Isobel Martin's War Stories: Recent Episodes
Produced and recorded by Val Klassen, edited by John Coutanche
In 2004 at age 79, Isobel Mooney (née Martin) looks back on her adventures as an 18 year old "prairie girl" from Winnipeg in a top-secret post in RCAF Bomber Operations, Halifax during the final months of World War 2.
Convoys in and out of Halifax transferring troops in preparation for D Day.
On May 8, 1945, VE Day, Isobel watches from her second floor room at the Waverley on Barrington Street as people riot in the streets.
In the harbour, troop ships arrive carrying the victorious survivors, and UBoats surrender.
By VJ Day, more than half the staff have been shipped home. Isobel stays on to document the war for the official record.
Her Mom needs her to come home. Back in Winnipeg, Isobel finds a job and gradually resumes life as a civilian.
A Met course in Ottawa is derailed by a case of strep throat. Sick leave at home in Winnipeg. Returning to Halifax, Isobel is promoted to Corporal and moved to a fancy new barracks.
Isobel (age 19) and her friend, Hoagie, are serving in the RCAF (Women's Division) in Halifax near the end of World War II. They decide to go to New York to celebrate the New Year, 1945.
Later that year, Isobel and her friend, Clarkie, hitchhike to Saint John, New Brunswick.
An endless parade of men going overseas. Fogged in, nothing to do, Isobel earns a reputation as a reader of tea leaves. New Year's in Sydney. Marching on cobblestones in the Victory Bond parade. Meeting dates at Waverley House.
Demanding and stressful work in Bomber Ops. The daily pressure was intense, and could not be shared with friends. Jitterbug contests, often with live music, were a fun escape, and sometimes you'd win cigarettes! A very sad Christmas Eve. And more dancing.
Isobel's job in Bomber Ops, Halifax is top secret, which is sometimes very difficult to live with.
Isobel has three days off in Halifax before reporting for work in Bomber Ops, but it is not all relaxation!