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

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.

A military training camp in Newmarket during the Second World War where recruits gathered for the first stage of their training before heading overseas.

"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."

"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."

"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."