Selling Personal Collections

[Ed Storey]

Dean, yes of course I knew Philippe and got to see some of his fantastic collection while visiting him in France. It was a highlight from one of many trips to Europe.

Generally I try to keep my personal accomplishments, acquaintances and military career of out of my posts as I feel that I don't need to list these things in order to make my point or promote discussion.

[Ed Storey]

I think in the case of the larger national museums, items in their care even if not on display will be perhaps better looked after as the museum may have the proper conservation funds and storage.

As for the love or the passion for the items, I have no doubt that collectors have the edge as these are the people forking over their money to obtain the items.

Unfortunately in either hand, a piece can be mismanaged.

[Ed Storey]

In the case of Mr. Williams I would certainly agree that being stripped of his medals was correct, not only due to the magnitude of the crimes he was convicted of committing, but that he was in uniform when he committed them.

What I found particularly interesting was the speed and veracity in which he was expunged of his military career. Commission revoked and destroyed, medals and uniforms destroyed and a notice stating that he will only be referred to as Mister.

I also found it interesting that not one national museum made any effort to save anything from this man - all apparently sat silently as federal institutions fueled by passion and perhaps revenge made a concerted effort to get rid of everything. I am not saying save some of this material as a tribute to the man, but as an example of items owned by a heinous criminal who wore the uniform, especially if in years from now there is an exhibition on notorious Canadian criminals. So much for preserving history.

[rob love]

I think the fact that Williams even got a pension was an aberration. One of the chief principals of leadership is to look out for your men. When he decided to rape and murder a MCpl under his command chain, and had likely used his position of authority to look up her home address or particulars, I believe he negated any and all reward from the crown for his service. A return of contributions was the best he should have got, and even that should have been held pending lawsuits against his estate.

Yes it is a dangerous game to play, as one would wonder where the line would be drawn to relieve a service member from their pensions. But I doubt anyone could argue that, as in this case, it is well beyond any line that could be drawn.

As to having his material saved for inclusion in some notorious Cdn criminal exhibit, I think the selfie photos of him posing in girls underclothing is good enough.

Rant over.