Halifax Riots

Mr. Ramsay talks about the Halifax riots that took place after VE Day.

Roy Henry Ramsay

Roy Henry Ramsay was born on a small farm in Springhill, Prince Edward Island in 1921. His father died in 1937, leaving him to fend for his mother and three sisters. Prior to enlisting, he was working as a labourer on the highways. He enlisted in 1941 and joined the air force, as he had fondness for air craft. Initially Mr. Ramsay wanted to be an air gunner, but due to a lack of education and experience, he ended up training as an aero engine mechanic. After spending a few days in Toronto at Manning Depot #10, Mr. Ramsay was off to Jarvis, Ontario to receive his basic training. Then he was posted in Goose Bay, Labrador and was later posted in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia with 145 Squadron. Mr. Ramsay was in Halifax when the war ended and was witness to the Halifax riots at the end of the war. He returned to PEI when the war ended, moving back into the house he had lived in prior to enlisting. He purchased a few more acres of land to add to the 20 acres he already had and farmed for a little while. He eventually went on to do carpentry work until his retirement.

Medium:

Video

Owner:

Veterans Affairs Canada

Duration:

1:24

Person Interviewed:

Roy Henry Ramsay

War, Conflict or Mission:

Second World War

Location/Theatre:

Halifax

Branch:

Air Force

Units/Ship:

145 Squadron

Occupation:

Mechanic

Copyright / Permission to Reproduce