Bonus Features

Regina -- The Red Cross Connection

Valerie: Since we’re in the Regina armory a little bit of military history would appropriate here so we’ve got Major retired Keith Inches of the Saskatchewan Military Museum. He’s got some fabulous artifacts. Tell me about this flag.

Historian: This is one of two Red Cross flags still existing in Canada. As far as we know they are the original Red Cross flags.

Valerie: First time it was ever flown.

Historian: That’s correct, yes, in 1885, out here during the North West, or Riel, Rebellion. This one flew at Fish Creek and at Batoche on these dates. The surgeon, Surgeon Cod, came from Winnipeg with the Winnipeg Field Battery. And this flew over his tent.

Valerie: And this had been imported, this idea, from the UK – the Red Cross existed.

Historian: That’s correct, yes.

Valerie: But never in Canada.

Historian: Not before this, as far as we know.

Valerie: So on the battlefield the feeling was that if you walked out with a Red Cross that they would at least protect the medical personnel.

Historian: Well, from our side. I’m not sure whether the other side would recognize that at this time.

Valerie: So that’s that old! All frayed and falling apart. Winnipeg Field Battery. Well that’s a really amazing piece of history. Now, tell me, you’ve got this very attractive woman over here, part of your collection – why did you bring her?

Historian: I think she typifies the volunteer spirit of Saskatchewan people. This lady came in from Sintaluta during the beginning of the war, worked in this army as a clerk, volunteered to learn military typing – fine skills – and then she joined the mechanized transportation corps, which is a British, all female, group who could drive vehicles – coming from a farm, she could. She had to buy her own uniforms, pay her way to and from England and was overseas for three and a half years, no funds, no medals and no gratuity when she came back.

Valerie: Unlike the men.

Historian: That’s right. Now, I’m not saying she’s better or worse, but she didn’t get the dollar a day and she didn’t get free clothes.

Valerie: So were they part of the women’s army corps?

Historian: No. No, this is a separate group, all together. So they weren’t part of the army, that’s why there’s no medals and no gratuities.

Valerie: Well, Saskatchewan, now, it’s always been known for its strong sense of community and volunteerism, that really people had to pitch in and look after each other. So this is why you like her so much because she gives that feeling.

Historian: That’s right and she didn’t have to do it. But I met her a couple of times…

Valerie: Is she a real person?

Historian: (laughs) And she brought it out very forcefully: “I had to pay my OWN way back!” (laughs) And that was really a point with her. And she did.

Valerie: So all these are in the Saskatchewan Military Museum, part of your collection.

Historian: Yes.

Valerie: Thank you very much.

Historian: Thank you for hosting us.

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