Okanagan Military History

Meet the people from the Okanagan Valley who served in the armed forces.

Discover the military history of the Okanagan

Articles and stories from military historians

One Painting, Many Questions

One Painting, Many Questions

Every so often, we come across an item that raises more questions than answers. For example, this painting apparently depicts a soldier in the 29th Battalion (Vancouver) Canadian Expeditionary Force training in Hastings Park, Vancouver, in early 1915. It shows the...

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A Soldier With Soul

A Soldier With Soul

“I called him my Soldier with Soul.” - Anne Snyder1  Jonathan Sutherland Snyder UE, BA, S.M.V. was born Dec. 20, 1981, and raised in Penticton. From a young age, he always wanted to be a soldier. He became many things over his 26 years, starting as an Army Cadet...

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Heather’s Raiders

Heather’s Raiders

The War Diary for the Okanagan’s 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles (2CMR) made special mention of nocturnal action on November 20/21, 1916, in front of Vimy Ridge. Nine men out of 49 were recommended decorations for their daring and efficient work that night, and the unit...

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Lt. Frederick A. Heather MC, MM

Lt. Frederick A. Heather MC, MM

Lieutenant Frederick Ambler Heather MC. MM. is another of the Okanagan’s Decorated Fallen in the First World War (FWW), and another officer that rose from the ranks with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles (BC Horse). Fred was born to Thomas and Emily H. (nee Ambler)...

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The Distinguished Service of Major C.K.L. Pyman

The Distinguished Service of Major C.K.L. Pyman

Colin Keith Lee Pyman, who was 30 years old with blue eyes, red hair, and a fair complexion, sailed with the 5th Battalion (Western Cavalry) to England on October 8th, 1914. He served briefly with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in 1915 and was promoted...

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Decorated Fallen of the Okanagan

Decorated Fallen of the Okanagan

When Canadians created cenotaphs and memorials to grieve the terrible losses of the First World War, they listed surnames and initials of the Fallen without abbreviations of ranks, decorations or units because they recognized that all are equal in death. It is the...

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What’s a Regiment?

What’s a Regiment?

British Columbia’s military history is considerably shorter than eastern Canada’s, only being tied to overseas service in the 20th century. This article offers a brief assessment of what a Regiment is generally and specifically regarding the history of the British...

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Visit the Okanagan Military Museum

Step inside and feel the dedication to service and memory which inspired the museum’s founders. The Okanagan Military Museum reveals how local men and women met the call of duty and contributed to events on the world stage.

“For two decades now, our collection has wowed both locals and visitors, and we’re excited for that to continue. This is part of our shared history and a chance for us to come together in remembrance.”

 – Keith Boehmer, Military Historian