Hello and greetings from England  

I am a Researcher, published Author and Historian.  

My specialist subject is Britain ’s Home Front during World War Two. In 2003 I acted as an advisor to film makers who produced a documentary about the nation’s fire service during the war years and it was then that I became aware of the crucial role played by members of the Corps of Canadian Firefighters.  

I am now writing a definitive new account of the wartime fire service and I am including one if not more chapters on the Canadian’s. With this in mind I would really welcome contact from anyone who can provide any information about members of the Corps and this request is of course particularly relevant to families of the men who served in England . Photographs and documents, such as letters, theatre tickets and so on can, with permission of course, be scanned for possible inclusion in my book. If you can help in any way, I would be very grateful. If you have already placed information on the web site, may I use this as a resource please?  

I have been fortunate enough to get to know several Canadians who have, like me, a fascination with the story of the Corps and I am most grateful for all the information and encouragement provided so far. However the story is little known in Britain and my book will rectify that.  

I am very happy to assist in return with obtaining information or undertaking research over here, for example, I have helpful contacts with several senior Fire Officers in the UK and access to archive material. Incidentally, I live within one hour’s drive of Testwood, Southampton, which was the main reception centre for the Canadians in 1942. The building (a school) still stands today and one local resident used to serve meals in the reception centre canteen. She remembers the Canadians with affection.  

Sincere regards  

John Leete

Email Southampton.1@btinternet.com

Tel 44 77 483 10996