|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
LESSARD, Elsa - With deep respect and gratitude, we honour the life and legacy of Elsa Lessard, a beloved ‘Wrens’ and cherished member of our naval family who as a veteran was a tireless advocate of remembrance.
Elsa enlisted in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) in 1943 and served as a trained Morse Code listener at two top-secret radio stations: one just south of Ottawa, and another hidden on a farm near Gunningsville, New Brunswick.
There, she intercepted encrypted German U-boat transmissions and relayed vital signals that helped Bletchley Park crack the Enigma code, which gave Allied convoys a critical edge during the Battle of the Atlantic.
After the war, Elsa dedicated herself to educating Canadians and commemorating the women of the WRCN service. She shared her story at schools, museums, community groups, and even with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
In 2008, she received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. In later years she was a guest of honour at the unveiling of the Royal Canadian Naval Monument and was awarded the Robert I. Hendy Award in recognition of her maritime contributions.
Elsa described herself as serving “not for herself, but to remember the men who didn’t come back,” and vowed to ensure Canadians knew that women served in war “before I left the planet.” Her courage, clarity and compassion will inspire generations to come.
With respect, we extend our deepest condolences to Elsa’s family, to the WRCNS community, and to all those who carry forward her legacy. We will honour her memory by continuing to tell the stories of those who served in silence, and those whose contributions changed history.
In celebration of Elsa’s life and service, we invite you to listen to her ‘Faces of Freedom’ podcast episode #2, and read her full profile from Veterans Affairs Canada: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/podcasts/second-world-war-series
May fair winds and following seas accompany you, Ma’am. We Will Remember You!
|
