Photograph depicts a tethered pack horses in makeshift log stalls between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a military chaplain reading by a makeshift altar with the Union Jack flag, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a military chaplain standing by a makeshift altar with a cabin and group of soldiers in background, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a military chaplain reading by a makeshift altar to a large group of soldiers, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a military chaplain reading by a makeshift altar to a large group of soldiers, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a military chaplain reading by a makeshift altar to a large group of soldiers, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a military chaplain reading by a makeshift altar to a large group of soldiers, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a military chaplain reading by a makeshift altar to a large group of soldiers, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a military chaplain reading by a makeshift altar to a large group of soldiers, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a second military chaplain reading by a makeshift tree stump altar, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
Photograph depicts a group of soldiers seated on the ground with their shoes off and caring for their feet, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise.
These photographs were taken by an unknown photographer from Department of National Deference Public Relations (Pacific Command) during the 1945 Polar Bear Exercise. This exercise was held in northern British Columbia in February and March 1945, using some 1,150 soldiers of the 6th Division. The intent of the exercise was to test the effects of "wet cold" conditions on military men and material. The scenario for the Polar Bear Exercise was that: "Action will be based on reports of a Japanese force having been landed at Bella Coola from submarines, having rendered useless RCAF installations at Bella Bella, and giving positive indication that this force is composed in great part of construction personnel with a comparatively small protective element; the assumption being that it will try to construct a useable road from Bella Coola to permit movement inland of a larger fighting force to follow at some later date". The exercise itself was conducted in three overlapping phases. Between 12 February and 5 March the force moved from Prince George to Anahim Lake, chiefly using an array of motor transport but with some pack horses. The second phase ran from 4 March to early April. This was a series of marches from Anahim Lake to Bella Coola and return; a secondary force of 19 men split off from the main body and, travelling by snowmobile and snowshoe, traversed the Rainbow Mountains to Bella Coola; on the return march this detachment was increased to 120 men and dubbed "Y" Force. The third phase was removal of all troops by vehicle from Anahim Lake to Williams Lake. These photographs are believed to document the return from Bella Coola.
Photograph depicts a two soldiers in their undershirts by their tent, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise. Morning coffee supplies sit on a stump nearby. One of the soldiers is seated, trying on his snowshoes.
Photograph depicts a two soldiers in their undershirts by their tent, likely somewhere between Bella Coola and Anahim Lake during the WWII Polar Bear training exercise. Morning coffee supplies sit on a stump nearby. One of the soldiers is seated, trying on his snowshoes.
File consists of photographic prints of Bertha Schenk with Jim Sargent and two additional negatives depicting a woman on a tree trunk and children playing.
This fonds illustrates the life of Bertha Wood (nee Schenk) before, during, and after the Second World War. Most of Bertha Wood's records were created in Ontario, where she lived most of her life. Later in life, Bertha Wood moved to Sechelt, B.C. and this is reflected in her personal records.
The fonds is divided into two series: the Personal Life series and the War Experience series. The Personal Life series includes the records of Bertha Wood that do not pertain directly to her military career. These files relate to her education, family, real estate, and daily activities, which include day books and family photographs. The War Experience Series explores Bertha’s time during World War II, with materials such as her enlistment papers, wartime photographs, newspaper clippings related to the war, and uniform objects.
Wood, BerthaFile consists of a group portrait photograph depicting Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) soldiers in 1942. Bertha Schenk [Wood] is believed to be pictured in the third row from the front, ten from the left.
File consists of a group portrait photograph depicting Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) No. 4 Platoon 26, Admin unit 20 C.I.(B)T.C.-C.A., Brantford, Ontario in 1944. These service members were likely completing their Canadian Infantry Basic Training at the Brantford, Ontario training centre.
Depicted are the following persons:
Back row: Bingham, S.M.; Jones, B.M.; Bowie, S.M.; Coleman, P.; VanSomeren, J.C.; Kastrukoff, M.; Dietz, P.A.; Allard, H.K.
Centre row: Szalak, I.; Martin, M.; Park, N.A.; Birks, Y.M.; England, T.E.; Glendillen, E.J.; Byrom, A.; Trenchard, M.L.; Haines, A.L.
Front row: Waschuk, A.; Cpl. Clark, E.L.; Cpl. Starkie, K.; Sgt. Dickman, C.M.; Lieut. Bertha Schenk; Sgt. Stevenson, J.Y.; Sgt. Dyck, A.; Cpl. Teasdale, E.; Cpl. Cameron, M.D.; Smith, L.M.
File consists of photographs pertaining to Bertha Schenk and her experience during World War II.
Photograph depicts Bertha Wood (nee Schenk) wearing a military trenchcoat and hat in front of possible army barracks.
Photograph inscription on verso: "This is a picture of my mother and I taken when I returned from the west before I joined the R.G.O.G. (Motul) the dress in which we returned. Bob."
Item is a Commission Script for Second Lieutenant Bertha Schenk for her officer appointment in the Canadian Women Army Corps.
File consists of a portrait photograph of a personnel member of the Canadian Women's Army Corps. The woman depicted is believed to be Marion Christina Schenk, the elder sister of Bertha Schenk [Wood].
File consists of a photographs removed from a photograph album that depict Bertha Schenk during her war time service.
File consists of photographs depicting team sports and military life during WWII.
File consists of Bertha Schenks's autograph book containing personal notes from her friends and family.
File consists of Bertha Schenk's records from her time with the Canadian Women's Army Corps. Includes Schenk's birth certificate, will, enrolment notice, requisitions, certificate of service, correspondence, newspaper clippings, a "Clothing and Equipment Statement", travel permit, letter of release from service, record of army service, a "Statement of War Gratuity", correspondence about the history of CWAC, bank record book, and her "Canadian Army Officer's Record of Service".
File consists of WWII military service ephemera, including a German language book for service personnel, a certificate of registration for firearms, and a discharge letter.
File consists of magazines related to World War 2 and veterans.
File consists of personal identification cards, birth certificates, a liquor permit, nametags of Bertha Schenk and her husband James Wood, and unemployment insurance papers.
Item is a leather strip for participants in the CWAC softball team in 1945.
File consists of what are presumed to be leather cufflinks and a small leather case encasing the cufflinks.
File consists of two medals earned in World War 2 and a booklet describing medals.
File consists of a pocket flap military uniform accessory with two button holes. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of cotton cloth clothing labels. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of an acrylic clip with the words 'Cunard White Star liner "Queen Elizabeth"' written on the front of the clip. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of a CWAC cloth patch, possibly for use on a military uniform. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of 4 cotton patches with the word "CANADA" sewn into each patch, presumably meant to be sewn onto a Canadian military uniform. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of a leather and metal strap, presumably related to military uniform. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of four nametags and a rope connecting 3 of the 4 nametags with the title "Lieut. B. Schenk UNC CDN". Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of a rope, possibly part of a military uniform used in World War II. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of a black rope and grey hook, possibly used in World War II in relation to military uniform. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of three cloth patches of a gold maple leaf, possibly used in World War II in relation to military uniform. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of two red and black service stripes earned in World War II, presumably by Bertha Schenk. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of three Volunteer Service pins to be attached to Canadian military uniforms. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of a leather short strap with metal buttons and pins, presumably used by Bertha Schenk in the Canadian military. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of 5 poppies honouring Remembrance Day. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of 11 gold pins given to women in the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC). Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".
File consists of 7 bronze Order of the Bath pins which are given to members of the British and Commonwealth military. Object originally stored in a box labelled: "Patches and flashes from A.B.'s uniform".