Elinor Florence, Author

Bestselling Historial Fiction Author

Wartime Art, Photography, Books, Music

Elizabeth Cutler: Star Weekly Artist

May 16, 2018
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The illustrators who created these beautiful wartime covers for the Star Weekly magazine have mostly been forgotten, so it was a delightful surprise to hear from a woman whose great-aunt, Elizabeth Cutler, was a regular Star Weekly artist. Sheree Meyer of Orlando, Florida shared her memories of her talented Great-Aunt Betty. The Inside Story The […]

Jim Milne: RCAF Pilot, Instructor, Artist

August 16, 2017
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An RCAF logbook belonging to Jim Milne has yielded some very amusing cartoons related to life in the Royal Canadian Air Force! When a case of mistaken identity thwarted Jim Milne’s plans to fly against the enemy, he spent the war in Canada serving as a navigation instructor instead. When not on duty, he spent […]

What Did You Do in the RCAF, Grandma?

March 15, 2017
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A treasure trove of photographs has fallen into my hands, showing RCAF women, members of the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division, performing their wartime duties. Although women weren’t allowed to fly or to engage in combat, they filled many other valuable roles. “WE SERVE THAT MEN MAY FLY” was the motto of the Women’s […]

Christmas Cards in Wartime

December 21, 2016
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The Christmas season was especially lonely for the homesick men and women serving overseas in wartime, as well as their families on the home front. Here are a few examples of the many thousands of Christmas cards and letters that winged their way between loved ones in both world wars.

Behind the RCAF Lens: Ruth Owen Whitelegg

June 15, 2016
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RCAF photographer Ruth Owen Whitelegg of Brantford, Ontario, served at an air training base at Centralia, Ontario, during World War Two. Her photo album gives us a fascinating glimpse into wartime history, crammed with snapshots of life on a Canadian air training base. RCAF Photographer Bio Ruth was born on March 12, 1925 to parents […]

Four Fascinating Women in Wartime

March 16, 2016
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Because my focus is on women in wartime, I’m always delighted to unearth little-known stories about their adventures. Here are four of the best. Women in Wartime MARGARET HERMESTON One of the unusual women in wartime was this petite photographer, who achieved monumental significance by becoming the first female Canadian army photographer. Her name was […]

Georgina’s RCAF Photo Album

March 11, 2015
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Georgina Harvey’s RCAF photo album reveals a fascinating slice of life in the wartime air force, compiled by a young woman from a well-known family in Kelowna, British Columbia who joined up in 1943 and trained as a photographer. Georgina Harvey was born in Kelowna to the distinguished Harvey family, still a well-known name in that community. […]

Painting Dedicated to RCAF Pilot

June 11, 2014
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Seventy-two years after my uncle RCAF pilot trainee Alan Light died in a training accident, I discovered a dramatic oil painting that shows the last moments of his life.

About Elinor Florence<br>

Letters From Windermere

I’m a lover of history and all things vintage. My passion for the past is reflected in my novels, my collections, my travels, my home on Lake Windermere, and the monthly letter that I have been sending to my dear followers for the past eleven years. You are warmly invited to join my list. I don’t ask for anything but your email address. However, you are welcome to tell me something about yourself because I love hearing from my readers.
Sending since 2013.
Subscribers: 1,600.
Expect your letter the third Wednesday of every month.

Lest We Forget

While researching my wartime novel Bird’s Eye View, I interviewed people who lived through the greatest conflict the world has ever known, both on the home front and overseas.
I uncovered some truly inspirational stories, indexed here by subject.
Please feel free to read, reflect, and share.
Please Note: All stories and photos are copyrighted to Elinor Florence unless otherwise indicated. You are welcome to copy and share them as long as you give me proper credit.

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