LEST WE FORGET 125 FREDERICK (ROBERTS), Morfydd “Maureen” WWII Morfydd “Maureen” Roberts was born on June 24, 1921, in Tylorstown, Wales. She grew up near Aberystwyth in Wales and then in London, England. In 1942, she joined the Royal Air Force as a clerk-typist. She met a handsome Canadian pilot, FO Merle Frederick at a dance in London. Merle was shot down over Dresden on February 13, 1945 and was a prisoner of war. After liberation, Merle was sent to Canada for more surgery. Maureen and their baby daughter left England on the Aquitania in the spring of 1946 and then boarded a train from Halifax to Regina. She often spoke of the wonderful help the Salvation Army and the Red Cross gave the war brides on that long journey. She was grateful for joining such a wonderful family and community in Bethune. Maureen passed away on January 13, 2015. AWAR BRIDE IN BETHUNE – 1946 Written by Maureen Frederick in 1983 for the Bethune History Book Boarded the Aquitania with baby Donna, sailed out of Southampton, England April 25th to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. Docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia five days later, boarded the War Bride Train going west the next morning, three days and two nights later, arrived in Regina. (Very Tired). I remember well: The Red Cross workers, so helpful all the way. Seeing Merle as the train came to a halt. (At last). Meeting friends, Bethune and Regina (a Miss. M. Weir) Meeting sister-in-law, Amy, at Moose Jaw. (This road, prairie trail??) Arriving at Bethune, stopping at the tracks? (Checking for traffic did they say? Nothing is moving – period.) Meeting Mother Thea and young Rae, the Ogg’s coming over for tea. Wondering would I ever be able to master that big stove. First supper, (good cook, water in the reservoir, pump, cistern). Merle going to haul water for Mother to wash. (Dugout?) Being asked are you Anglican, United, or R.C., “Methodist” was my reply, and being told, you are United. (??) Went to church, knew all the hymns. (Yes, I must be United). Meeting Allan and Ethel, (nice people, they are talking too fast for me). Gas lamps, mantles, stoves with pipes and drafts and that gas iron. Purchasing a crib and carriage. (A pram and a cot, no coupons). Having second thoughts about eating corn. (That is for chickens), Sauerkraut (smelt so strong). The shower the Bethune ladies arranged, the tea the Anglican ladies held, the tea at Mrs. Peel’s home, the Quilt the ladies of the Edward – Dilke district made. (Everyone was so caring, and they don’t even know me). continued
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==