Pacific Coast Militia Rangers
(Page 3 of 5)
Ottawa Asks Pacific Command to Investigate the Formation of a Home Guard
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
Defending the Coast
Pacific Coast Militia Rangers
Ottawa Asks Pacific Command to Investigate the Formation of a Home Guard
Following is the letter from the Canadian Department of National Defence requesting Pacific Command to investigate the formation of a Home Guard.
Department of National Defence
Ottawa, Canada
31 January 1942
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief,
Pacific Command
Victoria, B.C.
- I am directed to say that in the present situation it is considered most important that everything possible be done on the West Coast to satisfy public opinion in respect to military security, provided it can be done without prejudice to our major war effort.
- There are a number of coastal points on Vancouver Island and some on the mainland, including Prince Rupert and Prince George where the organization of Home Guard Platoon or Detachments as part of the Reserve Army would meet the public demand for some form of local protection. These units could be equipped with uniforms, rifles and ammunition and carry out local training. I am to request that you give urgent consideration to this proposal and submit recommendations. You will appreciate the importance of steps being taken promptly to implement such action as you may recommend.
Brigadier,
For Chief of General Staff.
