Library Record
Images
Additional Images [3]
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BR2009.22.1 |
Object Name |
Pamphlet, Instruction |
Title |
Knitting Instructions for War Work |
Author |
Canadian Red Cross Society |
Summary |
A instruction pamphlet entitled: 'Knitting Instructions for War Work' issued by the Canadian Red Cross Society in 1940. The booklet has a total of 16 pages and contains instructions for knitting various items like bed socks, knee caps and wristlets. It also outlines what each branch of the forces needed as well as knitting abbreviations. |
History |
Pamphlet belonged to Mabel Hodge McCauley who was a member of the Women's War Work Committee. This committee was appointed on September 22, 1939 after WWII started and ended in 1945. The women involved with the committee were active in sewing and knitting over 15 million articles and over 18 million surgical dressings for overseas use. This instructional pamphlet was published in 1940 and was distributed across Ontario and used by many local women's groups who knitted items to support soldiers during the war. The Red Cross was founded by Swiss Henry Dunant in 1859 with the aim of alleviating suffering caused by wars and battles. Through the years it became an important organization to help improve people's healthy well-being during times of peace as well as disasters. In 1896 the first overseas branch of the Red Cross was founded by Dr. George Sterling Ryerson in Canada and in 1906 the Canadian Red Cross organization was legally established and later established a national headquarters in Toronto. The Women's War Work Committee was established after the outbreak of World War II to coordinate the work of women across Canada to make articles of clothing sent overseas for families affected by war and servicemen. The committee was dissolved in 1945 and reorganized as a working committee that continued to make clothing for people in Great Britain and Europe. Instructions was available free of charge to those looking to make knitted goods during the war. Knitted goods included scarfs, seaman stockings, two-way mitts, turtle-neck sweaters and Balaclava helmets. References: Records Management Office, Canadian Red Cross Office, 2009 Canadian Red Cross https://www.redcross.ca/about-us/about-the-canadian-red-cross/historical-highlights Red Cross Revises Instructions for Knitting Socks for Army WearThe Globe and Mail. September 20, 1939 This and That. I.R. McK. No Lack of Harmony. The Globe and Mail March 15 1940 Do Not Quit Knitting Red Cross Head Begs. Must Have Storehouses Bulging When 'Big Push' Comes. Toronto Daily Star. Wednesday, March 20 1940 Urgent Appeal for Sweaters and Socks For Seamen is Made by Red Cross. The Globe and Mail September 11th 1940 Mrs. J. V. Gundy, The Globe and Mail October 10, 1946 Red Cross Society. Jessical Poulin. The Canadian Enclopedia. February 7th, 2006 https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/red-cross-society |
Subjects |
Knitting War effort Red Cross |
People |
McCauley, Mabel |