Overview
This lecture covers the roles, requirements, challenges, and legacy of Canadian military nurses (Nursing Sisters) during the First World War.
Role and Service of Nursing Sisters
- Over 2,800 Canadian nurses served in the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC) as fully-enlisted officers.
- Nursing Sisters received the same pay and relative rank as men; they were the first Allied women to do so.
- Nicknamed "bluebirds" for their blue uniforms and white veils.
- Nurses cared for wounded and sick soldiers, convalescents, prisoners of war, and sometimes civilians.
- They administered medication, cleaned wounds, assisted in surgery, and watched for infections.
- Nurses also treated diseases like dysentery, trench fever, pneumonia, and influenza before antibiotics were available.
- They served in multiple war theaters, including the Western Front, Gallipoli, Egypt, and Salonika.
Requirements and Recruitment
- Canadian military nurses had to be trained, British citizens, physically fit, of high moral character, and aged 21-38.
- Non-Caucasian women were excluded from training and service due to discriminatory policies.
- Most nurses were single and averaged 29.9 years old.
- All nurses were volunteers, with high competition for limited positions.
Risks and Sacrifices
- At least 58 out of 2,845 Canadian nurses died from enemy action, disease, or drowning.
- Nurses were killed during hospital bombings and the sinking of the hospital ship Llandovery Castle in 1918.
Postwar Impact and Commemoration
- Returning nurses contributed to rehabilitation hospitals and the growth of public health and social work in Canada.
- Few became hospital supervisors or educators; some left nursing after marriage.
- A 1926 memorial to nursing sisters was erected in Ottawa's Parliament building.
- After the war, the permanent RCAMC nursing service was reduced to twelve members until WWII.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Nursing Sister — Title for women who served as military nurses in the CAMC.
- Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC) — Military medical branch where nurses served.
- Bluebirds — Nickname for Canadian military nurses due to their uniforms.
- Llandovery Castle — Canadian hospital ship sunk by a German U-Boat in 1918.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review requirements and legacy of Nursing Sisters for possible exam questions.
- Explore the next topic: Canadian Fliers in WWI.