Auxiliary Services Window

Toronto, Ontario
Type
Other

The Auxiliary Services Window is the eighth window in the Soldiers' Tower Staircase of Honour. It depicts emblems as used during the Second World War for Auxiliary Services of: The Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian Red Cross, Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army and the Young Men’s Christian Association. The Auxiliary Services brought support and comfort to men and women in the forces.

The Staircase of Honour features a series of eight stained glass windows honouring the Canadian Armed Forces in action during wartime. The windows were officially dedicated on May 26, 2005, by the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The three stained glass windows along the first flight of stairs, on the north wall, commemorate women’s service in the Second World War: Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS), commonly known as Wrens, Canadian Women's Army Corps, and the Royal Canadian Air Force (Women's Division).

Turning and mounting the next flight, one passes three larger windows on the south wall honouring all those who served in the Armed Forces during both World Wars: Air Force, Navy, and Vimy Ridge. Ascending the third and final flight of stairs, two small windows are on the north wall: Canadian Merchant Navy and the Auxiliary Services of The Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian Red Cross, Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army and the Young Men’s Christian Association.

All eight windows in the Staircase of Honour were designed and installed by the Goodman Zissoff Stained Glass Studio of Kelowna, British Columbia — formerly the Russell C. Goodman Stained Glass Studios of Parry Sound, Ontario, which created the Memorial Window in the Memorial Room of the Tower.

Inscription

[window]

BRITISH•EMPIRE•SERVICE•LEAGUE
CANADIAN LEGION

CANADIAN RED CROSS SOCITETY

K OF C

THE
SALVATION
ARMY

Y.M.C.A.

[plaque] 

In honour of the  Canadian Auxiliary Services 1939-1945

 

[interpretive panel] 

Window 8: The Auxiliary Services of The Royal Canadian Legion, the Canadian Red Cross, the Knights of Columbus, The Salvation Army, and the Young Men’s Christian Association

Each of these services is represented by its emblem as used during the Second World War.

 

Location
Auxiliary Services Window

Hart House Circle
Toronto
Ontario
GPS Coordinates
Lat. 43.6633139
Long. -79.3951215

stained glass window

K. Parks, courtesy of Alumni Relations, University Advancement, University of Toronto
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