A Voice From the Second World War

I had thought to hold this material back until Remembrance Day, but recent events in Ukraine made me decide to share it now.

A few weeks ago, I shared some photos and stories about Harold Morrow, who sang at Verdun United and directed several of the YAG revues in the 50s and 60s. Along with several photos and reminiscences, Eileen - Harold’s daughter - also shared the letter below which predates her birth. It was written by the Rev. J.G. Joyce to Harold when he (Harold) was stationed in Italy during World War II. At my urging, Eileen also shared some photos of her father from that time.

“Like many veterans of that war and others,” Eileen says, “Dad rarely spoke of his time in service. Mom always said that he returned a changed man, suffering from many nightmares and the lasting effects of malaria. But with the loving support of Mom, his close friends, his church, and his love of music, in time he was able to overcome his demons.”

I think you will agree that Rev. Joyce had a way with words. Blending news from the homefront and commentary on world events, the letter is a snapshot of a moment in time: a time of turmoil and insecurity; a time of wins and devastating losses; a time of sacrifice and of hope for a brighter future.

I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Amy

[This is my transcription, with a little help from Eileen. You can see pictures of the original letter below.]

November 23, 1944

Dear Harold,

Your mother the night before last in the church hall was telling me you keep well and are still in Italy. I hope your attack of malaria did not leave any ill effects. From what we are told conditions in Italy are anything but what we would expect from a country so historic, and the seat of the Catholic church. From reports we learn that conditions there parallel the conditions in Quebec, big religious institutions and churches, and most of the people destitute and subservient. However there seems to be a tremendous political surge there now, and with the Communists strong, and the equally strong socialists working together Italy may not only get away from Fascism but much of her superstition.

This morning we have a little snow on the ground but it is disappearing rapidly under the impact of traffic and mild temperature. Sidney Long and J. Hudson are putting on a choir concert tomorrow night. We have senior, Intermediate and junior choirs taking part, the program has taken much time, and the decorations on the stage are new and bright. Our Senior choir usually on Sundays has one bass and one tenor. Hope you will soon be back to give us the helpfulness of your rich bass voice. Your sister Ann sings in the treble side.

Well, I don’t think Hitler can stand much longer. The Allies are striking hard in the West and the Russians in the East. Ottawa, or the McKenzie King Gov’t is passing through a crisis – whether to introduce conscription and compel the French to go or allow the volunteer system to take care of reinforcements so as to please the French. Much serious trouble can develop, or the whole matter might fizzle out with the French sentiment prevailing.

We surely wish you the best kind of Christmas and a New Year with Victory. Next year we hope you and your dear wife will be with us to enjoy the blessings which come with peace. All the choir and congregation join in these wishes to you.

Cordially yours,

J.G. Joyce

You can read more about Rev. Joyce in this Blog post.