Colección 0259 - South Peace War Brides collection

Between 1942 and 1948, nearly 45,000 War Brides acompanied by 21,000 children came to Canada from Britain and Europe to join their husbands. Entire departments of government were devoted to bringing the war brides home. The Canadian Wives Bureau of the Civilian Repatriation Section in England processed their papers, told them what to expect in Canada, and provided them with train passes. The "Aquitania" was one of the elegant ocean liners assigned to the war bride detail. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army provided escort service on board, taking care of minor medical problems, organizing feedings and daycare for children, and delivering tea and crackers to seasick war brides. After going through immigration in Halifax, the women boarded trains for the journey westward. Those travelling to the Peace country had many stops and miles ahead of them. New families and new communities and unfamiliar living conditions awaited them.