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

Holiday Parcels 

Holiday Parcels 

Hundreds of parcels mailed to Okanagan service men and women overseas were provided by numerous community groups such as the Peachland Comforts’ Club. Contents included a cake, tobacco and cigarette papers, a tin of fish, a chocolate bar, packs of gum, soup, biscuits,...

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Breaching the Gothic Line – Part I 

Breaching the Gothic Line – Part I 

The Italian Campaign saw large contingents of American, British, Canadian, and other Allied forces—both army, air units—unite to liberate Italy from Nazi German control, advancing from Sicily to the Alps. The Apennine Mountains, like a spine down the country’s length,...

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Major General Keller’s Weapons

Major General Keller’s Weapons

One of Kelowna’s primary links to D-Day, June 6, 1944, is through the service career of Rodney Frederick Leopold Keller (1900-1954). [See Friendly Fire from Above at okanaganmilitarymuseum.ca for more about General Keller]  Major General R.F.L. Keller CBE [Fig....

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Across the Melfa River to Rome 

Across the Melfa River to Rome 

Canadian troops were at the forefront during momentous events in 1944. Two British Columbia units, the Westminster Regiment (Motor), and the 9th Canadian Armoured Regiment (British Columbia Dragoons), of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division thrust through the breach in...

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At Vimy, Still

At Vimy, Still

To mark Vimy Ridge Day let us remember three Okanagan soldiers that died at Vimy Ridge in France. This battle on April 9, 1917, became a cornerstone of Canadian identity after the First World War ended in 1919. That identity was paid for in blood, sweat, and scars by...

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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