New Book Published on Thunder Bay and the First World War

A new book written by Lakehead University faculty members and alumni explores the role the region and its people played during the First World War and, for better and for worse, why and how they fought, how they addressed the problems the war created, where they differed from elsewhere in Canada, and what impacts the conflict had on their community and their lives.

Thunder Bay and the First World War, 1914- 1919 is co-authored by Michel S. Beaulieu, David K. Ratz, Thorold J. Tronrud, and Jenna L. Kirker and published by the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society. It is a narrative history shaped, in large part, by what remains of the voices of those from the period—the letters and correspondence produced by soldiers, nurses, governments, organizations, and families. Their stories are augmented, particularly on the home front, by the remaining archival records. It is the story of a community at war.

As part of the City of Thunder Bay's commemoration this November of the hundredth anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War, the book will be launched on Friday, November 2 at the O’Kelly Armoury (317 Park Avenue). It will begin at 7 pm and will also feature the Royal Canadian Air Force Band and historical displays.