Joyce Fortune Recalls the End of the War in 1945
By Joyce (Underhill) Fortune
I served as a corporal with the Canadian Women's Army Corps during World War II. I signed up in Fredericton in June 1944. 
First I received my basic training in Kitchener, Ontario around August 1944. I learned such things as map reading, army procedures, drill and the like. I was then sent to Glede Barracks in Ottawa around September 1944.
In Ottawa I was trained in typing, military administrative procedures, how to keep proper military records and to fill out forms. I was then sent to Saskatoon for upgrading on military administrative procedures until February 1945. Near the end of February 1945, I was posted to District No. 7 Depot headquarters in Fredericton and served there until August 1946. While in Fredericton, I was placed in charge of keeping the military records of all personnel stationed at District No. 7 Depot. While I was serving at the depot, hundreds of soldiers were returning home from the war.
I was in Fredericton on V.E. Day, May 8, 1945 and we celebrated with a parade. I felt good to hear about the end of the war in Europe because most of the people from around Blackville were in Europe. But there was still a war going on in the Pacific. I was discharged from the Canadian Women's Army Corps in August 1946 just about a year after V.J. Day. I returned shortly after to the same building I worked in for District No. 7 Depot but now as a civilian. I did the same work for a couple of weeks. Years later, I worked as the custodian at Blackville High School and retired in 1992.
Mrs. Edna “Joyce” Fortune passed away Tuesday October 28, 2014 at Miramichi Regional Hospital, at the age of 89.
Watch video of Joyce Fortune below filmed during the Heritage Day festivities held in Blackville in February 2012. In the video, Joyce recalls enlisting in the Canadian Women Army Corp as a young girl.
Quick Links
War Veterans
Remembering our Veterans e-Book – A 445 page e-publication featuring the brave local men and women who fought for our country in World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
Honour Roll – A listing of the brave men and women who were killed in battle or passed away since demobilization.
My Time in the RCAF – Ella Curtis reflects on her time serving our country during World War II.
The End of the War in 1945 – Joyce Fortune shares her memories of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps.
Served as a Cook at PPCLI Barracks During the Korean War – Aubrey Buggie recalls his time as a cook during the Korean War.
Serving with the 3rd Anti-Aircraft Regiment on D-Day – Weaver Hennessy recalls his time serving on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Wounded and in hospital on V.E. Day – Reginald Price shares the story of the explosion that changed his life in April 1945.
Memories of War: Benjamin & Helen Campbell – Helen Jardine shares memories of her father’s sacrifices during World War II.
Memories of War: George Routledge – Canadian Peacekeeper George Routledge recalls memories of his time serving in Cyprus.
Memories of War: Byron and Ella Curtis – Patricia Curtis shares memories of her parents time spent in the armed forces during World War II.
» Click here for more tributes to our local war heroes