Collectivité

Moose Jaw Co-Ordinating War Services Council

The Moose Jaw Co-Ordinating War Services Council was established in 1940. Officers were J.W.A. Poulton, chairman, J.R. Castle, treasurer, and H.C. Morgan, secretary. Records and scrapbooks were kept by Mrs. Olive (Philip H.) West, chairman of the Parcel and Records Committee.
The Council operated the War Services Club for all branches of the armed forces. It was located in the Bank of Montreal Building on Main Street and Fairford Street East. It was established to provide recreation and a social centre for all servicemen, Canadian and those from overseas, who were being trained at the Service Flying Training Schools (S.F.T.S.) in Moose Jaw and area from 1940 to 1944. Through contacting the Club, citizens hosted servicemen for dinners and entertainment on Sundays and holidays.
The Moose Jaw War Service Auxiliary and the Moose Jaw War Services Council Parcel and Records Committee had nearly 2500 names on its mailing list for regular parcel service. They collected goods and money for parcels to be sent to Canadian troops. Much was directed through the Red Cross. Later, the Welfare Committee of the Council would meet “hospital” trains and supply the soldiers with some comforts.
Following the closure of the numerous training camps and the departure of many servicemen, the facility in the Bank of Montreal Building was closed. The Council continued to function, particularly the committees in charge of records, parcels, welfare, and welcoming troops home. The last reports were issued in 1946.