Pacific Coast Militia Rangers
(Page 4 of 5)
Pacific Command Recommends the Formation of a Home Guard
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
Defending the Coast
Pacific Coast Militia Rangers
Pacific Command Recommends the Formation of a Home Guard
Following is the letter from the Pacific Command to the Canadian Department of National Defence recommending the formation of a Home Guard.
Headquarters, Pacific Command,
Victoria, B.C.,
February 7
th, 1942.
The Secretary,
Department of National Defence,
Ottawa, Canada.
- With reference to H.Q.S.20-1-19 F.D. 24 (ACGS) dated 31st January, 1942, regarding the organization of Home Guards on the West Coast.
- The whole question of local Home Guards in Coastal Area has already received a great deal of consideration and step have already been taken in conjunction with the B.C. Police to form an auxiliary to the B.C. Police in certain Coastal points. Up to the present these organizations have received no assistance from these Headquarters and the organization has been entirely carried out by the B.C. Police. A considerable amount of pressure has been brought to bear upon me in the establishment of Home Guards in various points in British Columbia, not only at Coastal points but in the interior. It is felt that Home Guards at various points on the Coast where it is impossible to establish Reserve Units would be of considerable value, -
- To alleviate public uneasiness.
- To report information to these Headquarters of any suspicious individuals, craft or subversive activities in their area.
- In the event of a small raiding party landing at one of these points, to take action against them in defence of their own homes and community.
- The following steps have been taken in connection with the organization of such Guards:-
- I discussed the matter with the Premier of British Columbia who is entirely in accord with the suggested organization.
- A conference and discussion with the Commissioner, B.C. Police.
- On the 3rd February, with the consent of the Premier of British Columbia, I held a meeting in his office of all Member of the Legislative Assembly who represent Coastal ridings in British Columbia. These consisted of eight Members of the Legislative Assembly representing Liberal, Conservative and C.C.F. parties. The possibility of forming organizations similar to Home Guards was explained to them and I asked them for their opinions which were given as follows:
- Entirely in agreement and assured me of their complete cooperation.
- That it would be preferable for these Guards not to wear Military uniform but to be given something in the form of an arm band.
- That members should not receive any pay but it should be put up to them that they are the defenders of their own home.
- That the training would be in accordance with the local situation as regards place, type of country and type of men forming the unit.
- That all assistance possible should be given by Pacific Command Headquarters.
- I concur in the above suggestions. It is felt that the wearing of uniform involved an authorized number of days training, Military organization, medical examinations, qualifications and all the necessary procedure needed in the case of members of Reserve Units. Furthermore these men could carry out their duties much more easily if they did not have to get into uniform and only had to put on an arm band.
It is further recommended that these organizations should work in close collaboration with the B.C. Police, the Coastal Watching System and other Coast services.
It is recommended that they should not be given the name of "Home Guard" in view of the large number of requests that will come from places in the interior to have similar organizations organized, that they should be called "Coastal Defence Guards" or some such name and that such names should be on the arm band.
- From present information it would appear that there are about fifteen places where such organizations would be of value and steps have been taken to ascertain the most suitable man in each place to organize the unit. Also a survey is being made of what weapons are available, such as sporting rifles, among the members who would form the unit. It is suggested that these units should be formed on similar lines to civilian Rifle Associations, which were in existence prior to the war. This would entail the issue of rifles, ammunition and an officer from Pacific Command Headquarters to assist them in the organization and method of carrying out their duties. As it would be necessary for such an Officer being specially appointed in charge of Coastal Defence Guards, may this be authorized, please. It would appear from present information that between 400 and 500 rifles will be needed, but this in only an approximate figure.
Signed (R.O. Alexander)
Major-General
G.O.C.-in-C., Pacific Command.
