Page 60 - Max Basque, Whycocomagh Part 2

ISSUE : Issue 52

Published by Ronald Caplan on 1989/8/1

Sparks, we called him--came down. "Boys, the war is over. Japan just surrendered." And just a few days before that we heard-- none of us knew anything about the atom bomb. But anyway, they were talking. They claimed they'd dropped a new type of a bomb on Japan. We were at sea. And we were com? ing right into Quebec when they said Japan surrendered. We got as far as Three Rivers. And we stayed there all that night. And the next day--I forget now whether we moved up or anything. But there was a big celebration ashore. But none of us got ashore. We finally got ashore in Montreal. Because there was nobody there--no dockers, no custom officers. They were too busy cel? ebrating! And we couldn't go ashore. So it wasn't till the day after, celebrating was over. And I thought, "Well, that's it. The war is all over with." I went up to the manning pool and asked if that was it. He said, "No, no. The shooting may be over, but the war is not over yet." But I had 24 days coming to me because I hadn't taken a leave for a year. We were supposed to get two days' leave every month. So I had 24 days coming to me and I had--they paid this trip 10% extra for your earnings that year, bonus. So I got my 10% extra and 29-day leave: 24-day regular leave and 5 days travelling time. I asked them if I could report to Saint John. New Brunswick, when my 29 days were over. So I came to Shubenacadie. And there was hardly anybody home. The ones that were overseas were still in the Army. And the ones that were left home, they were over in Maine, raking blueberries or picking spuds. So I was only there two or three days. Went fishing one day. And I left and I went to Maine, worked a few days. Re? ported back to Saint John, New Brunswick. Went to England. I was in Scotland when they got rid of Churchill. Some people wondered. How could that happen? Now that the war is Discover Richmond County From Johnstown to Arichat, Louisdale to Lx)ch Lomond, an extraordinary mixture of Acadian and Irish, Micmiac and Scottish traditions welcomes the visitor. The setting is the quiet beauty of Richmond County. The culture and heritage are centuries old. We invite you to take Route 4, the road that leads through Richmond County. It is the road less taken, and it will make all the difference in your Cape Breton Vacation. MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF RICHMOND ROUTE 4 The road not taken! VOLLMER'S ISLAND PARADISE INC. An intimate vacation spot nestled in trees ~ with a view to the Atlantic Ocean ~ Cozy log cottages provide for a pleasant stay. • Scuba Diving • Water Skiing • Boating (Lessons Are Available) On the Peninsula of Janvrin's Island, on Isle Madame (Take Exit 46 off Highway 104 • 20 minutes after turning off Exit 46) (902) 226-1507 Arthur & Maria Welcome You All cottages are No Smoking La Cuisine Acadienne fm'''W' Fish & Steakhouse llA ''Restaurant & Dining Room I J'P-'''' * Fully Licensed * I Charcoal Steaks • Seafoods a Speciality Home Cooked Meals • Meat Pies Pizzas • Light Snacks • Chinese Food At Louisdale (902) 345-2817 Your Hosts: Lome et Val Marchand Seating 110 L'AUBERGE ACADIENNE INN Acadian Cuisine in a traditional setting Newly Renovated. Luxury accommodations in a 19th Century period setting. At Arichat on Isle Madame Call: (902) 226-2200 NOVA SCOTIAS GOLDEN SEA Cape Breton Island,St.Peters Marina St. Peters, Nova Scotia, BOE 3B0 1/2 hour from Caaso Causeway on Highway 4

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