Feature Letter of July 5th, 2025
Turner, Jean Isabel
[Written by Leading Aircraftwoman Jean Isabel Turner, of Springside, Sask., to her girlfriend Eira Williams in Regina. In 1942 Turner was just starting her initial training in the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division, and was stationed at Rockcliffe, Ont.(later amalgamated into present-day Ottawa).]
... I have seen quite a bit of Ottawa and the surrounding country in the short time I’ve been their. It really is very nice indeed. Everyone on our Station are very nice and that helps a lot. Then I like my training very much indeed. I wouldn’t change it for anything and that is no fooling.
I have been to a show every week since I came east and they all have been very good.
I am wearing my uniform now. It took me almost three weeks to get it. Last week we were issued with our summer dress and of course as usual I had to have mine shortened before I could wear it. That is the only trouble with being small.
I met a soldier who used to play Hockey for Yorkton in 1940-41. He is in the Canadian Postal Corps and is stationed at Ottawa. His name is Sid Fenn. He seems to be very nice indeed. I have been out with him three or four times.
I have been dancing twice since I came east and have enjoyed myself. The only thing is that they dance so much differently down here than they do in the West.
This is my third letter to-day. I’m not doing too badly, am I. It rained all afternoon and we didn’t go out so I decided to write letters instead. I never seem to get caught up at all.
Well what have you been doing lately? And how is work going? Are you taking any holidays this year? How are your folks? Remember me to them please and tell them I’m fine.
On Friday afternoon in Ottawa about five or six soldiers jumped into the Canal and tried to swim it with full battle dress on. They all had to be rescued and two of them died. I guess they were trying to show off as it was Army Week. They certainly mad a big fuss over it in Ottawa.
You certainly wouldn’t think that gas was rationed to see the cars running around down here. It is terrible in the cities especially. And that is no kidding.
What is doing in Regina these days anything exciting? Have you seen Dorothy and Gordon since I was their.
Well news is getting scarse and it will soon be train time so I really must draw this scribble to a close. Write real soon and let me know all the news. Will write again one of these fine days as soon as I get the time
Try and not work too hard.
Lovingly,
Jean
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