OSHAWA -- The journal entry reads, "The weather is warm and sunny. Lectures to companies continue today on the rehabilitation program. Four tanks now left to be completed."
It's the end of the Second World War. The date is Friday, June 1, 1945.
Major Bill Harrod, MC, a major in the Ontario Regiment, was in Holland with the 1st Army Tank Brigade Workshop as he wrote about his day, getting ready to head back home to Canada.
The regiment returned to Oshawa in November.
It's easy to imagine yourself in the shoes of the author of the journal which is displayed at the Ontario Regimental Museum, when you're surrounded by walls and walls of memorabilia from that era.
The museum, at 1000 Stevenson Rd. N., north of Rossland Road, is filled with war-time artifacts dating back to as early as the 1800's, including several military uniforms worn by service men in the Ontario Regiment.
A uniform from the Boer War (1899-1902) is the first thing you'll see when you walk inside the museum.
The ensemble looks almost like it could be an outfit for someone on safari, but in fact it was worn by Private Bell (uncle of Phyllis Potticary, the wife of former Oshawa mayor Jim) as he fought alongside the British against the Boers, who were Dutch settlers and some French and German Protestants in South Africa.
Museum president and former honourary Lt. Colonel Leo Morin said most of what's seen on display at the museum was acquired by public donation.
"It is very important to see where you came from so you know where you are going," he said.
There are collections of military medals given to soldiers for valour and bravery like the Victoria Cross as well as gas masks used to defend a soldier against mustard gas in the First World War and weapons such as swords, pistols and machine guns made in 1917.
The museum has 40 pieces of running equipment including jeeps, tanks, trucks, and armoured personnel carriers used in the Second World War and beyond. They are often featured in parades like the recent Fiesta Parade in Oshawa.
Mr. Morin said the collection began in 1980 with nine ferret scout cars for a ceremonial troop in Oshawa.
One of the newest tanks, the Centurian, donated to the museum about 10 years ago, was featured on an episode of the History channel's Tank Overhaul.
Volunteers have been working on restoring the battle vehicle back to its glory days (used in 1952-1980) but museum member, Rich Bennett, said its going to take about another five years before they can get the 50-tonne tank running again.
"The engine is what's the trouble," Mr. Bennett said.
"It was known for seizing if you didn't use it for two weeks, so imagine how this one is. It was a monument for years."
July 4 is Tank Day at the Ontario Regimental Museum.
The M60 General Patton battle tank will be featured.
"We had about 150 people come out on the first tank day," Mr. Morin said.
"We feature the tanks so people will come to see what we have to offer at the museum. Some people say they never knew the museum existed, I say it's the best kept secret in Oshawa."
Tank Day runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is $5.
For more information visit ontrmuseum.ca
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