Part of Vernon's history is described by Eric Koch in "Deemed Suspect - A Wartime Blunder", 1985 paperback, Goodread Biographies, Formac Publ. Co. Ltd.5359 Inglis St., Halifax, N.S. B3H 1J4, Canada.
"Deemed Suspect" describes the history and events in the internment camps in Canada for 'Friendly Enemy Aliens' who were transported from England in 1940. It gives good accounts, particularly of the camp schools, the most successful of which was in Farnham, Que (camp A) that Vernon had the good furtune to attend (p. 146-153). It also descibes the Comittee on Interned Refugees that got us out (p. 180-182). archive
A different one is by Ted Jones. "Both sides of the Wire. The Fredericton Internment Camp", 2 v. New Ireland Press, 217 Aberdeen St., Fredericton, NB, E3B 1R6 (no longer in business). This book specifically deals with the Fredericton camp (B) and consists of many quotes from correspondence that the author undertook mostly in the early '80s. It thus presents the composite memory of many people. Interesting in its manifold detail. archive

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The committe was initiated in Ottawa in 1940 by Senator Cairine R. Wilson , then 55 yrs, and Constance Hayward, then 36 yrs, (and Hayward: in "Search CAIN" enter 27272). They were both graduates of Acadia University, were friends, and had both been involved with the League of Nations Committe on Refugees. Connie became executive secretary under Sen. Wilson's chairmanship. Their roles were for Sen. Wilson to find ways in government for release of internees (that turned out to be "Orders-in-Council" by the Governor-General), and for Connie to interview us in the camp, to find suitable Canadian sponsors, and to deal with Internment Operations. On the whole, the government was unsympathetic. Tactful, careful and persistent presentations by those two redoubtable women changed the atttitudes sufficiently to see Col. Fordham appointed in 1941 to the new position of "Commissioner of Refugees", which then opened the way for release of suitable internees. On the strength of our good grades in Junior Matric, Connie Hayward was able to find prominent Canadians as good sponsors for us to get us released in 1941 and 1942. This is well descibed in both books cited above.

We all adored this woman who had interviewed us while we were still in the camp and sustained us when life seemed dire in the long months before release, and who befriended us once we had been let out. She was auhority, nearly mother and always big sister, ever gentle and of good cheer. Can more praise be heaped on anyone?

Constance Hayward, below: ~1944, age 38 (photo: Koch, Deemed Suspect)

Constance Irene Hayward b. in Newcastle, NB 5 April 1906; d. 8 April 1982, age 76. She graduated from Acadia University in 1927. In 1932 she applied to the London School of Economics to do graduate work in international affairs. She returned to Canada in 1934 and went to work for the League of Nations Society as a lecturer and organizer. In 1938 she was appointed Executive Secretary for the Canadian National Committee on Refugees and Victims of Political Persecution under the chairmanship of Senator Cairine R. Wilson; and later was also secretary for the successor Central Committee on Interned Refugees.

After 1945 Hayward toured Canada making speeches and giving lectures until she took an early retirement from the Civil Service in 1958. She returned to Wolfville and lived with her mother continuing to give lectures as well as volunteering with local organizations. She also became active in the Acadia University community and served on its Board of Trustees.