Photograph of Jack Geddes, soldier in World War II who lost his life in battle. Jack was the son of George and Julia Ethel (Robinson) Geddes, born on May 13th, 1917 in Bradford, Ontario. . Jack worked as a Sub-Foreman for a Barrie construction company prior to marrying Mabel Elizabeth Copeland in May, 1940, and they had a daughter Gwendoline Elizabeth. He enlisted on November 27, 1942 specifically for the RCAF. Jack earned the rank of Sergeant in October of 1943 and was an Air Gunner for the RCAF. He and his flight crew did not return from their mission to Revigny, France. They were presumed dead until his body was found and registered through the Imperial War Graves Commission at Auger St Vincent Cemetery in Oise, France. He died July 19, 1944, and his wife received his Operational Wings recognition in honour of his service.
Photograph of Jack Sutherland standing in front of the Bradford Model School. Jack was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Sutherland who ran Sutherland’s Bakery and Grocery. He was the nephew of Bessie Campbell. Jack served in the First World War and was killed in action in 1917. He is buried in Shorncliffe Military Cemetery in Sandgate, Eng.
Photograph of Jack Sutherland's grave site in Shorncliffe Military Cemetery in Sandgate, Eng. Jack was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Sutherland who ran Sutherland’s Bakery and Grocery. He was the nephew of Bessie Campbell. Jack served in the First World War and was killed in action in 1917.
"To the Bradford Witness: Have arrived safely overseas. As this is my first trip to this country, I'm looking forward to seeing a great deal of it. I think, in fact, I know that I'll still like good old Canada. I'm writing this letter along with one to my family, so it will be short. Will be glad to hear from anyone who will write to me. There was a wonderful bunch of men who came over on the last draft, so it won't be long now. Will be seeing you all soon. -Bruno In his letter to his parents Bruno Cavallo told of meeting Baldwin Stoddart, Calvin and Wilfred Aikens and several men from Orillia and Sudbury whom he knew when working in those towns. His address is - Cpl. Bruno Cavallo, B-108600, No. 4 C.I.R.U., Canadian Army Overseas."
"Dear Mr. McKenzie: I would like to thank you and the members of the bradford Canadian Corps Association for your kindness extended to me while in this country. I wish to thank the Corps for their regular assignment of cigarettes. It is hard to express one's appreciation for Canadian cigarettes, as the English fags are very interior when compared to ours. I have been receiving a very welcome visitor weekly in the form of The Bradford Witness. It keeps me well abreast with all the local happening and recalls to one the days at home. I wish to thank you and the Hon. Earl Rowe for making this possible. I haven't met anyone from Bradford or vicinity over here in my wanderings, but, judging from your column, "With the Men in Uniform," in The Witness, it is well represented. Thanking you again, I remain, Respectfully yours, Harold Wilson."
"Dear Friends: Many thanks to you and the people of Bradford for the parcel and cigarettes which I have been receiving regularly. Someone must have given a great deal of thought to the making up of that Christmas parcel. It arrived in fine shape and all the contents in good condition - and thank you, Mrs. Saint, for your care in packing it." ...
"Dear George: Just a line to let you know I received another 300 cigarettes from the Can. Corps to-day. Many thanks to you and to every member of the Bradford branch. It just occurred to me that I neglected to write last month, so I also thank you for them, as well. The weather has been rather bad lately, so we haven't been flying a great deal for the past few days. However, we do manage to keep pounding the Germans fairly regularly. In fact, planes take off from some parts every night to go to Germany and France. Well, I must sign off. Once again, many thanks. Most sincerely, Lorne E. West."
Rose Magloughlen worked for the Canadian Postal Corps in Halifax during World War II, first at the naval base fleet office, and then at the Royal Canadian Naval Hospital.
