The WW1 Canadian CEF Cootie Game is a historical artifact associated with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. This game features a small, portable design, typically consisting of printed cards or simple components. The term “cootie” was colloquial slang among soldiers for lice, a common problem in the trenches. The game’s objective was often to “catch” or eliminate the cooties, providing a brief form of entertainment and distraction for soldiers coping with harsh living conditions. As a period piece, the game reflects the everyday experiences and morale-boosting activities of Canadian troops during the conflict. Items such as this exemplify the improvisational nature of recreational activities among servicemen and are of particular interest to military collectors and historians. The WW1 Canadian CEF Cootie Game offers insight into the social history of the war and the adaptive ways soldiers addressed the challenges of trench life.
