Our house on Sedgebrook was our first and best, because Grant and June great neighbours, ... always friendly, and helpful
To the Whiting family.
I read the obituary for June McRae nee Whiting, in Monday’s Globe & Mail.
I did not know your mother personally, but you have my sincere condolences on your loss.
Since my retirement from the navy in 1996, I have been a volunteer at the Naval & Military Museum here in Victoria, BC. My current project is a study in two volumes of all the women who joined the navy between 1914 and 1946. The majority of these were Wrens who served from 1942-46.
This project has been on going for the last six years in conjunction with the two surviving Wrens Associations in Toronto and Halifax.
The first Volume will simply be a listing of these women by maiden and married names, service number, rank and trade. W2208 Leading Wren June Whiting nee McRae is so listed.
The second Volume will cover why and how they joined; where and how they were trained; their uniforms, ranks & trades; the locations in which they served; copies of relevant documentation; stories of how they adapted to service life, flouted naval regulations, went on leave to different locales; and what they thought of various naval customs and traditions, their uniforms, their food and quarters, etc.
Mary was a Censor and to date, I do not have any personal information for Wrens in her trade. I am looking for stories to illustrate any of the topics above as well as the opportunity to view Scrap books, diaries, letters, old photographs, etc. I am especially interested in obtaining copies of portraits of Wrens in uniform.
In the fullness of time, if you would be willing to assist me in this project in any way, I would be most grateful.
Looking forward to your reply.
Dave Freeman
LCdr, RCN Ret'd
Victoria, BC
250 744-3862. email: djfreeman@shaw.ca
I was so sorry to hear of Aunt June’s passing. I have many great memories of visits from Uncle Grant and Aunt June when I was younger and then when Roman and I bought our first home in Etobicoke we were lucky enough to live close to them and see them fairly often. I was honoured to get to attend a couple of Remembrance Day ceremonies with her in recent years at Sunnybrook. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this difficult time.
Jan (niece) and family
Linda, Robert, and Lesley, It was so sad to pick up the Star this morning and find that June had passed away. I often think of the enjoyable times that Eric and I spent with both your parents, here in Oakville and summertime visits in Muskoka, along with those wonderful Safeguard conventions. There are always a few people you meet in your life and will never forget. June and Grant are two friends I will always remember. My sincere condolences to you and all your families.
Pam Van Allen