Mr. Zayachkowski describes the death of an officer, fresh on the front, who doesn’t heed experienced advice.
I’m Trained to Save
Mr. Zayachkowski describes the types of wounds he dealt with, stopping bleeding as a first responder’s top priority, and visiting those he’d saved in hospitals on his rest days.
Encounter at Beny-sur-Mer
Mr. Bruce describes a touching encounter with a child survivor of the Allied advance through Beny-sur-Mer, during a post-war pilgrimage.
Starving Children in Holland
Mr. Bruce offers a sombre reflection about the starvation he witnessed in Holland, particularly its effect on children.
Germany’s Defiance of Military Convention
Mr. Bruce describes Germany’s use of captured American uniforms and jeeps, an illegal act in wartime, and how the Canadians became much more vigilant as a result.
Dead Livestock and Dysentery
Mr. Bruce describes the impact of dead livestock on local water supplies, and speculates that this carnage was responsible to some extent for the dysentery experienced by many of the troops.
The Treatment of Collaborators
Mr. Bruce discusses the treatment of collaborators and expresses some sympathy for them as oppressed civilians were faced with starvation.
The Art of Deception
Mr. Bruce describes strategies used by the British to convince the Germans that an invasion would take place in the Calais area of France.
Air Raid Deterrents
Mr. Bruce describes blackouts, in England, to deter air raids. He also describes the use of cable secured balloons used to entangle low-flying German aircraft.
Reliving the Past
Mr. Colcomb recalls visiting Halifax and showing his wife and friends exactly where his ship had positioned itself for a convoy leaving the Bedford Basin. He also recalls that the weather conditions were remarkably similar.
London Rubble and Pubs
Mr. Colcomb describes shore leave in London and seeing St. Paul's Cathedral standing unscathed and surrounded by rubble. He also describes visiting a pub nearby and being surprised to see a clergyman sharing a pint with the locals.
Firing the Boilers
Mr. Colcomb describes in detail the make up of an engine room watch, and goes on to describe synchronism required among the crew to keep the boilers properly fired.