“Somewhere in England”: Censorship in Wartime Canada
When Canadians received letters from their loved ones on the front, it was not uncommon to find sections of these letters blacked out by a censor. Any information pertaining to military operations, death and despair, or a soldier’s location was censored before it reached the recipient. These were precautions taken by the government to prevent the enemy from gathering intelligence about Canadian soldiers, but they also served to maintain high morale on the home front.
In July 1940, the Department of National War Services formed a Directorate of Censorship, which was tasked with censoring correspondences, newspapers, radio, and film. In September 1942, the government created a Wartime Information Board, responsible for issuing information to the public about the Canadian war effort. They promoted films and print materials that had strong patriotic and positive messaging.
Civilians and soldiers were also encouraged to self-censor. Civilians were warned that any gossip about the war could be dangerous. 1 Soldiers were provided with instructions on how to write acceptable letters. Infantryman Doug Vidler and his fellow soldiers, for example, were told to discuss “the general war situation” while highlighting “plans, hopes and ambitions.” Vidler’s artefacts and interview with The Memory Project can be found here.
Some journalists resented censorship and tested the censors by publishing controversial materials. Many Canadians, however, believed that censorship was an important way of protecting their country and their loved ones overseas. After all, this was ‘total war’ – and everyone was responsible for assisting in the war effort.
Despite being censored and sent from “Somewhere in England,” first-hand experiences offer insight on wartime life at home and on the front.
Image: Letter from Russell Downey to his wife, 22 December 1941.
The famous, “Loose lips sink ships.” ↩
Kelsey Vere
Great piece! I didn’t know that was why he wrote “Somewhere in England” in his letter to my Great Grandmother. I figured it was because he was stationed in a deserted area that wasn’t really considered to be in a town. Very neat! Thank you for the informative read to accompany my story! It was a pleasure to be featured here!
LLOYD
If it was written to your Grandmother from somewhere in England, it was letting her know that he was o.k. still stationed close by but, that he couldnt give his location if the mail didnt go through it might be just be his humor when he could of been station in Germany with M.O. mine other one of his buddies troops,in the book The Project X some would dress up in womens clothes to entertain the troops. No reflection on your letter but its how they spent thier time in a journal with laughter.