Major E. G. Styffe

The E. G. Styffe Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the TBDGA's District Open. However, the history of this trophy goes well beyond the golf course, as its origins rest with bravery, heroics, and heartbreak.

The fourth child of Oscar and Ragna, Edward was born in Port Arthur, Ontario in 1917. He excelled in academics, sports, and music as a child and young adult. When the Second World War broke out in 1939, Edward answered the call. He was a leader through and through. In 1943, Edward spent three months fighting in North Africa with the English Army. He then joined the newly equipped Lake Superior (Motor) Regiment (the "LSR"), where he commanded C Company. The LSR, which formed part of the 4th Canadian Armored Division, was made up of men from all around the Lakehead, including Edward's brother, Major Roy Styffe.

On July 27, 1944, seven weeks after the D-Day landings, the LSR arrived in France to join in the Battle of Normandy. Shortly thereafter, seeing an opportunity to trap the German 7th Army, the Allies planned the largest military encirclement in history, now known as the Falaise Pocket. Fighting was slow and fierce, and Edward's company was at the forefront of it all. On August 14, 1944, a major offensive, code-named Operation Tractable, was launched against German positions around the Laizon River. The 4th Canadian and the 1st Polish Armoured Divisions were tasked with thrusting through German lines and "closing the gap" in order to block a mass German retreat from the pocket. The German 7th Army was supported by their own elite SS Panzer Divisions. The advance began in the morning with the 4th Canadian Armored Division forming the force's left column. The LSR was responsible for protecting the advance across the Laizon River by diverting German fire. During the battle, German artillery opened fire on Edward's position. Sadly, Edward was mortally wounded when his vehicle was struck by a German shell. Despite heavy losses, the Canadians won the day and successfully crossed the Laizon River. On August 21, 1944, elements of the First Canadian Army sealed the Falaise Pocket by linking up with the Third US Army. This led to the surrender and capture of about 150,000 German soldiers. Operation Tractable proved to be a major success, leading directly to the liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944.

Edward was killed in action on August 14, 1944 near Maizières, a small village on the banks of the Laizon River. On May 8, 2001, Maizières honoured Edward by renaming its main street after him. Inhabitants of the village celebrated the commemoration and welcomed Edward's family and friends to France. Edward now rests in the Bretteville-Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in Calvados, France.

To honour Edward's legacy, the Styffe family donated the E. G. Styffe Memorial Trophy to the TBDGA in 1950. It has been awarded annually ever since.

To learn more about Edward, Maizières, and the Battle of Laizon, please visit the Rue due Major E-G Styffe website at http://www.ruedumajoregstyffe.org. Thank you to John Styffe for preserving his uncle's memory and allowing us to share Edward's story. Thank you also to Peter Campaner for connecting the TBDGA with John Styffe.

John has also written an article on his experience as the son of a decorated Canadian war veteran. His father, Major Roy Styffe, received the Distinguished Service Order for meritorious service in active combat against the enemy. To read John's article, please click here.

Lest we forget.