Document Sources: Appendix, Historical Section, Canadian Military Headquarters Report #138; Further Material Relating to the Organization and Training of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. This appendix supplements the information contained in those sections of Report N°138 which deal with the background, the formation, and the early training of the 1-CPB. The chief sources of information have been the relevant files at A.H.G. Other material consulted included the War Diary of Gen A.G.L. McNaughton, various directorate diaries at A.H.Q, and the unit War Diary.

Paratrooper in Training

Background to Formation of the Unit

Canada Armed ForceAlthough the memorandum prepared by Col Burns in November 1940 was the first to be brought to the attention of the Overseas authorities (para #3/1-CPB/UK to Combat), that officer had put forward similar proposals 3 months earlier, August 13. This earlier memorandum was examined by Col J.C. Murchie, who expressed the opinion that although the value of the parachute troops in certain situations was very great, the provision of such troops by Canada would be a project of doubtful value to the combined Empire war effort in view of the expenditure of time, money, and equipment which would be involved. Further, having regard to the probable operational roles of the Airborne Forces, it would be likely that any Canadian parachute units would form part of a British Parachute Corps as a such unit could be difficult to administer, the unit being largely out of Canadian control during operations. For these reasons, Col Murchie did not recommend the formation of a Parachute Battalion but considered, rather, that the Canadian war effort should be directed towards the maintenance of such commitments as had already been accepted. If any additional commitments are accepted these should be limited to the formation of units to which Canadians are particularly adapted by reason of the nature of the country. (HQS 8846: Memo by DMO & I for D/CGS, Aug 16 1940).

Col Burns continued, however, to press his view on the subject, and on August 28, submitted a further memorandum for consideration by the CGS on the desirability of creating a body of Canadian airborne troops. In this memorandum, he pointed out that, apart from the advantages to be gained by the use of such troops for employment in Canada as a highly mobile internal security force. He stated that in defense of Canada against raids or a serious attempt at invasion, they would be the quickest means of buildings up a front against the attacker, and also could harass his communications. We have often thought of the problem of preventing an enemy from establishing a base for supplying submarines in remote sections of the coast which could not easily be reached by land. If we had even a battalion of paratroopers who could be landed to counter-attack such bases, it would make their establishment very more difficult for an enemy; it would probably be necessary for him to send about a brigade of troops for land defense. ((Memorandum by Col Burns, CGS August 28, 1940).

really big gun

Col Burns also mentioned that when simulating the effect that the commencement of paratroopers’ training would have on the morale of both the service and the public. Gen Crerar expressed agreement with the long-term aspects of Col Burns’ proposal but felt that it is not a project of importance to the winning of the war just now. Further, a paratroopers training program would mean a heavy commitment to machinery and organization such as a provision of a transport squadron for the Royal Canadian Air Force, which he was loathed to introduce. He suggested that Col Burns bring the matter to his attention in 3 months. In November, Col Burns prepared a further memorandum for the CGS in which he reiterated the points raised in his earlier submissions, and when in December the CGS visited the Canadian Military Headquarters, he took steps to ascertain the view of the Overseas Commander and the War Office on this subject. (For policy discussions during the visit of the CGS to London and subsequent to Nov 1941, see para #3-7/1-CPB/UK to Combat).

As the Army Program was under discussion during the closing weeks of 1941 and since it was not desired to bring forward the matter of paratroopers training at that time, the implications of Gen McNaughton’s cable of November 3 (para #7/1-CPB/UK to Combat) were considered at NDHQ until January 1942. On January 5, Gen M. A. Pope, VCGS, in a memorandum prepared for Gen K. Stuart, CGS, stated that although he found it difficult to reconcile the Corps Commander’s statement of policy in August 1941 (para #5/1-CPB/UK to Combat) with his subsequent statement in November, he felt that the latter’s intention was to initiate paratroop training only as and when prospective operations indicated a need for such troops. For this reason, and because he could not see that the operations of the home army provided any scope for the employment of parachute troops, the VCGS felt that NDHQ could afford to defer action on the matter for the time being. (Memorandum by VCGS for CGS, January 5, 1942). In reply, Gen Stuart ordered that CMHQ be advised that he would discuss the matter with Gen McNaughton in the near future. (ibid Minute by CGS for VCGS, January 6, 1943).

Handley Page Halifax, RCAF, ca 1943. RCAF Leading Aircraftsman riding, with an RCAF Women's Division Leading Aircraftswoman and two Corporals as passengers a Norton Big Four 600cc side-valve motorcycle hooked up to a sidecar. (Source RCAF Photo via Harold A. Skaarup)

During a period of the following months, the theory continued to be held at NDHQ that when the need for parachute units arose this could be rapidly and easily formed by the conversion of existing infantry units. This was clearly revealed in a statement made by Mr. Ralston in the House of Commons on April 22. It is probable that the CGS discussed the paratrooper question with Gen McNaughton during the latter’s visit to Canada in February and in March 1942, but neither the relevant files at AHQ nor the War Diaries or files of Gen McNaughton, make any mention of the matter. The formation of a paratroopers unit is not being gone ahead with at the present moment, but rather the training of the men so they can be used as paratroopers when times come, with this addition to be done with aircraft, except the preliminary jumps which are done from a tower. In June, NDHQ sent Col R. H. Keefler on DMT to the USA to obtain up-to-date information respecting the training of paratroopers as carried out at the US Parachute School at Fort Benning (Georgia), and to investigate the possibility of obtaining for the Canadian Army, parachute jump towers of the type used in the USA. Col Keefer’s findings in the USA were instrumental in bringing about a complete reversal in the policy at NDHQ. One of the principal conclusions arrived at in his report was that once paratroop training was started, it was necessary to carry it through – if excessive wastage of personnel through refusal was to be avoided – to the ultimate step of jumping from an aircraft.

Many personnel, he felt, who would make the grade initially on the basis that they ‘would not quit’ might be reluctant to volunteer a second time in interruption of training made this necessary. Another factor, which would operate to reduce the wastage of personnel and increase the number of volunteers, was the attraction of belonging to a Corps d’Elite. He recommended that a unit of some sort, complete with all equipment and aircraft, be organized from the start or, if this was not possible, that the project be postponed until this could be done. (HQS 8446-1, Vol 21: Report of Visit to the USA of Col RH Keefler, MT (L) NDHQ, 1-14 Jan 1942). On the basis of this report and from discussions with AVM Steadman, Royal Canadian Air Force, who had recently returned from a visit to the 6th British Airborne in the UK, the decision was taken to organize, train, and equip a parachute battalion for employment in Canada with the operational role of the recapture of aerodromes or reinforcing remote localities (HQS 8846/1, Vol 5: Tel Murchie to Stuart, June 20, 1942). In view of the facilities available in the USA for the initial training of instructors and as the unit was for operational employment in Canada, it was intended to follow the US training system. This involved the use of jump towers for initial training and the employment of Army personnel for all training, exclusive of the operation and maintenance of aircraft. The battalion would be organized, however, on the basis of a British War Establishment (para #8/1-CPB/UK to Combat). On June 26, the proposal was placed before the Minister, and on July 8, received his approval. (ibid Memorandum by Gen J.C. Murchie for the Minister, Jan 26, 1942).

Parachute School Fort Benning Georgia - Jump Tower Training

Canadian Paratroopers – Formation and Early Training

Meanwhile, the Army had gone ahead with preliminary planning for the organization and training of the parachute battalion. On June 27, Gen E. G. Weeks, DCGS (B), announced at an Army Royal Canadian Air Force conference called to discuss the training of airborne troops, that in order that training could commence immediately, the Army intended to follow the training methods of the US Parachute School rather than those of the British Army. By taking advantage of the US Army facilities it was hoped to train a cadre and if necessary a limited number of personnel with a minimum delay. (HQS 8846-1, Vol 2: Memorandum by DCGS (B) for CGS, June 27, 1942). At a subsequent inter-service meeting it was decided that on the return of its cadre to Canada, the unit would be assembled at the Shilo Camp where individual training would be carried out. This camp which was located within easy reach of 2 aerodromes, at Douglas (12 miles) and at Brandon (18 miles), had been selected on the recommendations of the Royal Canadian Air Force. When the battalion had completed individual training, it would move to an area to be selected at a later date, to carry out advanced training. (ibid Meeting Inter-service Committee, July 25, 1942). On July 16, NDHQ requested, through the Military Attaché in Washington, vacancies at Fort Benning Parachute School for 6 officers and 20 NCOs. It was anticipated that this group would be concentrated and ready to proceed to Fort Benning on or after August 15.

On August 21, word was received from Washington that the US authorities had granted the required vacancies for the course at Fort Benning commencing August 17 (HQS 8846-1: CGS to Military Attaché, Washington, July 16, 1942; Tel Military Attaché Washington, to NDHQ, July 21, 1942). Originally it was intended that the training in Canada would commence on October 12 (HQS 8846-1 Vol 4: AG Circular Letter August 12, 1942). In September, however, it became apparent from the difficulties being encountered in the preparation of certain items of the training equipment, particularly the jump towers, that it would not be possible to commence training at the Shilo Camp before December at the earliest. In light of this situation, the training plan had to be revised. On September 24, NDHQ directed the Military Attaché at Washington to seek permission from the US Army for 55 personnel to be sent to Fort Benning for the full course starting October 12, these to be followed by the same number each week until the course started December 14. (ibid Tel CGS to Military Attaché, Washington, September 24, 1942). On the 28, NDHQ received word that the US Army Ground Forces had approved the scheme. (ibid Tel Military Attaché Washington, to NDHQ, September 28, 1942).

On October 3, however, a further change occurred in the situation with regard to the Shilo Camp. On that day, representatives of the Canadian Army and the US Army, meeting at Ottawa, selected Shilo as a suitable site for cold-weather testing of US and Canadian Army vehicles. (HQS, 8846-1 Vol10: Minutes of a Meeting held in connection with the selection of a Suitable Site for Cold Weather Tests of US and Canadian Army Vehicles, Oct 2, 1942). Since these tests were to commence on November 15 and continue until March 15, 1943, and as the accommodation and training facilities at Shilo would not be available during that time, it was necessary to find another suitable alternative accommodation for the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. (HQS, 8846-1, Vol 11: Minutes of the Directors Coordinating Meeting, October 14, 1942). An agreement was reached with the US Army Ground Forces for the extension of the existing arrangements for training at Fort Benning and for the provision of facilities for the concentration of the battalion in the US. (ibid US Military Attaché, Ottawa, to DMO & P, NDHQ, October 28, 1942).

Jump Tower Benning

The recruiting plan for the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion was based on the rate of intake at Fort Benning. Volunteers were to be concentrated in Canada in sufficient numbers to ensure the maintenance of the weekly quota for 55 dispatches to Fort Benning. (HQS, 8446-1: AG Circular Letter, August 10, 1942). This plan, which was based on an estimated wastage of 10 per week as estimated, would bring the battalion up to full strength by the end of the training scheme. (HQS, 8846-1, Vol 2: Minutes of a Meeting called to discuss the Organization and Administration of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, August 6, 1943). In the beginning, it was laid down that only personnel who had had both basic and advanced training would be eligible. (HQS, 8846-1, AG Circular Letter August 10, 1942). On September 30, however, it was decided that in the future, personnel would need to only complete their basic training. (ibid Vol 4: Minutes of Directors Coordinating Meetings, September 20, 1942). If possible, 30% of the volunteers were to be found among bilingual French-Canadian personnel. As the battalion was being raised for operational duty in Canada’s Home Defense (NRMA) as well as active personnel were permitted to volunteer. In the event, by October 15, some 30 Home Defense personnel had volunteered for service with the Parachute Battalion and of these, 13 had been included in the first two quotas while 17 others were being held in reserve for future quotas. To enable personnel to serve outside of Canada, an Order-in-Council was passed (PC 10003) on November 3, 1942. This order specifically authorized the dispatch of Home Defense personnel to the USA for the purpose of training with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. (HQS, 8846-1, Vol 10: DMT to DCGS(B), October 15, 1942).

Lt Tom Brier, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion (Parachute School, Fort Benning, Georgia) wearing US paratroopers equipment, M-2 Helmet, T-5 Parachute Assembly, Corcoran Jump Boots and M-1942 Parachute Jackett and Pants



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