The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 291 Box 279 Spalding, SK S0K 4C0 President: Ed Fielder Phone: 306-872-2175 Branch Charter Date: 21 May 1948 Current Membership: 17 Auxiliary Charter Date: No Auxiliary SPALDING BRANCH 348 In the late 1940-1950s, Saskatchewan Hospital was a community unto itself, with over 2,000 patients, plus many supporting staff. Following WWII, more than two hundred Veterans found it necessary to be admitted to Saskatchewan Hospital for treatment. Many WWII Veterans returned to Saskatchewan Hospital to resume employment with many starting employments after the war. These staff members, being concerned with their less fortunate comrades on the wards, began a Legion Branch strictly for these Veteran patients. The goal then, and now, has always been for the comfort and visitation of these Veterans. Saskatchewan Hospital (North) Branch #349 received their charter on July 12, 1948, with twenty members who were on staff at the hospital. Saskatchewan Hospital supplied an office for records, flags, etc. In July 1976, a fire occurred and the office and records there were destroyed. They still have a storage room in the hospital. The Saskatchewan Hospital also designated on area across from the front entrance for the Legion’s Cenotaph and planted tress for fallen Veterans in WWI and II. During all these years, they have set side an area to host November 11th ceremonies. Their generosity and continued help is very much appreciated. The Veteran patients came from all points in the province, and thus for years, they received monetary support from many Legion Branches. They are truly grateful. Branch #349 raffles and donations kept the funds flowing. From the onset of this Branch, November 11th services have been and still are held at 2 p.m. at Saskatchewan Hospital to accommodate patients and staff. This is still their main project. Thanks to North Battleford Branch #70 and Battleford Branch #9, Saskatchewan Hospital Branch #349 is still able to carry out their obligation, "Lest we Forget." Another tradition they have continued is serving a Christmas Dinner, with gifts for all Veterans at Saskatchewan Hospital and Battleford District Care Center (a nursing home where many Veteran patients spend their last years.) The Branch organized and still sponsors Junior Curling for the Saskatchewan Hospital Curling Club. Present membership is ten, with one Veteran member and nine Associate members. LADIES’ AUXILARY TO BRANCH 349 The Ladies’ Auxiliary to Saskatchewan Hospital Branch 349 received their charter on May 23, 1949, with sixteen members who were spouses of Saskatchewan Hospital Veteran employees. The ladies have supported their Branch with raffles, teas, hospital visits, and these last few years, with Christmas Dinner and gifts. They have always hosted coffee and pie for guests, patients and staff after November 11th services. Together with the Branch, they have participated in District and Zone rallies and sporting events. The Ladies’ Auxiliary is very proud of two of their members who have gained offices as Provincial Presidents of Saskatchewan Command: Gladys McLean and Emma Carter. The ladies continue to meet under the Branch as an Auxiliary, and have nine members. SASKATCHEWAN HOSPITAL BRANCH 349, NORTH BATTLEFORD “Lest We Forget”
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