Canada's Nursing Sisters

Canadian Nursing Sisters

at No. 3 Casualty Nursing Station

July 1916

In 1885, during the North West Rebellion, Canadian nurses were deployed to care for soldiers for the first time in history. These nurses all belonged to religious order and were designated as Nursing Sisters.

Ever since that time, Nursing Sisters have done their part to care for Canadian soldiers who were fighting. They accompanied the Royal Canadian Dragoons to the Klondike in 1898. Their job there was to assist the Royal Canadian Mounted Police during the gold rush.

From 1914 to 1918, over 3,000 Canadian nurses volunteered their services during WWI. In the beginning they were kept away from the action, but when Casualty Clearing Stations were set up near the Front, the nurses were desperately need to give immediate medical aid to the wounded. Many lives were saved by these brave women who put themselves in danter to tend to wounded soldiers.

WWI claimed the lives of 46 Nursing Sisters from across Canada. Three died when the military hospital in Etaples France was deliberately bombed. Three were killed while in active service while 15 died of disease. Another 15 died when the Llandovery Castle, a hospital ship, was sunk and 7 died after arriving home due to circumstances linked to their service overseas.

During WWII, 4,473 Nursing Sisters served within the Army, Navy and Air Force. Many of these women found themselves at the Front and well within range of enemy guns. Their bravery and determination never wavered. They had a job to do and they did it willingly. Nursing Sisters also served in Korea and Japan during the Korean Conflict of the early 1950s.

Today, Nursing Sisters are known as Nursing Officers. They served in the Gulf War and have aided Canadian peace keepers in Bosnia, Rwanda and Somolia.

These women are unsung heroes who often don't get the recognition that they deserve. As Remembrance Day (November 11) approaches, I would like to recognize these women who have given of themselves to bring our soldiers safely home.

Have a wonderful week and take a few minutes to remember the fallen and those who have given of themselves, that we might live in freedom. ~Blessings, Mary~