It must have been worrying for parents who wouldn't know where their
family might be, and frightening for young ones, like my brother,
who wouldn't understand, But for people my age, it was an exciting
time. I remember, too well, the bright red skies as London was lit
up in the Blitz and the docks burned.
Meanwhile, as the fighting raged overhead in England, and I was
serving in the ATS, I wrote faithfully to Owen Browne in Italy. We
got to know each other very well. So it was no surprise when, on his
first leave after the Regiment reached Holland, he came to my base
to find me. I was attending a lecture when a runner came to tell me
there was a dashing Canadian Captain in my Company office. Owen
Browne had used his usual charm on my CO to grant me leave and,
before I knew it, I was on my way to Oxted. What a wonderful week
that was! By the time I returned to camp, I was wearing his
engagement ring.
We were married in June 1945, and soon afterwards Owen left for
Canada. I followed in 1946, sailing on the Isle-de-France. On board
were a number of returning servicemen as well as war brides. It was
a very pleasant voyage. We were well cared for and we marvelled over
the white bread and good food. We were warmly welcomed when we
arrived in Halifax.
Then began the long train journey to Calgary, Alberta. It was
fascinating to watch as, at all hours, the train would stop and
girls would get off to meet their menfolk. The men looked so
different in their civilian clothes: big hats, bright ties. We had
many a laugh. People were so kind, coming aboard the train with
baskets of fruit. Imagine: bananas and oranges—sheer heaven to us,
coming from severely rationed England. Reporters also came for
stories to print in their local papers. That proved hilarious, for
we all listened in to the interviews.
I was bringing Owen a bottle of Johnny Walker whiskey from home and
no way would I open it, much to my travelling companions' chagrin.
Then one night, I awoke in my bunk to the smell of liquor. My
precious bottle had blown up in my dressing case! The next day I
received no sympathy as I wrung out my pretty undies. Although I had
the stain in my case to prove it, Owen never believed my story. We
finally arrived at Calgary station with the Salvation Army Band
playing The West, The Nest, and You, Dear. Oh, dear! It
sounded like a funeral march, and there were quite a few tears shed.
But it was a lovely April morning. The sun was shining and our men
were waiting. We were home!
I have loved two great Loyal Eddies. Canada has been good to me and
I have been very happy living in many parts of the country, but part
of me will always be there beside the woods in Oxted, Surrey,
England.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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