Photograph of Owen Smith (1920-1943), son of Ann "Jennie" Smith (nee Martin) (1881-1947) and James Albert Smith (1878-1956). Owen was reported missing in action on March 23, 1943.
Jennie was the daughter of Thomas Martin (1840-1919) and Elizabeth Martin (nee Lee) (1850-1936). Elizabeth Lee was the daughter of Thomas Lee (1794-1868) and Ann Lee (nee Graham) (abt. 1825-1903).
Photograph of Wilfred Laurier "Laurie" Melbourne, son of Charles and Kennetta (Ogilvie) Melbourne. He was a WWII soldier who was killed in action on February 4th, 1945 when his aircraft collided with another over Courtil, Belgium.
"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." ,,,
"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." ...
"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." ...
"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." ...
"Editor of Witness, Bradford, Ontario. Dear Sir: Just a few lines to acknowledge receiving The Bradford Witness very regularly and must say I am very thankful to Hon. Earl Rowe and to you for being so good as to provide us boys with the paper, as it sure is great to read the news of good old Bradford and district. As for news over here, it is very scarce. It seems as though the friends I had back in Canada have given up writing since I came over here, though I certainly have done my part as I have written to several, but no answer, and I make a practice of answering any letter I get. Of course, their replies may have been lost at sea. However, I receive The Witness very regularly, and that means a whole lot when I don't get any other mail. Again I send my thanks to Mr. Rowe and you for this great pleasure, and also to the Bradford Corps Association. They have been real good to me. Yours truly, Jack Donnelly. B. 49-511 - Pte. Jack Donnelly, R.C.O.C. No. 2 Detachment, M.T. Depot, Can. Army Overseas."
"Somewhere in England, 23-2-422. The Bradford Witness, Bradford, Ontario. Dear Sir; I would like to thank all the friends who contributed in sending me the swell parcel which I have just received. I cannot find time to thank all of you individually, but I want you to know that I greatly appreciate your kindness. It means a lot to me to receive a gift from folks i have known as friends. Again, thank you one and all. I received a copy of The Bradford Witness to-day. Thanks a million for sending it so regularly. I am awfully glad to get them and always look forward to receiving the next copy. Wishing you all the best of luck in everything, I remain, Yours sincerely Eric Wright. B29439 Spr. E. Wright, 2 Cdn Rd. Const. Co'y., R.C.E. Cdn. Army Overseas."
"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."
