Feature 2006 War Brides

Sixty Years On, the War Brides Remember - by Susan McIver - Sixty years ago the majority of the thousands of women who married Canadian soldiers stationed overseas arrived in Canada. To commemorate their arrival, several provinces and numerous local governments have proclaimed 2006 as the Year of the War Bride. War brides have commonly come together over the years, usually in informal groups, to share memories and foster friendship. One such group started 30-years ago in Summerland. "We began with six ladies and went to a high of about 30 in the 1990s," said Olive Danyluk. Currently, the group consists of approximately 18 active members. All the members are from Britain, except for one woman from Jamaica. "Every so often someone says 'come to my house'," said Betty Barnes. These gatherings give the women an opportunity to talk about their shared background and experiences which family, especially the younger generation, may not appreciate hearing about, again. "Mother, are you going on again about the olden days," said Betty, recalling a comment made by her daughter. Twice a year, once in the summer for a potluck at the beach and at Christmas for a festive dinner, husbands are included in the gatherings. Over the years, Olive has kept a scrapbook of photographs, news clippings and other mementos. Both Betty, originally from Yorkshire, and Olive, who grew up near London, met their husbands at dances. Olive and Mike and Betty and her husband, Alexander, were married in the summer of 1945.Both couples went to the Edmonton area, but Olive and Betty did not meet until they moved to Summerland years later. "It was difficult getting used to the lack of running water and electricity, cooking on a wood stove and using an outside biffy," said Betty, recalling the early days in Alberta. Olive faced similar problems compounded by in-laws who spoke little English. "Things became even more difficult when we moved to the farm. I'd never been near a cow in my life let alone plucked a chicken," said Olive. She fondly recalls going to the barn one night when the temperature was thirty degrees below zero to find Mike stroking a sow as she delivered 13 piglets. "I thought that was so nice," Olive said. Olive and Mike, who passed away a year ago, raised two of their own children and provided a foster home for a number of infants. "I have five fantastic grandchildren and two great grandchildren," Olive said. Betty and Alexander have five children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild. "I've always appreciated how friendly and helpful Canadians are, and there is no class distinction here," said Betty, who along with Olive is proud to be Canadian.

 

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