History Helps Volume Six, Number 4, March 2006
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• Greetings
• World War Two
• Ocean View Cemetery, Vancouver
• British Home Children
• Subscription, Privacy Policy

GREETINGS!

World War Two

“Map Shows Location Of Prison Camps

Canadian population in German prison camps is increasing daily as action flares widely on French and Italian fronts. Almost every district in B.C. claims some lad to whom parcels will go as often as international arrangements allow.

To keep the public informed on the latest information available concerning the 28 prison camps where Canadians are held, the B. C. Division of the Canadian Red Cross Society has issued a new map of Germany marking location of each of these centres. In addition, 32 other prison camps are marked and location given of the 22 hospitals which are attached to the camps.

These maps have been sent to every place in the province where there is a branch of the Red Cross Society and they will be placed in prominent spots in each locality, such as Post Offices, for use of the public. Included in the information supplied is the list of what the Canadian Red Cross Society does for our prisoners of war.

Contents of ‘capture’ parcels are given, as well as the Red Cross 11 pound food parcel which goes weekly to every interned Canadian. It is this food which, supplementing the restricted German prison fare, keeps the Canadians healthy and fit. Vitamin tablets, medical supplies and clothing are also sent to these men.

Weekly Food Parcels:

1 lb. Whole Milk Powder.
1 lb. Butter.
1/4 lb. Cheese.
3/4 lb. Corned Beef or other meat.
10 oz. Pork Luncheon Meat.
1/2 lb. Salmon.
1/4 lb. Sardines or Kippers.
1/2 lb. Raisins or Dried Apples.
1/2 lb. Dried Prunes.
1/2 lb. Sugar.
1 lb. Jam or Marmalade.
1 lb. Pilot Biscuits.
1/2 lb. Eating Chocolate.
1 oz. Salt and Pepper.
1/4 lb. Tea.
2 ozs. Soap.”

Source: The Ladner Optimist, 06 July 1944, page three.

Ocean View Cemetery, Vancouver

“DEATHS”:

“OCEAN VIEW BURIAL PARK is the new cemetery where perpetual care is given every plot without further cost. Adjoins south side of Central Park, three blocks south of Patterson station on the B. C. Electric. Write for illustrated booklet to Canadian Financiers Trust Company, Agent and Trustee, 829 Hastings street west, Vancouver, B. C. Phone Sey. 5960.”

Source: Vancouver Daily World, 16 August 1920, page 16.

British Home Children

The following was sent to me by a subscriber (thank you, Gayle), and I’m including it here with the permission of the author, Elizabeth Hamilton.

“Subject: [bhc] Female Immigration to BC

I have been reading a book titled ‘British Columbia’ - Historical Vol II by FW Howay and EOS Scholefield. Pages 113 - 115 deals with female immigration to BC. In February of 1862 in London, England the British Columbia Emigration Society was formed. BC was desperately lacking in women at this time. The objective of the society was to encourage the emigration of respectable, industrious women as servants, ‘as a step towards supplying wives for the miners and settlers.’

The first set of wives-to-be left England April 17, 1862, twenty orphan girls from orphan asylums. In June, 1862, the ‘Tynemouth’ left with another 60 young ladies. These girls were sent out by a home society and spent the three month journey isolated from the rest of the passengers. Upon their arrival at Esquimalt the girls were marched through a sea of men to their temporary home. There were a few women among them, the majority were twelve to eighteen years of age. While in transit arrangements had been made to place several of the girls as servants. ‘Half of them married soon after arrival or went into service, but a certain proportion went quickly to the bad and, from appearances, had been there before.’

Thirty-six more girls were sent out by the same society, and arrived in Esquimalt on the ‘Robert Lowe’ on January 10, 1863. The local Congregational minister in Victoria spoke on the subject: ‘There was too little care exercised in the selection of them, by those directing the movement and some, in consequence turned out badly. But all who conducted themselves properly have had offers of marriage, and most of them have long since become participants of conjugal felicity.’

After the end of the Civil War, Washington Territory made similar attempts at immigration. ‘The Mercer Immigration’ brought seven hundred war orphans to the Puget Sound. Apparently the Americans had better success than the Canadians.

The book cites several references, those of interest may be the British Columbian (newspaper), June 21, May 12, and Sept 24, of 1862. I thought this information may be helpful to those who are experiencing brick walls with their BHC. We tend to think of most of the orphans coming to Halifax, Quebec and Ontario and forget that many children came directly to other parts of Canada. It makes me wonder how many researchers may not even know their ancestors were BHC's!

I hope this helps someone.
Elizabeth in Nanaimo, BC”

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Delta History On-Line

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