The return home: Disability experiences of Second World War Veterans with amputations

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Analysis of oral history interviews conducted with Canadian Second World War Veterans with amputation identified themes of disability experiences. Overall, the experience and understanding of disability by Veterans with amputation was based on activities they could perform independently, how others saw them, and how they viewed their injuries. The inherent pride and masculinity in not showing a disability was celebrated by the Veterans and is still relevant today, where life-changing injuries, such as amputations, are often thought of as tragedies an individual needs to be strong enough to overcome. The way disability was understood during this time as an individual responsibility influenced today’s military culture. Rehabilitation professionals working with military personnel are encouraged to be conscious of reinforcing injuries as tragedies that need to be independently overcome.