A Tribute to Winnipeg’s General Monash Branch 115 Royal Canadian Legion

The General Monash Branch was created in Winnipeg in 1934 so that Jewish veterans of the Royal Canadian Legion to counter the rise of Nazism and anti-Semitism occurring at the time.

It was named after General Sir John Monash (1865-1931) an Australian Jew who rose to command the Australian forces on the Western Front during World War I. In 1918, Monash ably led a mixed force of Australians, Canadians, British and Americans, and achieved notable successes at Hamel and other battles that broke German resistance. King George V knighted him on the battlefield.

During World War II the Branch kept in touch with service men and women at home and overseas. Comfort parcels and news from home were sent faithfully. The Branch provided invaluable social, mutual aid and recreational services to its members and the broader community. A Ladies Auxiliary was established in 1936 followed shortly by a Drum and Bugle Band. After the Second World War the Branch in conjunction with Congregation Shaarey Zedek and Hebrew Sick Benefit Association spearheaded the creation of cenotaphs with engraved names of members who served and died in both World Wars.

Over the years the Branch met at members’ homes, the YMHA at 91 Albert street, the Hebrew Sick Benefit Association at 239 Main and finally at 1414 Main street. Their activities included participating in Remembrance and Holocaust Day parades, selling poppies, visiting the sick, supplying prizes and food at the Deer Lodge Veterans Hospital and organizing social and recreational activities for their membership. They also provided scholarships to students in various schools and donated generously to the Seven Oaks General Hospital and Shalom Residences.

In 2014 the building at 1414 Main Street was sold with the proceeds going toward the establishment of an endowment fund at the Jewish Foundation.