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.