Monthly Archives: April 2017

Gallery

Remembrance Day Brochure, 1945, Medicine Hat Camp

This gallery contains 2 photos.

Mr. Henderson’s notes: Remembrance Day for the members of the Veterans Guard of Canada was a essential part of their life style – not only commemorating the loss of family and friends in the First World War, but now sons and daughters and … Continue reading

Receipt for purchase of PoW handicraft

Mr. Henderson’s notes:
Some Commanding Officers of PoW Camps allowed the PoW to set up “Sales Conventions”, for the sale of their handicraft, and the funds received would be placed in the financial account of the individual PoW for controlled access.
At Medicine Hat, not only Allied Camp Staff personnel were allowed to make purchases, but so were some members of the general public.
 Surviving examples of receipts for those individual sales are extremely rare.
This example was made out to L32344, A.L. DEMERAIL of 4 Platoon, 28 Company, VGC., (Headquarters Staff) for a “Catch All” decorated wood box.
Receipt to a VGC member for PoW handicraft (Henderson Homefront Collection)

Receipt to a VGC member for PoW handicraft (Henderson Homefront Collection)

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Veteran’s Guard of Canada presentation clock

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Mr. Henderson’s notes: On the occasion of transfers or retirement, it was common for personnel of a unit to provide a farewell gift to popular personnel, particularly Officers.  This handsome clock with the dedication is a prime example. MACHUM is known to … Continue reading

Gallery

German prisoner of war woodcraft showing anti-aircraft symbol

This gallery contains 1 photos.

Mr. Henderson’s notes: Carved from “Apple Box Wood” (Pine), this wall hanger represents a Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft Badge.  Note that the PoW was obliged to remove the Swastika symbol normally clutched in the eagle’s claws, though the outline remains.

Veteran’s Guard of Canada gold lanyard

Mr. Henderson’s notes:

A twisted gold and scarlet military lanyard represents the Veterans Guard of Canada dress format.  It looped around a shoulder and the small loop fastened under the flap of the chest button on the uniform.

Veteran's Guard of Canada gold lanyard (Henderson Homefront Collection)

Veteran’s Guard of Canada gold lanyard (Henderson Homefront Collection)

Model schooner in an ink bottle

Mr. Henderson’s notes:

Because bottled ink for fountain pens was widely used, the ink bottle was a common bottle during the war years, readily acquired by PoW – in this case, the bottle became a location to secure a three masted schooner model.

Ship in an ink bottle, made by a prisoner of war (Henderson Homefront Collection)

Ship in an ink bottle, made by a prisoner of war (Henderson Homefront Collection)

 

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PoW photo album from Riding Mountain Provincial Park, Manitoba

This gallery contains 2 photos.

Mr. Henderson’s notes: This photo album was acquired from a man who had worked with the PoW in Manitoba.  Regretfully, the historic photographs enclosed in the album were removed and presumably destroyed. The patience used to collect, cut, organize and produce … Continue reading

Modern model of Japanese Fugo fire balloon 1 to 500 scale

Mr. Henderson’s notes say:

Enclosed are some photos of a scratch built Japanese Fugo Fire Balloon, an area of interest that I’ve had for a long time, and I do have some original pieces of some in the collection.  One of a kind model, built by a friend of mine.  The balloon is 5″ in diameter. The scale is 1 to 500.   Balloons were released from Japan, and used the Trade Winds to bring them across the USA and Canada.  Some reached Ontario from the West Coast.   Use Google for additional information on the actual use of the “Secret Weapon”.

 

Modern model of Japanese Fugo fire balloon 1 to 500 scale (Henderson Homefront Collection)

Modern model of Japanese Fugo fire balloon 1 to 500 scale (Henderson Homefront Collection)

Modern model of Japanese Fugo fire balloon 1 to 500 scale (Henderson Homefront Collection)-2

Modern model of Japanese Fugo fire balloon 1 to 500 scale (Henderson Homefront Collection)-2

Modern model of Japanese Fugo fire balloon 1 to 500 scale (Henderson Homefront Collection)-3

Modern model of Japanese Fugo fire balloon 1 to 500 scale (Henderson Homefront Collection)-3


Gallery

Picture frame made by a German PoW Heinrich PANZ or PENNS

This gallery contains 2 photos.

This carved wooden photo frame has identifying information carved and written right on it, and there is a typed label as well. Carved on the front: 1939 – 1940; Kananaskis; Seebe Alberta; Camp Written on the back: Heinrich Panz; Waldheim, … Continue reading

Gallery

Decorated wooden box made by prisoner at Medicine Hat Camp 132

This gallery contains 6 photos.

Six views of a wooden box made by a German prisoner of war at the Medicine Hat Camp 132, dated 1945. The drawings resemble cartoons as seen on PoW YMCA postcards.