Sylvia Gellman, a remarkable figure in Canada’s wartime history, passed away on December 22 at the age of 104, following a stroke. Her legacy as a codebreaker during the Second World War was recently commemorated with a plaque at Laurier House, recognising the invaluable contributions of the Examination Unit, a clandestine group of codebreakers she was part of. This ceremony, which took place in August 2022, marked a significant moment for both Gellman and her fellow veterans, many of whom were women whose efforts had long been overshadowed.
A Life Steeped in Service
Born Sylvia Irene Abelson on May 8, 1921, in Ottawa, Gellman was the eldest of five children and the only daughter in her family. Her father, Jess Abelson, was a distinguished athlete and the first inductee into the Ottawa Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, while her mother, Mollie, was a devoted homemaker. Sylvia’s upbringing was marked by the influence of her parents and the loss of her brother, Lawrence, who was tragically killed in action during the war.
In 1943, driven by a sense of duty and grief, she joined the Examination Unit as a typist, a role that would place her at the heart of Canada’s wartime intelligence operations. The unit, established in 1941, was vital in deciphering military and diplomatic communications, sharing crucial information with British and American counterparts.
The Examination Unit’s Hidden Legacy
Operating under the radar, the Examination Unit was deliberately given a mundane title to protect its secretive operations. Though the unit consisted of approximately 80 personnel, it was notable for its significant female workforce, which comprised around 40 per cent of its members. Gellman worked in the Japanese Diplomatic Section, where she played a key role in decoding messages that provided essential intelligence about Japanese military movements.
Despite the high-pressure nature of their work, Gellman and her colleagues maintained a sense of camaraderie, often engaging in square dances at their Ottawa mansion headquarters. However, the secrecy surrounding their missions meant that Gellman kept her contributions hidden from her family for decades. It wasn’t until near the end of her life that her relatives learned of her pivotal role in the war effort.
Recognition Long Overdue
The story of the Examination Unit largely remained unrecognised until recent years, largely thanks to the efforts of Ottawa researcher Diana Pepall. Her passion for uncovering the contributions of women in wartime led her to the unit, and she was instrumental in advocating for the official recognition of its significance. After applying to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, her efforts culminated in the designation of the Examination Unit as a national historic event in 2021, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative plaque the following year.
Gellman was the last surviving member of the unit to attend the ceremony, where she finally received public acknowledgment for her wartime contributions.
A Life of Resilience
After the war, Gellman married Lawrence Gellman in 1957, and they settled in New York, where they welcomed their daughter, Barbara. The couple shared a deep connection, with family and friends describing their bond as one of perfect balance—his extroverted nature complementing her quieter temperament. Even after Lawrence’s untimely passing in 1987, Gellman continued to lead an active life, known affectionately in her community as “The Walker,” regularly seen traversing her neighbourhood well into her later years.
In 2022, despite suffering a broken hip, Gellman showcased her resilience by healing and resuming her daily walks. Her indomitable spirit and dedication to her family and country were hallmarks of her extraordinary life.
Why it Matters
The remarkable journey of Sylvia Gellman and her fellow codebreakers highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime efforts and serves as a reminder of the vital roles they played in shaping history. By finally recognising the Examination Unit’s achievements, Canada not only honours Gellman’s legacy but also acknowledges the importance of diversity and inclusion in historical narratives. As we reflect on her life, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who served in silence and the importance of ensuring their stories are told for generations to come.
