Nursing Sisters

They came form all over Canada, most in their early to mid 20's, some drawn by patriotism, others for the adventure.
100 nurses sailed with the first Contingent in September 1914, photos of some of them can be seen here and here. By the end of the war approximately 2,854 Nursing Sisters had enlisted in the CEF, with approximately 2,411 serving overseas (Official History of the Canadian Forces in The Great War (Duguid) ). Veterans Affairs Canada puts the number of nursing sisters at 3,141 (this number possibly includes Nursing Sisters that enlisted directly in the British Army).
Others enlisted with the British Army, and others, without nursing training, served as Voluntary Aid Dispenser (V.A.D.).
These women served in hospitals in England, France and the Eastern Mediterranean at Gallipoli, Alexandria and Salonika and upon Hospital Ships.

Approximately 46 Nursing Sisters lost their lives during, or shortly after, the war. 14 died with the sinking of the Llandovery Castle on 27 June 1918, one other drowned at sea in a separate incident. Six were killed by enemy action, during the deliberate bombing of hospitals near Etaples (No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, and No. 7 Canadian Stationary Hospitals), and Doullens (No. 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital) in May 1918. Approximately 22 died of disease.

Funeral of Nursing Sister Margaret Lowe, May 1918

 

Funeral of Nursing Sister Gladys Maude Mary Wake, May 1918

There were a total of 9 Military Medals awarded to CEF Nursing sisters during the war, for gallantry under fire, most during the bombings at Etaples.

A list of names of the Canadian women who served the C.E.F. and other forces during the Great War can be found here.

A list of awards earned by the Nursing corps can be found here.

There are also some extracts from Our Bit : Memories of War Service By a Canadian Nursing Sister, by N.S. Mabel B. Clint:

Embarcation as part of the First Contingent (Sept. 1914)

A Hospital under canvas - Wimereaux (1915)

Christmas in the War (1914 - 1918)

If you would like to help in transcribing the attestation papers for these Nursing Sisters, please contact me.

Back