There is a component within the Canadian Armed Forces called the Canadian Rangers. There are currently some 5000 members, all part-time, who provide a small-scale military presence in Canada’s hinterland, especially the Far North and isolated coastal areas. The Canadian Rangers were established on May 23, 1947, but their roots go back to World War Two.
On 7 December 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbour, bringing the USA into WW2, and raising fears of a Japanese attack on North America. The reactions to this threat included the formation of the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers (PCMR). Formed on March 3, 1942, the Pacific Militia Rangers were volunteers, true citizen-soldiers, who were tasked to defend the coast, and to be the eyes and ears of military commanders. They conducted patrols and surveillance the length and breadth of the BC coast, and into the Yukon. At one point the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers had over 15,000 members organized into 138 Companies.
The Comox Air Force Museum salutes the unsung heroes of the PCMR on the 75th Anniversary of their formation!
The CAFM commemorates the role and history of 19 Wing (CFB/RCAF/RAF), documenting significant achievements in West Coast Military Aviation History.
Founded in 1982 as part of the Air Force Indoctrination School, CAFM was accredited as a stand-alone Canadian Forces Museum and officially opened its doors to the public on 12 September 1987.
My Father-In-Law in charge of the PCMRs in Port Alice, BC.
His name was Joe Fraser. 1915-2009. There is a road named after him in Port Alice. He was also plant manager of the Port Alice Mill. He arrived in Port Alice on the 7th of Dec. 1941 and left there in 1965 with a wife and two daughters.
Thanks for sharing a piece of your family history with us, George!
I was delighted to see that the Comox Air Force Museum recognized the 75th Anniversary of the PCMR on the exact day – March 3
Thanks to the Comox Air Force Museum for bringing the above Anniversary to the Sea Island Heritage Society’s attention.
According to L J Ross book, Richmond, Child of the Fraser, page 158, ….“During World War Two, Richmond had an airplane and munitions plant, the 58th battery with field guns were stationed at Steveston, 25 pound gun/howitzers of the 11th A.A. battery were set in place at Sea Island, and the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers stood by ever on alert.”
I enjoy the CAFM online stories and always marvel at the air park and museum exhibits on display when I go there
Thank you
Thanks for touching base, Doug, and for sharing the information with us!
Thanks, very much for posting this article!
Mcpl. Steve Pederson
Sec. Comd. Zeballos Ptl
4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
B.C. Coy,
I have acquired a rifle that was owned by a member of the PCMR. Would like to find more about him. Not sure maybe he is still alive.The rifle is signed on the wood under butt plate.
There were only 132 PCMR Companies – although numbering did go to 138, 6 companies were never activated. Also there were just under 15000 members. 3/4’s of all of the Japanese balloon bombs were reported by the PCMR November 1944 to April 1945. Most recent one was found near Lumby in 2014.
Thank you for adding to our post, David!