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Learn about life during WWII in Dear Bill - The War Years

The Nelson Daily Staff
By The Nelson Daily Staff
January 20th, 2022

A Balfour resident has collaborated with her sister in Kelowna to bring to life in a book seven years of life experiences during World War II, beginning in 1939 until 1945.

Wendy Hamilton and Cathie Pavlik of Kelowna recently completed and published a memoir, Dear Bill – The War Years.

Dear Bill, is a compilation of 141 letters sent to Hamilton’s father, Bill Treadgold, from 32 individuals – mostly friends and family during WWII and brings to life Allied operations in Europe through letters from buddies who were commissioned overseas.

Beginning in 1939 to 1945, the memoir is an authentic discourse of how people lived in the world, national and locally at the time.

The letters are supported with timelines, pictures, and referenced with historical footnotes.

“Contextual history combined with honest, first-hand emotions provide incredible insights into the actualities of living as a Canadian through WWII,” the media release said.

“The camaraderie, humour, bravery and integrity of Bill’s family and friends, as they navigate through this most challenging time, provide the reader with a strong moral compass.  

“It provides hope that we too can maneuver through the chaos and turmoil that seem to be our current situation.”

Dear Bill is available for purchase locally at Balfour’s Gill and Gift and Cole’s Books in the Chahko Mika Mall.

Hamilton is a long-time resident of the Nelson area and continues to live in Balfour with her husband Dennis.

 

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