Kelman Cohen, born in 1925, was the son of Morris Cohen and Esther Minden of Toronto. Morris Cohen was a Russian immigrant. Kelman grew up in the Great Depression and in his own words, ‘we all suffered’. Kelman had a colourful childhood in downtown Toronto, and he shared many of his recollections from the neighbourhood and from school. He joined the Canadian Army reserves in 1941 at age sixteen, went overseas with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry in March of 1945, and ended his service in the Queen’s Own Rifles as part of the Canadian Army of Occupation September 15 of 1946 .
Kelman was interviewed at his home for this project by Willa Easton, Rory Peckham, Hartley Gelkopf and Harlan Rich in February 2016.
Videos
- 1. Kelman Cohen - Introduction; Growing up in the Depression.mp4
- 2. Religion - The Christie Pitts Riots and Anti-Semitism.mp4
- 3. School and Leisure.mp4
- 4. The Movies.mp4
- 5. The Neighbourhood.mp4
- 6. Following the News.mp4
- 7. Training.mp4
- 8. The Course in Woodstock.mp4
- 9. The Troopship; Arrival in England.mp4
- 10. Racism in the Army.mp4
- 11. After D-Day - In France.mp4
- 12. Captain Herman.mp4
- 13. Communication.mp4
- 14. Combat Experiences.mp4
- 15. The Price of Combat.mp4
- 16. Meeting German Soldiers; VE Day.mp4
- 17. The Farmhouse.mp4
- 18. Learning the War Had Ended.mp4
- 19. The Wealthy Farmer.mp4
- 20. 24 Points.mp4
- 21. Stories.mp4
- 22. In Oldenberg; Conclusion.mp4
