Recommended Reading: Unlikely Hero

Unlikely Hero was written by two Londoners (G. Kerr, D. MacKenzie) in 1997 and is about the WW2 experiences of Don (Donovan) Errey of Wallaceburg, some of which are eerily similar to my father's own during the same time period. I read the 75-page book quickly and with great interest.

A photo of Don appears on the front cover, taken while he was a POW in a German prison camp or hospital. How he got there after the Dieppe raid in August, 1942 is a stirring tale, but what he accomplished on behalf of others while a POW is inspiring, to say the very least.

["Don E., kneeling on floor, attempts to fit an

artificial limb upon Sgt. R. (Salty) Salt"]

One particular line says much about Don's energy and efforts while a soldier with The Scottish Essex regiment and German prisoner:

     Don's creative talent and abundant energy, which had
     found their outlet in destructive acts and playful activities,
     were now channeled into constructive and humanitarian
     efforts. (pg. 62)

This book may be found on a London library shelf. I bought my used (and autographed) copy for $2 at the Central Library Bookstore on November 11th, during my walk home from our city's Remembrance Day service at Victoria Park. I feel the book is an excellent find, and even better read.

Photos by GH

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Please click here to read Recommended Reading: The Canadians at War 1939/45