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A Soldier's journey back in time and place

Article on the service of World War I veteran, William J. Weyman, from his perspective in the 9th Scottish Highland Artillery Division, 50th Brigade. This edition of Bradford Today featured many aspects of the Bradford Remembrance Day Ceremony in 1991.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Today

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

Bradford Veterans Street Names

  • CA BWGPL 2022-10-27/0
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  • 2017-07-01

Research on street names in Bradford West Gwillimbury that are named after local veterans

David Di Giovanni

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

Fire Wastage

Postcard and letters from the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office regarding fire wastage in war time.

John Harrison

Fish Dealers

Documents related to Government fish dealers for Bradford during World War One.

Includes:

  1. Letter from the Ontario Fisheries - Sales Branch regarding food conservation
  2. Letter also from the Sales Branch regarding the appointment of dealers to distribute Government fish for Bradford
  3. Letter from George G. Green, Clerk of Bradford regarding the appointment of James A. Webb and M. J. Douglas as local fish dealers
  4. Bradford Council motions and notes relating to the appointment of fish dealers

John Harrison

Flt.-Sgt. Harold Wilson Reported Missing After Air Bombing Operations

"Mr. and Mrs. Daniel wilson, of Bond head, have been notified by Ottawa that their second son, Flt.-Sgt. Harold (Chub) Wilson, is missing after air operations over enemy territory. The entire crew of his craft failed to return and as yet there is no information regarding their fate, although authorities assure the parents that information is being sought through the Red Cross regarding them."

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

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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