Dorothy Cheesman, at just sixteen years of age, was tasked with typing up top-secret engineering notes. She had her photo and fingerprints taken and swore a solemn oath of secrecy. Some might say Dorothy’s young age and naivety subjected Canada’s war effort to possible sabotage should she accidently “spill the beans.” No need to worry. A steadfast and patriotic employee, Dorothy would aspire to great things at GECO.
The Inspection Board of the United Kingdom and Canada hired nineteen-year-old Carol LeCappelain, making her responsible for inspecting filled munitions in her workshop before they left the GECO munitions factory. She wore a navy turban to identify herself as a government employee, a “G.I.” — Government Inspector. She had moved from North Bay in 1941 when she heard about the new munitions factory being built in Scarborough. Carol and her GECO friends dyed their bras and underwear yellow in humourous rebellion against their stark white uniforms.
Margaret Neufeld moved with her younger sister, Netti, from Aberdeen, Saskatchewan to work at GECO. Margaret and Netti’s five brothers all fought in the Second World War. The two sisters, doing their part, embraced life at the war plant, loving the food, the camaraderie, and the work. Margaret filled bullets on the gunpowder side of the plant. She bowled in GECO’s league, and in 1945, she met William Hermann at a Y.W.C.A. dance. Netti returned to Saskatchewan after the war ended. Margaret settled down in Toronto.
Isobel Main worked as a government inspector at GECO. She ensured munitions were filled correctly and had to correct workers if mistakes were made. As a teenager, she felt awkward being in a position of authority over much older women. Thanks to women like Isobel and Carol, though, almost 99% of all munitions filled at the Scarborough factory went into production. Isobel’s brother, Lawrence, also worked at GECO before he enlisted.
Isobel left GECO in 1942 when she enlisted with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and served the duration of the war in England.
Visit the Bomb Girls Legacy Foundation for more inspiring stories of Canada’s war workers:
https://www.bombgirlslegacyfoundation.ca/meet-canada-s-bomb-girls
