The above image shows the quarry at Point Edward, Nova Scotia where the following Wrens drowned. They and the others of the party were all stationed at H.M.C.S. Proctor which was about where the T junction is on the image
The Quarry.
This is an abandoned stone quarry, practically filled with fresh water. The side that the girls entered sloped gradually towards the centre for a short distance and the dropped sharply to a depth of approximately 60 ft. The girls were not familiar with the construction of the quarry and were unable to swim.
The following is about the ACCIDENTAL DROWNING of the below named Wrens Mary Rech W3431 and Imelda Stever W3419 W.R.C. N.S. (Wrens) of H.M.C.S. Proctor. drowned at an abandoned quarry called Stone Quarry at Point Edward area near Sydney Nova Scotia. The quarry was used for swimming purposes.
Brief extract from Wren L Penteliuk statement. This Wren and the two that died all entered the water together.
“At about 4.00 pm of the 24 July 1944 she and five wrens and two naval ratings went to Stone Quarry for a swim which was about a mile and half away. She, Rech and Stever went on ahead and reached to quarry about 15 minutes ahead of the others from the group. Then the three of us went in together holding hands. We were about four from the shore, Stever said “Mary, there is a hole”. Then two of us went in to help her. All I can remember after that is that we were struggling for a while in the water and I called for help. None of us could swim and it was the first time at the quarry”.
The others arrived at the quarry about 5.20 pm and when they reached the edge of the quarry they heard a scream. The boys ran down to the water and Rating Hampson swam out about 10 feet and brought two of the girls in. They were clinging together and could not be separated until they were out of the water. Penteliuk was alive but Stever showed no signs of life. Artificial respiration was performed on her until the Naval Doctor arrived from their ship, who pronounced her dead. Rating Hampson told the rest of the party that he felt himself sinking into a hole before he reached the girls in the water, Rech was not found.
Bosun Wilmot on the Royal Canadian Navy from Boom Defence Depot, North Sydney arrived immediately and diving operation were commenced. He found the body Mary Rech wedged between rocks at the bottom of the quarry in approximately 33 feet of water at 12.40 pm. The body was brought to the surface and taken to H.M.C.S. Protector
MARY RECH. Wren Messwoman W/3431 Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service on H.M.C.S. Protector.
Born 26 October 1924 to Charles and Pearl Rech, of Carbondale, Alberta, Canada. 1943 on enlistment she gave her mother as her next of kin who resided at 9360, 103rd Avenue, Edmonton Alberta..
Some notes from her service records.
Enlisted 03 July 1943 as Probationary Wren of H.M.C.S. Conestoga. She was put on leave to await her callup for duty.
09 August 1943 she was posted for duty at H.M.C.S. Conestoga
11 September 1943 now Wren
02 November 1943 duty at H.M.C.S. Protector.
She drowned while on shore leave 24 July 1944 aged 19 years old. Cause of death, accidental drowning.
Her body was shipped to Nonsuch, Edmonton for burial 27 July 1944 at Beechmount Cemetery, Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
IMELDA STEVER. Wren W/3419 Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service on H.M.C.S. Protector
Born 15 September 1924 at Bathhurst, Gloucester County New Brunswick to Vincent Pierre Vincent and Marie Louise Stever, of McWatters, Quebec Canada. At the time of her enlistment, she was residing at 45 Second Street, Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
Some notes from her service records.
Enlisted 25 June 1943 and was called up for training at H.M.C.S .Conestoga, Galt Ontario 12 August 1943.
The 21 September 1943 stationed at H.M.C.S. Protector known as Point Edward Naval Base, Sydney Harbour Nova Scotia
Accidentally drowned at Stone Quarry, (an abandoned stone quarry) at Point Edward 24 July 1944 aged 18 years old while on shore leave. At rest in St. Guillaume De Granada Cemetery, Quebec.
Commemorated on the Quebec Memorial, Pointe Claire Field of Honour Canada. Alternative Commemoration.
