Westaway

CANADIAN ROOTS UK

-----Canadian War Children Of World War Two-----

WESTAWAY

David William Westaway is trying to trace his father, he doesn't have a name for his father a Canadian serviceman. He worked (or stayed) at Dolphin Camp, Brixham, Devon, England in 1942. The camp was part of the Canadian Military's No 1 Canadian Convalescent Depot based there and by 1942 had become a French-Canadian Unit.

David's mother Freda Westaway was 19 years old when he was born. A local Brixham girl, Freda lived with her parents and sister in Drew Street, Brixham. David was born May 1943 so was conceived August 1942. Freda was sent away to St Olave's a home for unmarried mothers in Exeter.

David's mother Freda Westaway

Freda and her baby lived with her family in Brixham, but before long she married a British serviceman. He had been billeted with the family during the war. And when it was over he moved his family to Kent where David was officially adopted by him in 1948

David and his mother

David knows nothing about his birth-father. His own middle name "William" was not a name used by the Westaway family. So this could be a connection.

David age 20 David 2009

Another possible clue was found amongst some old family photo's. These are two named photo's of a beautiful sledge dog called "Harker" who is wearing what looks like a military harness. One photo is inscribed in distinctive turquoise handwriting "To dear Freda, with love from Aidan". 'Aidan is still a very popular name in Canada so this could be significant.

If you are David's father or Canadian family or you can help with the photo's of "Harker" please contact us below and make David's family complete.

Please contact us and quote the page 71550

Canadian Roots UK is a non-profit, self-help group for families and Canadian military fathers separated during WWII. We help members to help themselves try and trace their fathers in Canada.