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Local History Collection Bradford Witness War
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Veterans Dinner and Get Together

"Bradford Army and Navy Veterans had a fowl dinner and get-together in their new club rooms on the evening of Remembrance Day, Friday, Nov. 11th, when veterans and a few invited guests to the number of nearly forty, sat down to the wonderful repast provided. Before partaking of the meal two minutes' silence were observed in memory of comrades who fell in the Great War. After dinner Rev. C.H. Forth, who, it was announced, had accepted the office of Honorary Chaplain of the Bradford branch of the Army and Navy Veterans, occupied the chair, when a programme of short speeches and music was carried out. Reeve Nolan, who was one of those present, during his remarks, complimented the local Veterans upon the most able manner in which they arranged and carried out their big three days' celebration the past summer, and assured them that if they attempted another such affair in the future they would receive even a greater measure of support from the public of Bradford.
The Veterans are to be complimented upon the transformation they have made in the appearance of the large room above the Fire Hall, which they are now using as their club room. We would suggest that anyone who has an easy chair which they have discarded or put away in the attic to be forgotten, might get in touch with the Veterans, who could make good use of it in their club room."

Bradford Witness

Freedom to Act, Symbol Of Democratic Gov't

"Hon. Earl Rowe Expresses Views at Shelburne Plebiscite Meeting
Over confidence has lost many a battle. The greatest danger that Monday's Plebiscite vote will not register a most emphatic "Yes" is possibly that so many appear absolutely confident that it will carry overwhelmingly. It is your responsibility to see that YOUR vote is cast." ...

Bradford Witness

Hon. Earl Rowe Pleads to Electors for Strong 'Yes' Vote on Plebiscite

"To the Electors of Dufferin-Simcoe:
As your representative in the House of Commons, I did oppose the principle of a Plebiscite. Howevee, our government has asked for an expression of public opinion and, under our democratic system of government, it is your responsibility and mine to exercise our franchise on this very important question." ...

Bradford Witness

Loyal Canadians Should Vote 'Yes' On Plebiscite

"Government Should Be Free to Meet Any Emergency
The eyes of the world will be upon Canada on April 27, when the plebiscite vote will be submitted to the people of this country. Canada will be on trial before the world, and rightly or wrongly, the result of the vote will be interpreted, both by friends and enemies, as indicative of Canada's desire to do her share in the war effort." ,,,

Bradford Witness

Arthur G. McDonnell Reported Killed Overseas

"Native of Gilford District Believed First Invasion Casualty To Be Reported Here
Believed ti be an Invasion casualty, the sad news came to Bradford last Wednesday afternoon that Arthur George McDonnell, eldest son of Mr. George McDonnell, formerly of Gilford, has died of wounds on June 12. As the family had no word of his being in action previous to this message, it is believed that he received fatal wounds during the early days of the invasion of Normandy." ...

Bradford Witness

Flt.-Sgt. Ken. Patience Stated Missing Overseas

"Word has been received by his mother in Toronto that Flight Sgt. Kenneth Patience is missing after air operations. Sgt. Patience is the youngest son of Mrs. Patience and the late Wm. Patience, the latter a native of South Simcoe who died in Floral, sask., a number of years ago. After a husband and father's death the family came to Bradford and here Kenneth Patience first attended school." ...

Bradford Witness

D-Day remembered...

"It has been described as the largest invasionary force ever amassed.
On June 6th, 1944, ships "covered the sea" in the staging area between the Isle of Wight and Normandy, preparing to carry 150,000 American, Canadian and British troops to five key beachheads in France.
As the troops prepared for invasion, 11,000 planes began their bombing runs shortly after midnight, dropping nearly 1,800 tons of bombs on German positions. Paratroops, including the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, were dropped behind enemy lines, and 500 battleships moved into position to shell the Normandy coastline.
The Allied invasion of Europe, dubbed Operation Overlord, was originally scheduled for June 5th, but delayed by stormy weather. When meteorological reports suggested a break in the weather on the 6th, the invasion was ordered to go ahead - through seas so rough that most soldiers were seasick on the passage across the Channel.
The assault began at 6:30 a.a., on the beaches code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. The 15,000 to 20,000 troops of the 3rd Canadian Division concentrated on Juno, and the villages of Vaux, Graye-sur-Mer, Courseulles-sur-Mer, Beiniere-sur-Mer, and St. Aubin-sur-Mer,
Shortly after 8 a.m., the Canadian forces hit the beaches. Some battalions met little resistance, finding that the way had been cleared by the earlier bombardment; others discovered that the enemy positions were still intact, and faced heavy fire.
Among the first to land were the Royal Canadian Engineers, called on to blast through the concrete seawalls and barbed wire that blocked the coast, clear minefields, and prepare roads for advancing forces; and the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Many of the Medics were killed while trying to assist wounded soldiers in that first assault.
By the end of the first day of fighting, 4,000 allied troops had been killed, 342 of them Canadians. But the beacheheads had been established, and the Canadians had penetrated as far as 11 km inland.
It was the beginning of the end for the Nazi war machine. Eleven months later, on May 7th, 1945, Germany surrendered.
"War is nothing but death, disease, destruction, disablement...and a terrible waste." - D-Day veteran."

Bradford Witness

Free Government From its Pledge

"Local Affirmative Vote One of Highest Percentages in Entire Province
The people of Canada have spoken. The Government of Canada is freed from any previous commitments to act in the best interests of Canada. By an overwhelming majority the people of Canada have risen above political party, race, creed, or any other loyalties, to put Canada and the Nation first and give wholehearted support to Canada's Government during this war which is a struggle for our very existence. Over two thirds of the people of Canada voted "Yes." Urban and rural Ontario rolled up a smashing affirmative vote, over 85% of the citizens casting affirmative ballots." ...

Bradford Witness

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