Ditty bags represent just one of Canadian women’s contributions to wartime work. They were often made by hand by local volunteer sewing circles across Canada – just one of many kinds of hospital supplies and comforts sewn or knitted by women for the Red Cross.
Ditty bags were distributed at Atlantic ports and in overseas military hospitals by women Red Cross volunteers. They offered soldiers comfort in a practical manner, by replacing the small items that helped the vulnerable regain their dignity. Just as importantly, they showed sick and wounded personnel that Canadians remembered them and wanted to assist them in their distress.
This example is of the very common size 12" x 9.5". There are a couple of minor tears and it appears that pins were attached at some point, leaving tiny holes. Displays well.
