More than names on a memorial: Wellington exhibit brings veterans’ stories to life

The stories of more than 30 veterans from Wellington and Hillier, including a young soldier killed in the First World War and a nurse who survived a deadly air raid, are being brought to life in a special Remembrance Day exhibit at the Wellington Heritage Museum.

In partnership with the Wellington Community Association, the exhibit shares the stories of local veterans, alongside items loaned by their families and pieces from the museum’s collection.

“Working with the Wellington Community Association is a wonderful experience,” wrote Mark Kerr the communications and consultation supervisor with the County, in an email to Quinteist.

“Joanna Green is dedicated to sharing the stories of the veterans involved and genuinely cares about featuring as many folks as possible. She is committed to ensuring their families (and other banner contributors) feel like their relative’s story was done justice.” 

Visitors to the museum can expect to read over 30 profiles of local veterans. Kerr shared the story of one such veteran who was added this year.

“John Henry Campbell enlisted on June 17, 1916 nearing his 18th birthday. He enlisted as a private in the infantry with the 182nd O.S. Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Forces, based out of Whitby, Ontario,” Kerr said.

“John sailed to France and on February 23, 1918, he was sent to the battlefield under command of the 116th Battalion, as the 182nd Battalion had been merged with the 116th Battalion. He was killed on August 27, 1918 at the Battle of Bois-du-Sart, France at the age of 20. His body was interred in the Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery.”

Additionally, a number of new items donated to the museum by the Picton and Wellington Legions are on display, including a medal that was awarded to Mabel Hubbs.

Hubbs was awarded the Royal Red Cross, Second Class, a commendation received by less than five per cent of nurses, Kerr shared. The award was given to nurses who had “shown special devotion and competency over a long period of time or who had performed some very special act of bravery and devotion.”

Hubbs was in a hospital during an air raid, and an explosion went off six beds away from where she was working, killing three of her fellow nurses. She sustained injuries from the explosion and was awarded the Royal Red Cross while recovering in hospital.

Hubbs’ full story, as well as Campbell’s and those of 30 other local veterans, can be found at the exhibit. The exhibit will run until Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

This Remembrance Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, the museum is open for extended hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is encouraged to come to the museum before or after the Remembrance Day ceremony in Wellington.

For more information, visit the Wellington Heritage Museum website.