The book you are holding is a labour of love that took over a decade to research and write. A book humbly offered from a fiercely proud Canadian’s heart, its pages seek to commemorate the daring determination of countless thousands of women who fought on the home front doffing aprons for ammo during the Second World War. A book such as this takes a huge amount of work, research and devotion. Its publication would not have been possible without the support of many individuals and organizations. The following tributes are not listed in order of importance. Everyone mentioned here helped bring Bomb Girls to fruition.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to John McLean Parsons Hamilton, son of Robert McLean Prior Hamilton, and Judy Patton Hamilton, daughter-in-law to Philip Dawson Prior Hamilton, for affording me the honour in telling the incredible story of the Hamilton brothers’ tenure at GECO in Scarborough, Ontario, during the war years. You have enriched GECO’s story through your generous support and endorsement. I especially wish to express my sincere thanks to the late Philip Henry Banfill Hamilton, son of P.D.P. Hamilton, who wrote the Foreword to Bomb Girls. May his written words be a loving legacy to his father’s tangible contribution to the war effort.
A special note of appreciation is extended to Florence Ignatieff’s children, Paul and Mika, for bringing an intimate, human perspective to their mother’s noteworthy GECO story.
Nancy Haines, throughout my many years of research, helped track down information on my behalf. Nancy was always responsive, thorough, and happy to accommodate every seemingly small request, and I offer her my grateful thanks. Thanks also go to Rick Schofield, archivist for the Scarborough Historical Society, for his time, patience, and helpfulness. The folks at the Archives of Ontario, the City of Toronto Archives, the Toronto Reference Library, the Canadian War Museum, and the Imperial War Museum helped me in numerous ways, particularly to my countless archival requests. In every instance, the staff was professional, efficient, and understanding.
To the many professional associations who invited me to share GECO’s amazing story, I offer my sincere thanks. You graciously granted me the opportunity to share Scarborough’s story in helping to win the war.
I am especially indebted to Dr. J. Patrick Boyer, Q.C. who shared my passion for Bomb Girls, and pursued its publication with his colleagues at Dundurn.
To Colin D’Mello of CTV News, who arranged for the production of a GECO TV vignette, sparking public interest in Scarborough’s tunnels and its war days. Your interest in our city’s history helped spread the word, opening doors towards the publication of Bomb Girls.
To Sam and Peter, who kindly welcomed me and granted me access to the old tunnels that run beneath their car repair shop on Manville Road. With a smile and a kind word, they received me – sometimes with fifteen or twenty eager GECO enthusiasts in tow. And to Sheila Crowe, who in the early days of exploration, graciously allowed me to tour the well-preserved tunnels under her property.
A special thank you is offered to Trace Hill and Tony Aus of Prologix on Sinnott Road, for granting me the incredible opportunity to not only tour their GECO tunnels, but to document the demolition of one of GECO’s largest fuse-filling workshops, Building No. 67.
I am deeply thankful to Councillor Michelle Berardinetti, Ward 35, Scarborough Southwest, who immediately recognized the value in celebrating the tireless, dedicated work of the women at GECO. With an enthusiastic heart for her community, Michelle and her team helped make a mural for GECO possible: a lovely, lasting tribute for decades to come. Thank you, Michelle.
I must also say thank you to Ryan Hicks, my technical assistant, who came through for me when time was critical.
To the hundreds of GECO enthusiasts who I’ve met along the way — too many to mention but you know who you are (shout-outs to Mike, Mike, and Peter.) Your enthusiasm and curiosity and generosity in sharing treasured artifacts of Scarborough’s wartime history pushed me ever onwards to completing the book.
I extend my deepest heartfelt gratitude to the many war workers I met and interviewed, who, even in their golden years, graciously shared their experiences at GECO, and of life during the Second World War. To the families of GECO employees who have passed away, I thank you for sharing your loved one’s stories and pictures, and for wanting to help capture a unique time, not only in your family’s history, but in Canada’s history too. I would like to make special mention of several cherished GECOites who have passed away since they were initially interviewed for this book: Molly Danniels, Carol Knight, Bill Howe, Philip Henry Banfill Hamilton, Peter Cranston, and Rena O’Hagan. May this book be a lasting tribute to their memory.
Finally, I wish to thank my family: to David for his love and steadfast support; to Kathleen, Rebeccah, and Emily for their love and encouragement, for being proud of their mom; and to Joshua, Jacob, and Noah for their infectious joy — for no matter how mired in citations or editing I became, a simple, chocolate-covered smile instantly grounded me, reminding me of what truly is to be treasured.