Nursing Sisters' Association of Canada, Hamilton Unit

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Nursing Sisters' Association of Canada, Hamilton Unit

1927-1996

The Hamilton Unit of the Nursing Sisters’ Association of Canada was formed in 1927, seven years after the formation of its parent organization, the Overseas Nursing Sisters’ Association of Canada. Nursing sisters had been around since the 19th century serving at home during rebellions and skirmishes, and abroad during the war in South Africa, but there was no formal medical unit within the military until June 1899, when the Militia Army Medical Department was created that included a nursing unit. Outside of the military, there were various groups and clubs of nursing sisters existing around the country, which provided members with the opportunity to socialize and reminisce about their experiences. By the First World War, an official Canadian Army Medical Corps was established, which included nursing sisters called “bluebirds” because of their uniforms. These women held the military rank of lieutenant and served alongside their male counterparts in hospitals and casualty clearing stations, often experiencing the same hardships and rough conditions as the soldiers they cared for. When the war ended, many of these women wanted to continue the friendships they had made during their service, as well as promote the rights of veterans who had sacrificed for their country. In 1920, the Overseas Nursing Sisters’ Association of Canada was officially formed, and within the decade, many other affiliated sister units emerged around the country, including in Hamilton.

In the early years, only nursing sisters who served overseas were allowed into the membership of individual units and the National Association. During the Second World War, the nursing service expanded to all three branches of the military: navy, army and air force, and there was increased participation on the home front, which swelled the ranks of nursing sisters. In 1946, the Hamilton Unit invited nursing sisters from the Second World War to join their membership. In 1947, the word “overseas” was removed from the title of nursing sister associations, and the mandatory overseas service component was also dropped from the membership requirement, to include all nursing sisters who served at home or abroad, and who were honourably discharged from the branches of the army, navy or air force. Over the years, members of the Hamilton unit came together regularly in fellowship through meetings, luncheons, dinners, and memorial services. Members raised funds for memorials, charities and a nursing scholarship, attended many Remembrance Day ceremonies, and provided aid and comfort to sick, disabled and bereaved nursing sisters. As the years moved on, nursing sisters aged and passed away leaving the organization that once boasted around 100 members after the Second World War, with a dwindling membership of around 15 women. The Hamilton Unit held its last meeting on May 3, 1996, where it officially dissolved. Although disbanded, the remaining members committed to continue unofficially for a few more years until 1998. During that time, they continued an annual social gathering, attended and spoke at Remembrance Day events, and educated young military cadets on their wartime experiences and the importance of never forgetting the true cost of conflict.

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

CF – Hamilton – Organizations and Societies – Nursing Sisters’ Association of Canada, Hamilton Unit

Nicholson, G.W.L. Canada's Nursing Sisters. Toronto: A.M. Hakkert Ltd, 1975.

Veterans' Affairs Canada. "The Nursing Sisters of Canada." Accessed April 14, 2026. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/women-service/nursing-sisters-canada

Administrative history also sourced from material within the fonds.