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During the first Christmas of the war special packages were sent to the men of the Regiment in order that they could still have a little bit of Christmas from back home despite being in training in England at the time in preparation for going to the Front. The men looked forward to receiving these packages and subsequently many care packages were sent to the them during the war. These packages would consist of food, socks, sweaters, mitts, tobacco etc. The women of Newfoundland were largely responsible for completing most of this work through the Women's Patriotic Association which was formed in almost every community on the Island. Each woman in every Association would knit what she could in order to help the cause knowing full well that a relative of hers or someone else were in need of these supplies. The below is some correspondence concerning the shipping of the first Christmas packages to the men of the Regiment. **************************************************************************************************** December 15, 1914 Sir, By the S.S. QUEEN WILHELMINA have been shipped 107 packages containing Christmas presents for the Newfoundland men serving in England in connection with the war. These packages are as follows: Addressed to Lieut. Summers, Fort George, Inverness: Nos. 1 to 67, 67 barrels; Addressed to Sergt. C.S. Strong Fort George, No. 30, 1 box; George Langmead,
1 box; The above goods have been consigned to Messrs. Allan Brothers & Company, U.K., Ltd. Liverpool, and they have been requested to forward them as quickly as possible to Fort George and to Devonport so that they may reach their destinations before Christmas. The Government will settle with Messrs. Allan respecting any charges or expense incurred. I shall be glad if Your Excellency will kindly make the necessary arrangements so that all these goods may pass through the Customs without duty and without delay. Some time ago Your Excellency was kind enough to offer to do what was necessary in this respect, and I have no doubt that the action which you will take will result in free entry for the goods and quick dispatch to their destinations. You will notice that two boxes are for Naval Reservists at the Barracks, Devonport; all the other packages are addressed to Fort George. I have the honour to be, Colonial Secretary His Excellency Source: The Rooms, Provincial Archives, St. John's, NL ***************************************************************************** December 15, 1914 Dear Sir, I beg to enclose herewith memorandum respecting 107 packages which have gone forward by the S.S. QUEEN WIHELMINA, being Christmas presents for the Newfoundland men serving in England in connection with the war. Of these 107 packages, 105 will go forward to Fort George, and the other 2 will go to Navel Reservists at Devonport. This memorandum will give you further particulars regarding the packages, most of which have been addressed to you. Please arrange for the delivery of the boxes to the persons whose names are also on. The goods in the barrels have been all marked with the names of the persons for whom intended. The two packages addressed to Devonport will be forwarded to that place direct from Liverpool. The goods have all been consigned to Messrs. Allan Brothers, Liverpool, and I have requested them to arrange for their being sent to their destinations as quickly as possible, and hope they may arrive before Christmas. I have no doubt that, upon receipt of same, you will do your utmost to make delivery of the goods to the persons to whom they have been addressed. Our people here are showing the greatest interest and loyalty possible. We are recruiting a second contingent, and, although the number required is only five hundred, we have now over six hundred and fifty, and others are still wanting to come in. Very great interest is also shown by the ladies who are now sending forward another shipment of clothing, so that we hope our boys will have sufficient in that connection. Please convey to all the officers and men the heartiest good wishes from the people for a very pleasant Christmas. Yours faithfully, Colonial Secretary. Lieutenant M.F. Summers, Source: The Rooms, Provincial Archives, St. John's, NL
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The Regiment The Battle Soldier/Family Stories Commemoration Additional Information |
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