Lenora “Davey” Gardner  (nee Davison)

1924 – 2026

World War II Veteran

Canadian Women’s Army Corps

Years of Service: 1944 – 1945

Postings: Ontario (STS 103 / Camp X) Other Service:

Obituary and Condolences (As published by her family)

Notes on Winnifred Davey Gardner by Pillar Society Member Norm Killian

Winifred Lenora Gardner (nee Davison) (aka Davey Gardner) very likely the last surviving member of Camp X has passed away. Davey was born September 13, 1924 and passed away peacefully at Owen Sound Gardens on January 19, 2026 in her 102nd year.

Davey served with the Canadian Women's Army Corp (CWAC) in Toronto between 1942 and 1945. In 1944 Davey was assigned to special detail at STS 103 (aka Camp X).

Davey was part of a dedicated team of transcribers who relayed perishable information to allied communication intelligence centres in Canada, the USA and Great Britain during the war.

I have interviewed Davey numerous times over the last twenty-five years. I last spoke with Davey October 2nd 2025. Davey's overall contribution to both the oral and documented history of Camp X was nothing short of remarkable.

Davey has a Certificate of Service signed by William Stephenson and is a recipient of the Bletchley Park Commemorative Badge recognizing her service in communications intelligence during World War II. Davey is also a recipient of the Kings Coronation Pin (circa 2024).

Norm Killian

Pillar Society – Greater Toronto Area Chapter (GTAC)

Tribute Remarks to Charles and Winnifred Gardner by Senator George J. Furey as recorded in Hansard during the Year of the Veteran (2005).

Charles and Winnifred Gardner were present as guests in the Senate Gallery as Senator Furey made his remarks on November 2, 2005.

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Hon. George J. Furey: Honourable senators, in 2005, the Year of the Veteran, we are recognizing the importance of our military men and women who serve and have served Canada in times of war and in times of peace. Today I would like to pay tribute to two people who have made an extraordinary contribution in this regard: Charles Gardner and his wife, Winifred Davidson Gardner, more affectionately known as Chuck and Davey. Both served our country throughout their lifetimes.

The year in which Chuck Gardner was born, 1917, was a turning point in world events. It saw Czarist Russia overthrown and the United States entering the First World War. Both countries would become dominant and opposing forces for the better part of the 20th century. At that time, Canada emerged as a country in its own right. This would be the military world in which Chuck and his wife, Davey, would devote their careers.

The Gardners spent a lifetime of military service in this new world order. Chuck served in the Canadian Armoured Corps during the Second World War and Davey was a member of the Canadian Women's Army Corps from 1942-45. She was part of the first contingent of women allowed in the men's training facility, No. 24, Brampton. In 1944, Davey was posted to special detail at Camp X, working in communications. Honourable senators will know that Camp X was a secret agent training school during the Second World War and became a top secret communications facility during the Cold War.

Chuck was posted to Camp X in 1942 (following his return from England) as Sergeant responsible for communications where he served with British Security Coordination. The Gardners married in 1945 and in 1946 their first child, Don, was born. Don was the first baby to take up residence at this top secret facility. Baby Janet came along four years later.

Chuck was transferred to Ottawa in 1950 to work with National Defence until his retirement in 1981. Davey continued her work as a communications officer, traveling across the country.

She worked closely with the Canadian Armed Forces and, at times, the American military. In 1976, Davey Gardner was the first woman to visit CFS Alert. She retired in 1986.

This year marked, along with many military anniversaries, their sixtieth wedding anniversary. They had a lifelong commitment to service and a life together filled with significant firsts. One of the most insightful glimpses into exactly who the Gardners are, however, comes later in life when their daughter Janet grew up and married Glen Harada. Glen was the son of a Japanese couple interned during the Second World War. Despite their (Harada’s) internment and the Gardners' military past, the Haradas and Gardners were able to form a close friendship. This is one of Davey's "greatest points of pride" in a life filled with so many ”firsts”.

On behalf of the Senate of Canada and Canadians everywhere, I would like to salute two ordinary Canadians for their extraordinary contributions to our great country. On a more personal note, I wish to extend my best wishes for a happy sixtieth anniversary in this the Year of the Veteran.