YANK magazine June 1945 edition

Surrerending German soldier

Signature of the owner

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YANK magazine June 1945 edition

Bob Pelley just sent in three photos of very interesting Gander memorabilia.The first photo shows the cover of the “YANK” magazine published for US Army personnel all over the world in WWII. This particular issue was the VE day special in honour of the Allied victory in Europe on 08 may 1945.  The middle photo depicts a symbolic surrender of a German soldier

But the third photo really tells the story as it shows a very small section of the front cover where the owner signed it.  It says “S Vanus (?), May 29, 1945, Gander, Newfoundland.  

Bob says that this really brings home the reality and the flavour of life in Gander at the end of the war.  In his mind’s eye, he can see some young US soldier sitting on his bunk in a bachelor quarters on the American side, so happy that the war is finally over and that he can now go home without danger, with no longer anyone thinking of shooting him or sinking his boat on the way.   Who knows, Bob may have lived in the building where he had that room – sure makes you think!