Discover the military history of the Okanagan
Articles and stories from military historians
Wartime Racism in the Okanagan 1939-45
Warning. This article may contain themes and language some may find offensive. Leading up to the start of World War II, British Columbia was gripped by fear of the so-called ‘Oriental Menace.’1 Many believed that Asian immigrants would soon dominate commercial,...
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,...
80th Commemorative Visit Back to Commando Bay Training Camp July 18, 2024
On July 18, 2024, the Kelowna Chinese History Group and the Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna partnered to host a visit to the training camp at Commando Bay on Okanagan Lake. This camp existed for only a few months from May to September 1944, as part of Canada’s...
Breaching the Gothic Line – Part II
In Part I, we followed the 9th Canadian Armoured Regiment (British Columbia Dragoons), of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, down into the Foglia River valley to breach the German defences of the Gothic Line above Montecchio and into the highlands around Tomba di...
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,...
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....
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...
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...
Pearkes’ Dilemma: The Avro Arrow and Defending a Continent
February 20, 1959, was the day that the Diefenbaker Conservative government cancelled the AVRO Arrow aircraft program. Much ink has been spent discussing the psychological, economic, and technological impact, including the...
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