Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion www.ns.legion.ca 123 The Cope Family Raised near Windsor, James Cope (top right) came from a proud family of Mi’kmaw soldiers. A young Private in the 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles), he was killed in France in 1918. James initially joined his father (Joseph) and brother (John) in enlisting with the 106th Battalion at Truro. His father was too ill to go overseas. His brother returned home, but was crippled by enemy fire and suffered from exposure to mustard gas. He passed away in 1952. Another brother, Leo, only an infant when his siblings left for Europe, served with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders during the Second World War. He fell in battle in 1944. Relatives only recently discovered the full extent of the Cope family’s sacrifice for Canada during the World Wars. They are now honoured by veterans groups in Windsor and Millbrook First Nation. George A. Downey 1892 - 1969 George Alexander Downey was born in Preston, Nova Scotia. Along with cousin James Downey, he enlisted with the No. 2 Construction Battalion and served with distinction in the Great War. For his service in the “Black Battalion,” Private Downey was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Despite racial discrimination in the forces, he re-enlisted for the Second World War and served with the Veterans Guard of Canada, earning the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal. After the war he became a businessman and community leader. Downey’s fighting spirit was an inspiration to his family, with a number of sons and grandsons having successful careers in boxing, the military, government and politics. He died in 1969 and is laid to rest at a family cemetery in Fall River. Image: N.S. Archives and Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq. Top left moving clockwise: Joseph Cope (father), James, John, and Leo. Image: Downey Family and Black Cultural Centre for N.S. continued ... continued ...
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