Joan Kennedy and the British Columbia Women-:S Service Corps SUSAN WADE W, may not be, for us, a pressing issue. While women of Nicaragua, Namibia, Iran, and Ireland have war as a constant companion, in Canada we are able to relegate it to the· category of "not important at this time." But we cannot ignore it to the extent we have done in the recent past. A feminist model for the development of society must include war. To lament the numbers of women trapped by wars, not of their own making, and yet continue to leave the sphere of war to men is hypocritical. We must, at the very least, try to develop some general agreement, as we have done on many other issues that affect women. Should women enter the military arena on the same terms as men? Should women work to be equally represented in such fields as nuclear physics and chemical warfare testing? Should women boyc9tt the mililtary altogether? Should women study war to undermine specious military propaganda? Do we oppose war, or do we actively promote peace? If we choose to promote peace, should we consider all war unjustified, regardless of the circumstances? Where do we stand on anything to do with war? War is not a male preserve. Whether we are for armed combat side by side with men, or for the active promotion of peace, war is our business. As the Canadian Women's Army Corps proclaimed, "This is Our Battle, Too." Whatever agreement we have on war seems to go no further than ridiculing our involvement with it in the past. Some of us scoff at our mothers for falling for male-created wartime propaganda; some of us are ashamed that our relatives proudly marched off to serve the Allied Forces as cooks, clerks, and nurses. Our attitude has led to the neglect of war in women's history. What little has been written on the Corps has focused on "the good old days" (CWAC memoirs), or on the extent to which women were relegated to positions subject to male control. We have yet to examine the relevance oftheCWAC for women today from a critical and positive approach. Surely, its Barbara K. Latham and Roberta J. Pazdro, Eds., Not Just Pin Money Victoria: Camosun College, 1984 408 The BCWSC relevance goes beyond holding it up as yet another example of the subordination of women. It is easy to dismiss the CW AC as a "first" for women, because it was not anything of the kind. It was, for the most part, a perpetuation of the old-women's work for women's wages according to men's rules--but that should not obscure what the women did achieve. The CW A Cs did convince the Canadian public, government, and military authorities that women need not sit at home waiting for their men to return, dead or alive. They overcame the initial unpopularity of women doing "men's work," an attitude harboured by both sexes. And they did form a consensus on woman's role in times of war. Whether we criticize the CWAC for not going far enough (not engaging in active combat) or for going too far (supporting the destruction of war), the relevance of the CW AC's story lies not in its actions, but in its attitudes. While we ask ourselves "what does war mean to women and how does it affect us?" the CW A Cs asked themselves "what do women mean to war and how can we affect it?" The British Columbia Women's Service Corps (BCWSC), a group of women dedicated to service, patriotism, military discipline, and support of the Second World War, struggled to form the Canadian Women's Army Corps. Since I favour the active promotion of peace, I cannot admire the BCWSC. Nor can I bring myself to strongly criticize them; they held their unpopular aims with such conviction of purpose, and worked so hard to see those aims achieved, that part of me cannot help but empathize with them. Because their beliefs and goals differ so radically from my own, I have no intention of portraying the BCWSC as a shining example for women today. My intention is only to illustrate the persistence that ultimately brought them success, and to describe how these women came to assume an active role in the strongest of male preserves--the military. The story of the BCWSC cannot be told as a simple tale of women fighting for their due, nor do I find it possible to offer an elaborate theory on its place in women's history. The story of the BCWSC must simply stand on its own. This essay is organized chronologically, with a few exceptions. Several quotes from BCWSC records have been included in an attempt to capture the "personality" of the Corps. Essentially, this essay charts the development of the BCWSC from its first days as a small, disorganized group through its growth to a large organization with contacts across the country, an invaluable grasp of pragmatism, and an aggressively persistent manner which ultimately brought it success. The Munich Crisis of 1938 warned of imminent war. And so the world made ready. Women of Britain, still with the memory of World War One too fresh in their minds, were quick in organizing for the next onslaught. There they formed the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), an officially recognized body of women war-workers, whose main task was to carry out support trades and services to free men for active duty. The A TS was granted Royal Warrant on September 9, 1939. 1 Barely one month later, Victoria, BC, had its own counterpart, seeking similar recpgnition from the government of Canada. On October 5, 1938, ten Wade 409 women formed what was to become the BC Women's Service Corps (BCWSC), under its original name, the Women's Auxiliary Driver's Club. It was the first service corps organized in Canada. Despite the "Auxiliary" in its name, the founding members unanimously decided that their club "was definitely to be a military organization, "2 Though a long three years stood between the club and the Canadian Women's Army Corps, the executive assumed military titles. The President, Mrs. C.H. Rayment, was "Captain" Rayment; Mrs. G.S. Hethey and Miss A. Hooper were listed as "Lieutenants." Miss Marjorie E. Brown accepted the ordinary title of Secretary-Treasurer, and devoid of any title at all were the founding members: Miss E.L. Edwards, Mrs. H.A. Tomalin, Miss I.K. Carey, Miss K. Greer, Miss J. MacLennan, and Mrs. Norman R. (Joan B.) Kennedy. Kennedy who was to become the Corps's President and Provincial Leader, eventually became the head of the Canadian Women's Army Corps. In retrospect, the BCWSC's initial aim seems surprisingly limited. Its stated goals were to purchase an ambulance, and to have one member on ambulance duty for each week of the year. To fully facilitate this service, they would obtain First Aid certificates and learn basic motor mechanics. Even at this first meeting, however, a bigger objective was discussed, for the women also planned marching drill and even revolver shooting. Their larger, unspoken aim was to become the official Canadian version of Britain's ATS. To help them to this goal, Mrs. Tomalin was delegated to write to Mrs. Lay of the War Office in England for information on clubs similar to their own. It is difficult to uncover the sources of motivation for the formation of such a club. It was, after all, 1938 in Victoria--a year away from the Declaration of War, and geographically far removed from the threatened action. Even the perceived "threat" of Japanese attacks on the British Columbia coast was three years away; Pearl Harbor and the fear of the Japanese that led to their internment did not occur until 1941. Moreover, the Depression of the 1930s was still very much in evidence. What turned these women's minds to military drill and revolver shooting? It is possible to offer only some hypothetical suggestions. First, most of these women did not have to contend with the awesome economic problems of the times; of the ten founding members, at least six had addresses in Uplands, the suburb reserved for Victoria's wealthy. 3 None of them seemed to hold paying jobs; seven of the ten listed their occupation as "housewife," and three listed their occupation as "spinster. "4 Second, their time was not consumed by child-rearing; none of the women had school-age children, as this was a condition of membership. Third, several of them had close relatives who had been active in the military, some having fought in World War One. Perhaps because all of the women were old enough to remember World War One, they did not consider war to be outside their jurisdiction. Finally, as their surnames indicate, they were of British background, and most had close ties with England. Kennedy, for example, was born and raised there. This may have created a strong sense of patriotism, as well as provided them with precedents of women working in the war effort. Not only the ATS of World War Two offered inspiration; British women to a greater extent than Canadian women had also done similar work in the First World War. 410 The BCWSC Founding members of the BCWSC pose on the steps of the Legislative Buildings after registering as per Societies Act, 1938. Joan B. Kennedy is at far left; first president, Mrs. C.H. Rayment is front row, centre. · Kennedy, Provincial Commandant, and MacLennan, Commandant of HQ Division, inspect the Victoria detachment. Wade 411 The founders of the BCWSC did not seem to have a shred of doubt about whether or not World War Two was justified. Now here in their records did I find reference to Hitler or the Axis nations, or even to the "legitimate" nature of the war. Their loyalties to King and country defined their participation. While it is possible that they were motivated by a desire to prove that women had a role to play in the struggles of Canada, this certainly was not a primary cause. Their perception of woman's role in time of war was that, while women should do much more than knit, they should stop short of combat duty. They saw themselves as support workers only; their primary objective was to serve their men--not to improve their own representation in a male institution. In short, they were out to fight the Nazis, not the patriarchy. They wanted the Allies to win the war; they were not much interested in winning new status for women. Their plans for an ambulance were quickly pushed aside in favour of the grander goal. Because they wanted official recognition as Canada's first auxiliary unit, they eagerly assumed training to prove their worthiness. By mid-November, they had taken three lectures in first aid, one lesson in revolver shooting, found a Sergeant Woods of Work Point Barracks to give them a three-month course in map-reading, and changed their name to the more auspicious Auxiliary Canadian Motor Club. 5 Having received a prospectus from the London War Office, which they adapted to suit Canadian conditions, they sent it off to the Department of National Defence in December of 1938. They asked that an "Auxiliary Militia Service of Canada" be formed, and that their club be recognized as its first unit, "in connection with coastal defense. "6 Not surprisingly, their proposal was rejected, on the basis that the funds such an Auxiliary would require were more urgently needed for other military concerns. Such rejection was to come often in the next three years, but the women were not easily discouraged. By January 1939, the founding members were sufficiently confident to open their doors to public membership. Women of Victoria were invited to attend an information meeting on the "Auxiliary Militia Service of Canada" (the group having again changed its name, this time to that proposed to the Department of National Defence). Secretary Brown, now known as "Second Ensign," outlined the club's aims and objectives and listed the strict conditions of acceptance. All members had to be: (1) British subjects, (2) physically fit, (3) between the ages of 21 and 45 (this was later changed to 18 and over 45 with approval of the Board), (4) if married, no ties (separated, husbands overseas, no young children, etc.), (5) possess a driver's license; and (6) able to purchase a First Aid book and kit. Members also had to pass the two-month probationary period and pay a two dollar membership fee. These conditions make clear that this was no ordinary club; only members capable of active service were considered for membership. Later, with the actual outbreak of war, conditions of acceptance became even more rigorous. Those who were interested were invited to register on January 24. Sixtyone women signed up for a club with yet another name: the "Women's Service Club." Six days later, when they drew up their constitution, the prefix "Victoria"was added. The constitution also called the founding members by 412 The BCWSC new military titles: Rayment was Commandant, and the three executive members were Ensigns. The club now set about more constructive work. The minutes of February 1939 record the very beginning of "detachments": Women's Service Clubs in communities other than Victoria. Kennedy reported that she had spoken with Mrs. K.M. Alder of Vancouver, presumably a personal friend, to discuss the possibility of forming a club in that city. Kennedy and two fellow officers, Hooper and MacLennan, also spoke to Miss N.C. Denny of Duncan about forming a detachment there. And the Victoria Women's Service Club received a letter from Florence Mitchell, National Regent of the IODE, requesting information; she was interested in starting a similar club in Peterborough, Ontario.7 It may be assumed that Kennedy was the driving force behind these energetic attempts at expansion, for later that month, she was to win Rayment's position. The minutes record Rayment's reason for resignation: After a general discussion concerning the adverse publicity given this club, due to the fact that Rayment and Hethey are rifle shots and crediting them with an ulterior motive for starting this organization, Rayment tendered her resignation as President .... This was accepted with the feeling that it was in the best interests of the club, and Kennedy was elected by acclamation to fill Rayment's position as President. 8 Kennedy assumed her new post enthusiastically. Any organizations formed in the province with the help of the Victoria club were to become affiliates under Victoria's direction. Thus, in April, the group changed its name once again, to the BC Women's Service Club, and the original club in Victoria became "HQ Division." One year later, the word "Club" became "Corps"; finally, this name stuck. Though no detachments were as yet officially established, they were clearly on the way, and the founding members were determined to maintain other groups under their own control. This was to result in tension between Victoria and Vancouver later in the year. Kathleen Alder, who led the BCWSC's first detachment in Vancouver, was not made fully aware of Victoria's control when her detachment was established on April 27, 1939. 9 Problems were not to surface though, until that branch opened for membership in May. Meanwhile, Victoria was busy consolidating its support and starting to train its new members. The officers wrote to Victoria service clubs, seeking formal support for the BCWSC's objectives. By the end of April, they had gained encouraging words from every organization which they contacted, including the Victoria Unit of the Army and Navy Veterans of Canada, the British Empire Service League and Pro Patricia Branch of the Canadian Legion,the British Imperial Comrades Association, Vancouver Island United Service Institution, St. John's Ambulance, the BC Division of the Red Cross, and the Victoria Chapter of the IODE. 10 An emphasis on veterans' organizations is not surprising; the support of the military old-boys network would be invaluable. Veterans' clubs not only aided the BCWSC with meeting rooms and financial donations, but also provided instructors for drill and • Wade 413 occasionally inspected parades and spoke to general meetings. It is also likely that they aided the BCWSC in obtaining cooperation from the active military establishment. Kennedy and the executive were also pragmatic in their choice of Honourary Officers. Mrs. Eric W. Hamber, wife of the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, accepted the role of Honourary President. Mrs. W.C. Nichol, whose husband had been Lieutenant-Governor from 1921 to 1926, and Mrs. R.W. Mayhew, wife of a Liberal Member of Parliament, acted as patrons. These women helped the Corps to gain favourable support in the community, and offered significant financial assistance. Mr. Mayhew was to be particuiarly useful as their Ottawa contact. Later added to the list of Honourary Officers was the Rt. Rev. Bishop H.E. Sexton, as Honourary Chaplain. Mrs. Alan B. (Frances) Morkill, Provincial Guide Commissioner, was also an early patron of the Corps, but she soon became instead an active member of the executive. Training of the Corps members was well under way early in 1939. Kennedy believed that formal, militaristic training and drill were essential in achieving disciplined, prepared service workers. In a letter to Mrs. Hamber, she cited the problems faced by British service workers in the First World War, when military discipline had to be learned at the same time as the daily tasks were being carried out. "Unpreparedness," she wrote, "with its inefficiency and waste of time would undoubtedly be inexcusable in any future crises."11 Military discipline is evident in the records of the general meetings, of which the following is a typical example: "8:00 fall in; 20·minute drill; 8:20 roll call~ 8:30 lectures - Drill: Tomalin; Motor Regulations: Kennedy; Map Reading: Brown [these groups would rotate each half hour, every woman thereby receiving each lecture]; 10:00 salute the flag, dismissals." 12 Training was by no means restricted to the three areas mentioned above. First aid certificates were obtained through St. John's Ambulance; basic motor mechanics was taught under the direction of Begg Motors (and later the Ford Motor Co.), and significanttraining in other fields was given by officers of Military District No. 11 (MD 11) in Victoria. By May of 1939, the BCWSC was confident of MD 11 's cooperation and support. This is illustrated by three requests they made in that month alone: for the use of National Defence property for their summer Field Day, for an inspection of parade by MDl 1 officers, and for permission to participate in the parade for the upcoming Royal Visit. Each request was granted. Confidence was also inspired by recent events in Vancouver, where Alder's detachment had just opened to public membership. The Province ran this story: If Canada were to go to war tomorrow there should be no fear in the hearts of the male population ... as to how things are going to be carried on at home--if the enthusiasm displayed by the 426 women who registered at the Beatty St. drill hall Friday night for home defence training is any indication. Before 8pm they were packed at the entrance of the old drill hall and when the doors opened, swarmed into the building 414 The BCWSC to add their names to the membership list of the newlyformed Vancouver detachment of the BCWSC. 13 About 250 of these women were enrolled as active members; the remainder were left on a reserve list because the available facilities were inadequate to train so many women. ....