Despite sometimes being referred to as the 'Forgotten War', John Hayter served proudly in the Korean War and only remembers having a great life because of it.
Born in Alberta, Brig.-Gen. (ret.) John Hayter moved to Barrie in the late 1950s, but his career took him and his wife, Frances, all around the world.
“I spent 38 years in the military and moved 27 times in my career. How about that?” Hayter told BarrieToday.
A graduate of Barrie District Collegiate Institute, Hayter joined the army right out of high school.
“When I was six, my father went over to World War Two and I was then the senior of his four sons left at home. He came home and then went back into the army where he was posted to Base Borden,” said Hayter. “That's why I moved to Barrie.”
In 1952, Hayter joined the Grey and Simcoe Foresters and then began officer training at Borden at the age of 18 before heading overseas to take part in the Korean War.
“After a year of training at Borden, I was a platoon commander in Korea. I moved pretty fast, I suppose,” said Hayter. “But by the time we got to Korea, the shooting was basically over. I didn't kill anybody and nobody killed me, so there you go I guess.”
“We still had to live in the hills and be prepared for any event, and we certainly had a lot of incidents, but none of them too serious for my platoon," he added.
When Hayter came back from Korea, he moved to Ipperwash, on the shores of Lake Huron, and he said that the closest place where the girls were was in Sarnia. He admits he and the other soldiers would drive the distance many times.
“On one occasion, I met this cute gal who was working at the border post doing tourism and publicity. She was attending university and working a summer job and I met her there, and we were married a year later,” said Hayter. “And I’m still married to the same gorgeous woman 64 years later.”
Hayter and his wife had four sons, but lost two along the road of life. One died as a baby due to complications while he was stationed in Germany and the other passed away last year.
They have eight grandkids and eight great-grandkids.
While he served in the military for 38 years, his career spans over 52 years in the Regular Force and the Reserves. Hayter has served in Korea, Germany, Cyprus, Italy, England, and Belgium, as well as at many bases in Canada, including Valcartier, Petawawa, Ottawa, London, Kingston, Toronto, Halifax, and Yellowknife.
“We went to Yellowknife when I was made military commander of the north. I had two airplanes at my disposal and my wife and I, along with staff, would often fly into an Inuit village. There would be a crowd of people and dignitaries to meet me,” said Hayter. "As I was representing the military, they would make a point to have everyone come out to meet us.
"That was very gratifying for me as the guy who was the young kid from Vegreville, Alta.”
With Remembrance Day ceremonies taking place around the world today, many will focus on the veterans of the First and Second World Wars. The Korean War has often been nicknamed the Forgotten War, due to being overshadowed by the major conflicts before it.
Hayter feels differently about that phrase.
“We lost 512 people. I haven't forgotten and no doubt anyone that went over hasn’t forgotten,” he said. “I definitely think of all those who gave their lives, no matter the war, but I certainly will reflect on my fellow soldiers from the Korean War.”
Hayter credits his time in the military for providing him with some great memories he will not forget.
“I remember one time as a second lieutenant, my platoon had to provide a guard of honour to represent Canada at a South Korean cemetery. The United Nations were there and there was a seat that said Canada on it, where I was supposed to sit,” said Hayter. “Geez, I’m telling you, this 19-year-old kid sitting among all these important people, what a thrill and honour.”
Of all the travel around the globe and honours he received, Hayter said he has no greater joy than the times he spent overseeing his own platoons.
“Most of my postings were commanding troops, which was the most gratifying thing for me in my life. I really loved leading as well as the camaraderie,” said Hayter. “I commanded the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, in London, Ont. That was a highlight for me, overseeing about 750 men.
“To watch these young people grow into the people they became and the honour they had, I really enjoyed that time," he added.
Remembrance Day 2020 is a lot different than any other year due to the COVID restrictions and no public gatherings. Hayter hopes everyone will stay safe, as he will.
“I’m 86 years old, so my wife and I are very careful. We still participate in anything sanctioned by the legion and they have already got guidance from the health officials,” said Hayter. “I am going to be at the legion for a small ceremony; my wife won’t be there. But I’ll do that and head out. I won’t be lingering there.
“People can still find ways to honour those who served. There’s no reason you can’t drive down throughout the day on Nov. 11, put your mask on, stay a moment by the cenotaph and go. You may not stay as long as before, but you did what you needed to do.”
