THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY – 31 August 1914 – When war was declared at the beginning of the month, Canada had volunteered to send troops to the aid of Britain. However, stores of military equipment were far from adequate to clothe and equip the men being recruited.
The Canadian Department of Militia had to quickly take stock of what was on hand, and determine what was needed. Without waiting for Privy Council authority the Minister of Militia began approving requisitions for large orders. Contracts to complete the clothing of 50,000 troops were let on August 10th for delivery in full by September 21st.
[1] Col. A.F. Duguid, “Official History of the Canadian Forces in the Great War, 1914-1919, Vol. I, Part 2,Chronology, Appendices and Maps,King’s Printer, Ottawa, 1938, Appendix 106, pg. 71.