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The nursing sisters

The nursing sisters sent from Canada, although few in number, rendered good service, and did work no less creditable than the troops whom they went out to nurse. The party of four who accompanied the first contingent arrived in South Africa when the nursing staff was very small, some 40 strong only, and as the staff was increased during their period of service to 1,000 from necessity, their presence in the country was most opportune. The services of the second contingent nurses, who arrived four months later, were not any less acceptable.

I think the suggestion of the Director General of Medical Services, in the last annual report, that the cadres of a nursing service should be inaugurated in connection with our military forces, and positions therein offered to these nursing sisters is a good one, and should be acted on.

Postal Corps

The postal corps sent to South Africa by the Post Office Department, consisting of Capt. W. R. Ecclestone in charge, and Messrs. Rowan Johnston, Kenneth A. Murray, Thomas B. Bedell and Joseph Lallier as assistants, performed most acceptable work.

With troops constantly moving over such a large country it is an impossibility to reach them with mail matter regularly and promptly. The presence of this corps, however, to specially watch the postal interest of Canadians was a great boon, and one much appreciated.

The military branch of the Militia Department has not been without post office experience, as some 8,500 letters have been forwarded to it by the Post Office Deparment, or from Shorncliffe and South Africa direct, to be forwarded to soldiers who had left South Africa or England before their receipt. Many more letters were received addressed to persons who had met death in the battlefield or in some other manner. It is satisfactory to note that at the present time none of the letters remain undelivered.

Artificers

The War Office intimated in January, 1900, through the High Commissioner for Canada, that the services of qualified shoeing-smiths, saddlers and wheelers would be acceptable in South Africa, for employment at Re-mount Depots and with transport establishments, and space was reserved in the "SS. Milwaukee" for 20. There were, however, three in excess of that number enrolled and sent out.

Conditions of their employment were as follows:

To serve with Her Majesty's forces in any part of South Africa, at six shillings per diem, and rations, for six months, or such less period as their services were required. If their services were dispensed with within the six months, one month's notice, or one month's pay to be given.
CanGenealogy.com > Hugh Armstrong's Genealogy Site Index