Browse "Primary Sources"

Historians use written, oral and visual sources to develop and support their interpretations of historical events. The historical discipline divides source materials into two categories: primary sources and secondary sources. Both categories are flexible and depend on the subject and era a historian is investigating. 

The six “Historical Thinking Concepts” were developed by The Historical Thinking Project, which was led by Dr. Peter Seixas of the University of British Columbia and educational expert Jill Colyer. The project identified six key concepts: historical significance, primary source evidence, continuity and change, cause and consequence, historical perspectives and ethical dimensions. Together, these concepts form the basis of historical inquiry. The project was funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and The History Education Network (THEN/HiER). Seixas and Tom Morton published a book, The Big Six: Historical Thinking Concepts, that expanded on these concepts.

"We landed in France on a metal strip. I had a sniper bullet go across my head as I landed as I was taxing in and we slept in slit trenches and tents, ate bully beef and did our, we attacked the Germans." See below for Mr. Hilton's entire testimony. Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Bing Chew Wong served during the Second World War.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Daniel Lee served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Herbert Lim was one of around 150 Chinese Canadians to serve with Force 136 of the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the Second World War. After completing his basic training with the Royal Canadian Engineers he was asked to join to join the SOE, working as wireless operator.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Read and listen to M. Mussellam's veteran's testimony below.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Leonard Wong served with the Royal Canadian Signal Corps during the Second World War. Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

General (ret’d) Ramsey Withers is a graduate of both Royal Roads Military College and the Royal Military College of Canada. Commissioned as a lieutenant with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals (RCCS), he went to Korea as a replacement signals officer with 1st Battalion, Le Royal 22e Regiment. When the battalion rotated out of theatre, Withers was assigned to the 1st Commonwealth Division Battle School in Japan and trained incoming soldiers in preparation for the field in Korea. Following the Korean War, Withers had a long career in the armed forces, including as Chief of the Defence Staff (1980-1983).Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Ralph Dael served with Belgian United Nations Command during the Korean War. As a machine gunner in a heavy weapons platoon, Dael supported patrols and guarded against enemy night attacks.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Ray Bartlett served with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals during the Second World War. During his service he participated in the Normandy Landings on D-Day and organized communications for his regiment. Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

During the Second World War, Ron Beal and his regiment were taken as prisoners of war by the Germans after the Dieppe Raid in 1942.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Ron Davies served in the British Parachute Regiment during the Second World War.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Ruby Boersma recounts her experiences as a child passenger on board the SS ATHENIA, a ship that was torpedoed on the first day of the Second World War, 3 September 1939. She describes where she was on board the ship, how she managed to get on a life boat, the conditions on board the life boat, and her ultimate rescue and return to Canada.Content warning: This article contains content which some may find offensive or disturbing.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.