When the Second World War began, Black Nova Scotian Minnie Gray joined the Wolfville Women’s Volunteer Corps. She later enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, at the age of 32. The army trained her as a medical orderly, but soon offered her an expanded role as chaperone to the all-female military pipe band stationed in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Over the course of seven months, Gray accompanied the band members, who she affectionately referred to as her kids, as they entertained troops and civilians.
Following the war, Gray’s hometown of Wolfville, Nova Scotia honoured her service to Canada with this certificate. Motivated by her war experience, the newly returned veteran built on her skills and experience to pursue further studies and employment in health care.
Supporting image: Private Minnie Gray
George Metcalf Archival Collection, Canadian War Museum 20110057-020_21d
