Laura Ogilvie Dunn

Recently I have returned from a trip to the East Coast and visited the tall ships in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Pier 21. What a magnificent experience this was for me and one of great sentiment as I am one of the many immigrants who arrived here August 28th, 1947 on the "Aquitania". We had sailed from Southampton, England, August 24th, 1947. She was to bring many of the War Brides from Britain to Canada. I was not a War Bride however, but came to Canada at the invitation of an Aunt and Uncle living in Hamilton, Ontario. This seemed like a great adventure to me and I parted from my family with great sorrow at an early age. The crossing was rough some days and I remember being seasick. I believe we made a record crossing and docked earlier than scheduled which meant that I had to stay in Halifax overnight in order to catch a flight the next day to Toronto. Flying was limited in those days.

I remember going to the big C.N. Hotel which I believe is now the Westin Nova Scotia for accommodation but alas, no such luck. They were booked to capacity due to the fact another ship had docked the same day. A very nice young man, who was an employee at the desk arranged for me to go to Dartmouth, N.S. and stay at the Belmont Hotel, then a taxi picked me up the next morning and took me to the airport. My story ended happily, but unfortunately I did not get his name. God bless him for seeing me safely on my way. He apparently lived in Dartmouth and commuted to Halifax daily.

What a marvelous job they have done to Pier 21 and I know the tears came down my cheeks as I walked through the building. It was a sentimental time for me. It was of great interest for me to visit the museum and I saw the picture #7 of the Aquitania.

I had served some time in the British Navy during the war and was a WREN.

My trip to Halifax, N.S. was well worth it, and I have many happy memories.