Ontario Mennonites in World War II

Title: Ontario Mennonites in World War II

Dates of creation: 1975-1976

Physical description:   1 cm of textual records; 3 cassette tapes

Administrative history: Collin B. Jutzi conducted these interviews in 1975 for a research paper. The paper, "The policy of the Ontario Mennonite community on the issue of conscription and military service during World War II" was submitted for a course at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in January, 1976.

Custodial history: Donated to the Archives by Collin Jutzi in June 2014.

Scope and content: Taped interviews of six men, file cards with summaries of the interviews, and the completed research paper.

Notes: For photographs related to these individuals search the Mennonite Archival Image Database.
Original archival description created 2014 by Laureen Harder-Gissing with assistance from Sheri Gingrich.
 

File list:

1. Leonard Bechtel, Mannheim, Ontario (Tape 3, Side A). Bechtel did Alternative Service in Emory Creek and Green Timbers, British Columbia. He was called up in June 1942 and served for 1.5 years. Date of interview: [1975?]
2. Gladwin Bender, New Hamburg, Ontario (Tape 3, Side B). Bender's home congregation was East Zorra Mennonite Church. He served 2 years, 8 months under an agricultural exemption. Date of interview: 26 Nov 1975
3. Ralph Shantz, Freeport, Ontario (Tape 4, Side A). Shantz served 2.5 years under an agricultural exemption. Date of interview: 27 Nov 1975
4. James Burnett, Galt, Ontario (Tape 4, Side B). Burnett immigrated from Scotland to Saskatchewan, then moved to Ontario. He joined the Hagey Mennonite Church in 1941. He served 1 year, 3 months under an industry exemption at Werlich Industries in Galt, beginning in October 1943. Date of interview: 25 Nov 1975
5. Wallace Jutzi, New Dundee, Ontario (Tape 5, Side A). Jutzi did Alternative Service in Montreal River, Ontario (Jan 1943-May 1943), served under an agricultural exemption (May 1943-Dec 1943), and then joined the medical corps. He served near Cannes, France and northern Germany (Dec 1943-Mar 1946). Date of interview: 29 Nov 1975. Interview has been digitized.
6. Rufus Jutzi, Kitchener and Baden, Ontario (Tape 5, Side B). Jutzi did Alternative Service in Green Timbers, Langford, Lake Cowichan and Hill 60, British Columbia for 19 months. He was called up in May, 1942. Date of interview: 22 Nov 1975. Interview has been digitized.