Family Donates 80-Year-Old Letters from Canadian POW to Museum

UPDATE: A poignant collection of letters from Joseph Frenette, a Canadian soldier imprisoned during World War II, has been donated to the New Brunswick Military History Museum. This donation marks a significant moment as the world reflects on the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day.

These letters, written between 1941 and 1945, reveal Frenette’s harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Japanese war camps. The first letter, dated from Hong Kong, reveals his initial excitement and the mundane details of military life. However, the tone shifts dramatically as the brutal reality of war sets in. In a letter dated July 13, 1944, Frenette’s words become starkly terse: “I am glad to have the opportunity of sending you this card. I am well.” His family, unaware of the desperate conditions he faced, would soon learn the truth about his captivity.

Frenette, one of over 2,000 Canadian soldiers captured during the battle of Hong Kong, endured extreme hardships, including forced labor and starvation. More than 500 members of his unit died in the initial attack or during captivity, making the battle one of the deadliest for New Brunswick soldiers in the conflict. The letters he penned during these grim years are a testament to his resilience and love for his family, despite the oppressive environment.

Retired captain David Hughes, who manages the museum, shared insights on Frenette’s situation. “He’s putting on a brave face…unable to express the terrible conditions in which they were kept,” Hughes noted. Family members of soldiers had strict limits on their correspondence. Letters were often redacted, limiting emotional expression and the sharing of vital information.

The letters also highlight the Japanese military’s efforts to fabricate a narrative of humane treatment towards POWs. Japanese officers crafted false messages purportedly from these soldiers to reassure their families. “They wanted the world to think they were treating POWs well,” Hughes explained, emphasizing the dissonance between these falsehoods and the reality of the camps.

Frenette’s collection includes letters, diaries, and medals, all now part of a special display at the museum. The public can view these items and learn about the enduring legacy of those who served. “This is a story that they grew up with,” said Melinda Jarrett, a museum staff member. “They’re very honored to see that this is going to be recognized in New Brunswick.”

In a deeply personal letter dated September 10, 1945, Frenette expressed his immense relief upon liberation. “It would take more than words to express my feelings of gratitude to God and the Americans for my liberation after these three years and eight months of hell,” he wrote, capturing the emotional turmoil experienced by countless POWs.

Frenette eventually returned home to his wife, Ruth, and daughter, Mona, who is now 84 years old. The trauma of his experiences led him to leave his teaching career, ultimately retiring from Canada Post in Moncton. He passed away in 1979, leaving behind a legacy of courage.

As the museum prepares a permanent exhibit dedicated to Japanese POWs, the donation of Frenette’s letters stands as a vital reminder of the sacrifices made during the war. The public is urged to reach out to the New Brunswick Military History Museum to explore this important collection and honor the memory of those who endured unimaginable hardships.

This is not just history; it’s a story of survival, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Share this urgent update to keep the memory of these heroes alive.