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Remembrance Day: Snapshots of Burnaby during WW1 and WW2
Remembrance Day is a time for us to take pause and reflect and remember those who serve and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict, and peace. During WWI and WWII, Burnaby was a much different place. Although thousands of kilometres away from where the battles were taking place, the city still had a role in Canada’s war efforts.
This can be seen clearly through a selection of archived photos, stories, and items that have been made available online by Heritage Burnaby. Here is a snapshot of the city during those two historic periods of time.
World War One
Harold Pendygrasse
Harold Pendygrasse, age 15, going to sea as a cadet. Harold was the son of John Pendygrasse and Mary Pendygrasse, of 4027 Eton St in Burnaby. He served on a number of transport ships during World War One.
Honour Roll
The dedication of Burnaby’s Honour Roll at the Burnaby Municipal Hall at Edmonds and Kingsway in 1916.
Submarine Hull
A group of labourers working on the hull of a submarine at the Barnet submarine works yard in 1917. During WWI, the Royal Russian Navy initially contracted a Seattle-based company to build submarines for Russia. But American neutrality in the war resulted in the submarines being built by a facility at Barnet.
Bob Smith
A man identified as Bob Smith in military uniform in 1916. He was the son of James and Agnes Smith who lived in Royal Oak.
Munitions Worker
An unknown woman sitting outside a New Westminster munitions factory in 1917.
World War 2
Alastair Macdonald
Alastair Macdonald in his uniform in front of a home located at McKay Avenue and Kingsway in 1940.
Earl and Lloyd Cary
Earl and Lloyd Cary pictured in Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) uniforms standing at 311 Madison Ave in 1943.
Soldiers at Edmonds Street School
Soldiers visiting Edmonds Street School in 1944. The photo was taken on inspection day.
Soldier with Baby Carriage
A British soldier believed to be Arthur “Tubby” Heath standing at 2224 Antrim Ave with a baby carriage in 1944.
Gilmore Junior Highschool
An unidentified major standing with two men identified as Cecil Shantz and Jay Findley at Gilmore Avenue Junior High School in 1942.
The Woodean family
Pearl and Ed Woodean standing with their son, Robert in the Edmonds area in 1941. According to the City of Burnaby archives, Ed was enlisted in 1940 and fought overseas from 1942 to 1945.
On its website, Heritage Burnaby also highlights landmarks in the city that commemorate those who have served and continue to do so. These include: