Address:

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 322 - 111 Hunt St, Ajax, ON L1S 1P3
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 322 - 111 Hunt St, Ajax, ON L1S 1P3
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Category:

Community

Event Details:

Learn about the Bomb Girls of WWII in an engaging presentation and tribute by award-winning author and historian, Barbara Dickson.

The Defence Industries Limited factory in Ajax employed 9000 people and 21,000 General Engineering Company of Ontario (GECO) employees in Scarborough. These factories were comprised of predominantly women (nicknamed ‘Bomb Girls’) who traveled from all over Canada to be part of the valiant war effort, providing munitions to the men fighting across the ocean.

The contribution of the D.I.L. Factory and GECO during WWII resulted in riveting stories, as without the Bomb Girls' existence, the war would not have been won.  They were exposed to endangerment every day, working with explosives, and their job tells a compelling story.

In the words of D.I.L. living Ajax Bomb Girl Louise Johnson, who came from the Prairies: “We considered ourselves to be part of the war. We knew our importance. They couldn't win the war if the boys didn’t have shells. No one missed a shift unless they absolutely had to. Absenteeism just didn’t exist.”

If you or someone you know has relatives that worked in D.I.L. or GECO, the Legion would like to honour them with a framed commemorative scroll. Please email Sarah Wood at sarah@sarahwood.ca

Barbara Dickson was an early creative consultant for the TV series Bomb Girls. The show was based on both GECO and DIL. They took aspects of both shows to produce 'Victory Munitions.'

Barbara’s award-winning book, Trading Aprons for Ammo, will be available for purchase at the event for $27 (cash only).

Please note this is a cash-only event. Debit/Credit will not be accepted for ticket payment. Cash-bar available onsite.

Location:

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 322 - 111 Hunt St, Ajax, ON L1S 1P3