Documents within this series highlight the private life of Bruce Macdonald. The series relates to Macdonald's family and personal life, his education at the University of Alberta and Harvard University, his community service activities as well as the development of his book, The Trial of Kurt Meyer. Documents within this series pertain to Macdonald's life in Windsor, Nova Scotia, and Alberta. The series is divided into four subseries.

The first subseries, Family and Personal Files, contains documents relating to Bruce Macdonald's family and personal life. Although primarily correspondence, this subseries contains a wide variety of documents. Included in this subseries are contracts, a calendar, certificates, notes, booklets, an interview, newspaper clippings, wills, a birth certificate, reports, a diary, an invitation, a victory bond, a programme, and an honourary degree.

The second subseries, Education, consists of documents pertaining to Macdonald's university education. Included in this subseries are class notes, correspondence, a report as well as a 1924 University of Alberta yearbook.

The third subseries contains documents pertaining to Bruce Macdonald's 1954 book, The Trial of Kurt Meyer. This book provides a first hand account by Macdonald, who was chief prosecutor, into the most publicized Canadian war crimes trial of World War II. Included are drafts and a manuscript of the book, book reviews and articles, correspondence, royalty statements and a television script.

The fourth subseries, Community Service, documents Macdonald's involvement with a variety of clubs and organizations. Consisting primarily of correspondence, certificates and speeches, this subseries also includes lists, reports, minutes, a constitution, newspaper clippings and programmes.

This subseries, spanning the years 1898 to 1986, contains documents relating to Bruce Macdonald's family and personal life. Although primarily correspondence, this subseries contains a wide variety of documents. Included in this subseries are contracts, a calendar, certificates, notes, booklets, an interview, newspaper clippings, wills, a birth certificate, reports, a diary, an invitation, a victory bond, a programme and an honourary degree. Several documents within this subseries are of particular interest. The interview with the Osgoode Society (MS43 I-1/10) contains a transcript of an interview with Bruce Macdonald, providing insight into his views on particular events throughout his life. In 1981, Macdonald was granted an honourary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Windsor. The degree and accompanying documents are included within this subseries. Included in the Personal Correspondence files are letters congratulating Macdonald on various appointments as well as a letter awarding him the Croix de Guerre. Also of interest is a diary kept by Dr. William Macdonald during World War I. File MS43 I-1/21 has restricted access as it contains a signed letter from Winston Churchill. A copy of the letter, however, can be found in MS43 I-1/20. Researchers interested in Macdonald's genealogy should consult MS43 I-1/9 as it contains a history of the Macdonald family in Canada. Photographs have been removed from two files and relocated to the Photograph Collection of the Municipal Archives. Researchers should note that Macdonald transferred several original documents to the National Archives of Canada. These documents pertain to his case before the Department of National Defence in regards to his dismissal as Commanding Officer of the Essex Scottish Regiment. Copies of these documents can be found in MS43 I-1/6.

This subseries, spanning the years 1898 to 1986, contains documents relating to Bruce Macdonald's family and personal life. Although primarily correspondence, this subseries contains a wide variety of documents. Included in this subseries are contracts, a calendar, certificates, notes, booklets, an interview, newspaper clippings, wills, a birth certificate, reports, a diary, an invitation, a victory bond, a programme and an honourary degree. Several documents within this subseries are of particular interest. The interview with the Osgoode Society (MS43 I-1/10) contains a transcript of an interview with Bruce Macdonald, providing insight into his views on particular events throughout his life. In 1981, Macdonald was granted an honourary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Windsor. The degree and accompanying documents are included within this subseries. Included in the Personal Correspondence files are letters congratulating Macdonald on various appointments as well as a letter awarding him the Croix de Guerre. Also of interest is a diary kept by Dr. William Macdonald during World War I. File MS43 I-1/21 has restricted access as it contains a signed letter from Winston Churchill. A copy of the letter, however, can be found in MS43 I-1/20. Researchers interested in Macdonald's genealogy should consult MS43 I-1/9 as it contains a history of the Macdonald family in Canada. Photographs have been removed from two files and relocated to the Photograph Collection of the Municipal Archives. Researchers should note that Macdonald transferred several original documents to the National Archives of Canada. These documents pertain to his case before the Department of National Defence in regards to his dismissal as Commanding Officer of the Essex Scottish Regiment. Copies of these documents can be found in MS43 I-1/6.

The Education subseries, spanning the years 1924 to 1977, although not inclusively, consists of documents pertaining to Bruce Macdonald's university education. Although relatively small, this subseries does provide insight into Macdonald's legal education. Included in the subseries are class notes, correspondence, a report as well as a 1924 University of Alberta yearbook. Researchers may wish to consult PC/7015 - /7081 which depict the University of Alberta and various initiation proceedings during the early 1920s.

This subseries contains documents pertaining to Bruce Macdonald's 1954 book, . This book provides a first hand account by Macdonald, who was chief prosecutor, into the most publicized Canadian war crimes trial of World War II. Documents within this subseries span the years 1954 to 1983, although not inclusively. Included are drafts and a manuscript of , book reviews and articles, correspondence, royalty statements and a television script. Of interest in the Correspondence file (MS 43 I-3/2) is a letter from a parent of one of the Canadians executed on Meyer's command, as well as a letter in which Macdonald discusses his view of Meyer's sentence. Also included in this subseries is a report containing excerpts from a book Kurt Meyer published in response to . Researchers interested in the published book itself should consult MS 26, which contains a copy of . Researchers may also wish to consult MS43 III-3 which contains original documents pertaining to the trial of Kurt Meyer.

Throughout his life, Bruce Macdonald was very involved with several national and community organizations. This subseries, which spans the years 1938 to 1984, although not inclusively, documents his involvement with a variety of clubs and organizations. Consisting primarily of correspondence, certificates and speeches, this subseries also includes lists, reports, minutes, a constitution, newspaper clippings and programmes. Researchers can also find speeches pertaining to organizations and service clubs in MS43 VI.

This series documents Macdonald's activity with the Essex Scottish Regiment both during and after World War II. Unfortunately, there is no documentation of his involvement with the Regiment during the pre-war period. Documents within this series span the years 1931 to 1986, although not inclusively. Primarily correspondence, minutes and programmes, these documents illustrate Macdonald's involvement with the Regiment and its various committees and associations. Also included in the series are caricatures, notes, reports, financial documents, a speech, by-laws, lists, certificates, newspaper clippings, a poster, a scrapbook, as well as Macdonald's record of service and medical record booklets. One of the caricatures included in this series was drawn by Charlie Knight, past political cartoonist for the . Researchers interested in other Charlie Knight caricatures should consult MS44. Of particular interest are the War Correspondence files. Consisting primarily of correspondence between Bruce and his wife, Norma, these files provide invaluable insight into Macdonald's actions and views during the war. The correspondence also clearly illustrates the relationship shared between Bruce and Norma. Included in the War Correspondence to Bruce Macdonald file (MS44 II/39) is a letter to all ranks explaining his loss of command in August 1944. Researchers interested in this subject may also wish to consult the Relief of Command file (MS44 II/26). The Uniform Identification Poster (MS44 II/31) is of interest as it illustrates for German troops how to identify the uniform of the Essex Scottish Regiment. Also of interest, is a scrapbook (MS44 II/28) kept by Norma Macdonald of the Regiment's activities during the war. The scrapbook also contains several articles dealing with the Kurt Meyer trial.

Researchers should note that Macdonald transferred several original documents concerning his service with the Essex Scottish Regiment to the National Archives of Canada. These documents pertain to his case before the Department of National Defence in regards to his dismissal as Commanding Officer of the Essex Scottish Regiment. Copies of these documents can be found in MS43 I-1/6.

This series documents activities surrounding the war crimes trials of 1945 and 1946. Documents within this series span the years 1944 to [198-?], although not inclusively. Various trials are documented, including that of S. S. Brigadefuhrer Kurt Meyer, involving war crimes against Canadian and other Allied troops. Also included is documentation pertaining to the legal aspects of war crimes trials. The series is divided into four subseries: Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF) Court of Inquiry 1944 to 1945 No. 1 Canadian War Crimes Investigation Unit 1945 to 1946 Kurt Meyer Trial 1944 to 1984 (not inclusive) War Crimes Documentation 1944 to [198-?] (not inclusive)

RESEARCHERS SHOULD NOTE THAT SEVERAL REPORTS WITHIN THIS SERIES CONTAIN VERY GRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS OF CORPSES, EXHUMATIONS AND CONCENTRATION CAMP CONDITIONS. THESE PHOTOGRAPHS MAY BE CONSIDERED DISTURBING AND SHOULD BE VIEWED WITH DISCRETION.

This subseries, spanning the years 1944 to 1945, consists primarily of reports prepared by the SHAEF Court of Inquiry for specific war crimes cases. These reports provide detailed information into specific cases of war crimes against Allied troops. Researchers should note that these reports are in fragile condition and must be handled with extreme care. Photographs are contained in two reports and must also be handled with care. Cotton gloves will be provided to researchers that request these reports. Of interest is a Joke Report (MS43 III-1/4) in which Macdonald is tried and convicted for 'shooting' Allied officers with his camera. This subseries also consists of a memo, correspondence, cards, and Christmas programmes. The memo (MS43 III-1/1) is of interest as it appoints Macdonald as President of the Court of Inquiry. RESEARCHERS SHOULD NOTE THAT SEVERAL REPORTS WITHIN THIS SERIES CONTAIN VERY GRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS OF CORPSES, EXHUMATIONS AND CONCENTRATION CAMP CONDITIONS. THESE PHOTOGRAPHS MAY BE CONSIDERED DISTURBING AND SHOULD BE VIEWED WITH DISCRETION.

This subseries consists primarily of reports prepared by the No. 1 Canadian War Crimes Investigation Unit into cases of war crimes against members of the Canadian Armed Forces. These reports provide detailed information on war crimes and the investigation into cases. Researchers should note that these reports are in fragile condition and must be handled with extreme care. In cases where two copies of the same report exist, a research copy will be made available to researchers. Maps have been removed from two reports and are stored apart from the collection. Researchers interested in viewing these maps should request them separately. Photographs are contained in two reports and must also be handled with care. Cotton gloves will be provided to researchers that request these reports. Photographs have been removed from one report and were transferred to the Photograph Collection of the Municipal Archives. Researchers interested in viewing the photographs from this report should request them separately using their PC/ numbers. RESEARCHERS SHOULD NOTE THAT ONE REPORT CONTAINS GRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS. THESE PHOTOGRAPHS MAY BE CONSIDERED DISTURBING AND SHOULD BE VIEWED WITH DISCRETION.

This subseries also consists of other reports, correspondence and minutes. Documented in this subseries is the trial of Brigadier Lister, in which Macdonald was special prosecutor. Lister was on trial for charges relating to the improper use of a requisitioned house in Amsterdam. Several of the Correspondence and Reports files refer to the investigation into Kurt Meyer. Researchers interested in the Kurt Meyer trial should see MS43 III-3. Also of interest is the Coded Correspondence (MS43 III-2/3) which refers to people, locations and events in Roman terminology. Documents within this subseries span the years 1945 to 1946.

Included in the subseries are numerous reports, correspondence, notes, newspaper clippings and articles, a speech, diaries and copies of . Of particular interest to researchers are the three volumed Record of Proceedings, which contain detailed information on the Meyer trial. Two copies of these reports exist, with the research copy made available to researchers. These reports are in very fragile condition and must be handled with extreme care. Photographs have been removed from the Volume III research copy (MS43 III-3/20) and transferred to the Photograph Collection of the Municipal Archives. Researchers wishing to view these photographs must request them by PC/ number.

Maps have been removed from several files and stored apart from the collection. Researchers wishing to view these maps must request them separately. The Committal Order file (MS43 III-3/6) contains documents referring to the procedure for carrying out Meyer's execution as well as the lifting of his death sentence. The Kurt Meyer Correspondence (MS43 III-3/9) contains copies of correspondence Meyer wrote while in prison outlining his life and career. Researchers interested in this aspect of Meyer should also consult the Biography and Interrogation Reports (MS43 III-3/3). Also of interest are copies of newspaper, printed for Canadian troops in Europe, which covered the trial in depth. For Macdonald's first hand account of the trial, researchers should consult MS43 I-3 which deals with his book The Trial of Kurt Meyer. For a copy of this book, researchers should consult MS26. Documentation on the Meyer trial is also contained in the Correspondence and Reports files in MS43 III-2. Researchers may also wish to consult Law Reports of Trials of War Criminals (MS43 III-4/4) which contains a report on the Meyer case.

This subseries, spanning the years 1944 to [198-?], although not inclusively, consists primarily of reports and journals pertaining to the legal aspects of war crimes. As such, this subseries is useful to researchers interested in the legal basis of war crimes regulations. Also included in this subseries is an agreement, a French book on concentration camps, a video in which Macdonald lectures a law of war course, and proceedings of a war crimes trial. Law Reports of Trials of War Criminals (MS43 III-4/4) contains a report dealing with the Kurt Meyer trial. Researchers should note that Camps de Concentration (MS43 III-4/2) contains very graphic pictures, and are encouraged to view this book at their own discretion.

The series is divided into five subseries: Private Practice 1928 to 1953 (not inclusive) City Solicitor 1930 to 1949 (not inclusive) Crown Attorney 1940 to 1961 (not inclusive) County Court Judge 1961 to 1983 (not inclusive) Small Claims Court Judge 1982 to 1986

This subseries documents Bruce Macdonald's legal career with Wilson, Thomson & Macdonald, including his position as solicitor for Essex County and the Sandwich, Windsor & Amherstburg Railway Co. Unfortunately, no documentation exists for Macdonald's employment with McLarty & Fraser. Documents within this subseries span the years 1928 to 1953. The majority of the documents pertain to specific cases in which Macdonald was involved. Although primarily correspondence and reports, the subseries also contains notes, plans, certificates, leases, an agreement, a deed, minutes, by-laws, financial statements, and newspaper clippings. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Co. vs Vas (MS43 IV-1/2) involves a case of a car being struck at a railroad crossing. Photographs and a plan have been removed from this file and must be requested separately. The Photographs have been transferred to the Photograph Collection of the Municipal Archives and must be requested by PC/ number. Plans have been removed from several files and should be requested separately. In his work with the Sandwich, Windsor & Amherstburg Railway Co., Macdonald was primarily involved with wage negotiations and property purchases and sales. As such, these files prove useful to researchers interested in the history of the Sandwich, Windsor & Amherstburg Railway Co. Also of interest are the proceedings from an inquiry into the finances, administration and personnel of Metropolitan General Hospital in Windsor.

This small subseries documents Macdonald's term as Windsor's first full-time City Solicitor. Consisting of only four files, this subseries contains a copy of the 1935 Amalgamation bill signed by David Croll, an agreement, notes, reports, correspondence, minutes and newspaper clippings. These documents span the years 1930 to 1949. Due to the small number of documents within this subseries, in-depth research into this period of Macdonald's life is not possible. Researchers interested in Macdonald's term as City Solicitor should consult Records of the Legal Department (RG9).

This subseries documents Bruce Macdonald's term (April 1951 to October 1961) as Crown Attorney for Essex County. Spanning the years 1940 to 1961, this subseries consists primarily of correspondence and reports. Also included are notes, a script, invitations, programmes, an agenda, a by-law, deeds, plans, a speech and newspaper clippings. Photographs are included in one report (MS43 IV-3/8) and must be handled with care. Several files deal with specific cases Macdonald was involved with as Crown Attorney. The Burke Inquest (MS43 IV-3/2) deals with the investigation into the death of a private at Camp Petawawa. A plan has been removed from this file and stored apart from the collection. Researchers wishing to consult this plan must request it separately. The Le Claire and Whitney Indecent Performance (MS43 IV-3/13) deals with a raid on the Windsor Armouries for an "immoral performance" at the Essex Scottish Reunion Banquet. Researchers should see MS43 V-1/7 for more documentation on this subject. The Case for the Court (MS43 IV-3/3) documents Macdonald's participation in a CBC legal issues programme. Also of interest is the Youth Crime Report (MS43 IV-3/20), documenting a committee headed by Macdonald investigating youth crime in Essex County.

This subseries, spanning the years 1961 to 1983, contains documents relating to Bruce Macdonald's career as a Judge of the County and District Courts of Ontario. He was appointed a Judge in October 1961 and remained in the post until having to retire in December 1977. Primarily correspondence and reports, this subseries also consists of newspaper clippings, notes, a certificate, minutes and a transcript. Two cases in which Macdonald presided as judge are documented. The Raymond Denis case (MS43 IV-4/1) involves a federal government official convicted of attempting to obstruct justice by offering a bribe. The Royal Bank Robbery (MS43 IV-4/2) involves the theft of $1.1 million from the Royal Bank in Windsor, at that time the largest amount stolen in Canadian history. Two inquiries are also documented within this subseries. The Chatham Municipal Inquiry (MS43 IV-4/4) was a judicial inquiry into charges that threats and other acts of intimidation were being made against certain past and present members of the Chatham City Council. The Malden Township Inquiry investigated allegations of impropriety in connection with subdivision agreements entered into by the then current and two previous councils of the township. Also documented in this subseries is Macdonald's activity as president of the County and District Judges Association of Ontario.

This subseries contains documents concerning Bruce Macdonald's position as Judge of the Small Claims Court. He was appointed in 1978 and remained on the bench into 1986, the year of his death. Documents within this subseries span the years 1982 to 1986. Consisting primarily of judges books, this subseries also consists of a certificate, correspondence and newspaper clippings. The Judges Books contain Macdonald's handwritten notes on cases he heard while on the bench. As such, these books provide researchers insight into minor, local legal cases.

This series documents Bruce Macdonald's activities with the Windsor, Leamington and Ontario Police Commissions as well as the Association of Municipal Police Governing Authorities. Unfortunately, no documentation exists for Macdonald's activities with the Sandwich West and Amherstburg Police Commissions. Documents within this series span the years 1923 to 1978.

The series has been divided into four subseries: Windsor Police Commission 1923 to 1978 Leamington Police Commission 1954 to [1973?] Ontario Police Commission 1959 to 1975 Association of Municipal Police Governing Authorities 1969 to 1977

This subseries contains documents relating to Bruce Macdonald's association with the Windsor Police Commission. The subseries consists primarily of correspondence and reports, but also includes agendas, an agreement, transcripts, notes, a programme, a poster, minutes, plans, newspaper clippings and yearbooks. Plans have been removed from the New Police Building file (MS43 V-1/20) and are stored apart from the collection. Researchers interested in viewing these plans should request them separately. The Emancipation Day file (MS43 V-1/6) documents a discrimination case against the Windsor Police Department for not allowing a carnival license to hold Emancipation Day celebrations in Jackson Park. Several inquiries are also documented within this subseries. The Drouillard Road Inquiry (MS43 V-1/5) investigated allegations of police inactivity in the Drouillard road area. The Essex Scottish Reunion Inquiry (MS43 V-1/7) investigated a raid on the Windsor Armouries for an "immoral performance" at the Essex Scottish Reunion Banquet. Researchers should see MS43 IV-3/13 for more documentation on this subject. The Windsor Police Committee of Inquiry Report (MS43 V-1/27) involves an investigation into the unusually large number of resignations from the Windsor Police Department during 1964. Of interest is the 1977 Windsor Police Annual Report which contains a tribute to Macdonald upon his retirement from the commission. Also of interest are several booklets containing rules, procedures and regulations of the Windsor Police Department.

This subseries contains documents pertaining to Bruce Macdonald's service on the Leamington Police Commission. Documents within this subseries span the years 1954 to [1973?], although not inclusively. The subseries consists primarily of correspondence, minutes and reports, but also contains newspaper clippings. The General files document the activities of the Commission, including investigations into their secretary and police force. These files also contain monthly and annual reports of the Leamington Police Force.

This subseries documents Bruce Macdonald's tenure, from April 1962 to February 1964, as the first chairman of the Ontario Police Commission. The subseries spans the years 1959 to 1975. The subseries consists of reports, correspondence, minutes, newspaper clippings, speeches and an agenda. The creation of the Ontario Police College, the organized crime report and other activities of the Commission are documented within the subseries.

This subseries, containing only three files, documents Bruce Macdonald's service with the Association of Municipal Police Governing Authorities. Included in this subseries are correspondence, a report, a draft brief and minutes. Which span the years 1969 to 1977. The Amendments Correspondence and Report file (MS43 V-4/1) concerns submissions to the government regarding amendments as to pay and pensions for judges sitting on police commissions. Due to the relatively small size of the subseries, in-depth research into Macdonald's work with this association is not possible.

Throughout his life, Bruce Macdonald made numerous speeches to organizations and service clubs on a variety of topics. Many of these speeches are included in this series. They have been divided into broad subject areas to assist researchers. In many cases the speeches have been transcribed, with the transcription included following the original speech. Researchers should note that speeches form part of several subseries within the collection, and are not all found within this series. The speeches within this series span the years 1946 to [198-?]. These speeches are invaluable as they document Macdonald's personal view toward certain events and issues.

Series eight consists of ephemera material found in the collection during processing. Material within this series span the years 1906 to [197-?]. The material is associated with the life of Bruce Macdonald, or that of his father, Dr. William Macdonald. Ephemera has been divided into textual material and artifacts, and have been stored separately. These materials compliment other documents found in the collection, and are of interest in their own right.

This subseries, spanning the years 1919 to [197-?], consists of textual ephemera found in the collection. The majority of the material is associated with World War II. Included are programmes, a menu, books, envelopes, cards, postcards, a booklet, an invitation and a certificate. The postcards have been assigned PC-P/ numbers and transferred to the Photograph Collection of the Municipal Archives. Researchers wishing to view these postcards should request them by their PC-P/ number. Of particular interest are several church programmes regarding services for troops as well as handbooks about the German army. Also of interest is (MS43 VIII-1/4), a book containing cartoons involving Canadian troops in Holland. Although some of these materials do not directly involve Macdonald, they do provide insight into the atmosphere during World War II.

This subseries consists of artifacts found within the collection during processing. These artifacts are either associated with Bruce Macdonald or his father, Dr. William Macdonald. Included are pins, medals, button covers, wallets, signs, a locket, a bracelet and a lock of Bruce Macdonald's hair. The Harvard University Locket (MS43 VIII-2/10) contains a photograph of Bruce Macdonald and a woman. Of particular interest are Dr. William Macdonald's World War I medals and pins. Also of interest is a lock of Bruce Macdonald's hair (MS43 VIII-2/11) from when he was a child. The subseries spans the years 1906 to 1977, although not inclusively.

This series consists of 10 maps dating from the 1940s. Included are maps of several European cities such as Vienna, Paris and London. Also included are several military maps useful to researchers in comprehending where certain events occurred and in understanding troop locations. Researchers should note that military maps can also be found in MS43 III. Due to the size of these maps, they have been stored apart from the collection.