Canadian War Brides of WWI

[Annette Fulford]

I am currently researching of the Canadian War Brides of WWI and have done so for a number of years. Are you a descendant of a WWI war bride that came to Canada during or shortly after the war? Do you have any stories, memoirs, letters, journals, photographs or other memorabilia about their life that you would like to share?

I plan to write a book about their experiences in the near future so that these war brides will not be forgotten. I would also like stories and images that can be used for a Power Point presentation, articles or displays on the subject.

Please contact me directly if you would like further information or a mailing address to send the information to. Feel free to forward this message on to anyone who would be interested.

[Karen Renaud]

My husbands grandmother was a WWI war bride by the name of Lillian Frances Hawkins from Hooks Cross,Aston,R.D., Northwood,Middlesex,England. They know very little about her even the date of their marriage sometime in 1918 is a mystery. I got her address from her husband, Stephen Vincent Sullivan, WWI records. We do have a picture portrait of the 2 of them taken sometime during the war because Stephen is in uniform. While I was at my in-laws I scanned her 1915 National Registration Act,Port of Arrival ID Card, and Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. She came from England to Four Falls, New Brunswick. If it sounds very isolated its because it is. Im afraid I have no stories, but I do have scans of photographs, if that helps at all. My husband does have some relatives that may be able to fill in the blanks of this brave litlle woman.
Karen Renaud
[e-mail]

[Karen Renaud]

Sorry I didnt see this feature, when I replied in the other window.
Karen

[Karen Renaud]

Karen Renaud said:

Sorry I didnt see this feature, when I replied in the other window.
Karen

Here she is with her husband

[Annette Fulford]

Thank you for this wonderful information, documents and photos! The marriage of Stephen Sullivan and Lilian Hawkins was registered in the Uxbridge district of Middlesex, England in the September quarter 1918, Vol. 3a, page 132. They married between July and September 1918. The 1915 National Registration card is fascinating to see. The National Registration was the British government taking stock of how many people would be available to help out with the war effort. Do you have a copy of her manifest page from the passenger lists? I'll send you an email with further information on how to get a copy of their marriage certificate.

[Manitoba Child ~Lynn Turner]

My grandmother was a War Bride from WW I. Although my grandfather was British,he was shipped to Canada as a Bernardo boy and returned to Europe and Britain as a Canadian Army Serviceman.
Alice Mary Woolett was born Oct 28,1896 ,the second child of John and Alice Woolett of Guilford,Surrey England.After schooling at age 17 she went to work as a domestic for Lord Parker who resided in the house formerly owned by Lord Tennyson.During World War I she went to work in a Convalescent home for Veterans.Here she met Walter John Cook,who was recovering from being gased at Ypes.February 2,1918 Walter and Alice were married at Steep Church,Guilford.
Walter returned to Canada in 1919 following the war.As a War Bride Alice arrived in Arcola Saskatchewan July 23,1919.
The marriage was blessed with 10 children.Walter died May 3,1965 and Alice lived for many propserous and enjoyable years until her demise April 10,1994 at the age of 97.The last few years were spent in a retirement home where she would reminisce about years gone by ,talking about her youth and her working at Lord Parker's and referring to her work mates by name even after 80 years.
We believe this picture is her wedding picture.

[Annette Fulford]

Thank you for posting the wonderful photo of your grandparents. It could well be their wedding photo. Many war brides didn't have the time or resources to get a wedding dress to be married in. I know of a number of Home Children that returned to England during WWI and came back to Canada with a war bride. I see your grandmother also came to Canada on the Melita. That is the ship my grandmother travelled on in September 1919. I am in contact with three other families of war brides that travelled on the July sailing of the Melita. You can read more about the journey at http://ww1warbrides.blogspot.com/ .