In the mid to late 1940s, Canada received a large influx of British immigrants. Numbering 48,000, these young women were brides who had married the country's military. Although they were unprepared to face the country that would become their new home and faced enormous culture shock upon disembarking, Canada's courageous war brides inevitably transformed the culture around them . Today, approximately sixty-five years later, one in thirty Canadians can count a war bride in their family tree (Jarratt, 2009). Through their determination to stay in Canada despite enormous culture shock, their hard work and their hasty marriages, British war brides of the Second World War had, and continue through new generations, an impact on culture Canadian today. Military regulations and rationing made it extremely difficult for soldiers to marry. The marriage of soldiers to civilians was not encouraged by commanders; in fact, it was prohibited in most cases (Jarratt, 2009). This rule was not respected by many Canadian soldiers; it was difficult to forbid a young man from seeking love, especially in the circumstances of World War II. Given that many young British soldiers were present across Europe, it is not surprising that young British women turned to the Canadians upon their arrival. Emotions seemed heightened by the war and relationships blossomed. Very often, couples would get engaged within a few months of meeting due to the uncertainty of the times. Their haste was, however, hampered by the numerous military regulations imposed. "Forms had to be filled out, appointments made, medical exams taken... A Canadian soldier had to get permission to marry from his commanding officer before a wedding date could be set... middle of paper... They built their life in Canada and now, one in thirty Canadians can proudly claim to have a war bride in their family. Works Cited Granfield, L. (2002). Brass buttons and silver horseshoes. (1 ed.). Toronto: McClelland & Stewart Ltd. Hutt, Vera. personal communication Jarratt, M. (2008). Captured Hearts: New Brunswick's War Brides. (1 ed.). Fredericton: Goose Lane Editions. Jarratt, M. (2009). War Wives: The stories of women who left everything behind to follow the men they loved. (2 ed., pp. 15-213). Toronto: Dundurn Press. Shirley, G. (nd). “ballad of brides”. Legion Magazine, War Brides. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.pier21.ca/research/collections/the-storycollection/online-story-collection/war-bridesWicks, B. (1992). Promise Me You'll Take Care of My Daughter: The Remarkable War Brides of World War II. Don Mills: Stoddart.