Given that Barbara Dickson’s newest book, Courage and Grit: The Legacy of Canada’s Bomb Girls has 90 incredible true stories of Canada’s intrepid Bomb Girls and given that Barbara has conducted research on hundreds of these amazing Canadians, there are many more stories to come.
Dorothy Cheesman, at just sixteen years of age, was tasked with typing up top-secret engineering notes. She had her photo and fingerprints taken, and swore a solemn oath of secrecy. Some might say Dorothy’s young age and naivety subjected Canada’s war effort to possible sabotage should she accidently “spill the beans.” No need to worry. A steadfast and patriotic employee, Dorothy would aspire to great things at GECO.
Carol was hired by the Inspection Board of the United Kingdom and Canada. She was responsible for inspecting filled munitions in her workshop before they left the plant. She wore a navy turban to identify herself as a government employee, a “G.I.” — Government Inspector. She had moved from North Bay in 1941 when she heard about the new munitions factory being built in Scarborough.
Margaret and Netti's five brothers all fought in the Second World War. The two sisters, doing their part, embraced life at GECO, loving the food, the camaraderie, and the work. Margaret filled bullets on the gunpowder side of the plant. She bowled in GECO’s league, and in1945, she met William Hermann at a Y.W.C.A. dance. Netti returned to Saskatchewan. Margaret settled down in Toronto.
Isobel Main worked as a government inspector at GECO. She ensured munitions were filled correctly and had to correct workers if mistakes were made. As a teenager, she felt awkward being in a position of authority over much older women. Thanks to women like Isobel and Carol, though, almost 99% of all munitions filled at the Scarborough factory went into production. Isobel's brother, Lawrence, also worked at GECO before he enlisted.
