Jean Ann Dorathy May, nee Monahan, oral history interview conducted by Warren Sommer on 26 Aug. 2003.

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Object Description

Object Name

Oral History

Recording

Object ID

SR-211

Title

Jean Ann Dorathy May, nee Monahan, oral history interview conducted by Warren Sommer on 26 Aug. 2003.

Extent

3 audio cassettes.

Date

26 Aug. 2003.

Description

SR-211.1: Tracks 1 - 2 mention the Monahan family, including May's parents Nellie and Sam.
Track 3 discusses World War I. David Robertson, May's uncle, is mentioned. Mrs. Bilton is mentioned. Remembrance Day ceremonies are described.
Tracks 4 - 5 are conversations about early movies and Sam Monahan.
Track 6 discusses Japanese and East Indian inhabitants of Langley. Internment is mentioned. The Takioka (?) is mentioned.
Track 7 discusses high school. Mr. Mansor is mentioned. May's work as a maid is described.
Track 8 continues to discuss the Monahan family.
Track 9 discusses the outbreak of World War II. The Depression is discussed. May's enlistment in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force is described.
Tracks 10 - 12 describe May's training, uniform, and reactions from men to women in the military.

SR-211.2: Track 1 introduces the interview.
Tracks 2 - 3 describe May's trip overseas on the Andes ship. Watch duty for submarines is described. The bombing of London is discussed. Mess hall duties are described.
Track 4 continues to describe mess hall duties. Relations between men and women in the military are discussed.
Track 5 discusses communications with home, including censoring of letters and Christmas parcels from the Canadian Legion.
Track 6 describes May's ranks and promotions.
Track 7 describes relations between British and Canadian women.

SR-211.3: Track 1 describes a hostel in London.
Track 2 describes May's mess hall work. Rationing is mentioned.
Track 3 continues to discuss relations between men and women in the military.
Track 4 discusses leisure activities such as going to the pub or dances.
Tracks 5 - 8 discuss the war's impact on British civilians. Air attacks are described. Blackouts in Langley and England are discussed.
Track 9 describes encountering soldiers returning from Germany. Dances and pubs are discussed.
Track 10 discusses the raid on Dieppe.
Tracks 11 - 12 discuss the end of the war and Welcome Home celebrations in Langley. May's return home and discharge are described.
Track 13 discusses the Holocaust.
Track 14 mentions the American-Iraqi war of 2003.
Track 15 discusses Remembrance Day ceremonies and the Legion.

People/Subject