Throughout my time as an airman in the Royal Canadian Air Force, I came across many important artifacts that marked a soldier. I carefully chose the four most symbolic items that best represented my life in WWII: My Air Force uniform as a Flight Lieutenant, a map of the beaches of France that I used on the most important day of my life, the Victoria Cross award that I received for my valour and skill as a pilot, and a parachute, an item which saved my life many times.
This was the Air Force Flight Lieutenant's uniform found in the capsule. The following note was found attached to it. This uniform was the greatest symbol of a pilot of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Not only did it recognize an airman's membership in the Air Force, but it also represented his pride and patriotism.
This was the map of Normandy, France. By D-Day, James Thoreau had achieved the high rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This was the first military operation where he was in command of an entire squadron of bombers. Thoreau proclaimed his greatest military accomplishment was on D-Day when he bravely flew over enemy lines with his squadron, clearing the way for ground troops and destroying numerous tanks and large artillery guns.
The third item found in the time capsule was an accurate replica of the Victoria Cross award. James Thoreau had been awarded with the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration, after his success on D-Day and put a replica in the time capsule since he did not want to include his actual medal. This item symbolizes his success as a member of the Armed Forces.
This was the old parachute found in the capsule. In the note on the parachute, Thoreau states he put the parachute in for saving his life many times. There was one confirmed case where this happened; during the Battle of Britain, his bomber was heavily damaged and he was forced to eject. He says the parachute represents his courage and his safety in the air.