A chance encounter with an old box of his grandfather’s mementos ignited a passion for sharing veterans’ stories for young Canadian filmmaker Zach Dunn.
In 2021, while helping clean his parents’ house, Dunn discovered a box with possessions from his late grandfather, John L. Williams. Dunn opened the box and was a bit shocked to learn his grandpa was a World War II veteran. As he combed through medals and black and white photos of him serving in Europe and Africa, Dunn thought about all the stories his grandpa kept inside, hidden away in that dusty box.
Dunn, 21 at that time, quizzed his mother about his grandfather’s service, and she told him he rarely talked about it. Dunn was only three years old when Williams died in 2003 at age 82. Despite photos and videos of them together, Dunn barely remembers his grandfather. But finding the box provided a link to his grandfather’s past, and Dunn ached to learn more.
He began talking to relatives and mining for information online. Dunn was awed to learn his grandpa had served for the British military as a paratrooper, jumping from a plane during Operation Overlord (D-Day) on June 6, 1944.
“It’s unfortunate that this incredible man had never shared his incredible story with anyone,” Dunn told Moose Jaw Today.
Williams was born in London, England, fought for British forces in World War II, and relocated to Canada following the war, raising a family of eight children.
Like many from the Greatest Generation, Williams lived a quiet, humble life, not one to brag about his military service.
While he could no longer talk to his grandfather about his past, Dunn felt he could still help living World War II veterans share their stories. This led to Dunn interviewing a veteran in Lakefield, Ontario. From there, Dunn was hooked. Now 26, he treks across Canada every month to film and preserve veterans’ stories.
“And a lot of the veterans I meet have never shared their story before … and even sometimes the families don’t know,” said Dunn.
In the past four years, Dunn has interviewed about 170 veterans, ranging from World War II through Vietnam. While most hail from the Great White North, some are from the U.S. and nations outside North America.
“So, it’s been a great journey so far,” Dunn said.
Canadians Serving in Vietnam
Dunn’s first interview with a Vietnam War veteran happened by accident. He had contacted a local Legion in Canada, requesting WWII veterans, and found out the post’s president had served in Vietnam.
Perplexed, thinking Canadians hadn’t served in Vietnam, Dunn learned the Legion president had “jumped the border” to serve in the U.S. Army. His story made Dunn reach out to other Canadians who also crossed into the U.S. to serve or were drafted into the military while living in the U.S.
Dunn seeks out interviews by corresponding with veteran service organizations, journalists, and museums. With a large social media following, Dunn attracts young followers who are intrigued by stories of older veterans.
After he produces the films, he gives copies of the interviews to non-profit organizations and schools, while also providing copies to the veteran and their families.
“And a lot of the veterans I meet have never shared their story before … and even sometimes the families don’t know,” said Dunn.
Dunn said he only had one history class in high school and realized the importance of sharing living accounts of wars.
“I think it’s important to share this history with the next generation,” Dunn said. “I think there is a large … gap of knowledge … . These stories weren’t being shared.”
Curiosity Unlocks Family History
Dunn believes more people should harbor curiosity and learn about veterans inside their own families.
“Many veterans are humble and don’t want the spotlight even though they deserve it,” he said.
Of all the interviews he’s done in the past few years, one in particular stands out. Jack C. Thomas, 102, recalled serving in Western Europe, dropping supplies to brave underground resistance fighters as a tail gunner.
Thomas said he flew his bomber on D-Day and during an operation in the Netherlands in September 1944, when his bomber was hit by fire, and he bailed out. Thomas broke his back during the landing, was captured by Nazi troops, and spent eight months in a prisoner of war camp.
The interview took place last year and became one of Dunn’s most memorable.
“He had never shared this story with anyone and became very emotional,” Dunn said.
Dunn mentioned the fact that there are only about 3,000 Canadian World War II veterans still living.
“If I could interview even one percent of them, it would be my honor,” the filmmaker said.
“I think it’s important to share this history with the next generation,” Dunn said. “I think there is a large … gap of knowledge … . These stories weren’t being shared.”
Sage Advice from WWII Veterans
Recently, Dunn interviewed Joseph Hammond, Ghana’s last surviving World War II veteran. Dunn awoke early, accounting for the time difference, to interview Hammond, 100, through online video at 5:30 in the morning. But it was worth it. Dunn heard an amazing story of Hammond battling Japanese forces in the Burmese jungle.
“It was one that few Canadians have ever heard about,” Dunn said.
Dunn also recalled interviewing a 110-year-old veteran who still possessed a sharp mind, remembering events from several decades ago. Dunn helps veterans recall the past by asking open-ended questions.
And he’s received some valuable advice from aging veterans. Those married 70 years or more told Dunn that couples should never go to bed angry and make sure to laugh every day. Veterans past the century mark said the key to longevity is regular exercise and maintaining an active mind.
In the future, Dunn would like to team with veterans’ service organizations and schools to present some of the stories he’s collected. Dunn can be reached through his website.
