Discover the military history of the Okanagan
Articles and stories from military historians
At Vimy Ridge with Private George McLean DCM
As the Canadians advanced into the German trench works on Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917, the hundreds of metres between the old and new frontline were occupied by parties gathering the wounded, reinforcements moving forward, and other soldiers searching for the enemy...
Totally Tubular, Man
“Totally Tubular, Man” This 1980s slang term from the surfing world also applied to the firing of the M-72 Light Anti-Armour Weapon. During the Second World War, Canadian armoured units, such as the British Columbia Dragoons, were attacked by German infantry with...
The Indomitable Nora
RCAF Corporal (WD) Olive ‘Nora’ Perry[VBMLA] Kelowna born and raised, Olive ‘Nora’ Perry was working as a Provincial Recreation Physical Education Instructor in Kelowna when she enlisted in the RCAF in September 1942. Nora was posted to Patricia Bay on Vancouver...
1944: A Summer of Loss
Many Okanagan communities grieved the loss of at least one citizen during the Second World War. According to the Okanagan Honour Roll, 50 people died in Canada or Europe between June 1 and September 31, 1944. They were between the ages of 19 and 39, served in all...
Commander C. A. King is the Okanagan’s Ace Sub Hunter
A veteran sailor and his young, inexperienced crew members fought to protect vital supply convoys from being destroyed by German submarines. Traversing the North Atlantic, they faced many challenges: harsh weather, enemy attacks, fragile equipment and living in tight...
Trophy Gun of the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles
In our first article, Push On, the circumstances of the capture of the trophy machine gun were reviewed. This time, some of the features of the gun itself will be reviewed. What is a trophy? Anything that...
Push on! The 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles at Le Quesnoy, France August 1918
Sergeant Swanby looks out over the flat fields south-east of Bouchoir, France. Lieutenant Harris has positioned ‘C’ Company 400 yards in front of the day’s objective, Le Quesnoy-en-Senterre, as the pre-dawn light shines on its trees and houses. His platoon of thirty...
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