In Photos: Alson Hoffman's diary, photos chronicle WWII France
"So ends a glorious two-day leave in Paris," the Canadian soldier concluded in a 1944 diary entry. "But still wish I was home with wifie."
Alson Hoffman and his wife Margaret Almas Hoffman, taken after he enlisted in the fall 1942.Courtesy of Susan Hoffman
Alson Hoffman on leave in Paris, Nov. 23, 1944.Courtesy of Susan Hoffman
Mr. Hoffman's diary entry, describing his visit to Paris.Courtesy of Susan Hoffman
Embroidered souvenir handkerchiefs -- like this one, which Mr. Hoffman sent home to his wife -- were already being produced while the war was still on.Courtesy of Susan Hoffman
A telegram from Mr. Hoffman's wife, dated December 16, 1944.Courtesy of Susan Hoffman
Mr. Hoffman in St. Omer with his colleagues in the pay office; May 12, 1945.Courtesy of Susan Hoffman
Mr. Hoffman outside the Canadian General Hospital at Sande, Germany on Sept. 3, 1945.Courtesy of Susan Hoffman
The final entry in Mr. Hoffman’s war diary, January 26, 1946.Courtesy of Susan Hoffman