Hibbard, Inez Jessie: my Navy recollections (June 15 - July 6, 1983)
PublicABSTRACT: Mrs. James C. (Inez Jessie) Hibbard Hibbard_I_0177_01.mp3 (Side 1) Inez Jessie Hibbard, wife of Rear Admiral James C. Hibbard, D.S.C., R.C.N., was born on Dec. 15, 1906 in Victoria, B.C. Father was David R. Ker of the well-known Victoria family. Educated in Victoria and later at boarding school in Toronto. At the age of seventeen she visited Great Britain and then spent some months with a French family in Paris. Subsequently travelled through France and Italy. Returned to Victoria. Attended many social events, including dinner at Government House for the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Kent. Social life in Victoria. Abroad again, including Germany where she attended a magnificent ball at the former Kaiser's palace at Wiesbaden. Spain, Egypt, Jerusalem, and up the Nile by steamer. Hibbard_I_0177_02.mp3 Met Jimmy Hibbard, a young naval officer in Victoria, and was married in March 1933. (45:00) Hibbard_I_0177_03.mp3 Early days of community work in Victoria. Navy wife had duties; discusses the custom of calling on senior officers' wives and others. Halifax. Points out that in the first sixteen years of married life (1933-1945) her husband had shore appointments for only three years. Visited the wealthy summer community of Bar Harbor, Maine where they enjoyed great hospitality. She followed her husband to the West Indies during winter training cruises. Housing in Halifax. On course in England in March 1936. Lived in "digs" which consisted of a small apartment, but with meals provided from a central kitchen. First unpleasant contact with British "reserve". Jimmy Hibbard appointed executive officer in the British destroyer H.M.S. Bulldog. Presented at court in 1937; explains the procedure and dress for ladies (as instructed by the Lord Chamberlain's office). A footman was required for every car arriving at Buckingham Palace. (48:00) Hibbard_I_0177_04.mp3 (Side 2) Continues with description of the scene within the palace. Attended the coronation procession and the naval review. Exciting social and political times. Spanish Civil War and a trip to Biarritz. Recalled to Halifax where Jimmy Hibbard was appointed to H.M.C.S. Venture, a sail training vessel. Next in Victoria where much preparation was required for the expected visit of the King and Queen. Lt. Hibbard received the new colours for the R.C.N. from the King. When war began Mrs. Hibbard and other naval wives encoded messages at Esquimalt without any previous training. Their "pay" was a letter of appreciation from the Minister of Defence and a silver ashtray. Next, to Halifax, leaving the house in Victoria for what turned out to be eight years. Lt. Cdr. Hibbard appointed to command H.M.C.S. Skeena (destroyer). Involved in various forms of volunteer war work. (45:00) Hibbard_I_0177_05.mp3 Rented a house in Newfoundland where Skeena made port for two days each month. Experiences with Americans: how quickly they built their base in Newfoundland. Her feelings and reactions to friends who became war casualties. Returned to Halifax. Lt. Cdr. Hibbard appointed captain of H.M.C.S. Iroquois (Tribal class destroyer) which was in the U.K. (1943). Iroquois returned to Halifax for a short time in 1944 which made a difference to Mrs. Hibbard for she could now visualize where her husband was conducting his war at sea. In Apr. 1945 Cdr. Hibbard returned to Halifax. The looting during the Halifax Riot of May 1945 made a lasting impression. Remembers the ammunition depot explosions at a later date which kept up most of the night. Ottawa posting. In 1947 Capt. Hibbard appointed to command H.M.C.S. Ontario (cruiser). Washington, D.C. Flag officer, Pacific coast. Hibbard_I_0177_06.mp3 The Admiral's wife had many social and semi-diplomatic duties. Official calls, many visitors. Final day in the Navy. No regrets at all. (50:00)
Interviewee: Hibbard, Inez Jessie, b. 1906
Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H.
An interview/narrative of Inez Jessie Hibbard's experiences during World War II. Mrs. Hibbard was the wife of Rear Admiral James C. Hibbard, D.S.C., R.C.N. Interview took place on June 15, 22 and July 6, 1983.
- In Collection:
- 6 sound recordings (MP3)
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 51.5, 10.5
- One original sound tape reel (ca. 180 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 3 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- HIJ_177
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- April 7, 2009
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by KG, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
- Rights
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- DOI
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