was to Prestwick, Scotland. The next morning, they flew to Manston, in southern England. On November 4th their route was to Berlin before their final leg to Warsaw, Poland.

However, on November 4th their aircraft flying at 1,000 feet in low clouds, struck trees on the top of high ground and crashed at Eggeberg Hill, near Halle, Germany. Flight Lieutenant Edward Harling and four aircrew were killed.

Flight Lieutenant Edward P Harling is buried at the Munster Heath War Cemetery in Germany.

Each November during the Eleven Days of Remembrance in Calgary, Alberta, the Field of Crosses commemorates Flight Lieutenant Edward P Harling.

www.fieldofcrosses.com/

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