At the Going Down of the Sun

October 24, 2023 - November 11, 2023


In conjunction with the publication of James L. McCallum’s book of the same name, the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives presents At the Going Down of the Sun, a pop-up exhibit which examines the role our community played in World War II.

This exhibit explores the local impact of the Second Great War on the individual level. We aim to pay tribute to the soldiers listed on the Aylmer Cenotaph, the residents of Aylmer and Malahide who served in WWII, and the history of the Aylmer RCAF base and No. 14 Service Flying Training School.

Join us at 75 Talbot St. E. to learn more about our community in WWII. Opening hours include:

  • Tuesday, October 24th, 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Thursday, October 26th, 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Book Launch and Opening Reception
    Thursday, October 26th, 7 PM to 9 PM
  • Saturday, October 28th, 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday, October 31st, 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Thursday, November 2nd, 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Aylmer BIA Shop Hop
    Thursday, November 2nd, 4 PM to 8 PM
  • Saturday, November 4th, 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday, November 7th, 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Thursday, November 9th, 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Remembrance Day
    Saturday, November 11th, 11 AM to 4 PM

We hope to see you there!

 

Recruitment in Aylmer and Malahide began in late September of 1939, and at least four men from the area were present in the 1st Canadian Division when they landed in Europe on December 10. The contribution Aylmer and Malahide made to WWII was significant, providing 686 individuals to Canada’s troops. This amounts to roughly 13% of the population. 98 individuals died while in service during WWII, and countless more were wounded.

stack of cans with Aylmer branding below a banner which reads "Buy Victory Bonds"

A Canadian Canners display advertising Victory Bonds, featuring Aylmer-brand products

 

Four armoured tanks in the road of a European town.

Photograph from the collection of Joseph Nagy, a resident of Aylmer and employee of Imperial Tobacco. Joseph served in the Royal Canadian Artillery Corps in Belgium, Holland, and Germany.


Image of a plane, mid-flight, with its pilot and passenger visible within, and farmland below.

Photograph taken by Royal Canadian Air Force Flying Officer Harold Reid in 1944.
Image courtesy of Daniel Reid.

Image of a group of men in uniform standing in front of an aircraft

Class photograph from the No. 14 Service Flying Training School in Aylmer. Flying Instructor T.J. Murray Reid second from right.
Image courtesy of Andrew Reid.

 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.Laurence Binyon

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