Where Were You 75 Years Ago?

VJ Day – August 15 1945 - 2020

Although the official surrender was not signed (aboard the battleship Missouri) until September 11, 1945, Emperor Hirohito had surrendered on August 15, now celebrated as VJ (Victory over Japan) Day.

At that time I was only 3 ½ years old but the memory of the celebrations in Medicine Hat still exists, although there may be some mix up with VE (Victory in Europe) Day on May 8, earlier in the year.

I remember throngs of cheering people lining the streets. Bands played stirring marches and there were recordings of songs popularized by Vera Lynn as well as other patriotic melodies.

My mother and I, along with Aunty Jean, were in the crowd on the sidewalk in front of the Eaton’s store on Third St., across from Taylor’s food store.

My father, Arthur F. Skjenna had other memories of that day. He was a patient on the Hospital ship RMS Lady Nelson in mid Atlantic on its way to Canada. To celebrate the event, “special treats” were provided to the passengers and crew. My father managed to abscond with a copy of the typed menu which I still have. The fare was not what we would consider to be a feast, but nevertheless welcomed by the sick and war-injured soldiers like Dad.

 

RMS LADY NELSON

VJ Menu

Pat may not remember, because she is much younger, but the following photo was taken in downtown Edmonton, Alberta on VJ Day. Pat’s Mom and Dad, Laura and Hec Turvey are holding Mary Patricia in front of The National Home Furniture where Hec was employed. Pat seems to be window shopping already!😉

 

Another coincidence was that the late Dr. Neville Crowson, my mentor in pathology and a wonderful family friend, was a medical orderly on that ship!

I also found out a few years ago that the badly wounded brother of one of my patients was also on board. He and my father were actually in the same trade in the same regiment and could very well have known each other.  We will never find out but it is a demonstration of how small the world seems.

I have outlived my father by 10 years now. My hope is that we and our descendants won't have to live through the loneliness, pain and suffering that those aboard the Lady Nelson and so many others endured for us.