A new app is helping to rescue veterans’ stories from fading memories

In July 1944, gunner Walter Chater — serving with the Royal Canadian Artillery in Normandy — received news that his brother, Eric, had also survived the D-Day invasion and was stationed just a few kilometres away. Walter was a motorcycle dispatch rider, tasked with delivering messages at high speed between the Canadian command post near Juno Beach and the front lines. His commanding officer granted him permission to visit his brother for the night.

Tragically, on his journey back to his unit, Walter hit a landmine on his motorcycle and perished on the spot. The abrupt and violent nature of his death was a shock to his family and left a lasting impact on his descendants. Walter’s grandsons, Matthew and Daniel Chater, have kept his memory alive by passing down the story of his sacrifice through generations.

The details of Walter Chater’s life and service are now preserved in a unique archive created by Calgary-based tech company Memory Anchor. This archive, compiled from sources like the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Veterans Affairs Canada, provides a comprehensive look into the lives of over 330,000 fallen soldiers from various conflicts.

Memory Anchor’s app uses artificial intelligence to map out cemeteries in Canada and other countries, allowing users to access biographical information, service records, stories, and photos of individual soldiers. By scanning a veteran’s tombstone, visitors can instantly learn more about their personal history and contributions to the war effort.

One of the poignant artifacts uncovered through the app is a postcard that Walter Chater sent to his son in Toronto during his time in France. In the message, he expresses his longing to be reunited with his family for picnics and fun. This glimpse into his personal life humanizes Walter and highlights the sacrifices he made for his country.

The app also provides users with the ability to locate specific gravesites and learn about the heroic actions that led to a soldier’s death. For example, visitors can see where a soldier’s regiment was and what they were doing when they lost their life in combat.

For veterans like Ryan Mullens, who developed the app, preserving these stories is crucial as the number of living veterans dwindles. By using technology to bring these narratives to life, Memory Anchor ensures that the sacrifices of individuals like Walter Chater are not forgotten.

For descendants like Matthew and Daniel Chater, the app serves as a powerful tool for keeping their grandfather’s memory alive. By sharing his war records and personal stories with future generations, they ensure that Walter’s courage and dedication to standing up for what is right will continue to inspire others.

In a world where the memories of fallen soldiers are at risk of fading away, Memory Anchor’s app provides a lasting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Through the power of technology, the stories of heroes like Walter Chater will never be lost to history.