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REVIEW: Former CBC host's book marks First World War's 100th with personal stories

Personal history provides great insight to how the First World War affected families, B.C. and Canada, says reviewer Lorne Eckersley...
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Authors Mark Forsythe and Greg Dickson visit Creston on April 18.

There are two common approaches to the telling of history. A writer can gather and coalesce information to create an omniscient point of view, which can seem detached and impersonal. Or the stories of people can simply be collected and presented as told.

It is the latter approach that former CBC journalists Mark Forsythe and Greg Dickson took in the very successful marking of the 100th anniversary of the First World War last year.

Forsythe, from his position at the microphone of CBC’s popular noon show, BC Almanac (he recently retired rather than accept more cuts to his already decimated program), called on listeners to submit stories, artifacts and photos, which he and Dickson have masterfully woven into From the West Coast to the Western Front.

No dry historical tome, Western Front is a delight for anyone interested in our province’s history and the role British Columbians played in what was then referred to simply as the Great War.

Contributions from listeners provide personal insights.

“My father started as a mucker at the Virginia Mine near Rossland,” BC Almanac listener Paulette Cave wrote. “Angus Davis prospected, staked claims and managed mines in the Slocan, Boundary country, the environs of Nelson and the East Kootenays. He played on the 1907 Sandon hockey team.

“In 1914, the thirty-four-year-old father returned to Nelson from a business trip. During the train journey, he made a decision about the recent outbreak of war. ‘Let the young fellas go first. If fighting lasts more than a couple of years, I will get involved.’

“ ‘Davis, we’ve enlisted you,’ said his pals as he stepped off the train. What could he do? They headed to the Allan Hotel to celebrate.”

Personal history that comes from close to the ground. It makes for good reading and provides great insight to how the First World War affected families, B.C. and Canada.

Creston Valley residents are in for a special treat on Saturday, when Forsythe and Dickson will appear at the Creston Valley Public Library at 2 p.m.