38 FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2016 38 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2017 VETERAN MARY OLAISEN ary Olaisen (O’Quinn) went from working in an ammunitions factory to joining the Merchant Marines and working on ships, which transported dangerousammunitionduringWorld War II. Born in Newfoundland in 1918, this war veteran will celebrate her 99th birthday on November 8th. A resident of West Shore Village, she enjoys attending the veteran’s din- ners at the Port Perry Legion, but says, “It’s sad to see the empty seats. There are not many veterans left.” “The nights were the worst,” Mary said of her time in the Merchant Marines. The steward would often advise everyone not to get undressed for bed because, “they never knew what was going to happen.” They were also told to wear gloves. Danger lurked in the dark, with bright flashes of light and loud bangs as ships were hit by submarine bombs. “There was a lot of danger but we enjoyed it and prayed a lot,” she said. “Many nights we did not sleep.” The Germans would take crate boxes of oranges and tie on all kinds of ammunition, including bombs with timers on them, set to explode. SometimesMarystayedupondeck all night watching. She remembers feeling the vibrations from explosions. “We were always glad to see day- light,” Mary commented. AlongwithherfriendMaryMcNeil and her sister Theresa, “who was game to do anything,” Mary signed up. Her mother had just passed away. If she hadn’t, Mary said she may not have enlisted, because her mother was already fraught with worry about her two brothers overseas. “We felt better being all together,” she said. When asked about her duties, Love at Sea The story of war veteran Mary Olaisen Looking back in time. Mary ponders her memories of the Merchant Marines. M PHOTOS BY LYNN CAMPBELL