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Encounters with Canada
Between 1939 and 1945, more than 1 million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served either on the home front or overseas, fighting for king and country. During that time, most would spend the holidays on the frontlines of war rather than at home with their families. Today seven veterans share their recollections of the holidays during the Second World War.
Harvey Burns | Nova Scotia | Navy
"Every Christmas the youngest man would act as captain for the day..."
Lester Clarke | New Brunswick | Navy
"The one memory that stands out the most was Christmas eve of 1944..."
Jean Clermont | Quebec
"Au Jour de L’An 45...tu avais des amendes..."
Ross Hamilton | British Columbia
"We were not going to go without a turkey dinner. This was Christmas 1944..."
Geraldine Muter | Ontario | Air Force
"You couldn't be home for Christmas no matter how much you wanted..."
James Ritchie | Ontario | Army
"We had to do Christmas in Italy..."
John R. Stephen | Ontario | Navy
"We came into Halifax Christmas 1940..."