John Reynolds served in the Canadian Forces during WW2. He had tried to join the Air Force in 1940 but was considered too young, so a year later he tried to join the Navy but was unable to go because his work was considered essential. When they actually let him join the forces, he joined the Army, specifically the signals, which dealt with electronics and communication. After training and going overseas, John ended up in Italy, with the other “D-Day Dodgers”. He saw action in Ortona and Montecassino. All the while, he was supported on the home front by his friend and eventual wife Margaret, who is also heard here.
They were interviewed in their home by Crestwood students Julian Wilson, Dana Davidson, Maria Garcia, and Jonah Prussky. As John suffered a stroke and has some speech impairment, we have included a transcript in the photo section at the bottom of the page.
Videos
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- 1. John Reynolds - Prewar Memories
- 2. Why John Enlisted
- 3. Margaret Reynolds - Prewar Memories
- 4. John Remembers his Training
- 5. Home Front Support
- 6. Training and the Voyage Overseas
- 7. Sicily and Ortona; the D-Day Dodgers
- 8. Montecassino
- 9. A Christmas Dinner- Wine and Turkey
- 10. Life and Industry in Wartime Toronto
- 11. V E Day
