Been doing some research on a couple of fellows who died in WW2, and am coming to appreciate the human toll it took.

Both fellows died within two weeks of each other, and I was not sure of the family relationship. But I have found out that they were brothers-in-law.

So not quite a month before VE day, one woman had to deal with the death of her brother, and then the death of her husband and father of her two young children. It was worse, because for at least 7 or 8 months her husband was officially "missing" and then "presumed killed."

If Stevin was correct, those listed as missing are on a plaque, and those whose bodies were eventually found got gravestones, he eventually was identified.

But the family must have really had a tough time of it.

The woman I am doing the research for was a very young girl at the time, and she said that happended to these fellows were never really mentioned much after the war. It was sort of a taboo subject, and so she grew up not really knowing what happened to them.

I wonder if there were alot of stories like hers.

My father, who was in the RCAF and based in Newfoundland, never would talk about his service, refused vehematly to join the Legion or go to reunions or have anything to do with anything.

It is kinda hard for me, a person in my forties to understand that kind of loss. But I guess I am slowly learning.

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In memory of Private WILLIAM DONALD KENNEDY, Essex Scottish Regiment,who died on August 19, 1942.