Winnipeg Grenadier Earl Dickie reflects by a campfire.
Sometimes a photo seems like the only way to confirm to yourself that someone once actually existed. There they are, in a specific moment in time, long after their body has returned to the earth. In addition to memories that grow foggy as they soften over time, you can look right at them, as they were.
We can also see people we have never had the opportunity to meet, and imagine who they were and what they were like. For the many old images of people shot in black and white, we have to remind ourselves that they too lived in colour. Some are but a blur. There is much to fill in to even begin to understand their stories.
Remaining veterans of both world wars are quite elderly now. In watching short video clips of them sharing a thought or two about their experiences, it is easy to forget they were once much younger. Young men and women in the prime of their lives volunteering to serve their country, experiencing things that would stay with them for the rest of their lives.
For example, take the many Canadians who were sent to defend the British colony of Hong Kong in 1941, only to be defeated and taken prisoners of war. Among them were many Winnipeg Grenadiers including Earl Dickie. They suffered the horrors of battle, and survivors were incarcerated under horrendous conditions, further from home than they had ever ventured, while their families waited for news of their fate.
Many of us can only imagine what that was like. Growing up in the early part of the 20th century in Canada and experiencing two world wars. Being called upon to serve and do your part, your ordinary family facing extraordinary times as you volunteer for service, and your lives are changed forever.
I am fortunate to be able to share Earl’s story in DICKIES FROM GUNTON: CANADIAN BROTHERS IN TWO WORLD WARS. I know there are many more stories of service from the world wars, and since.
On Remembrance Day, we remember them.