We met Les Fontaine at the Sunnybrook Veterans’ Wing in the fall of 2012, when he was interviewed by grade 11 students Sarah Mainproze, Steph Erdman, and Kristen Stribopoulos. Les served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War, and he shared with the girls his memories of the Great Depression, as well his thoughts on the training and trans-Atlantic crossings, including the fears provoked by combat. Les also had a great collection of photos from the war, including a memorable one from VE Day!
Videos
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- 1. Les Fontaine - Introduction and Prewar Memories
- 2. Memories of the Great Depression
- 3. Parties; Enlisting
- 4. Navy Training
- 5. Signals Training
- 6. Landing Craft
- 7. First Time in Battle
- 8. Pursuit
- 9. Passing the Time; Conditions on the Ship
- 10. England; More Training; Mail
- 11. Following the News
- 12. Les's Photos
