THE REGIMENTAL HISTORIAN PRESENTS:
OPERATIONAL HANDBOOK FOR THE FIRST CANADIAN ARMY, 1944 - 1945: FORMATION ORGANIZATION, STAFF TECHNIQUE AND ADMINISTRATION.

An important book covering a previously unpublished aspect of Canadian Army history from the Second World War.

"THIS UNIQUE WORK IS LONG OVERDUE - IT WILL PROVE OF IMMENSE VALUE TO ALL SERIOUS STUDENTS OF THE HISTORY OF THE CANADIAN ARMY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR"

The Operational Handbook of the First Canadian Army is not a campaign history, rather it discusses in detail the organization, function and operation of the operational headquarters from brigade to army level that controlled fighting units. The evolution of the five overseas Canadian armoured and infantry divisions and three independant armoured brigades is fully described in chart form and text, as are the systems by which these formations were supplied and maintained. A final section covers the command and control of the tactical air force composite groups that supported First Canadian Army. Included is a never before published list of all commanders and key staff appointments from Headquarters First Canadian Army, 1st and 2nd Canadian Corps, all five divisions, the three independant armoured brigades, and the Reinforcement Groups.

The Operational Handbook of the First Canadian Army contains much previously unpublished material, and draws upon the precis and manuals used by the commanders and staff officers that operated these headquarters. War Diaries, interviews and other historical works provide how the material in these manuals was applied.

THIS IMPORTANT BOOK COVERS THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:

PART I: ORGANIZATION:

The Growth of the Canadian Army Overseas 1939 - 1945
21st Army Group
Divisional and Brigade Organization
Divisional Orders of Battle
The Canadian Army Occupation Force
Staff Lists: All key Command and Staff Appointments Army to Brigade

PART II: STAFF FUNCTION AND TECHNIQUE:

Formation Organization, Operations and Staff Responsibilities
Brigade, Divisional, Corps and Army Headquarters Organization
Personnel and Equipment Strengths in Headquarters
Characteristics of Armoured and Infantry Divisional Headquarters
Tactical Movement of Headquarters
Locations of Headquarters First Canadian Army
Locations of Headquarters 2nd Canadian Corps
1 Canadian Section Armoured Fighting Vehicles Technical Staff
The Weapons Technical Staff Field Force
GHQ Liaison Regiment "Phantom"

PART III: ADMINISTRATION:

Administration and the System of Supply in the Field
Vehicle Maintenance
The Medical System
The 1st and 2nd Echelons
Personnel Replacement and Training
Organization of the Replacement System
The System of Honours and Awards

PART IV: TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT:

2nd Tactical Air Force Units Assigned to First Canadian Army
Group Operations in Support of First Canadian Army
Composite Group Headquarters Organization

CHARTS, TABLES, GRAPHS AND MAPS

Included are 48 sections of charts depicting headquarters organization, divisional and independant armoured brigade evolution, battle casualties, types of wireless, signals organization, command and communications vehicles, administrative procedures and much, much more.

Publishing Data and Ordering Information:

OPERATIONAL HANDBOOK FOR THE FIRST CANADIAN ARMY, 1939 - 1945: FORMATION ORGANIZATION, STAFF TECHNIQUE AND ADMINISTRATION

ISBN 0-9680946-0-0

Published by The Regimental Historian

Compiled and Written by John R. Grodzinski

With an Introduction by Lieutenant-General R.W. Moncel, DSO, OBE, CD (Retired)

Approximately 200 pages, softcover, spiral bound

Text, charts, tables and colour maps

ORDER FROM:

Cost: $15.00, includes post to North America. Overseas Rates Higher.

THE REGIMENTAL HISTORIAN is a private, registered company committed to quality research, writing and publication relating to all aspects of Canadian Military History from 1534 to the current day. Research service is available. Please write for details.

----Pristinae virtutis memores----

Go back to The Canadian Army home page.