Topic: Drill and Training
Platoon No. 10. S10. C.B.D.T.C. Vernon, BC. March 1943. Meeres Studios photo, Vernon, BC,
Photo credit: from the collection of Maj Fred Mills (RCASC) via Maj Craig Mills (The RCR/Cdn Gds).
Maj Fred Mills is in the centre of the back row.
Battle Drill Training (1943)
During the Second World War, there were training centres for the Canadian Army spread across the country. With the most common focus of attention on Canadian army service during the Second World War being on the forces overseas, we easily forget how extensive the training system was in Canada, and the value and scope of work done by the thousands who ran these establishments.
Huge efforts were made to staff these camps and to conduct required training, and many training locations expanded from existing facilities or were built from nothing to meet the Army's needs. The photo above provides a good indication of how well equipeed the Training Centres had become by 1943 (the summer of the invasion of Sicily and still a year prior to D-Day).
No 110 Cdn Army (Basic) Training Centre, Vernon, BC
- NPAM Training Centre from 9 Oct 40 to 14 Feb 41.
- Placed on Active Service: 15 Feb 41
- Disbanded 30 Aug 43 upon organization of S17 Cdn Infantry School.
Brief history - No. 110 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre — Vernon
During both World Wars, Vernon was an important training ground for Canadian troops. The military camp, #110 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre, trained thousands of soldiers from 1940-45. The 19th Infantry Brigade made its headquarters here, comprising of 3rd Battalion Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment), Winnipeg Light Infantry, Prince Albert Volunteers, 26th Field Company Royal Canadian Engineers, 25th Field Ambulance and various support units. Some 6 km to the east of the camp on the edge of the Coldstream Ranch was the Battle Drill School. This camp trained Canadian soldiers in advanced fighting skills from 1942-45. It was the first FIBUA (Fighting in Built up Areas) training centre in the world. To this day, unexploded artillery and mortar shells used in training are still turned up by the frost and development of the surrounding hills. Internment camps were also located in Vernon during the World Wars; in WWI for Ukrainian Canadians (this camp is now the site of a high school) and in WWII for people of Japanese descent (mostly from Vancouver). After WWII, the camp was mothballed. In 1949 it was reopened and became an Army Cadet Training Centre for the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. - Source. - Location.
The Boys Anti-Tank Rifle
- Boys Anti-Tank Rifle (Wikipedia)
- Stop That Tank! Disney Training Film on the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle (Youtube)
- Boys Anti-Tank Rifle (Youtube)
The Bren Gun
- Bren Light Machine Gun (Wikipedia)
- Bren Gun (Youtube)
- Bren Gun at the Range (Youtube)
The 2-inch Mortar
- 2-inch Mortar (Wikipedia)
The Thompson Sub-Machine Gun
- Thompson Sub-Machine Gun (Wikipedia)
- Thompson Sub-Machine Guns (Youtube)
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