Canadian Nurses: The First Contingent
In October 1914, Canada's 25,000 strong First Contingent of soldiers sailed for Britain to join the war effort. One hundred Canadian military nurses, "officers and ladies", accompanied the First Canadian Contingent to staff the first two Canadian hospitals.
The first 100 nurses grew to approximately 2,800 Canadian military nurses who served overseas during the First World War in a multitude of Canadian Casualty Clearing Stations, Stationary Hospitals, and General Hospitals. Of the original 100 nurses, some remained nursing in France for the war's duration; others served in pioneering hospitals in Lemnos or on transport ships in Gallipoli, then moved to Salonika; and four others joined the war effort in Russia.
This presentation by Andrea McKenzie follows the first contingent of Canadian nurses, using their words and images, plus those of their colleagues, to re-create their wartime lives.. Through shot and shell, gas attacks, illness, and the first shots of the Russian Revolution, Canadian nurses remained at their posts, fighting to treat and save their soldier colleagues.
Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:
The WFA regularly makes available webinars which can be viewed 'live' from home. These feature expert speakers talking about a particular aspect of the Great War.
Featured on The WFA's YouTube channel are modern day re-interpretations of the inter-war magazine 'I Was There!' which recount the memories of soldiers who 'were there'.
Explore over 8 million digitized pension records, Medal Index Cards and Ministry of Pension Documents, preserved by the WFA.
