Remembrance Day Letters: Jim Beattie’s Journey Home
This Remembrance Day, explore the wartime correspondences between the Beattie family and their son and brother, James (Jim) Beattie.
Letters from Long Ago
Dive into wartime correspondences between the Beattie family and their son and brother, James (Jim) Beattie. A member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Jim was one of the young men who went overseas to fight in World War Two. Through letters and telegrams held in the Archives of North Vancouver, along with audio recordings from Actor-Interpreter Chantal Gallant, we leap into the past to learn of Jim Beattie’s story.
Jim Beatties’ Air Cadet Pass. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, File 3.
A Parent’s Worst Fear
The unthinkable news is broken to Rose and Hugh Beattie in June, 1944. Their son Jim is missing after his crew went out on June 12/13 and did not return.
A letter to the Beattie Family from the Royal Canadian Air Force, confirms James (Jim) Beattie is missing. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, File 3, Letter June 22, 1944.
Letters from Stranger-Friends
Sympathetic letters reach the Beatties from men who knew Jim through their time together in the war. Both men of faith, they warn the family that it may be considerable time before the Beatties will either hear from Jim or know his true fate.
Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Beattie from G.J. Fitzgerald, R.C. Chaplain. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3, Letter, June 17, 1944.
Letter to Mr. Beattie. Photo: NVMA Fonds 4, file 3, June 16, 1944
Hope: A World Apart
Word reaches the Beatties that Jim is in fact alive! They learn he is a Prisoner of War in a camp in Germany. Letters were the only way Jim could communicate with his parents and sister, Annie, in North Vancouver and it could take months for letters to reach their destination. Although a trying time, these letters show how the family tried to lift each other up during the unbearable separation.
Jim writes to home from the prisoner of War Camp. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3. Letter, July 7 and 15, 1944.
Jim writes a quick note to his sister Annie and her husband, Tom. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3. Letter, October 20, 1944.
Jim writes to his mom from the POW camp, asking her how things are at home. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3. Letter, November 14, 1944.
Jim writes to his mom. He’s battling a cold, and sends his love through the holiday season. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3.
Jim’s sister, Annie, writes to him, telling him of the holiday festivities and wishing him a happy birthday. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3. Letter from Annie, page 1 .
Jim’s sister, Annie, writes to him, telling him of the holiday festivities and wishing him a happy birthday. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3. Letter from Annie, page 2.
Good News!
Almost a year since he was first reported missing, the long-awaited telegram comes through…Jim has been liberated and is safe. What joyous occasion it must have been to receive such news.
Telegram to Hugh and Rose Beattie, communicating Jim has been liberated. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3, Telegram. May 20, 1945.
A letter from the Department of National War Services confirms Jim is safe. Photo: NVMA Fonds 41, file 3. Letter, May 28, 1945.
Returning to Civilian Life
James Beattie was one of the men who made it home. Each year on Remembrance Day, we take a moment to remember his sacrifice, and that of his family, as well as the others who fought for Canada.
To those who fought and died, Lest we Forget.
Thank you to MONOVA’s Archives team for organizing the materials for this post. All letters are from NVMA Fonds 41. This project was made possible through use of the StoryLab at the North Vancouver District Public Library.
Your donations to the Friends of the NVMA Society support thought-provoking programs and exhibits that promote our community values of inclusiveness, relevance, creativity, and engagement, and help MONOVA to bring stories to life for North Vancouver residents and visitors.
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