Bernie Collins was an RCAF navigator during World War 2. He started out his life in Toronto, Ontario, the only son in a large extended family. He helped his grandfather in his auto-shop, working with tin and learning to use his hands. When he got the chance, Bernie joined the RCAF, knowing that he was soon to be conscripted as a soldier. During the war Bernie was stationed on a number of bases, mostly in different parts of eastern Canada. He had to do many things, from finding out why certain planes crashed, to travelling back from north Scotland with crazy Texans. When not involved in those adventures, he learned about aircraft maintenance and design. After the war he resumed his education, and became a dentist, retiring at the age of 80. Bernie was interviewed in February 2017 by Liam Gardner and Scott Masters.
Videos
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- 1. Bernie Collins - Background.mp4
- 2. Early Life.mp4
- 3. Entertainment.mp4
- 4. Following the News.mp4
- 5. The RCAF.mp4
- 6. Training.mp4
- 7. Instrumentation.mp4
- 8. Going on Leave.mp4
- 9. Friends.mp4
- 10. Temporary Duty.mp4
- 11. Last Remnants of the War.mp4
- 12. After the War.mp4
- 13. Home Front.mp4
- 14. Chain of Command; Anti-Semitism.mp4
- 15. The News during the War.mp4
- 16. VE and VJ Day.mp4
- 17. PTSD; Thoughts abou the War.mp4
- 18. Learning about the Holocaust.mp4
- 19. Remembrance Day; Photographs.mp4
