My grandfather, Clifford Brunt, served for five years as a wireless operator during the Second World War, but he never talked about his experiences.
When I began interviewing other veterans in 2018, I realized how many had shared that silence. Yet when a 20-something-year-old called them up, most often they responded, “Yes, I will speak with you.”
It has been an immense honour to be welcomed into their homes and trusted with pieces of their lives, sometimes too painful to share with even their own families.
When work brought me to the Maritimes, I knew I had to meet more veterans. Veterans Affairs Canada figures listed 992 living clients with Second World War service as of June 30, 2026, including 30 in New Brunswick.
Through The Courier, I discovered Herb McGee’s story. Vicki Hogarth put us in touch, and after three weeks in the Maritimes, I ended my trip in Saint Andrews with one final interview: Herb’s.
Herb is now 101. When I ask him what it’s like inside of a rear turret, Herb starts to cry. He also tells me, “Don’t ask about my operations.” I try to follow his lead, giving him space to share what he feels able to say.
I’m working to bring these stories together in a documentary, Last Ones Standing. Many of my interviews are preserved at the Canadian War Museum as the Eric Brunt Collection. You can find more of their stories on my Facebook page, Eric Brunt.
Without The Courier, I might never have met Herb. Thank you, Vicki, Herb, and all the veterans who have served.
We are getting to the end of a time when this generation can tell us about war. But sometimes, it’s what they can’t tell us that is even more profound.
