Help me publish a unique story about WW2

Hi, my name is Betty Anne Richard, I am 74 years of age, and live in Windsor, Ontario. I have spent the last six years writing my first book, which took place in World War II, called “Bonds of War”. I am dedicating it to the Resistance in Holland who, without them, I would not have been born.

The main characters are my parents, Loma and Dick Jones and the couple in Holland, Lien and Paul van Ede, who, at great risk to themselves and their children, took my father in when his Tempest went down over occupied Holland on Feb 8/45. Their eldest son, Maarten, was 5 years old when dad was there. We are still in touch with each other and he has helped me in correcting and/or relating some of the incidents he remembers from that time. We consider each other brother and sister.

My parents had promised each other they would write every day and mom would send parcels every few weeks. The letters, now in my possession, described the love, hopes and dreams they shared, as well as the depths of loneliness brought on by their separation. There were over 200 letters beautifully written in pen and ink and tied in bundles with blue ribbons. Transcribing each letter, I was grateful for the beautiful penmanship.

When my fathers plane went down in a farmer’s field in Occupied Holland, Feb 8/45, he was thrown from the cockpit when the Tempest hit a tree. The fire in the plane, reaching the remaining ammunition, blew up, totally destroying the Tempest. He had started running and saw 3 farmer’s approaching with pitchforks and so he threw up his hands calling out “Canadian, Canadian”. The farmer’s quickly brought dad to the farmhouse and had him put on work clothes over his uniform. They then brought him to the older farmer next door and Dad was pushing a wheelbarrow of potatoes with the farmer, joining the other food seekers walking north. This was all done within 10 minutes of the crash without one word being spoken. Several minutes later the Germans went past looking for the plane and, hopefully, the pilot. They never even glanced at the haggard group walking in the opposite direction.

This was during the coldest winter recorded in the Netherlands. Walking for 3 days and staying in barns at night, they finally arrived in Laren and then found him shelter with the van Ede’s, in Blaricum.

My original hope was to have the book published in 2020, the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Holland. I worked hours on end, day after day, to reach my self-imposed deadline.

Unfortunately,in November of 2019, I suffered a stroke. After several months of therapy, I thought I could sit at my computer and pick-up where I left off. I was devastated to find I could only stare at a blank screen. I did not know how to coherently transfer my thoughts onto the page.

I still have times now that I cannot verbalize my thoughts, or words vanish from my mind before I can get them out.

I have almost finished writing my book. There is still so much more to do in order to complete the story with photos, documents, and telegrams, to name a few original additions that will bring this book to life. Including the forged papers when dad joined the resistance to help those helping him.

Why am I turning to GO FUND ME?

I had the good fortune to receive a $4,200 grant from the City of Windsor Arts, Culture & Heritage Fund in February of 2020. This covered the initial editing of the first draft of the book and some of the expenses such as for research and writing materials.

However, I cannot financially cover the many publishing costs which, in part, include the final series of editing, layout and the graphic design for the cover. I have photographs, documents, and memorabilia to be repaired, copied and/or readied for printing. I will need to hire professionals to do what I cannot. There are also the copyrights, promotion, marketing and distribution costs, not to mention the actual publishing. Transportation expenses will also be incurred. I will do most of the promoting and speaking engagements both before and after the printing.

I am hoping to raise $20,000 to cover most of the above mentioned expenses. Any amount donated will be gratefully accepted. If you cannot afford to donate, (I have been there and that is OK), I hope you can take the time to share this with your friends and family, through various social media and by word of mouth. I will also post regular updates both to thank you and to let you know how the book is coming

MY GOALS FOR THIS BOOK

I hope this book can:

• Help readers relate to the personal emotions of those who fought for freedom, and their families.

• Help readers understand that when peace is declared, it does not mean the struggle is over for those on whose soil the war was fought.

• Help readers understand that for the allies who returned home, the war had not ended for them either. Unfortunately, PTSD was not recognized at that time.

• Help students understand History is not just memorizing dates, places and battles fought. I want them to feel the war and know those involved. I want to bring personal experiences to them, showing what both the allies and the invaded suffered to defeat the evil forces that threatened the peace, freedoms and tolerance of differences that were once taken as a given.

• I want them to realize it can all still be taken from them when complacency overrides awareness and diligence.

• I want to help them understand and respect what Remembrance Day truly represents and why it must remain a strong reminder that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

I am also committed to ensuring a percentage of the royalties will be donated to #7 BCAPT (Ontario Air Museum) in Windsor in gratitude for the help and support they gave me from the beginning of my journey writing this book. And their unique Voluntary Humanitarian (Operation Manna) Role they played during the war as well as helping liberate Holland. Also, to help enable their continued educational programs for school children and adults and the expansion of the museum and their continuing volunteer work restoring vintage planes, including their exceptional work on one of the remaining Lancasters.

Any amount donated is greatly appreciated. And if you can’t donate, please help by sharing this with your friends and family. I thank you with my heart and soul for considering this request and I hope you enjoy the book once it is released.

Betty Anne Richard, Author

LEST WE FORGET

Bonds of War – Born in Wartime – Grown in Peacetime

Canada and Holland

The Jones family and the van Ede Family