Consists of correspondence, photographs, and military ephemera from the Second World War. Arranged chronologically by the donor, the correspondence includes Ken’s letters from Peg (1940-1945) and Peg’s letters from Ken (1940-1945); a few letters to Peg from the Department of National Defence (1941, 1944) including a certificate of military qualification; a few letters to son Ashley from Ken; telegrams, airgraphs, and military ephemera such as a ship’s berthing card, victory bond receipts, and soap ration coupons (1941-1945 and undated); and photographs of Ken and other officers while on training at Officers’ Training Centre in Brockville, ON and the Canadian Artillery Training Centre in Petewawa, ON, and when serving overseas in England (1941-1944).
Ken’s letters from Peg are full of details about her daily life: children’s growth & hopes for their future, birthday celebrations, school activities, clothes, feeding; a woman’s daily routine managing house, family farm and caring for boarders; war news, names & activities of neighbours; and financial details. Peg’s letters from Ken describe his living conditions, rationing, travel restrictions, politics around getting promoted, German planes overhead, the blackouts and bombings at night. The letters were numbered by Ken and Peg to identify if any were lost in transit. This numbering system was used by their daughter Jennie in her book.
Photographs include images of Ken in uniform, soldiers standing at attention or marching, officers in conference in the field, military trucks, guns and scenery of England in Surrey and Sussex. Also includes photographs Peg sent to Ken, of herself, their two children Ashley and Jennie, and other family members. Also includes research notes for a book by their daughter Jennie Harrison Sheito (published 2015). Documents social and family life in Nova Scotia during World War 2 and the experiences of a Canadian officer serving in England, U.K.
Harrison, K.A.