We are on the Normandy tour. On this tour, we traveled self contained, with

transportation by transport trucks. We have our sleeping bedding and tents, a field

kitchen and food supplies, including a water truck.

On the first day we travel through Nijmegan, Antwerpen, Breda, and arrive in

Brussels in the evening. Here we received our pay.

We are on the Normandy tour. Left Brussels and arrived at Lille France at 10:30 am.

Went to view Vimy Ridge First World War battleground. Took pictures of the area, slit

trenches, and monument.

Traveled on the road

to Paris. Arrived in Paris in

the evening. Saw historical

places and buildings.

Watched an American,

French victory parade

downtown Paris. It is VJ

day celebrations. Set up

camp in a park along a row

of nice trees. Set up tents to

sleep in. Had our meals.

Went to bed very tired from

the travel.

We left Paris this

morning. Traveled through

Falaise. Took picture of a

Canadian cemetery. Passed

through Caen and

Carpriquet. For the night

we stayed in Bayeux. The

area where the Canadians

landed on D-Day. We are

very tired. Meals are

prepared by our field

kitchen, traveling with us.

We are on the move

again. Took a photo of the

area where we made our

nine terrifying days under constant shelling.

Personal Archives

stand north of Caen. Took a photo of me in a trench I occupied while in this position.

Traveled through St. Andrew Fontainia Le Marion, Ifs, Bayeaux Beach head. Ben Sur Mer

cemetery. Viewed the landing beach water breakers and landing docks. I am very tired.

Moved from Bayeaux – the killing fields. Traveled through Forest de la Lonne,

where the radiator in my carrier sprung a leak to Rouen where we stayed for the night. Took

pictures of the civilians watching our field kitchen prepare our meals.

On tour. Moved from Rouen to Dieppe. Where here to spend some time. Then, we

traveled to Calais where we stay for the night in a transit camp. Meals are at the camp mess

hall.

Left Calais on our tour to Dunkerque, Bradoons, La Pane, Ostend, Gent, and

Antwerpen. Stayed in Antwerpen for the night. Purchased some photos. Retired at 8:30

very tired.

At Antwerpen. We went to Camp Brasechaet and a sanitorium. Took a photo of a 17

pounder, we are back in Antwerpen. Looked around town. Purchased a doodle bug souvenir.

To bed at 9:00 pm.

We left Antwerpen at 8:30 am. We had dinner at Herlogenboash. Arrived back at

Amerstfoort at 3:30 pm. Received a stack of letters. Rained in the evening. The tour was an

experience that I shall treasure forever. So many young Canadians gave their young lives for

freedom. What a sacrifice they made – who can measure? It makes me sick of war. There is

no glory in war only pain and sorrow, death and destruction. Have men learned anything?

Hitler is dead, a nation defeated, but others are liberated and happy. I gave the best of my

years for my Country. Some have become rich because of the war. I shall live to remember

the letters, parcels, and love shown by friends and family during these years.