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"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." ...

"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." ...

"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." ...

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

Contains news clippings and articles on York County, later known as York Region

Contains misc. items, lettered P- Z

Memoriam in the Bradford Witness for those who lose their lives in WWII.

"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."

"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."