{"id":25,"date":"2016-04-09T14:04:53","date_gmt":"2016-04-09T14:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2020-02-23T16:45:38","modified_gmt":"2020-02-23T16:45:38","slug":"before-the-54th","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/?page_id=25","title":{"rendered":"Before the 54th"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before WW1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On July 1, 1898, five independent rifle companies were authorized[1]<\/a>in the British Columbia interior towns of Kamloops, Kaslo, Nelson,\nRevelstoke and Rossland.  These units\nwere known by their location (e.g. “Nelson Rifle Company”) until January\n1, 1900, when the “Rocky Mountain Rangers” were authorized[2]<\/a>\nas a corps consisting of numbered, independent companies.  There was no ‘regimental headquarters’ for\nthis unit.   The companies were located\nin: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n No. 1\n <\/td>\n – Rossland \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n No. 2\n <\/td>\n – Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n No. 3\n <\/td>\n – Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n No. 4\n <\/td>\n – Kaslo \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n No. 5\n <\/td>\n – Revelstoke \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1904 the “Kootenay Rifles” were authorized[3]<\/a>\nwith two independent companies (No. 1 and No. 2) – both located in Fernie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
SE BC Militia 1905<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP: BC Militia Units circa 1905<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On April 1,1908, the organization of an additional company of infantry\nin Nelson was authorized and this unit was amalgamated with the three southern\nindependent companies of Rocky Mountain Rangers to form the “102nd\nRegiment”.[4]<\/a>\nThis unit’s headquarters was established in Nelson[5]<\/a>\nand it incorporated the following:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Rossland \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Nelson (this company was created on April 1,1908) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Kaslo \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: Originally, C Company was to\nbe in Kaslo with D Company in Nelson.[6]<\/a>\nHowever, these titles were changed[7]<\/a>\nas reflected in the sequence listed above <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the Rocky Mountain Rangers were reduced to the two\nnorthern independent companies in Kamloops and Revelstoke; they continued to be\nrespectively known as “C Company” and “E Company”.[8]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On April 1,1908, two independent squadrons of “Canadian Mounted\nRifles” were authorized:[9]<\/a>\n“A” Squadron in Kamloops and “B” Squadron in Vernon.[10]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On June 1, 1908, an independent “Company of Infantry” was\nauthorized in Armstrong.[11]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
SE BC Militia Units 1908<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP: BC Militia Units circa 1908<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1909, the “102nd Regiment, Rocky Mountain Rangers”, in\naddition to this name change[12]<\/a> on June 1, was\nexpanded to six companies.[13]<\/a>\nThe regimental headquarters continued to be in Nelson, and the companies were\nlocated in the following towns: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Rossland \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Kaslo \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n E Company\n <\/td>Kamloops (formerly C Company, Rocky Mountain Rangers) <\/td><\/tr>
\n F Company\n <\/td> Revelstoke (formerly E Company, Rocky Mountain Rangers) <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1910 the Canadian Mounted Rifles became the “British Columbia\nHorse”[14]<\/a>and\nwere later expanded to four independent squadrons.[15]<\/a>  The two new squadrons authorized on April\n1,1910, “C” and “D”, were located in Coldstream and Lower\nNicola, respectively.[16]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In April 1,1911, the British Columbia Horse was authorized an increase\nto eight independent squadrons, in order to form two four-squadron regiments.[17]<\/a>\nThe regiments were designated on December 1, 1911, as “1st and 2nd\nRegiments, ‘British Columbia Horse'”[18]<\/a>\nInitially 1st  Regiment, ‘British\nColumbia Horse’ included the four existing squadrons[19]<\/a>\nbut on March 1, 1912,[20]<\/a>\nthey were divided between the two new units. \n1st and 2nd Regiments, ‘British Columbia Horse’ were re-designated again\non April 15, 1912,[21]<\/a>\nwith the following organizations: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Vernon \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Lumby (org April 1, 1911)\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vernon (org April 1, 1908) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Armstrong (org April 1, 1910, in Coldstream) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kelowna (org April 1, 1911)\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

31st Regiment, British Columbia Horse[22]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Merritt \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kamloops (org April 1, 1908) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm (org April 1, 1911) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Wallachin[23]<\/a>(org April 1, 1911) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Squadron\n <\/td>\n Merritt (org April 1, 1910, in Lower Nicola) \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On March 1, 1912, the independent Company of Infantry in Armstrong\nbecame “G Company, 102nd Regiment, Rocky Mountain Rangers”.[24]<\/a>  Later that year, on 01 May 1912, five of this\nregiment’s companies were “…disbanded with a view to their\nre-organization…”.[25]<\/a>\nThese companies were “A” (Rossland), “B”, “C”\n(both in Nelson), “D” (Kaslo) and “F” (Revelstoke).  In the end two additional companies were\nauthorized[26]<\/a>\nand the regimental headquarters was transferred from Nelson to Kamloops.[27]<\/a>\nThere was also a redesignation of companies[28]<\/a>\nwith the end result being: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Armstrong \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Revelstoke \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1912, the two companies of Kootenay Rifles in Fernie were disbanded.[29]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On April 1, 1913, an independent “Company of Sharpshooters”\nwas authorized in Grand Forks[30]<\/a>but was included in the Militia Lists as an “Independent Company of\nRifles”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On August 5, 1913, C Squadron, 30th Regiment, “British Columbia\nHorse” was moved from Armstrong to Enderby.[31]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1913, “E” Company of the 102nd Regiment “Rocky\nMountain Rangers” was authorized in Kelowna.[32]<\/a>\nIt was followed in 1914 by “F”, “G” and “H”\ncompanies that were authorized in Salmon Arm,[33]<\/a>\nVernon,[34]<\/a>\nand Penticton,[35]<\/a>\nrespectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective May 1, 1914, a new infantry battalion was authorized in the\ninterior of British Columbia.[36]<\/a>\nThis unit would eventually be known as the “107th East Kootenay\nRegiment”[37]<\/a>)\nmay be considered the direct antecedent to the present 44th Field Engineer\nSquadron.  Originally, this eight-company\nregiment was to be created in the valleys amongst the Selkirk, Purcell and\nRocky ranges with battalion headquarters at Fernie.  Company headquarters were to be at Fernie,\nCranbrook, Elko, Fort Steele, Golden, Hosmer and Michel. However, with Canada’s\nentry into the First World War changes in the unit’s organization were\ninevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
SE BC Militia Units 1914<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP: BC Militia Units circa\n1914<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Rocky Mountain Rangers Parade in Nelson <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n Rocky Mountain Rangers Parading through Nelson BC ca 1908 \u2013 1912<\/strong>\n \n <\/td><\/tr>
<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>\n  \n \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First World War <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In August 1914 most Militia units were mobilized for local protective\nduties. They then contributed volunteers to the early contingents proceeding\noverseas.  Later most would raise\ncomplete units for the Canadian Expeditionary Force; these either served in\nFrance and Flanders or were broken up to provide reinforcements for the\nCanadian Corps.  Militia home service\ncontinued throughout the war, with some expansion of existing units. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse served from 1914 to 1918\nwithout change to its organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1915, the 31st Regiment, British Columbia Horse moved its\nheadquarters from Merritt to Kamloops and transferred “C” Squadron\nfrom Wallachin to Langley Prairie.[38]<\/a>\nIn 1916, “B” Squadron was re-located to Vancouver from Salmon Arm.[39]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the creation of “H” Company in Penticton in late 1914,\nthe 102nd Regiment, Rocky Mountain Rangers retained its eight-company\norganization until 1919.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relatively new 107th East Kootenay Regiment went through a number of\norganization changes as it shook itself out. \nThe following localization of battalion and company headquarters was\nauthorized in January 1915:[40]<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters \n <\/td>\n Fernie\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “A” and “B” Companies \n <\/td>\n Fernie\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “C” and “D” Companies \n <\/td>\n Cranbrook\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “E” Company\n <\/td>\n Elko                            \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “F” Company \n <\/td>\n Creston            \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “G” Company \n <\/td>\n Athalmer         \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “H” Company \n <\/td>\n Golden \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1915 and 1916, there would be changes to the organization of the\n107th East Kootenay Regiment that would see its footprint reduced.  In 1915, “E” Company transferred\nfrom Elko to Fernie, “G” Company from Athalmer to Nelson, and\n“H” Company from Golden to Nelson.[41]<\/a>\nIn 1916, “C” Company would be relocated from Cranbrook to Michel.[42]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1918, at the close of the First World War, the Militia in the British\nColumbia interior had the following structure:[43]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Vernon \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Lumby \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vernon \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Enderby \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

31st Regiment, British Columbia Horse<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vancouver \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Langley Prairie \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Squadron\n <\/td>\n Merritt \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

102nd Regiment, Rocky Mountain Rangers<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Armstrong \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Revelstoke \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n E Company\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n F Company\n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n G Company\n <\/td>\n Vernon \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n H Company\n <\/td>\n Penticton \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

107th East Kootenay Regiment<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Fernie \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Fernie \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Fernie \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Michel \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n E Company\n <\/td>\n Fernie \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n F Company\n <\/td>\n Creston \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n G Company\n <\/td>\n Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr>
H Company \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/td> Nelson <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Independent Company of Rifles Grand Forks\u00a0\u00a0 <\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
SE BC Militia Units 1918<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP BC Units circa 1918<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otter Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between the Two World Wars <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relative disarray experienced by the Canadian Army in the years immediately\nfollowing the end of the First World War is well known.  The Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.),\nrepresenting the majority of the more than 400,000 soldiers who served\noverseas, returned home and its units were disbanded.  The resettlement of ex-servicemen was both a\nnational and an individual priority and it was not until 1919 that a review –\nknown as the Otter Committee – was completed of defence requirements that\nindicated the size and nature of a future Canadian Army.  It was envisioned that a military force of 11\ninfantry and six cavalry divisions would be required.[44]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, there was a universal sentiment to perpetuate in the\nMilitia the deeds and history of the CEF, and this was also reflected in the\ninitial reorganization of the reserves. \nMost Militia unit titles were changed – most notably for the infantry\nwho, except for the 48th Highlanders, lost their “regimental”\nnumbers”.  Non-active members could,\nat their choice, be assigned to a unit’s ‘reserve regiment’ or (reserve\nbattalion) instead of to a unit general list (though the end result was the\nsame).  After the First World War, these\n‘corps reserve’ units were allowed to hold as many members as were willing to\nbe associated with their former regiments.[45]<\/a>  The B.C. interior regiments were re-styled as\nfollows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The British Columbia Mounted Rifles[46]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(from an amalgamation on May 15, 1920 of the former 30th Regiment,\nBritish Columbia Horse and the “Victoria Independent Squadron (British\nColumbia Horse)”) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n             Active regiment\n <\/td>\n 1st Regiment (2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion, C.E.F.) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n             Reserve regiment\n <\/td>\n 2nd Regiment (11th Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion, C.E.F.) \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5th British Columbia Light Horse[47]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(the former 31st Regiment, British Columbia Horse) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Active regiment\n <\/td>\n 1st Regiment \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Reserve regiment\n <\/td>\n 2nd Regiment \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Rocky Mountain Rangers[48]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(the former 102nd Regiment ‘Rocky Mountain Rangers’) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Active battalion\n <\/td>\n 1st Battalion (172nd Battalion, C.E.F.) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Reserve battalion\n <\/td>\n 2nd Battalion \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Kootenay Regiment[49]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(the former 107th East Kootenay Regiment) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Active battalion\n <\/td>\n 1st Battalion (54th Battalion, C.E.F.) \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Reserve battalion\n <\/td>\n 2nd Battalion (225th Battalion, C.E.F.) \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Independent Company of Rifles at Grand Forks was disbanded with\neffect from April 15, 1920.[50]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1921 the first post-war reorganization of the Militia resulted in\nthis configuration of British Columbia interior units:   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The British Columbia Mounted Rifles[51]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Vernon[52]<\/a>\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vernon \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Lumby \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Penticton[53]<\/a>\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: despite the amalgamation, The\nBritish Columbia Mounted Rifles did not have a presence in the Victoria area\nafter 1920 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1926, “B Squadron,” of The British Columbia Mounted Rifles\nwas moved from Lumby to Kelowna.[54]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On March 15, 1929, The British Columbia Mounted Rifles were redesignated\n“The British Columbia Dragoons”.[55]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5th British Columbia Light Horse   <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kamloops[56]<\/a>\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Merritt \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1924 the 5th British Columbia Light Horse was reorganized when\n“B” Squadron was moved from Merritt to Vancouver and “C”\nSquadron was moved from Langley Prairie to Merritt.[57]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective August 15, 1932, the 5th British Columbia Light Horse was\nredesignated “The British Columbia Hussars”.[58]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rocky Mountain Rangers<\/strong>[59]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Armstrong \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1928, “D” Company, The Rocky Mountain Rangers was moved\nfrom Kelowna to Revelstoke.[60]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kootenay Regiment<\/strong> [61]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Fernie \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Creston \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
SE BC Militia Units 1925<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP BC Units circa 1925<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective October 13, 1932, The Kootenay Regiment was “disbanded\nfor the purpose of reorganization”.[62]<\/a>\nThe eventual outcome was the relocation on November 1, 1933 of this unit as\nfollows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Kimberley \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Creston \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
SE BC Militia Units 1935<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: Only the Headquarters, “B” and\n“C” Companies were authorized to stand up, with the organization of\n“A” and “D” Companies held in abeyance until authorized by\nNational Defence Headquarters.[63]<\/a>\nMAP BC Units circa 1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1936 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The basic 1921 order of\nbattle lasted (with the minor changes listed above) until 1936, when a major\nre-organization of the Militia converted a number of units to meet the\nrequirements of a field force consisting of six infantry divisions and one\ncavalry division.[64]<\/a>\nThe reorganization with the most impact in the B.C. interior was The Kootenay\nRegiment’s conversion from infantry to artillery.[65]<\/a>  Another significant event was the move of\nmost of The British Columbia Hussars to Vancouver,  following its\namalgamation with the headquarters and “B” Company of the 11th Machine\nGun Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps.[66]<\/a>\nand converted to an armoured car regiment on December 15, 1936.  In the period leading up to the start of the\nSecond World War the Militia in the interior was organized as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The British Columbia Dragoons<\/strong> [67]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kelowna ( from Vernon [68]<\/a>)\n \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Headquarters Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vernon\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Penticton \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The British Columbia Hussars (Armoured Car)<\/strong>[69]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Vancouver \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vancouver \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vancouver \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NOTE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“A” Squadron, The British Columbia Hussars (Armoured Car) in\nKamloops was disbanded on May 15, 1939, while the remainder of regiment was\nconverted to “1st Searchlight Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.” on\nthe same day.[70]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

24th (Kootenay) Field Brigade, R.C.A.<\/strong> [71]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n 107th Field Battery\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n 108th Field Battery (Howitzer)\n <\/td>\n Kimberley \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n 109th Field Battery\n <\/td>\n Trail \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n 111th (Nelson) Field Battery[72]<\/a>\n <\/td>\n Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Rocky Mountain Rangers<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kamloops[73]<\/a>\n \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Armstrong \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Revelstoke \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
SE BC Militia Units 1939<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP: BC Units circa 1939<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Second World War   <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All three units from the interior mobilized their members and saw active\nservice during the Second World War with “force generation” (to use a\nmodern phrase) conducted in a logical, progressive manner.  As at the start of the Great War, elements of\nthese units were placed on active service on September 1, 1939 for local\nprotective duties.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 24th (Kootenay) Field Brigade, R.C.A. did not proceed overseas as a\nformed body but its four Field Batteries were the first of the interior units\nto go ‘active’ when they mobilized on September 1, 1939.[74]<\/a>These batteries would end the war with the 1st Light Anti-Aircraft\nRegiment (109th Battery), 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment (108th Battery), 7th Anti-Tank\nRegiment (111th Battery) and the 8th Army Field Regiment (107th Battery)\nrespectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The British Columbia Dragoons mobilized on May 24, 1940, and effective\nApril 1, 1941, the element not mobilized was redesignated the “9th\n(Reserve) Armoured Regiment (The British Columbia Dragoons)”[75]<\/a>\n“A”, “B” and “C” Squadrons of this unit continued\nto be located in Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton; respectively.[76]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rocky Mountain Rangers mobilized on January 1, 1941 and formed a\nsecond battalion for service in the Reserve Army.  In August 1941, the “2nd (Reserve) Battalion,\nThe Rocky Mountain Rangers” was reorganized[77]<\/a>as\nshown below:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Company <\/strong><\/strong>\n <\/td>\n From <\/strong><\/strong>\n <\/td>\n To <\/strong><\/strong>\n <\/td>\n Details <\/strong><\/strong>\n <\/td><\/tr>
<\/td><\/tr>
\n H.Q. \n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm \n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td>\n Less one platoon in Ashcroft \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “A” \n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td>\n Less two platoons – one in Kimberley, the other in Fernie \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “B” \n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm \n <\/td>\n Revelstoke \n <\/td>\n Less one platoon in Michel from 1 October 1942 [78]<\/a>\n \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “C” \n <\/td>\n Armstrong \n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm \n <\/td>\n Less one platoon in Enderby \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n “D” \n <\/td>\n Revelstoke \n <\/td>\n Trail \n <\/td>\n Less two platoons – one at Rossland, the other in Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 24th (Kootenay) Field\nBrigade, R.C.A. was redesignated “24th Reserve (Kootenay) Field Regiment,\nR.C.A.” [79]<\/a> in April 1943,\nwith four batteries retaining the same numbers as those that had been mobilized\nbut with “(Reserve)” incorporated in their titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the return of the active service units from overseas, all\nthree reserve units were redesignated on April 1, 1946 to:   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* 9th Reconnaissance Regiment (The British Columbia Dragoons)[80]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* 24th Field Regiment, R.C.A[81]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* The Rocky Mountain Rangers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the Second World War <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a spirit very similar to that of the early 1920s, the reorganization\nof Canada’s Militia immediately after the successful conclusion of the Second\nWorld War resulted in an ambitious field force. \nThe units that went to war in 1939, were for the most part,\nretained.  To provide all the arms and\nservices found in a modern mechanized army[82]<\/a>\nnew units were established while some existing units were converted to other\nroles.[83]<\/a>\nIn British Columbia, two new formation headquarters (22nd Armoured Brigade and\n15th Infantry Brigade) were created in Vancouver to command the Militia arms\nunits in the province.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1946, with the exception of the 108th Field Battery (Howitzer) and\nThe Rocky Mountain Rangers, most of the Militia units in the British Columbia\ninterior, as detailed below, were little changed in structure from 1939.  \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9th Reconnaissance Regiment (The British Columbia Dragoons)<\/strong>[84]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vernon \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Squadron\n <\/td>\n Penticton \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Pipes and Drums\n <\/td>\n Penticton \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

24th Field Regiment, R.C.A.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook[85]<\/a>\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n 107th Field Battery\n <\/td>\n Cranbrook \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n 109th Field Battery\n <\/td>\n Trail \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n 111th Field Battery\n <\/td>\n Nelson \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Effective February 5, 1948 the 24th Field Regiment, RCA was converted\nand redesignated “24th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA;” it\nconsisted of the 107th, 109th and 111th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Batteries, RCA.[86]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n 108th Anti-Tank Battery (Self-Propelled), RCA <\/strong>\n <\/td>\n Kimberley[87]<\/a>\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Rocky Mountain Rangers<\/strong>[88]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Prince George \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Armstrong \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company\n <\/td>\n Revelstoke \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While the Rangers would retain a four rifle company structure for the\nnext 20 years, the following changes would significantly affect their\ndispersion: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* Sometime after 1948, “B” Company was moved to Revelstoke,\n“C” Company was in Salmon Arm, and “D” Company had its\nheadquarters in Armstrong, with its No. 12 Platoon in Enderby.  Battalion Headquarters, Headquarters Company,\nand Support Company were in Kamloops[89]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

* In 1952, “B” Company was re-located from Revelstoke to\nWhitehorse, in the Yukon Territory, where it was active until approximately\n1955   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* Also, in 1952, No. 7 Platoon, “C” Company was organized in\nRevelstoke; in 1953 it was known as No. 9 Platoon, and kept that title until\n1956, when it reverted to being known as No. 7 Platoon  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* In 1952, No. 9 Platoon was listed as being in Chase.  In 1953 and 1956 it switched locations to and\nfrom Revelstoke, as described above.  No.\n9 Platoon stayed in Chase until 1958 when it was re-located to Salmon Arm.[90]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

* Support Company’s Mortar Platoon was established in Merritt about\n1952.  In 1956 the Pioneer Platoon was\nset up in Lytton, but it was relocated to Kamloops in 1958.[91]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

* In 1956, No. 3 Platoon (of “A” Company) was listed as being\nin Quesnel, and No. 4 Platoon (the only active component of “B”\nCompany – which had been stood-down in Whitehorse the year before) was\norganized in Williams Lake.  However, in\n1958 the platoon in Williams Lake was relocated to Kamloops[92]<\/a>\nNo. 3 Platoon in Quesnel continued to be listed as such until 1960, when it\nbecame known as No. 4 Platoon.  The\nplatoon in Quesnel was reduced to nil strength and made dormant with effect\nfrom 24 February 1964.[93]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* In 1958, No. 9 Platoon in Chase was relocated to Salmon Arm, and No.\n12 Platoon in Enderby joined the remainder of “D” Company in\nArmstrong.[94]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

* In 1959, “D” Company headquarters moved from Armstrong to\nRevelstoke, and No. 7 Platoon in Revelstoke was transferred to Armstrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* In 1960 the armoury in Armstrong was badly gutted, and it was reported\nthat a temporary home for No. 9 Platoon was found in the recently vacated\nEnderby armoury.  It is presumed that\nthis “No. 9 Platoon” was the former No. 7 Platoon – in any event,\nfrom 1961 onward the Rangers in Armstrong are listed as No. 7 Platoon.  In 1965, this platoon was relocated to Salmon\nArm[95]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
SE BC Militia Rangers North<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
SE BC Militia Rangers SOUTH<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Maps showing Rangers company and platoon locations <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1949, the sappers arrived in the interior of British Columbia in\nforce.  In 1947, the 44th Field Squadron,\nRoyal Canadian Engineers was to be organized in Victoria.[96]<\/a>\nThere is little evidence, however, that plans were implemented to effect its\ncreation; instead, its number was used when the existing squadron was stood-up\nin Trail, effective January 25,  1949.[97]<\/a>\nAbout 100 miles to the northeast, the 17th Independent Field Squadron was\norganized in Kimberley on June 30, 1949, using a number from a squadron that\nhad previously been established in Victoriaville, Quebec. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
SE BC Militia Units 1950<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP: ‘BC Units circa 1950’<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1954 – The Kennedy Report<\/strong>
\n
\nIn 1953, a committee chaired by Major General H. Kennedy, was formed to review\nall aspects of the Reserve Force and to recommend a future role.[98]<\/a>\nThe next year, the committee tabled its report, which stated that, while there\nwas no requirement for a mobilization structure in peacetime, mobilization\n“…was to be the primary reason for training and equipping the new\n‘Militia’.”[99]<\/a> The\nresult was to be a “…partially trained and equipped force as the nucleus\nof units to be mobilized and brought up to strength in case of an emergency.”\n[100]<\/a>
\n
\nThe six divisions in the Reserve Force were disbanded and ‘militia group\nheadquarters’ replaced the existing 35 formation headquarters. Originally,\ncommand of the interior units was placed under 24 Militia Group Headquarters in\nVancouver, but by the fall of 1961 it was decided to organize a “sub\nheadquarters” to better facilitate control.[101]<\/a>\nA year and a half later, the formation of “No 27 Militia Group\nHeadquarters” in Vernon was authorized, effective February 8, 1963,[102]<\/a>\nto command all units within its area of responsibility.
\n
\nAt the same time, the Militia’s organization was “…re-balanced to\nreflect a more appropriate mix of arms and services.” [103]<\/a>\nAfter a national review of anti-aircraft artillery requirements was completed\nthe following changes in the British Columbia interior took place:
\n
\n* Effective August 18, 1955, the Cranbrook-based 107th Heavy Anti-Aircraft\nBattery, RCA was converted and redesignated “107th Field Battery (Self\nPropelled)” and allocated to the Lethbridge-based 18th Field Regiment\n(Self Propelled), RCA. [104]<\/a>  This battery was made dormant September 30,\n1958.[105]<\/a>
\n
\n* Effective August 22, 1955, the 24th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA was\nconverted and redesignated “24th Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA;”\nit consisted of the 109th and 111th Medium Anti-Aircraft Batteries, RCA.[106]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Survival Training<\/strong>
\n
\nIn 1956, the Minister of National Defence announced a new role for the Canadian\nArmy: “…assistance to the Civil Defence organization in the event of attack\non Canada.” Training to support this mission, which by 1959 had been\ntermed ‘national survival’, was common to all corps. While it did not affect\nunit organization per se, the principle task – the conduct of rescue and\nre-entry operations – required the establishment of mobile support columns. In\nthe interior of British Columbia, “No. 4 Mobile Support Column” was\norganized on The British Columbia Dragoons, the 24th Field Artillery Regiment,\nthe 44th Field Squadron, and The Rocky Mountain Rangers.[107]<\/a>
\n
\nEffective April 12, 1960, in common with all other Militia artillery units, the\n24th Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment had Artillery added to its title, becoming\nthe “24th Medium Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment”.[108]<\/a> Two\nyears later this unit would be subject to its last organizational change when\nit was converted to a field artillery regiment, effective December 10, 1962; it\nconsisted of Regimental Headquarters and the 109th Field Battery in Trail and\nthe 111th Field Battery in Nelson.[109]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1964 – The Suttie Commission <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            By the terms of\nreference for “The Commission on the Reorganization of the Canadian Army\nMilitia,”[110]<\/a>\nthe roles of the Militia were defined as: (1) support the Regular Army, (2)\nprovide a training force, (3) conduct internal security operations, and (4) fulfil\nNational Survival responsibilities.  It\nwas estimated that a strength of 30,000 members was required to meet these\ntasks.[111]<\/a> The\nCommission (more popularly known by the name of its chairman, Brigadier E.R.\nSuttie) was expected to recommend to the Minister of National Defence the best\nmeans of meeting these requirements and “… the changes which should be\nmade in the organization of the Militia to carry out its revised roles more\nefficiently and realistically”.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            One of the Commission’s\nleading recommendations was that the 25 Militia group headquarters should be\nreplaced by much leaner headquarters which would ” advise units in all G,\nA and Q matters” with “no responsibility for administrative\npaperwork” and “Direct communication should exist between the Area\nHeadquarters and the unit.”  It was\nrecognized that in some localities a full headquarters was not required, and\nthat a “Militia Advisor” in the rank of Colonel could provide advice\nto local units.[112]<\/a>  On this basis, 27 Militia Group Headquarters\nwas disbanded,[113]<\/a>\nand in its place a “BC Interior Militia Advisor” was to be\nestablished in Vernon.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the five Militia units in South-eastern British Columbia there would\nbe many changes,[114]<\/a>\nthe least significant of which was the proposed move[115]<\/a>\nof the Regimental Headquarters of The British Columbia Dragoons from Kelowna to\nVernon.  Effective November 9, 1966,\nhowever, it was back in Kelowna![116]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 24th Field Artillery Regiment was reduced to nil strength in\nFebruary 1965 and placed on the “Supplementary Order of Battle” [117]<\/a>\n– as were its two Field Batteries (the “109th” and\n“111th”).  It was planned that\nits personnel were to be absorbed by the 44th Field Engineer Squadron, and its\narmoury in Trail was to be used by that unit. \nFurthermore, the members of the 111th Field Battery in Nelson were to be\nabsorbed by a new Field Troop, of the 44th Field Engineer Squadron, that was to\ntake over that battery’s accommodation.[118]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 7th Field Engineer Regiment in Vancouver was also placed on the\nSupplementary Order of Battle, and the 44th Field Engineer Squadron became an\nindependent unit with a new field troop in Nelson, as described above.  The Squadron’s establishment also included a\nbrass band. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 8th Field Engineer Regiment continued to exist, and for the 17th\nField Engineer Squadron it was planned that the Field Troop located in Creston\nwould be relocated to Kimberley and its presence in Cranbrook eliminated.[119]<\/a>\nFurthermore, \u2018absorbing\u2019 and re-training members of the 31st Technical\nSquadron, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers would establish a\nnew troop in Blairmore, Alberta – but this apparently did not take place.[120]<\/a>\nWhile the 17th became an independent squadron on 1 July 1, 1967,[121]<\/a>\nthis change in status was relatively short-lived because the unit was\ntransferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle effective December 31, 1968.[122]<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proposed changes to The Rocky Mountain Rangers were relatively minor,\nwith platoons in Quesnel and Armstrong relocated to the appropriate companies\n(“B” in Kamloops and “C” in Salmon Arm).  After 1965 this unit would be organized as\nfollows:   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Headquarters               \n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Prince George \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company     \n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n C Company\n <\/td>\n Salmon Arm \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n D Company     \n <\/td>\n Revelstoke \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Support Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops (with Mor Pl in Merritt[123]<\/a>)\n \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Regimental Band        \n <\/td>\n Prince George[124]<\/a>\n \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
SE BC Militia Units 1965<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP: ‘BC Units circa 1965’<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1969   <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last major reorganization of the Militia in the 20th century was\nannounced in 1969.  Based on the\nrequirement for a Militia of only 19,500,[125]<\/a>\nit was centred on the establishment of five Militia areas and 21 districts to\ncoordinate the activities of assigned units. \nThe Militia units in the interior of British Columbia would be unique\nbecause they would report directly to “Militia Area Pacific\nHeadquarters” in Vancouver and no district organization was created to\nreplace the BC Interior Militia Advisor stationed in Vernon.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across Canada many units were placed on the Supplementary Order of\nBattle to achieve the new paid ceiling, though this target was also met through\nthe elimination of sub-units in outlying towns. \nBy the spring of 1970 the Militia in the interior of British Columbia\nhad been reduced as detailed below.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* “C” Squadron of The British Columbia Dragoons and the\nRegiment’s Pipes and Drums in Penticton were closed <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Militia Units SE BC 1970<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

* The Rocky Mountain\nRangers was reduced to a presence in Kamloops and Revelstoke only with the\nclosure of “A” Company (and the Regimental Band[126]<\/a>)\nin Prince George and “C” Company in Salmon Arm.[127]<\/a>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MAP: ‘BC Units circa 1970’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A View of the Future: The Militia in the British Columbia\nInterior<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the creation of 39 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters in\n1997 (to command all Army Reserve units in British Columbia as a replacement\nfor Militia Area Pacific), little has changed in the 30 years since the last\nmajor reorganization in 1969.  The\ndistribution of units in the year 2001 is: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The British Columbia Dragoons<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Regimental Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Squadron\n <\/td>\n Vernon \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Squadron\n <\/td>\n Kelowna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n  \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n 44th Field Engineer Squadron<\/strong>\n <\/td>\n Trail\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  <\/strong>\n <\/td>\n  \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n The Rocky Mountain Rangers<\/strong>\n <\/td>\n  \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Headquarters\n <\/td>\n Kamloops\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n A Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n B Company\n <\/td>\n Kamloops[128]<\/a>\n \n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Militia Units SE BC 2001<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MAP: ‘BC Units 2001’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comments are welcomed by the author at<\/strong> gavrelle@sympatico.ca<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military map symbols from Major T. Mouat, MBE, RLC<\/strong><\/a>
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BIBLIOGRAPHY   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barman, Jean.  THE WEST BEYOND\nTHE WEST: A HISTORY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. Revised paperback edition.  Toronto: University of Toronto, 1996.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flick, Lieutenant Colonel C.L.  A\nSHORT HISTORY OF THE 31ST BRITISH COLUMBIA HORSE.  Victoria: Parker Buckle, The “Reliable\nPress”, 1922.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goodspeed, Lieutenant Colonel D.J., ed. \nTHE ARMED FORCES OF CANADA 1867 – 1967: A CENTURY OF ACHIEVEMENT.  Ottawa: Directorate of History, Canadian\nForces Headquarters, 1967.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holmes, Kenneth John.  THE HISTORY\nOF THE CANADIAN MILITARY ENGINEERS: VOLUME III, TO 1971.  Toronto: Thorn Press Limited, 1997.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love, David W.  A CALL TO ARMS:\nTHE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF CANADA’S MILITARY IN WORLD WAR ONE.  Winnipeg: Bunker to Bunker Books, 1999.\n  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nicholson, G.W.L.  THE GUNNERS OF\nCANADA – THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF CANADIAN ARTILLERY, VOLUME II\n1919 – 1967.  Toronto: McClelland and\nStewart Limited, 1972   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roy, R.H.  SINEWS OF STEEL – THE\nHISTORY OF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA DRAGOONS. Brampton, Ontario: Charters\nPublishing Company Limited, 1965   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military Documents   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Orders   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canadian Army Orders   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canadian Army Staff Duties Letters   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canadian Forces Organization Orders   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Canadian Army List, 1st Edition, Part II – Reserve Force, 1 July\n1948 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 “The Regiments and Corps of the Canadian Army (Volume I of\nthe Canadian Army List)”, prepared by the Army Historical Section, Queen’s\nPrinter and Controller of Stationery, Ottawa, Canada 1964 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Report of the Commission on the Reorganization of the Canadian Army\n(Militia) (Parts I and II), 1964 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Brief History of the Reserve Force” (V 3120-27 TD 1057 (D\nProg C) dated 4 October 1971)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acknowledgement<\/strong>: The assistance of the staff of the Directorate\nof History and Heritage is gratefully acknowledged. In particular, Major Paul\nLansey, was extremely helpful in verifying organizational records.
\n
\nThe patience of the National Defence Headquarters Library staff who, over the\ncourse of six months, re-shelved the Militia Lists time and again must be also\nbe recognized.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

[1]<\/a> Militia General Orders (G.O.) G.O. 67 \/ 1898<\/a>, 1\nJuly 1898.  This General Order also\nauthorized the formation of the “Vernon Mounted Rifles” with its\nheadquarters in Vernon, however, it was never stood up.  A comprehensive review of the reasons why\nthis did not happen – and the vicissitudes of organizing Militia units in the\n19th century – are contained in the first chapter of R.H. Roy’s “Sinews of\nSteel (The History of the British Columbia Dragoons)”.  While reference to the “Vernon Mounted\nRifles” is included in the Militia List in the editions of 1st October\n1898, 1st January 1899, 1st April 1899 and 1st July 1899, no mention of this\nunit is made in the 1st October 1899 and subsequent editions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[2]<\/a> G.O. 130 \/ 1899, 1 December 1899<\/a>.  It should be noted that\nprior to 1914 the peace establishment of an infantry company consisted of only\n42 officers and men, commanded by a Captain. \nAs a rule, there were eight such companies in a Canadian Militia\ninfantry battalion.  (G.O. 58 \/ 1907, 2\nApril 1907 – see also A<\/a> and B<\/a> as this order had to be broken up to\ndisplay)  By comparison, the war\nestablishment of one of the eight rifle companies in the Canadian Militia Field\nFormations in 1914 was 120 all ranks. \nThis would change in the late fall of that year when the four-company\nstructure was adopted and there would be 240 all ranks in each company. (Love,\nD.W.  A Call To Arms: The Organization\nand Administration of Canada’s Military In World War One (Winnipeg: 1919) pp.\n21 and 25 to 26)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[3]<\/a> G.O.172 \/ 1904, 1 December 1904<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[4]<\/a> G.O. 59 \/ 1908, 1 April 1908<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[5]<\/a> G.O. 64 \/ 1908, 1 April 1908<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[6]<\/a> Ibid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[7]<\/a> G.O. 123 \/ 1908, 1 June 1908 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[8]<\/a> The change from numeric\ndesignation of companies in ‘rural regiments’ of infantry was authorized by G.O. 29 \/ 1907<\/a>, 1 March 1907. \n“The Quarterly Militia List of the Dominion of Canada – Corrected\nto 1st January, 1907” shows infantry companies as “No. 1 Co.”, “No. 2 Co.”,<\/a> etc., and the change is reflected in the next\nedition of this list (Corrected to 1st April 1907) where companies are shown as\n“a Co.”, “b Co.”, etc. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[9]<\/a> G.O. 59 \/ 1908, 1 April 1908<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[10]<\/a> G.O. 64 \/ 1908, 1 April 1908<\/a>.  There were\n76 officers and men in the establishment of an independent cavalry squadron\n(G.O. 58 \/ 1907, 2 April 1907 – see also (A<\/a>), (B<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[11]<\/a> G.O. 119 \/ 1908, 1 June 1908<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[12]<\/a> G.O. 75 \/ 1909, 1 June 1909<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[13]<\/a> G.O. 73 \/ 1909, 1 June 1909 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[14]<\/a> G.O. 40 \/ 1910, 1 April 1910 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[15]<\/a> G.O. 38 \/ 1910, 1 April 1910 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[16]<\/a> G.O. 39 \/ 1910, 1 April 1910<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[17]<\/a> G.O. 52 \/ 1911, 1 April 1911<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[18]<\/a> G.O. 199 \/ 1911, 1 December 1911<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[19]<\/a> G.O. 198 \/ 1911, 1 December 1911<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[20]<\/a> G.O. 39 \/ 1912, 1 April 1912<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[21]<\/a> G.O. 74 \/ 1912, 15 April 1912 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[22]<\/a> G.O. 40 \/ 1912, 1 March 1912 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[23]<\/a> “Wallachin” is the spelling used\nby both General Orders and the Quarterly Militia Lists, but a query to either\nthe Natural Resources Canada \/ Geomatics Canada website<\/a>  or the BC Geographical Names Information System\nwebsite<\/a> will result in a reply of “No\nrecords exist or your query was incorrectly typed”.  The Commanding Officer of the 31st Regiment,\nBritish Columbia Horse, in his post-Great War unit history refers to\n“Walhachin” (Flick, Lieutenant Colonel C.L.  A Short History of The 31st British Columbia\nHorse.  (Victoria: 1922) pp.\n13-14.).  Walhachin is presently an unincorporated\narea to the West of Kamloops on the Thompson River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[24]<\/a> G.O. 40 \/ 1912, 1 March 1912 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[25]<\/a> G.O. 83 \/ 1912, 1 May 1912<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[26]<\/a> G.O. 157 \/ 1912, 3 September 1912<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[27]<\/a> G.O. 158 \/ 1912, 3 September 1912<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[28]<\/a> G.O. 159 \/ 1912, 3 September 1912 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[29]<\/a> GO. 103 \/ 1912, 1 June 1912 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[30]<\/a> G.O. 67 \/ 1913, 15 April 1913<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[31]<\/a> G.O. 138 \/ 1913, 15 August 1913 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[32]<\/a> G.O. 180 \/ 1913, 15 August 1913 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[33]<\/a> G.O. 42 \/ 1914, 16 March 1914<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[34]<\/a> G.O. 150 \/ 1914, 15 September 1914<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[35]<\/a> G.O. 202 \/ 1914, 15 December 1914<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[36]<\/a> G.O. 80a \/ 1914, 1 May 1914<\/a>. A\nmap showing the battalion organization is here. Map<\/a>.  It should be noted that these\norders are backdated and were issued in August 1914 after the start of the\nFirst World War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[37]<\/a> G.O. 179 \/ 1914, 2 November 1914<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[38]<\/a> G.O. 51 \/ 1915, 15 April 1915<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[39]<\/a> G.O. 41 \/ 1917, 16 April 1917<\/a>.  The transfer was authorized with effect from\n19 November 1914.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[40]<\/a> G.O. 8 \/ 1915, 6 February 1915<\/a> A map showing the battalion organization is here. Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[41]<\/a> G.O. 138a \/ 1915, 15 November 1915<\/a> A map showing the battalion organization is here. Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[42]<\/a> G.O. 33 \/ 1916, 1 April 1916<\/a> A map\nshowing the battalion organization is here. Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[43]<\/a> Information drawn from “The Quarterly\nMilitia List of the Dominion of Canada (corrected to 1st January 1918)”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[44]<\/a> Goodspeed, D.J., Lieutenant-Colonel,\ned.  The Armed Forces of Canada 1867 –\n1967 A Century of Achievement (Ottawa, 1967), p. 93.  The peace establishment of the Militia was to\nbe over 140,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[45]<\/a> An example of this change is found at G.O. 185 \/ 1920<\/a>, 1 November 1920, that states, in part: “Reserve Regiments\nwill not, for the present, be limited in establishment, either in Officers,\nWarrant Officers, N.C.O.’s or Other Ranks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[46]<\/a> G.O. 26 \/ 1920, 15 March 1920<\/a> and 15 March 1920a<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[47]<\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[48]<\/a> G.O. 30 \/ 1920, 15 March 1920<\/a> (see\npart 2 here<\/a>),<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[49]<\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[50]<\/a> G.O. 30 \/ 1922, 15 February 1922 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[51]<\/a> G.O. 184 \/ 1920, 1 November 1920<\/a>, directed that cavalry regiments would consist of three sabre\nsquadrons<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[52]<\/a> G.O. 43 \/ 1922, 1 March 1922<\/a>,\nlists only the headquarters, “A” and “B” squadrons of the\n1st Regiment, B.C.M.R<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[53]<\/a> G.O. 122 \/ 1922, 1 July 1922<\/a>,\nauthorized the localization of “C” Squadron in Penticton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[54]<\/a> G.O. 33 \/ 1926, 1 May 1926<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[55]<\/a> G.O. 34 \/ 1929, 15 March 1929<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[56]<\/a> G.O. 135 \/ 1921, 1 May 1921<\/a>,\nlists only the headquarters, “A” and “C” squadrons of 5\nHorse – the localization of “B” Squadron was not detailed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[57]<\/a> This\nis the result of comparing Quarterly Militia Lists to General Orders of the\nearly 1920s.  As stated, G.O. 135 \/ 1921\nlists only \u201cA\u201d Squadron in Kamloops and \u201cC\u201d Squadron in Merritt.  Throughout its history, \u201cA\u201d Squadron served\nin Kamloops. The Militia Lists of the Dominion of Canada for 1922 and 1924 show\n\u201cB\u201d Squadron in Merritt and \u201cC\u201d Squadron in Langley Prairie (the 1923 edition\nof the list has not been found). The 1925 Militia List (corrected to 31\nDecember 1924), however, shows \u201cB\u201d Squadron in Vancouver and \u201cC\u201d Squadron in\nMerritt. It is assumed that the change of sub-unit titles and the move of the\nsquadron in Langley Prairie to Vancouver were associated \u2013 noting that during\nthe First World War the squadron in Vancouver was \u201cB\u201d and the one in Langley\nPrairie was \u201cC\u201d. The reallocation of squadron titles in 1924 would then be on\nan historical basis, with the squadron in Merritt continuing to be the \u2018junior\u2019\nsquadron of the regiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[58]<\/a> G.O. 151 \/ 1932, 15 November 1932<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[59]<\/a> G.O. 43 \/ 1922, 1 March 1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[60]<\/a> G.O. 146 \/ 1928, 1 August 1928<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[61]<\/a> G.O. 43 \/ 1922, 1 March 1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[62]<\/a> G.O. 3 \/ 1933, 15 January 1933 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[63]<\/a> G.O. 119 \/ 1934, 1 January 1934 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[64]<\/a> Goodspeed, op. cit., p. 95.  The peace establishment was to be 86,000.  (Nicholson, G.W.L.  The Gunners of Canada – The History of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, Volume II 1919 – 1967.  (Toronto, 1972), p. 595. After the dust had settled in 1937 the \u2018new\u2019 order of battle for the Non-Permanent Active Militia was published in G.O. 122 \/ 1937 (dated 22 July 1937).  Excerpts pertaining to Military District No. 11 (the province of British Columbia) are available here: GO 122 1937 pt 1, GO 122 1937 pt 2, GO 122 1937 pt 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[65]<\/a> G.O. 177 \/ 1936, 5 December 1936 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[66]<\/a> G.O. 178 \/ 1936, 5 December 1936 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[67]<\/a> G.O. 168 \/ 1936, 1 December 1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[68]<\/a>  Regimental\nHeadquarters moved back to Vernon with effect from 7 August 1940 (G.O. 211 \/ 1940<\/a>, 19 September 1940)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[69]<\/a> This localization is detailed in G.O. 122\n\/ 1937, 22 July 1937<\/a>.  See footnote 64 G.O. 75 \/\n1939, 1 June 1939 (see – A<\/a> and B<\/a>) above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[70]<\/a> G.O. 75 \/ 1939, 1 June 1939 (see – A<\/a> and B<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[71]<\/a> This localization of the 24th (Kootenay)\nField Brigade, R.C.A. was authorized by G.O. 197 \/ 1936<\/a>, 9 December 1936.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[72]<\/a> This designation was authorized by G.O. 60 \/ 1938<\/a>, 1\nMay 1938.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[73]<\/a> It should be noted that G.O. 168 \/ 1936, 1 December 1936<\/a>, authorized the ‘localization’ of the headquarters of The Rocky\nMountain Rangers to Salmon Arm effective 15 December 1936, but it was moved\nback to Kamloops with effect from 6 October 1937 by G.O. 182 \/ 1937 (15 December 1937) <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[74]<\/a> G.O. 135 \/ 1939, 1 September 1939 lists\nover 400 serials at “Schedule ‘D’ – Schedule of Corps Named to Form Part\nof the Active Militia and to Form the Canadian Active Service Force”,  The 111th Field Battery is at serial 17, the\n108th Field Battery (H) at serial 82, the 109th Field Battery at serial 167 and\nthe 107th Field Battery at serial 216.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[75]<\/a> G.O. 236 \/ 1941, 1 October 1941 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[76]<\/a> Roy, R.H. \nSinews of Steel – The History of The British Columbia Dragoons.  (Brampton, Ontario, 1965), p. 443.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[77]<\/a> G.O. 194 \/ 1941, 4 September 1941<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[78]<\/a>  G.O.\n52 \/ 1943, 29 January 1943<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[79]<\/a> G.O. 156 \/ 1943, 16 April 1943 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[80]<\/a> G.O. 115 \/ 1946, 13 May 1946<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[81]<\/a> G.O. 116 \/ 1946, 13 May 1946 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[82]<\/a> Goodspeed, op. cit., p. 213.  “… a Reserve Force of approximately\n180,000 all ranks was proposed.  This\nwould provide six divisions, four armoured brigades and necessary corps and\narmy troops for an army of two corps.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[83]<\/a> For example, the 8th Provost Company was\nstood up in Vancouver with sect <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[84]<\/a> On 04 February 1949, the 9th\nReconnaissance Regiment (The British Columbia Dragoons) was redesignated\n“The British Columbia Dragoons (9th Reconnaissance Regiment)”.  On 19 May 1958, The British Columbia Dragoons\n(9th Reconnaissance Regiment) was redesignated “The British Columbia\nDragoons”  (The Regiments and Corps\nof the Canadian Army (Volume I of the Canadian Army List), 1964) ions in\nVictoria and Vernon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[85]<\/a> The date of the of the move of the\nRegimental Headquarters from Cranbrook is not known. G.O. 143 \/ 1946, 1 June\n1946 advised that effective 31st March 1946 “Locations and changes of\nlocations (of units and sub-units) will not, therefore, be notified as\nheretofore in General Orders.” The Canadian Army Command and Location List\n(300-5-46 (9223) H.Q.S. 8948-2, 20 Mar 46) shows the Headquarters, 24th Field\nRegiment in Trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[86]<\/a> CAO 76-3 (Supplement Issue 48\/62) dated\n23rd February 1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[87]<\/a> On\n01 April 1946, the 108th Field Battery (Howitzer) was converted and\nredesignated (by G.O. 115 \/ 1946<\/a> \u2013 see footnote\n80 above) “108th Anti-Tank Battery\n(Self-Propelled), RCA” and allocated to the Calgary-based 41st Anti-Tank\nRegiment (Self-Propelled), RCA.  In 1951\nit was decided to move this battery to Banff, Alberta.  The battery would be included in the organization\nof the “41st” until this unit was amalgamated with two others in 1954\nto form the “South Alberta Light Horse” (CAO 76-3 (Part “B”\nSupplement to Canadian Army Orders – Issue 415) dated 29 Nov 54).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[88]<\/a> As shown in “The Canadian Army List,\n1st Edition, Part II – Reserve Force, 1 July, 1948”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[89]<\/a> Except where otherwise noted, the\nreference for the location of companies and platoons of The Rocky Mountain\nRangers is from the appropriate annual historical report submitted by that\nunit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[90]<\/a> SD1 Letter No 58\/64, 15 Sep 58<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[91]<\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[92]<\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[93]<\/a> Army Headquarters HQC 2001-603\/R8 (SD 1A)\ndated 26 February 1964<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[94]<\/a> SD 1 Letter No 58\/64, 15 Sep 58<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[95]<\/a> SD 1 Letter 64\/53 dated 26 Nov 65 – BC\nArea<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[96]<\/a> The\nCanadian Army List, 1st<\/sup> Edition, Part II \u2013 Reserve Force, 1 July,\n1948.  A good description of the post\nSecond World War reorganization of the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers is\nfound in Chapter XII of K.J. Holmes\u2019 \u201cThe\nHistory of the Canadian Military Engineers: Volume III, to 1971\u201d.<\/em>  In 1947 the Reserve Force sapper units’\norganizational basis was changed from a divisional engineer structure to one\nconsisting primarily of field engineer regiments.  Ten field engineer regiments were formed \u2013\nsix to support the Reserve Force divisions and four to be corps troops \u2013 each\nconsisting of three field squadrons and one field park squadron.  44th<\/sup> Field Squadron in Trail\nbecame part of the 7th<\/sup> Field Engineer Regiment, along with 6th<\/sup>\nField Squadron in North Vancouver, 22nd<\/sup> Field Squadron in New\nWestminster and the 54th<\/sup> Field Park Squadron in Vancouver\n(Regimental Headquarters was in Vancouver). \nAs noted above, the \u201c17th<\/sup>\u201d was organized as an independent\nunit, but became part of the 8th<\/sup> Field Engineer Regiment in the\n1950s.  Other than the 17th<\/sup>\nField Squadron, the 8th<\/sup> Field Engineer Regiment was located in\nsouthern Alberta with its headquarters in Lethbridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[97]<\/a> Annual Historical Report of the 44th Field\nEngineer Squadron RCE CA (RF), Trail, B.C., 31 March 1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[98]<\/a> Holmes, Kenneth John,  The History of the Canadian Military\nEngineers: Volume III, to 1971. \n(Toronto, 1997), p.254.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[99]<\/a> Ibid., p. 255.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[100]<\/a> Nicholson, op. cit., p. 596.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[101]<\/a> “Inter\nsub Headquarters, 24 Militia Group” commenced operations effective 1\nOctober 1961.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[102]<\/a> CAO 110-3 (Part “B”\nSupplement to Canadian Army Orders – Issue 744) dated 15 Apr 63<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[103]<\/a> Holmes, op, cit., p. 255.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[104]<\/a> CAO 76-3 (Part “B” Supplement to\nCanadian Army Orders – Issue 62) dated 23rd February 1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[105]<\/a> 18th Field Regiment (Self Propelled)\n“Annual Historical Report for the Year Ending 31 December 1958”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[106]<\/a> CAO 76-3 (Part “B” Supplement to\nCanadian Army Orders – Issue 458) dated 26 Sep 55<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[107]<\/a> Roy, op. cit., p. 435.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[108]<\/a> CAO 76-3 (Part “B” Supplement to\nCanadian Army Orders – Issue 670) dated 13 Jun 60<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[109]<\/a> CAO 76-3 (Part “B” Supplement to\nCanadian Army Orders – Issue 740) dated 18 Feb 63<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[110]<\/a> Report of the Commission on the\nReorganization of the Canadian Army (Militia) (Appendix A, Part I), (Ottawa,\n1964) pp. 42-45.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[111]<\/a> The militia’s strength in 1964 was\napproximately 45,000.  Goodspeed, op.\ncit., pp. 218-219.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[112]<\/a> Report of the Commission on the\nReorganization of the Canadian Army (Militia) (Part II), (Ottawa, 1964) pp.\n7-10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[113]<\/a> SD 1 Letter 64\/53 dated 26 November 1965<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[114]<\/a> The\n“Report of the Commission on the Reorganization of the Canadian Army\n(Militia) (Part II)” contains three appendices to Annex A that show: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* “Present Militia\nOrder of Battle by Areas” (this appendix lists, inter alia, units,\nlocations, their accommodation, etc) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* “Militia\nHeadquarters, Units and Sub-Units to be Relocated, Transferred to Supplementary\nOrder of Battle or Disbanded” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

* “Reorganized Militia\nOrder of Battle” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[115]<\/a> The Suttie Commission proposals, where\nimplemented, were promulgated by SD 1 Letter 64\/53 dated 26 November 1965<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[116]<\/a> CFOO (CA) 66\/15 “Organization CA (M)\n– The British Columbia Dragoons” (CFHQ F 1901-0003\/1 Vol 4 (DO) dated 24\nNovember 1966)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[117]<\/a> Staff Duties Letter No 64\/53;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[118]<\/a> This Field Troop was relocated to Trail\neffective 1 April 1968 (CFOO 68\/8, CFHQ F 1901-0003\/1 (DO) 28 February 1968).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[119]<\/a> In\nthe Suttie Commission\u2019s Report at Appendix 1, the 17th<\/sup> Field\nEngineer Squadron\u2019s locations are shown to be the Armoury in Cranbrook and the\nIOOF Hall and Garage in Kimberley with a troop in Creston in a \u201cplywood\nbuilding\u201d (rented for $1800 pa).  At\nAppendix 2, where units are recommended for relocation or disbandment, the\nCommission lists the Creston troop \u2018relocate with parent unit at Kimberley\u2019,\nbut no mention is made of the Cranbrook element in this appendix or in Appendix\n3 (\u2018Reorganized Militia Order of Battle\u2019). \nWhile this may be an oversight, it should be noted that the Cranbrook\nArmoury was DND-owned and it was sold to City of Cranbrook on 31 August 1965.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[120]<\/a> A\nrecommendation of the Suttie Commission at Serial 30 of Appendix 2 to Annex A\nto Part II of its report, but not included in the relevant Staff Duties Letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[121]<\/a> CFOO\n(CA) 67\/10 “Organization CA (M) 8th Field Engineer Regiment, RCE”\n(CFHQ F 1901-0402\/8 (DO) dated 8 June 1967)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[122]<\/a> CFOO\n68\/51 “Organization – The Militia” (CFHQ F 1901-0189 (DO) over F\n1901-5058 (DO) over F 1901-6164 (DO) dated 25 November 1968)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[123]<\/a> The\nMortar Platoon was relocated from Merritt to Kamloops effective 1 April 1968\n(Canadian Forces Organization Order 68\/8, CFHQ F 1901-0003\/1 (DO), 28 February,\n1968)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[124]<\/a> Canadian\nForces Organization Order (CA) 65\/3 “Organization – CA (M) Unit\nBands” (CFHQ F 5050-0003\/1 (DO) dated 26 May 1965)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[125]<\/a> According\nto the “Brief History of the Reserve Force” (V 3120-27 TD 1057 (D\nProg C) dated 4 October 1971) the combined establishment strength for the Naval\nReserve, the Militia and the Air Reserve was to be reduced to approximately\n23,000 subject to a budgetary limitation of 19,200.  The Militia’s paid strength would therefore\nbecome something in the area of 16,000 members. \nThe strength of the Militia in 1969 totaled 23,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[126]<\/a> The\nRocky Mountain Rangers is NOT included in the list of units with authorized\nbands as detailed in Canadian Forces Organization Order 70\/10\n“Organization – Reserve Force – Militia Bands” dated 1 May, 1970<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[127]<\/a> The\nKamloops and Revelstoke companies were re-titled “A” and\n“B” respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[128]<\/a> \u201cB\u201d\nCoy relocated from Revelstoke to Salmon Arm effective 4 Jul 78 under authority\nof Milarea Vancouver Log C216 262215Z JUL 78\u201d (Annual Historical Report \u2013 1979,\nRMR 2900-1, dated 31 May 1979) and in 1998 it was moved to Kamloops, but no\nlonger manned.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Before WW1 On July 1, 1898, five independent rifle companies were authorized[1]in the British Columbia interior towns of Kamloops, Kaslo, Nelson, Revelstoke and Rossland.  These units were known by their location (e.g. “Nelson Rifle Company”) until January 1, 1900, when … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=25"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":850,"href":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions\/850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/54thbattalioncef.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=25"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}