Learning

Introductory Essay

This short essay focuses on education within schools and universities during the Second World War in order to explore the relationship between war and learning. In elementary schools, high schools,…
Canada’s participation in the First World War has often been described as a coming-of-age – a trial by fire that transformed an immature colonial polity into an independent adult nation. Yet despite…

The Empire's Roll of Valour

This keepsake was published after the First World War by a children's magazine, and gave youngsters a place to keep souvenir cards picturing such subjects as the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Victoria Cross-winners Billy Bishop and Tom Dinesen.

Wallet.pdf (24.04 MB)

A children's book in wartime

First published in 1914 as a fund-raising venture in aid of refugee children in Belgium, it was later reprinted to aid the charitable work of the Comtesse de Suzannet.

Belgian Hare.pdf (36.29 MB)

Carrying the Tools to Britain

This game was designed, probably in 1942, by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation "to enable listeners of all ages to better visualize the mobilization of this country's vast resources in the gigantic war effort in which we are now engaged."

Air Raid Precautions - Protection of Schools and School Children

Part of a larger series, this booklet detailed the necessary steps in protecting schools from potential air raids.

Battle in the Atlantic

This comic focused on the cooperation between Canadian airmen (in this case, the crew of a Sunderland flying boat) and British sailors of the destroyer HMS Drury in fighting the war against German U-Boats.

Sub busters.pdf (44.61 MB)

A Yank in the RCAF

Oklahoma native Claude Weaver joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, became an ace, was shot down in Italy, and escaped from a German prison camp.

An infantry hero

Earl McAllister was rejected as physically unfit by the Royal Canadian Air Force, but earned fame by capturing dozens of German soldiers during the campaign in Normandy in 1944.

Scotty Sent Us.pdf (46.66 MB)

Splendid Aircraft

This book, which combined full-colour artwork and detailed technical drawings, must have been a delight to children raised in an era when aviation occupied such a prominent place in popular culture.

Mackenzie King, comic book hero

This comic, probably published in the United States early in 1942, introduced children to prime minister Mackenzie King and the war policies of his government.

King of Canada.pdf (2.64 MB)

Posters to collect

These posters, featuring graphic art by Ted Harris, were probably distributed as a product premium during the Second World War.