Being a Cook

Heroes Remember

Being a Cook

Transcript

When I joined up they asked me what I wanted to be and since I was just on general duties I said, “General duties and cook second choice.” She said, “No way, cook first choice, general duties if you don’t pass.” That’s how it went. I got a lot of help from civilian bakers. I did the baking for fifteen hundred men, big pies, big sheets. Then I learned how to do the butchering and make sausages. I made a great big barrel full of sausages. Later in the afternoon, cut them and then cook them and then served them all in one day.

Description

Mrs. Stadnyk tells us about becoming a cook and what was involved in a typical day cooking in the mess.

Beatrice Stadnyk

Mrs. Beatrice Stadnyk was born April 2, 1920 in Cranbrook, British Columbia. After attending the school system and looking for adventure, Beatrice travelled to Toronto, Ontario. On April 2, 1942 “on a dare” she joined the air force. Her mother was very disappointed with her choice as she would have been happier if Beatrice had joined the army following in the family footsteps. With family in London, England, Beatrice travelled overseas and took up the occupation of Cook on part of the Women’s Division, Royal Canadian Air Force. Beatrice spent 33 months in England and was discharged in December 1945 when she returned to Canada to look for employment. Mrs. Stadnyk returned to British Columbia and raised a family.

Meta Data

Medium:: Video
Owner:: Veterans Affairs Canada
Duration:: 1:03
Person Interviewed:: Beatrice Stadnyk
War, Conflict or Mission:: Second World War
Branch:: Air Force
Units/Ship:: Royal Canadian Air Force Women's Division

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Being a Cook

Heroes Remember

Being a Cook

Beatrice Stadnyk

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Being a Cook

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