Captain Mary Plummer the daughter of James Henry Plummer and Annie (McConkey) Plummer, Sylvan Tower, Toronto.
The Canadian Field Comforts Commission
- Mary Plummer, Lieut.
- Joan L. Arnoldi, Lieut.
- D. Lenore McMeans, Lieut.
Headquarters – Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe.
1914
In early August of 1914, Plummer organized a fund raising group in Toronto to raise funds for war hospitals. This quickly expanded into fund raising for soldiers’ field comforts.
Honorary Lieutenant Mary Plummer enlisted when she arrived at Valcartier, Quebec on 27 September 1914 and appointed to the Canadian Field Comforts Commission (CFCC). Mary stood 5′ 10″ tall, 180 pounds with good physique, hazel eyes.
Lieutenant Joan Louise Arnoldi
Honorary Lieutenant Joan Louise Arnoldi also enlisted at 35 years of age, standing 5′ 10″ tall, 165 pounds with good physical development. Both Mary and Joan taller, bigger, and stronger than the average soldier of the CEF at the time, or at any time during the war for that matter.
Departure aboard SS FRANCONIA on 28 September 1914 with the First Contingent. Arrived on 14 October 1914 at Plymouth, England.
Voyage to England
Plummer and Arnoldi sailed to England with the Nursing Sisters Contingent, and posted with the First Canadian Contingent to Salisbury Plain. Appears to be Lieutenant Joan Arnoldi, front and center in MIKAN No. 3403425 captured by Lt-Col Henry John Lamb.
Vicarage, Amesbury
Initially billeted at HQ in Vicarage, Amesbury. In June, 1915, after the Canadians left Salisbury Plain, the CFCC moved to Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe, Kent, where they spent the rest of the war. Here they organized fund raising for the Commission. They also purchased and shipped supplies of various comforts, such as socks, warm clothing, and sports equipment to soldiers at the front.
Canada’s Field Comforts Commission began work in Canada, but soon transferred its activities to England, two Canadian women meeting the First Contingent on its arrival at Salisbury Plain and taking charge of the distribution of comforts. Captain Mary Plummer in charge of this work, with Lieutenant Joan Arnoldi as second officer. Devotion to duty and efficiency in its discharge caused both to be mentioned in despatches. Associated with them in work were Miss Lenore McMeanes, Miss M. I. Finn, Miss M. R. Gordon, and Miss S. S. Spencer. These ladies were all commissioned and gave their services voluntarily. At least two hundred other women identified with the department as voluntary workers at various times during the war.
1915
Many of the Canadian women in Folkestone, Sandgate or Hythe come regularly to Moore Barracks to help with the unpacking, listing, sorting and baling of supplies for the Front.
Our photograph this month was taken on the occasion of the visit of H.R.H. Princess Alexander of Teck to Moore Barracks last month, when the Princess expressed much interest in the work of the Canadian Field Comforts Commission, especially in the methods of packing and despatching the bales. In the group are H.R.H. Princess Alexander, with Princess May and Prince Rupert of Teck, Lady Northcote, Mrs. Macdougall and Miss Russell, Matron of Moore Barracks Military Hospital.
CFCC, October 1915
During September Mrs. J. C. Macdougall, Mrs. P. C. Thacker, Miss Finn, Mrs. Field, Mrs. Frank Reid, Mrs. R. Burritt, Miss Widmer Brotigh, Mrs. Mallory, Mrs. Gray, Miss Eleanor Bate, Mrs. McElroy, Miss Gunn, Mrs. F. Biggar, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Ashton, Mrs. Gordon McGillivray, Mrs. Houlison, Mrs. Toole, Mrs. McCartney, Mrs. Snider, Mrs. Symons, Mrs. Arthur Grasett, Mrs. James Morrow and Miss Phyllis Williams kindly gave their help.
On September 10th we gave a most successful tea, which, to our surprise, became a sock shower, to about fifty of the Canadian “Women’s War Work Committee.” Many of the members had never been to see our quarters, and they were most interested and have promised to help us in every way.
On the 24th the visitors of one ward at Moore Barracks Hospital kindly provided tea for between 20 and 30 patients. Some of the Sisters and our helpers looked after the men, who seemed to enjoy the little change, and sat and smoked and sang to us for some hours.
Visitors
It is a great help to us that so many officers on leave, as well as others in authority here, call to see our work and encourage us to continue it. Among those who have recently visited the packing – room are:
- Major-General S. B. Steele, C.B., M.V.O., Commanding Troops, Shorncliffe,
- Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall, O.C. 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders),
- Major W. B. King, O.C. 2nd Heavy Battery,
- Major Davis, No. 3 Stationary Hospital,
- Surgeon-General G. Carlton-Jones, D.M.S. Canadians,
- Lieutenant-Colonel Rogers, O.C. 9th Battalion,
- Lieutenant-Colonel Gunn, O.C. 24th Battalion (V.R.),
- Major Jarvis, A.P.M. 2nd Canadian Division,
- Lieutenant-Colonel Ingraham, 6th Artillery Brigade,
- Captain A. W. Woods, Chaplain 8th Battalion (90th Rifles),
- Lieutenant-Colonel Bowen, O.C. 23rd Battalion,
- Lieutenant-Colonel Duff, No. 5 Stationary Hospital (Queen’s),
- Lieutenant-Colonel Loomis, O.C. 13th Battalion (R.H.C.),
- Lieutenant-Colonel A. Primrose, O.C. No. 4 General Hospital (Toronto University),
- Captain C. W. Gordon (Ralph Connor), Chaplain 43rd Battalion,
- Major A. MacMillan, D.S.O., A.P.M. 1st Canadian Division,
- Lieutenant-Colonel Rennie, A.D.M. S., Shorncliffe,
- and Brigadier-General R. E. W. Turner, V.C., C.B., D.S.O., Commanding 2nd Canadian Division.
With the First Canadian Contingent
The book “With the First Canadian Contingent,” published by the Canadian Field Comforts Commission, now very near completion, and should be of great interest to all in Canada. Many of the photographs taken by Captain Mary Plummer, others contributed by friends at the Front, and all letters are genuine correspondence.
Remember that the profits of this book go to the funds to send our men extra comforts this winter, and buy for yourself and your friends.
Shorncliffe
Officer’s Quarters
The officers’ quarters, Moore Barracks, now a residence for seventy-five C.A.M.C. nursing sisters. At the extreme east of the large plain facing the ocean. On Sunday morning one can see men lined up here in hollow square formation for divine service, helped out with a fine band, as they sing the familiar old hymns, ” O God, our Help in ages past,” ” Rock of ages cleft for me,” ” Abide with me,” etc.
As we stroll along we pass little squads of our soldier boys, supervised by their officers, getting fit, ready for the severe strain and drain on their resources in France, or possibly it may be the Dardanelles. Here are forty stalwarts, each somebody’s precious only son, perhaps-their eyes are clear, their hearts are light,
” in the pink ” they seem to be forming fours ” and wheeling right and left in wonderful rhythm. A neighbouring class, coats off, is doing free gymnastics.
Little Black Devils
To-day half the plain peopled with a regiment from Winnipeg, all ready to embark, only waiting for marching orders. Here we see the real thing, very real soldiers, heavy kits, all strapped ready to sling on their broad shoulders; we can hardly lift one of the packs from the ground-we are allowed to try by a jolly
polite youth from Winnipeg, who shows us the trenching pick and all the cleverly fitted in tools.
From time to time men ready to march sing out, “Are we downhearted? No”, is the invariable, emphatic reply. For them it is only a dream come true; they really soon will be in the firing-line. We who have been working for months in France and know a little of the next scene have tear-dimmed eyes, as we see their brave, bright, smiling faces. Is there a more touching picture, a more thrilling sight, than this, as we see these boys swing along, cheered by their friends?
Ross and Somerset Barracks
At the northern side of the plain (called the Sir John Moore Plain) stand facing us the Ross Barracks and Somerset Barracks, duplicates of Moore Barracks-long, straight, conventional buildings of red brick. The men’s quarters are a line of small
buildings, alike as peas in a pod. At Moore Barracks these small dormitories or halls are turned into wards, and gradually renovated for the winter’s work, numbered one to thirty-two.
We will leave the plain at its western side and find ourselves on a fine road where the traffic consists of heavy motor lorries, officers’ touring cars, ambulances and motor-cycles ridden by most important-looking despatch messengers, whose shoulder-straps tell us they belong to the ” Signal Corps, Canada.” At last one is
convinced that there is a beauty and a wonderful utility in the cycle which is such a means of torture on the quiet, garden-like streets in Toronto.
Engineers
Now we find a group of tents belonging to our Engineers, the strong, clever chaps who do their work in the dark, digging trenches, hurrying up telephone and telegraph wires ” even at the very cannon’s mouth ” ; they are the Brains of the Army. We admire the neat arrangement of their piles of blankets, folded into
the smallest space and wrapped in their rubber ground sheets ; -besides these may be seen pairs of boots and kit bags, orderly as a row of pins. A field bath-room consists of a row of taps attached to a rough shelf, on which a series of tin basins satisfies the soldiers’ special needs.
Garrison Church
Our tour next brings us to the Garrison Church, a simple wooden building on the western slope ending in the valley which ‘encircles Shorncliffe. As we approach the churchyard we discover a whole company of machine-gun men resting in the shade of the flourishing hedge, _after climbing a steep hill burdened with their heavy instruments of war and defence. Presently, they are commanded to line up,
and vanish down the road to perform some fresh drill. We know that they will enjoy a well-earned lunch.
Sandgate
Our walk back is by the road overlooking Sandgate, immediately beneath, and the wide ocean, where Boulogne may be seen on clear days. Here on the sunny slopes lie dozens of convalescents putting in the time till the Medical Board decides to pronounce them ” Unfit for further active service.” Many will be sent home.
Martello Towers
We notice the tightly-shut-up Martello towers every few hundred yards, a reminder of the happier days when war was not such a fiendishly scientific struggle. On the left are a series of small brick detached residences, used now for various offices. All have signs: here is Headquarters Canadians, here A. D. M. S., here the Canteen (where our men can only buy wholesome food). Last, and surely
to those who keep it supplied most important, we see the Canadian Field Comforts Commission. As we enter we see the result of much careful planning, hard work, love and patriotic zeal on the part of dear people in every village, town and city in Canada.
Such glorious bundles of knitted socks, piles of carefully made shirts, rows of soap, boxes of candles, jars of preserves, reading and writing material, all neatly arranged on shelves, soon to be packed for the Front.’
We notice the tightly- shut-up Martello towers every few hundred yards, a reminder of the happier days when war was not such a fiendishly scientific struggle. On the left are a series of small brick detached residences, used now for various offices. All have signs: here is Headquarters Canadians, here A. D. M. S., here the Canteen (where our men can only buy wholesome food). Last, and surely
to those who keep it supplied most important, we see the Canadian Field Comforts Commission. As we enter we see the result of much careful planning, hard work, love and patriotic zeal on the part of dear people in every village, town and city in Canada.
Such glorious bundles of knitted socks, piles of carefully-made shirts, rows of soap, boxes of candles, jars of preserves, reading and writing material, all neatly arranged on shelves, soon to be packed for the Front.
1916
June
The Canadian Field Comforts Commission
- Captain Mary Plummer
- Joan L. Arnoldi, Lieut.
- D. Lenore McMeans, Lieut.
Headquarters – Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe
With the First Canadian Contingent
” With the First Canadian Contingent ” is now out of print, and it is impossible to fill the requests that still come in for copies. 18,000 copies were printed, of which 8,000 were sent to Canada, and the balance sold in England. Over 3,000 copies
were posted by a Committee here to fill orders received from the front.
Promotions
From Divisional Orders by Brigadier-General J. C. McDougall, C.M.G., Commanding Canadian Training Division. Shorncliffe, 23rd February, 1916.
- Miss D. Lenore McMeans is appointed to the Canadian Field Comforts Commission with the pay and Honorary rank of Lieutenant with effect 23 -2 -16. (Auth. M.M. & D. (J.W.C.) 6-Mc-185/23-2-16.)
1916 – October
The Canadian Field Comforts Commission
- Captain Mary Plummer
- Joan L. Arnoldi, Lieut.
- D. Lenore McMeans, Lieut.
- Mabel I. Finn, Lieut.
- M. Winifred Critchley, Lieut.
- Sara E. Spencer, Lieut.
- Marr R. Gordon, Lieut.
Headquarters – Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe.
Promotions
FROM DIVISIONAL ORDERS by Brigadier-General J. C. MacDougall, C.M.G., Commanding Canadian Training Division. Shorncliffe, 14th August, 1916.
- Promotion 4265. To be temporary Honorary Captain, C.E.F., with effect 11.8.16 :-Hon. Lieut. M. Plummer, Can. Field Comforts Commission (Auth.M.M. & D. (JWC) 8.3.4/11.8.16.). Shorncliffe, 17th Aug.
- Appointment 4323. To be temporary Honorary Lieutenant, C.E.F., with effect 1.3.16, and posted to the Canadian Field Comforts Commission :.-Miss Mabel Finn. (Auth.M.M. & D. (JWC) 6.F.89/10.8.16.). Shorncliffe, 19th Aug.
- Appointment 4368. To be temporary Honorary Lieutenants, C.E.F., with effect 16.8.16, and posted to the Canadian -Field Comforts Commission :-Mrs. M. W. Critchley, Miss M. R. Gordon, Miss S. E. Spencer. (Auth.M.M. & D. (JWC) 6.M.8/16.8.16.).
H.R.H. PRINCESS LOUISE, Duchess of Argyll, on July 12th honoured the Commission with a visit, which was greatly appreciated by all those present. Her Royal Highness inspected the packing-room and office most thoroughly, and expressed herself as very pleased and interested with what she saw.
Tea
DURING THE SUMMER a committee of Canadian women provided a very good tea on Saturday afternoons at the Garrison Club Tennis and Cricket Grounds. This has brought in a very nice sum towards our expenses, and a letter from the D.A.A. & Q.M.G., Shorncliffe Command, says that the teas have been very much appreciated by the members of the Club. Mrs. Murray Ross, Mrs. Sandford Smith, Miss Eleanor Bate, Miss Finn, and Miss McMeans were some of the tea committee.
Auxiliary
The C.F.C.C. Auxiliary was formed to help in the work of the Canadian Field Comforts Commission. The first meeting was held at Moore Barracks on July 12th,
when Captain Mary Plummer asked to take the chair. Miss Bradda L. Ogden elected Secretary. At a later meeting Miss Ogden made Sec-Treasurer.
All who are actively interested in the work of the Commission or who have at some time given their services are asked to become members of the Auxiliary. There are now fifty -four names on the roll. Meetings held fortnightly. Mrs. Green, Captain Mary Plummer, Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Arnoldi have in turn invited the Auxiliary to meet at their houses.
The C.F.C.C. Auxiliary affiliated under the Director General of Voluntary Organizations and is therefore entitled to all the privileges of War Office recognition and to make full use of the words ” Approved by the War Office “; this also enables members who fulfil the required conditions to obtain the Voluntary
Workers’ badge issued by the War Office to those engaged in War Work. At the request of the D.G.V.O. the Auxiliary ilso registered as a war charity, and will in every way comply with the act.
Canadian Engineers Training Depot
On Sept. 2nd the Auxiliary provided 600 teas at the Sports of the Canadian Engineers Training Depot held at the Folkestone Cricket Ground. Mrs. Macpherson and Miss Ogden were in charge and Miss Ross, Mrs. Hayter Reid, and Mrs. Hughes with Mrs. Bell had the pavilion and two marquees for tea. The net profit was £46.11.5.
On Sept. 16th the Auxiliary provided 600 teas at the Sports of the Reserve Artillery Brigade on Sir John Moore Plain, Shorncliffe. Mrs. Baker and Miss Ogden were in charge and Mrs. Green, Mrs. Ross and Miss Ross had the three marquees. The net
profit was £30.1.5.
On 14 August 1916, promoted to Temporary Honourary Captain.
Captain Mary Plummer granted Leave on a Medical Certificate from 1 November 1916 to 11 December 1916.
1917
Captain Mary Plummer granted Leave from 28 February 1917 to 28 March 1917.
Brought to notice of the Secretary of State for War for Valuable Services rendered, 7 August 1917.
One wartime poster advertised Captain Mary Plummer’s commission as “the shortest way to send comforts from the HOME to the FIELD,” and solicited donations of goods and money. “Socks are always the most needed; shirts, medium-weight underwear, towels, handkerchiefs, seven-penny novels and illustrated magazines are welcomed with joy,” the poster advised.
1919
Brought to notice of the Secretary of State for War for Valuable Services rendered, 23 March 1919.
Between bouts of the terrifying violence we think of as encompassing the war, there was a surprising amount of downtime for soldiers, says Tim Cook, a First World War historian at the Canadian War Museum. Having pored over wartime correspondence as part of his research for his latest book, The Secret History of Soliders, Cook says Captain Mary Plummer’s supplies filled the quiet hours with tiny, normal pleasures. “What she was doing was important,” he says. “It’s absolutely crucial for morale. These guys mired in the mud, homeless, being systematically killed, killing other men. Here’s a chance to hold onto some aspect of humanity.”
Captain Mary Plummer admitted to Westcliff Canadian Hospital, Folkestone on 22 February 1917 with frontal sinusitis. Discharged later on 1 March 1917. Unfit for any service for 4 weeks. Finally, Captain Mary Plummer fit for general service on 28 March 1917.
With the First Canadian Contingent
In the Summer of 1915, Captain Mary Plummer wrote “With the First Canadian Contingent” as a fund raiser for the CFCC.
“With the First Canadian Contingent” now out of print, and impossible to fill the requests that still come in for copies. 18,000 copies printed, of which 8,000 were sent to Canada, and the balance sold in England. Over 3,000 copies posted by a Committee here to fill orders received from the front. The profit on the publication of book is £247 4s. 6d., and the net profit from the copies sold by us is £108 8s. 2d., making a total to date of £355 12s. 8d. The Musson Book Co., Toronto, has generously promised us all profit from the sale of book in Canada, none of which is included in above total.
Mrs. Frank Arnoldi, Mrs. A. W. Grasett, Mrs. Mackeen, Mrs. and Miss Marsh, Mrs. Macdougall, Miss Brough, Mrs. Sandford Smith, Mrs. H. D. L. Gordon, Mrs. Philip Tidy, Mrs. Leonard Outerbridge, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Codville, Mrs. Angus Currie and Mrs. Lynne Plummer were among the most regular members of the book committee and worked very hard at dispatching books.
The orders from the front were slow in reaching us, as they had to come through the pay-books first and the Committee often had to wait for more books as the first edition was quickly exhausted, but there were no delays here in sending them out. We feel very grateful to these ladies for their help.
Copies of this book can still be found for sale today.
D. Lenore McMeans
From Divisional Orders by Brigadier-General J. C. McDougall, C.M.G., Commanding Canadian Training Division. Shorncliffe, 23rd February, 1916. Miss D. Lenore McMeans is appointed to the Canadian Field Comforts Commission with the pay and Honorary rank of Lieutenant with effect 23 -2 -16. (Auth. M.M. & D. (J.W.C.) 6-Mc-185/23-2-16.)
Visitors
Among our visitors during the past six months have been
- Sir George Perley;
- Colonel Rennie, A. D. M. S., Canadians;
- Major-General Macdougall, C.M.G., G.O.C., Canadian Training Division;
- Surgeon-General G. Carleton -Jones, D.M.S., Canadians;
- Colonel Smart, O.C. 1st Training Brigade;
- Colonel A. H. Macdonnell, D.S.O., O.C. R.C.R.;
- Lt.- Colonel Bowen, O.C. 23rd Battalion;
- Lt.- Colonel Johnson, C.A.M.C.;
- Lt.- Colonel Buller, O.C. P.P.C.L.I.;
- Colonel Vaux, C.A.M.C.;
- Lt.- Colonel Mayes;
- Lt.- Colonel Smith, O.C. 3rd Divisional Cavalry;
- Lt.-Colonel W. R. Marshall, D.S.O., O.C. 15th Battalion;
- Major D. A. White, O.C. 2nd Battery;
- Brigadier- General Tuxford, C.B., G.O.C. 3rd Infantry Brigade;
- Lt.- Colonel Weyland, O.C. 44th Battalion;
- Major-General S. B. Steele, C.B., M.V.O., Command ing Troops, Shorncliffe;
- Colonel Shillington, A.D.M.S., 4th Division;
- Lt.- Colonel H. D. L. Gordon, 4th C.M.R. Battalion;
- Colonel Scott, O.C. Moose Barracks Hospital ;
- Lt.- Colonel Ings, 6th C.M.R. Battalion ;
- Major- General F. L. Lessard, C.B., Inspector-General of the Canadian Militia Forces;
- Colonel Maynard Rogers ;
- Miss Macdonald, Matron-in -Chief ;
- Lt.- Colonel McMillan, A.D. of S. and T.;
- Major Frank Fauquier Arnoldi, O.C. 15th Battery;
- Major Van Sittart, O.C. 14th Battery;
- Lt.-Colonel Odlum, D.S.O., O.C. 7th Battalion;
- Lt.- Colonel Embury, O.C. 28th Battalion;
- Lt.- Colonel Young, O.C. Cavalry Depot;
- Lt.-Colonel Sponagle, Hillingdon House, Uxbridge;
- Lt.- Colonel Courtney, Westcliffe Eye and Ear Hospital, Folkestone;
- Major H. D. G. Crerar, O.C. i ith Battery;
- Major A. W. Woods, Senior Chaplain, 3rd Division;
- Lt.- Colonel N. G. H. Marshall, Chairman Canadian Red Cross Society;
- Lt.- Colonel P. R. Hanson;
- Colonel Black, O.C. 5th Training Brigade;
- Major Wilson, A.D.M.S., C.T.D.,
and many other officers of various units at the front or in camps at Shorncliffe or Bramshott.
Tinned Peaches
We are very grateful to all who send comforts for distribution, and have to thank many societies for regular and welcome supplies. Among the more important gifts received have been large consignments of tinned peaches from the Growers of Kent Co., Ontario; many cases of Em okes “from the Toronto Daily News and its readers; 400,000 cigarettes from the Vacation War Relief Committee, New York City ; a quantity of underwear and socks purchased by the Barrie Division Railwaymen’s Patriotic Association and a large consignment of dried fruit from the Citizens of Hamilton and St. Catherines through the Canadian Club.
Staff Helpers
We owe more than we can ever say to our many faithful and efficient workers. We are always sorry when any of them have to move on and very grateful to find that others are ready to take their places.
Our regular staff of helpers who come every day are: Mrs. O. A. Critchley (Calgary), Miss Gordon (Winnipeg), Mrs. O. C. Macpherson (Capetown), Mrs. G. H. Wallace (Toronto), Mrs. H. J. D. Stokes (Ceylon), in the office ; Miss Finn (Edmonton), Mrs. Gordon Thomson (Winnipeg), Mrs. H. D. L. Gordon (Toronto), Mrs. Archbald (Montreal), in the packing room ; Miss Spencer (Victoria), in the unpacking room ; and Miss Currie (Vancouver), in the stock room. Mrs. Hughes (Kingston), Mrs. Green (Halifax), Miss Duncan (Halifax), Mrs. A. de M. Bell (Toronto), Mrs. Murray Ross (Winnipeg) and Mrs. W. A. Mitchell (Kingston) come two or three days a week.
Others whom we must thank for their help throughout the winter are: Mrs. Arthur Grassett (Toronto), Mrs. James Morrow (Halifax), Miss Widmer Brough (Toronto), Mrs. Fred Mallory (Toronto), Miss Bate (Victoria), Mrs. Symons (Toronto), Mrs. H. Snider
(Toronto), Mrs. Farmer (Toronto), Mrs. Gordon McGillivry (Montreal), Mrs. H. F. Walker (Montreal), Mrs. J. G. Gallie (Toronto), Mrs. G. F. Boyer (Toronto), Mrs. King (Ottawa), Mrs. Fisher (St. John), Mrs. Baker and Miss Dorothy Baker (Sandgate), Mrs. W. A. Allen (Montreal), Mrs. H. G. Cochrane (Calgary), Miss Elsie Cotton (Ottawa), Mrs. McRae (Vancouver), Mrs. J. Gunn (Montreal), Mrs. G. S. Cassels (Toronto), Mrs. F. Reid (Winnipeg), Mrs. E. Douglas (Halifax), Mrs. Watson
(Toronto), Mrs. Gardiner (Winnipeg), and Mrs. H. C. Hammond (Victoria).
Moore Barracks
Space at Moore Barracks is very limited and precious and owing to the great increase of our work we have had to seek further accommodation.
At Christmastime we quite overflowed our own quarters and made desperate appeals to Headquarters to find us some extra corner in the camp. During the Christmas vacation the garrison gymnasium was placed at our disposal and
there some of our workers with a fatigue party of twenty men packed and repacked scores of boxes daily. When we had to leave the gymnasium we were given the use of half of the big groceries barn where the work went on until nearly the end of February. We were then obliged to rent a shop building near
Shorncliffe Station where all the supplies are now received.
Shipments are brought here by C.A.S.C. transports and left in a small garage. The adjoining shop is the unpacking room where boxes are opened and contents listed. Upstairs is a sock room where socks are sorted and a stock room where shirts, handkerchiefs, magazines, etc., are tied up, parcels made of soap, notepaper, candles or other articles which must be wrapped up, bags filled with sweets, or the supplies prepared in any way which simplifies packing and facilitates distribution at the front.
Winter Stock
We have two rooms in the next building in which to store our winter stock, such as woollen gloves, mufflers, extra heavy socks or shirts, or other articles which are not suitable for summer distribution but which will be wanted when the cold weather comes again.
The supplies needed in the packing room, together with boxes or parcels for forwarding, are brought back to Moore Barracks by the transport which takes our shipments to the station.
We are always glad to forward addressed parcels as this means so much to the women at home as well as to our men, but our chief work is the general distribution of comforts, and we ask all who are now only sending us boxes to forward to send also a fair proportion of general supplies and a contribution to our expense fund.
The accounts of the Commission to the end of Tune will shortly be audited. Anyone interested will be able to obtain a copy of the Auditors’ report on application.
We are glad to include in this leaflet the report of the Canadian Women’s Club of Folkestone for War Work for whose sympathy and help we are very grateful.
1918
Honorary Lieutenant Joan Louise Arnoldi brought to notice of the Secretary of State for War for Valuable Services rendered, 13 March 1918.
1919
Final medical exam on 22 September 1919 – in good health and condition. She demobilized at Toronto on 10 November 1919.
Awards of Major Frank Arnoldi
Younger brother of Lt Joan Arnoldi, Major Frank Fauquier Arnoldi, DSO served in England, France and North Russia with the 15th Battery, 4th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery.
- Awarded the DSO, London Gazette No.29886, 1 January 1917.
- Awarded Bar to the DSO, London Gazette No. 32359, 27 May 1919.
- Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette No. 29890, 4 January 1917.
- Brought to the notice of the secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered during the war, London Gazette, No. 31938, 11 June 1920.
- Awarded The Order of St. Stanislas with Swords, 2nd Class, Auth. W.O., 17 July 1921.
Second World War
During World War Two, she went overseas again with the Canadian Active Service Force, once again organizing field comforts for soldiers. She also organized mobile libraries. While overseas, she suffered a stroke and invalided home.
Mary never married and had no children. She was living with her sister Joyce when she died at Toronto.
Captain Mary Plummer very well known in her work with the Field Comforts Commission located at the Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe, Kent, England. Many reports discussing her work appeared through the war years in the Toronto Star newspaper.
Captain Mary Plummer died 11 January 1955, aged 79, in Toronto and later buried at St James Cemetery.