Reddick, Sandra

Sandra Reddick

Sandra Eileen Reddick born in Halifax Dec. 7, 1938 to Ernest and Doris Reddick.

“In 1950 my parents built a new home for us on the Cobequid Road in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia.

My Dad had served in both World Wars and was told by the DVA that there was a new school being built in Lower Sackville and it was the one in our district. In September, my brother Buddy and I attended the new school.

The teacher came in the classroom and told all the children from Cobequid Rd. to stand up, there were 7 of us, 2 black and 5 white that we had to go home as they had no room. The next day three of the Sackville businessmen came to see my mother and told her they had no room for my brother and I. My Mother stood firm and said for them to find the room as this was the school we were supposed to be attending.

The next day they came back, this time they told her they would have room for me but not for Buddy. She told them to find room. They walked away defeated. The next day they came back and said our school was a one-room school up the road for Blacks.

My Mother still remained firm and told them that she was not bringing her children from a City school to a one-room backwoods school. They left and realized she was not giving in. So they came the next day and told her that we could go but she would have to pay. She agreed to that. My brother and I went to the school and had no problems with the children, this all came from the adults. In later years we discovered that out of the ones sent home that, my parents were the only ones that had to pay. I could name the three businessmen but I won't as there are probably some family members still residing in the Sackville region. This was the first time I endured the results of prejudice.”

“I wanted to join the Armed Forces all through my teenage years so I joined the Canadian RCASC Militia in Nov. 1954. My goal was to join the active force and make a career of it. So as soon as I turned 18 I applied for the Air Force and Navy. I got accepted by the RCAF first, followed by the Navy a week later. I decided on the RCAF and left for St. John’s, Quebec for basic training. My father told me I would never stay because I had never been away from my family. I was determined and I was in Quebec, Alberta and finally Ontario. My stint in the RCAF was a couple of years as I was stationed in Ottawa and being harassed by the Orderly Room Sergeant.

I went to the appropriate person and complained about being sexually harassed but nothing was done. I asked for a transfer but was told I would be there for 5 years and that the Sgt would be there also.

So I had to request to be let out. “

Father

Ernest Albert Reddick

Born in 1900 in Guysborough, Nova Scotia.

Served in both World War I and World War II and tried to join for the Korean War but was too old at that time and the Commanding Officer recognized him and said “Go Home Ernie you have done your time.”

He passed away in 1981 in Montreal ,Quebec and his remains are resting in the Field of Honour.