Isobel Martin's War Stories

Produced and recorded by Val Klassen, edited by John Coutanche
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  • Personal Journals

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.

Episodes

  1. 04/27/2020

    The End of the War

    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.

  2. 04/08/2020

    Cpl. Martin

    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.

  3. 03/18/2020

    Happy New Year 1945 in New York City !! and a hitchhiking adventure

    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.

    Happy New Year 1945 in New York City !! and a hitchhiking adventure

  4. 03/10/2020

    Two Hundred Women, Four Thousand Men

    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.

  5. 03/02/2020

    Work Hard, Play Hard

    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.

  6. 02/24/2020

    Hard to Keep Your Mouth Shut

    Isobel's job in Bomber Ops, Halifax is top secret, which is sometimes very difficult to live with.

  7. 02/17/2020

    Reporting for work in Bomber Ops

    "Like you see in the movies":  Isobel describes her new job in Bomber Ops, Halifax.

  8. 01/20/2020

    Arriving in Halifax

    Isobel has three days off in Halifax before reporting for work in Bomber Ops, but it is not all relaxation!

  9. 01/17/2020

    Manning Depot and Posting to Halifax

    Just barely 18, Isobel learns the ropes at Manning Depot in Ottawa.

  10. 01/10/2020

    Signing Up

    Not quite 18, Isobel tries to sign up for service in the RCAF, WW2...

  • 10 Episodes

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Produced and recorded by Val Klassen, edited by John Coutanche
  • Years Active
    2020
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Val Klassen
  • Show Website
    Isobel Martin's War Stories