Camp X
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Camp "X", as it was known, was Canada's own top secret high level Spy training facility, and it was located on the shores of Whitby, bordering Oshawa. Like the Avro Arrow Camp X was dismantled and bulldozed into the lake, all that remains today are the trees and a bunch of pits on the hillside from the hundreds of bombs they tested on the property. It was the beginning of the James Bond series of books and a popular Movie called: "A man called Intrepid".
Here is my impression from an afternoon on the site today, the last witnesses to our incredible history;
The Trees of Camp X
8"x10" oil on masonite
Here is my impression from an afternoon on the site today, the last witnesses to our incredible history;
The Trees of Camp X
8"x10" oil on masonite
Along the shores of Whitby, Ontario, Canada there lies a baron patch of land dotted with trees. There are few bits of evidence as to what once took place here, a few potholes from the many bombs that were tested, the occasional sections of fence wire in the grass, reminders that something was here.
I discovered Camp X quite by accident while at my local City Hall (paying a parking ticket). There they had a slight display in a glass case of some obvious artifacts, old boots, spoons, typewriters, knives, etc. I was intrigued! On further looking I realized a part of Whitby's history I never before knew. This town was the location of the worlds most coveted and secretive spy training facility. It was also a bomb testing spread as well, with pot holes all over the hillside laying testament of a very interesting side of this sleepy Eastern Ontario Town.
I would go on to learn that Camp X was the inspiration for all things 007, James, James Bond! Yet another movie was spawned from this place: A man called Intrepid.
How fortunate I am to live so close, how honoured I feel to be able to stand on these grounds. How sad I feel that these small group of buildings were not preserved for all to learn of this proud heritage. Reminds me of the Avro Arrow. For some reason this country was never mindful of the significance such landmarks would have to future generations.
I have begun to paint scenes from Camp X. It seems fitting to me that I begun with a scene of what greets you now. An empty field with only the trees still standing. If they could talk, the stories they would tell. I began this project on May 25th, 2013 and will add paintings to this page as time allows. Please stay tuned and send your comments anytime, I'd love to read them and learn anything you might be able to share. I also welcome your photos if you have any.
I would go on to learn that Camp X was the inspiration for all things 007, James, James Bond! Yet another movie was spawned from this place: A man called Intrepid.
How fortunate I am to live so close, how honoured I feel to be able to stand on these grounds. How sad I feel that these small group of buildings were not preserved for all to learn of this proud heritage. Reminds me of the Avro Arrow. For some reason this country was never mindful of the significance such landmarks would have to future generations.
I have begun to paint scenes from Camp X. It seems fitting to me that I begun with a scene of what greets you now. An empty field with only the trees still standing. If they could talk, the stories they would tell. I began this project on May 25th, 2013 and will add paintings to this page as time allows. Please stay tuned and send your comments anytime, I'd love to read them and learn anything you might be able to share. I also welcome your photos if you have any.
Here are maps and arial photos of Camp X as it was. Please click on these images to go to the host website where you can learn all the details of this amazing camp.
Map drawn in 1943 by Hamish Pelham Burn
