New book features local women who participated in WWII

The Clyde River History Society attended the launch of the book, We’ll Meet Again, this past Saturday at Trinity United Church in Charlottetown. Author Katherine Dewar, who has participated in our Clyde River Lecture Series, presented her latest book that features the fascinating stories of women who took part in World War II in varied capacities.

Katherine said that she had to write this book or their stories would be lost. Reading The Guardian, she would see the obituaries of these veterans, and that spurred her to get started. She set out to research their stories and interview the ladies still living. It was their chance to tell their stories. Research assistance was offered by Jane Dyment who is a member of the Clyde River History Society. Jane is a descendant of Thomas and Jane (Robertson) Beer of Clyde River and lives in Ottawa. She was able to conduct research at the National Archives on Katharine’s behalf.

During the event on Saturday, Katharine featured Jean MacLean from Meadowbank, earlier from Clyde River, and a member of the Clyde River Baptist Church and Women’s Institute over the years. Jean was one of the six ladies in attendance for the launch, and she wore her WWII uniform. An excerpt of her story was presented.

Katherine also recognized Norma MacLean who lives in Charlottetown now but was very involved in Burnside Presbyterian Church and the Women’s Institute in Clyde River. Norma is now 101 years and was not in attendance at the launch. You may recall an earlier story where we recognized her 100th birthday last year.

Further stories:

• CBC PEI story featuring book launch: The heroic PEI women who served in WWII – and where you can meet some of them – read
• PEI Historian’s new book aims to preserve the ‘amazing stories’ of WWII women – read
• CBC Video featuring Jean MacLean finally receiving membership to legion at 96 – link here to watch the video

The book is available at local bookstores.