Lest We Forget: Bomb Girls

November 11, 2016 | Andrea

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On Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to our veterans in different ways, reflecting on the lives lost and sacrifices made in times of war and treasuring what peace can be found during these sobering days. It is especially important that the stories of women dedicated to serving their country are not swept into a dusty corner of history.

Bomb Girls: Trading Aprons for Ammo is about the women who toiled in a Scarborough munitions factory during the Second World War. The book collects detailed photos, maps and other documents alongside fascinating first-hand accounts of working with dangerous explosives.

Bomb Girls by Barbara DicksonBomb Girls by Barbara Dickson
eBook


Anti-aircraft guns were dependent on fuses from the General Engineering Company plant. Here is one on display at the Scarborough factory in 1944, being inspected by five workers: Frances Russell, Audrey McNabb, Sydney Cumberland, Norma Clark and Betty Carroll. One of these guns can throw hundreds of heavy shells every hour.

Five women inspect an anti-aircraft gun at GECO plant in 1944Source: Toronto Star Photo Archive

 

In addition, author Barbara Dickson will be speaking at North York Central Library next week. How historically accurate is the Toronto-filmed TV show that shares a title with her book? Here's your opportunity to ask!  

Bomb Girls Season One   Bomb Girls Season Two
Bomb Girls Season One
Bomb Girls Season Two

 

Related posts:

Remembering Those Not on the Front Lines
We honour Remembrance Day with WW1 Canadian vintage military posters
We shall not sleep. Though poppies grow in Flanders Fields.

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