ROSENTHAL, William Guy : WWII serviceman
Extent and Medium
Env. 0.02 metres of textual records. - 2 photographs. - 5 artefacts.
Biographical History
W. G. Rosenthal was born on November 3rd, 1922 in Montreal. Gunner Rosenthal of Montreal enlisted in the army in February 1942 and went overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery in June of the same year. Prior to his enlistment, he had worked for the Canadian Press and had been an editor of the Fortnightly Review. In one of his last reports to the YMHA Beacon, he had written: "And when the air is once again clear from the smoky dust of fire, and when the blood of the dead and the wounded is dry, and the stench of human bodies is pure, the men who are alive after victory is achieved, with God's aid, will return... For they (the dead) shall not have fallen in vain. Not in a world where our holy sanctuaries are safe and unmolested, in a world where organizations, institutions of culture and learning and education are respected and upheld and supported. No price is too great to pay. No life too precious, to enforce our beliefs and ideals." Rosenthal was killed in action in Sicily on July 25, 1943. He was buried in the Canadian Military Cemetery at Agira. Citations received were the 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, War Medal 1939-1945, and Memorial Bar GRVI. (Excerpted from CJCCC Canadian Jewish Casualties database)
Acquisition
The collection was donated by Larry Rosenthal, younger brother of William Guy Rosenthal, on Dec. 22, 2010.
Scope and Content
Diary of William Guy Rosenthal used while fighting overseas, prior to his death in July 1943. Book of European postcards sent to the family via Scotland by W. G. Rosenthal. Newsclippings of death notice, Yiddish. Newsclippings of letters to the editor written by W.G. in Yiddish, published 1943. Fragile Canadian naturalization certificate of W.G. and donor's paternal grandfather, 1913. Photograph of W.G. in military group (large rolled photo) and photo of military tombstone with Hebrew lettering. 5 medals and pin used in wearing them, as well as information about the medals. Silver band from Canada inscribed "died in his country's service", with name and death date.
Note(s)
Alpha-numeric designations: P10/22.General note: Testimony to Jewish sacrifices for the War Effort during WWII. Original soldier's diary from the battlefield.