Lane, Barbara: my wartime experiences (March 14, 2005)
An interview/narrative of Barbara Lane's experiences during World War II and during the post-war years. Interview took place on March 14, 2005.
ABSTRACT: Barbara Lane (Tape 1, Side 1) 000 - Mrs. Barbara Lane was born on September 08, 1924, in Yorkshire, was an only child and she was quite ambitious and wanted to be an actress. She began performing the troops at age 15, joined the Concert Party. She and her family had much fun during this time. Rationed extra gas coupons by the army for the traveling her father did taking her to and from shows. Did 640 shows performed. 026 - In 1944 she meets her husband had finished his 3rd tour flying Halifax and Lancaster's in Bomber Command over Europe. Husband stationed at 6 Bomber Command group headquarters. Became engaged in 1945 but husband would not marry her because he was going to the east and did not want to leave a widow behind. Fortunately war was over before he left. Were married December 3 1945. 039 - Husband commanding officer at RAF station at Odeon, her first experience as an air force wife. Where she learned about entertaining. Husband posted in Halifax where she followed as a war bride. Then boarded train to Vancouver and then took ferry to Victoria. 064 - Husband leaves for Toronto to attend Staff College, she stays behind because of lack of accommodation. Becomes homesick and is pregnant with first child. In march husband posted to Ottawa where Mrs. Lane follows with first daughter Susan. House and furniture was bought and ready for them where they could start their lives together. 086 - Second daughter Debra is born in Ottawa this time with her husband in 1948. 1950 moves to Edmonton where husband is commanding officer. Lots of entertaining and being entertained. 1952 moved back to Ottawa with 3 children, new son John. Posting to be 2 years. Husband honorary aid to the governor general, Vincent Massey. 109 -While in Ottawa met the Queen Mother. Next moved to London, England so husband could attend imperial defence college. Now husband, air commander. Then moved to Ottawa again where husband resumed position as honourary aid. 125 - Stayed in Ottawa until 1961 where he was posted to Trenton as Air Officer Commanding of Transport Command. Husband away a lot. Wives were not allowed to fly, so if she went along she drove to the location. 1964 fourth child born David in Trenton. Next they leave for Metz, France in 1965. Next to Germany after De Gaulee stepped out of NATO to the town of Lahr. Husband is now Vice Marshall. Finds people of Lahr very friendly. Where she learns German from a local. 186 - Next Posting is in Montreal, where husband was Deputy Commander of Mobile Command in the army. House provided by army. During the stay they went through the FLQ crisis, where her husband had an escort and was armed with a revolver. Had a guard outside the house, it was a very tense time. 217 - 1972 move to Colorado Springs where husband was Deputy commander chief of NORAD, with rank of lieutenant general. Husband very busy but now she can fly with them to various events. Were there for 2 years where he then retired. Before meeting her husband she had no military experience since her family was not involved. Had to deal with rationing when they were at Odean and were entertaining. Husband never away for too long except for the 6 months at staff college. Family knew what their father did and accepted it. Family was very close and still are.
Interviewer: Sinclair, Kate
Interviewee: Lane, Barbara
- In Collection:
- 1 sound recording (MP3)
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 51.5, 10.5
- 45.50884, -73.58781
- 38.83388, -104.82136
- One original audio cassette in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- LB_440
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
- November 15, 2012
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. 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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