Definitions

Here are some definitions that help to explain some of the words used in this book.

C-Rations

Soldiers sometimes carried either a 24 or 48 hour pack of emergency rations. A typical C-Ration pack could contain such items as 5 graham crackers, a tin of peanut butter, a tin of cheese spread, compressed liver, a bit of chocolate and compressed tea (which was milk, sugar & tea compressed down into the size of a bouillon cube)

Stamp Books

Victory Stamps, purchased for as little as a quarter, could be glued into a savings booklet. When filled, the booklet became a $4 War Savings Certificate, which could be redeemed with the Canadian Government after 7 years for $5. Businesses would often offer Victory Stamps as change.

Ration Books

The Wartime Prices & Trade Board introduced coupon rationing in 1942. Each family received a booklet of coupons every few months. Examples of items that were rationed included: coffee, tea, sugar, butter.

Sweetheart Handkerchiefs

Soldiers would often buy their sweetheart a handkerchief from the country they were stationed in or passing through. They would send it back home with their letters. Ladies also bought handkerchiefs to wave at the marching troops.

Pay Books

Everyone was required to carry their pay book in order to receive their pay. It was also commonly used for identification purposes.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Established by Royal Charter shortly after the end of the First World War, the Commission's duties are to mark and maintain the graves of the members of the forces of the Commonwealth who were killed during the two World Wars. They also are responsible to build memorials to those who have no known grave and to keep records and registers.

Books of Remembrance

The 6 Books of Remembrance contain the names of Canadians who fought in wars and died either during or after them. They are kept in the Memorial Chamber located in the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. All together, the 6 books contain a total of 114,710 names.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day commemorates Canadians who died in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. It is held every November 11. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. A bill was passed in 1931 and the first official Remembrance Day was conducted on November 11, 1931.

Poppy

The poppy is the symbol for Remembrance Day. Replica poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to raise money for needy veterans.

2 minutes of silence/The Wave of Silence

On the 11th Hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month! The Royal Canadian Legion is calling on all Canadians - wherever they may be - to remember the service and sacrifice of Canadians in wartime by observing two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. on November 11 - Remembrance Day. Why not organize two minutes of silence in your community?