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2nd Canadian Division

The 2nd Canadian Division is a primary formation of the Canadian Army, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, tasked with generating and sustaining combat-ready, multi-purpose land forces to fulfill Canada's defence commitments at home and abroad.^[1] It encompasses Regular and Primary Reserve units across Quebec, including the 2nd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, and operates under the command of Brigadier-General J.G.P. Lemyre as of 2025.^[1] Established in its current form on 1 April 2013 through the redesignation of Land Force Quebec Area, the division focuses on versatile operations ranging from domestic emergencies to international deployments, with troops engaging in ongoing training to maintain designated readiness levels.^[1] The division's lineage originates from earlier formations during the First World War, when the 2nd Canadian Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force was authorized on 6 October 1914 and officially established on 12 May 1915, mobilizing approximately 15,272 personnel for service on the Western Front.^[2] Organized at Shorncliffe, England, under initial command of Major-General S.B. Steele (replaced by Major-General R.E.W. Turner on 17 August 1915), it deployed to France between 13 and 17 September 1915, joining the Canadian Corps and participating in key battles such as Vimy Ridge (April 1917), Hill 70 (August 1917), and Passchendaele (October-November 1917), where it suffered significant casualties including over 9,000 at Hill 70 alone.^[2] Later commanded by Major-General H.E. Burstall from December 1916, the division advanced through the Hundred Days Offensive in 1918, contributing to the capture of Valenciennes and the march to Mons before demobilization in 1919.^[2] During the Second World War, a new 2nd Canadian Infantry Division was mobilized on 1 September 1939 as part of the Canadian Active Service Force, training in the United Kingdom before its first major action in the Dieppe Raid of 19 August 1942.^[3] Under commanders such as Major-General J.H. Roberts (initial), Major-General C. Foulkes (January 1944-November 1944), and Major-General A.B. Matthews (from November 1944), the division arrived in Normandy in July 1944, engaging in intense fighting at Caen, the Falaise Pocket (August 1944), the Scheldt (September-November 1944), and the Rhineland (February-March 1945).^[3] It incurred heavy losses, including over 1,500 casualties in Operation Spring (July 1944) and 3,650 in the Scheldt campaign, before advancing into the Netherlands and Germany, capturing towns like Groningen and Oldenburg in April 1945; the division was officially disbanded in October 1945 per General Order 52/46.^[3] In the post-war era, reserve and militia units perpetuated the division's traditions until the modern iteration in 2013, emphasizing Quebec's strategic defence role within the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group and integrated formations like the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.^[1]

Overview

Establishment and Mandate

The 2nd Canadian Division was originally established in 1915 as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) during the First World War, mobilized under the authority of the Militia Act of 1904, which provided the legal framework for raising and organizing Canadian military units for overseas service.^[2] Formation began in May 1915 in Britain following the arrival of Canadian contingents, with training at Shorncliffe Camp and deployment to France in September 1915 to reinforce the 1st Canadian Division and contribute to the Canadian Corps on the Western Front.^[2] Its initial mandate focused on generating combat-ready land forces for expeditionary roles, including infantry, artillery, and support units equipped for trench warfare and offensive operations, reaching a strength of approximately 18,000–20,000 personnel by late 1915.^[2] The division's core mandate has historically centered on providing combat-ready land forces for national defense, domestic operations, and international commitments, encompassing the generation of both reserve and regular units capable of rapid deployment for expeditionary missions.^[1] This purpose evolved through the interwar and Second World War periods, maintaining emphasis on overseas reinforcement and home defense, before the 1968 unification of the Canadian Armed Forces under the National Defence Act, which integrated the army into a unified structure and broadened responsibilities to include multi-purpose operations such as disaster response and support to alliances like NATO. Post-unification, the mandate expanded to encompass versatile land force generation for both domestic crises—such as deploying personnel for flood and wildfire response—and international obligations, including contributions to NATO deterrence and defense tasks.^[4]^[5] In its current form on 1 April 2013, the division operates under the National Defence Act as a regional formation of the Canadian Army, headquartered in Montreal and focused on Quebec, where it oversees all Regular and Primary Reserve units in the province to ensure combat readiness and general-purpose training.^[1] Its current role emphasizes bilingual operations to align with Quebec's linguistic context, incorporating francophone units like the Royal 22nd Regiment alongside anglophone elements, while sustaining multi-purpose capabilities for national sovereignty, humanitarian assistance, and alliance commitments.^[6]^[7] This structure supports the Canadian Armed Forces' broader objectives of defending Canada, aiding civil authorities during emergencies, and contributing to collective security efforts.^[4]

Headquarters and Geographic Scope

The 2nd Canadian Division maintains its headquarters at 6560 Hochelaga Street East in Montreal, Quebec, a location established in Montreal following the division's reorganization in 2013 as part of the Canadian Army's structural reforms, redesignating Land Force Quebec Area.^[1] This central basing in Montreal facilitates administrative oversight and coordination for the division's operations across its jurisdiction.^[1] The division's geographic scope is defined by its responsibility for the province of Quebec, encompassing all Regular Force units, Primary Reserve formations, and associated support elements within the region to ensure readiness for domestic and international tasks.^[1] This area of operations includes urban centers like Montreal and Quebec City, as well as remote northern territories, supporting a total of approximately 33,000 personnel across 141 units.^[8] Key installations under the division include the 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier, located near Quebec City, which functions as the primary training center for high-level soldier and leadership development, as well as collective training exercises.^[9] Complementing this is the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group, headquartered in Montreal, which provides logistical, operational, and administrative services to sustain division-wide activities from over 60 sites, including the historic Citadel in Quebec City and Farnham Garrison.^[8] Historically, the division's headquarters underwent significant shifts tied to major conflicts; during the Second World War, it trained in the United Kingdom, particularly in southern England, before overseas deployment.^[3] Post-war, the wartime iteration was disbanded in 1945, with subsequent peacetime basing centered in Quebec facilities like Valcartier prior to the modern headquarters' establishment in Montreal.

World War I

Formation and Organization

The 2nd Canadian Division was authorized on 6 October 1914 as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), with its official establishment on 12 May 1915.^[2] Formation began in Britain shortly thereafter, building on units that had arrived from Canada starting in May 1915. This followed the mobilization of a second contingent of approximately 30,000 men offered by the Canadian government on 6 October 1914, which provided the foundational personnel for the division's organization at camps like Shorncliffe in England.^[2] The division was placed under the command of Major-General S.B. Steele on 25 May 1915, who was replaced by Major-General R.E.W. Turner on 17 August 1915; Turner was succeeded by Major-General H.E. Burstall in December 1916.^[2] The division's core structure consisted of three infantry brigades: the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade (comprising the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st Battalions), the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade (22nd, 24th, 25th, and 26th Battalions), and the 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade (27th, 28th, 29th, and 31st Battalions).^[2] Each brigade followed the standard CEF organization of four battalions, each with four companies, emphasizing regional recruitment to foster unit cohesion—for instance, the 22nd Battalion in the 5th Brigade drew primarily from French-speaking Quebec volunteers.^[2] Reserve battalions, including six dedicated to the division plus additional support for units like the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, were established by late September 1915 to handle reinforcements.^[2] Support elements were incrementally added to enhance the division's combat effectiveness, with the 2nd Divisional Artillery—including the 4th Brigade of the Canadian Field Artillery in September 1915 and the 5th, 6th, and 7th Brigades by January 1916—providing essential fire support, initially supplemented by British units.^[2] Engineering capabilities were bolstered by the 4th, 5th, and 6th Field Companies of the Canadian Engineers, forming the 2nd Brigade of Canadian Engineers, while machine gun assets began with the Borden Machine Gun Battery in September 1915 and expanded to the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Machine Gun Corps by 1916, transitioning from Colt to Vickers guns for improved firepower.^[2] By 1917, these additions contributed to the division's peak strength of approximately 20,000 personnel, reflecting sustained recruitment and reinforcement efforts.^[2] The division was integrated into the newly formed Canadian Corps in September 1915, later commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng from May 1916.^[2]

Major Engagements

The 2nd Canadian Division's first major engagement on the Western Front was the Battle of St. Eloi Craters from 27 March to 16 April 1916, where it relieved British units and faced German counterattacks amid cratered terrain created by mines. The division suffered approximately 2,000 casualties in this disastrous debut, struggling with poor visibility, mud, and communication issues.^[10] Subsequently, the division participated in the Battle of Mount Sorrel (2–13 June 1916), recapturing lost ground near Ypres through counterattacks led by its brigades.^[2] The division's next significant action was during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916, where it launched an initial assault on the village of Courcelette on the 15th. Advancing behind a creeping barrage, the 4th and 6th Brigades quickly secured the German front line, while the 5th Brigade, comprising the 22nd, 25th, and 26th Battalions, entered the fray at 1800 hours to capture the village itself through fierce hand-to-hand and bayonet fighting. This action resulted in the capture of over 1,000 German prisoners by the 5th Brigade alone, but at a high cost, with the division suffering 1,283 casualties on the day, including 714 killed.^[11] In April 1917, the division played a central role in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, attacking opposite Hill 135, Thélus, and Farbus as part of the Canadian Corps' broader offensive. The assault began at 0530 hours on the 9th, with the 6th Brigade leading the push to capture Thélus and Farbus after overcoming wired trenches and machine-gun nests; the 27th and 29th Battalions reached their objectives by 1400 hours, finding the villages devastated and largely evacuated. Supported by the British 13th Brigade, the division secured these key positions, contributing to the overall success of the ridge's capture despite heavy artillery fire and counterattacks.^[12]^[13] The Battle of Hill 70 (15–25 August 1917) saw the 2nd Canadian Division, under Burstall, capture the Lens-area hill in a rapid assault, repelling multiple German counterattacks and inflicting ~20,000 casualties on the enemy while suffering over 9,000 of its own. This victory disrupted German lines ahead of the Third Battle of Ypres.^[2] The division faced grueling conditions during the Battle of Passchendaele in October-November 1917, advancing through waist-deep mud, flooded shell craters, and relentless rain that turned the battlefield into a quagmire. Relieving exhausted ANZAC units, the 2nd Division participated in assaults starting October 30, pushing to the outskirts of Passchendaele amid communication breakdowns and slowed movements; on November 6, the 27th Battalion (City of Winnipeg) captured the ruined village in close-quarters combat. These efforts helped secure the ridge by November 10, earning the division the battle honor "Passchendaele," though the operation cost the Canadian Corps over 12,000 casualties in total.^[14] During the Hundred Days Offensive in 1918, the 2nd Canadian Division joined the pursuit from Amiens in August, advancing rapidly through Arras and Cambrai while breaking German defenses. A pivotal action came at the Canal du Nord in late September, where the division crossed a 2,500-meter dry section under cover of darkness and heavy bombardment on the 27th, breaching three lines of the Hindenburg Line and capturing Bourlon Wood along with over 7,000 prisoners across the Corps. The relentless advance continued to Mons, covering 130 kilometers in total and culminating in fighting just before the Armistice on November 11.^[15] Across its service on the Western Front, the 2nd Canadian Division endured over 50,000 casualties, reflecting its intense combat exposure, with 15 Victoria Crosses awarded to its members for acts of valor in these engagements.^[2]

Interwar and World War II Prelude

Disbandment and Reserves

Following the Armistice of 11 November 1918, demobilization of the 2nd Canadian Division began in December 1918, with units progressively returning to Canada and personnel being discharged through repatriation centers in Britain and at home.^[16] The process involved medical examinations, final pay settlements, and the disposal of equipment, marking the largest movement of people in Canadian history up to that point. By May 1919, the last elements of the division had returned, and the formation was formally disbanded on 15 November 1920 under General Order 209, authorized by an Order in Council to restructure the post-war military.^[17]^[18] In 1920, surviving units and traditions from the 2nd Canadian Division were integrated into the reorganized Canadian Militia, divided into the small Permanent Active Militia (PAM) for regular forces and the larger Non-Permanent Active Militia (NPAM) as the reserve component. This reformation preserved the division's legacy through NPAM infantry and support units, particularly in Quebec, where francophone battalions like Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal perpetuated battle honors and structures from the Canadian Expeditionary Force.^[19]^[20] The NPAM was structured into district-based formations, with the 2nd Division's area falling under Military District No. 4 (Montreal), emphasizing part-time citizen soldier training while the PAM handled instruction and coastal defense.^[20] The interwar NPAM reserves, including those linked to the 2nd Division, faced severe constraints due to post-war budget cuts, with funding for training dropping from $1.83 million in 1913-14 to $0.48 million in 1920-21, and remaining under $2 million annually through the 1930s.^[20] This led to limited annual training of only 4-12 days per unit, often without pay, and chronic equipment shortages, as the militia relied on outdated World War I surplus like Lee-Enfield rifles and lacked modern items such as anti-tank weapons or vehicles until the late 1930s.^[20] Despite these challenges, NPAM units contributed to domestic security, aiding civil authorities during 1930s labor unrest in Quebec, where they supported police in maintaining order amid strikes and economic protests.^[20]

Mobilization in 1939

The mobilization of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division began on 1 September 1939, prior to Canada's formal declaration of war on 10 September, as part of the broader activation of the Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) under orders from the Department of National Defence. This initial effort drew upon units from the Non-Permanent Active Militia (NPAM), the interwar reserve force, to form the division's core infantry elements. The process was authorized through General Order 135 and aligned with pre-war Defence Scheme No. 3, reflecting Canada's commitment to support the Allied effort while building domestic defenses. By early 1940, the division was officially established with its headquarters in place, marking a shift from ad hoc unit activations to a structured formation.^[21] Initial formation centered on assembling the 4th, 5th, and 6th Infantry Brigades at designated training camps across Canada. The 5th Infantry Brigade, comprising primarily Quebec-based regiments such as Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, and The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, concentrated at Camp Valcartier, Quebec, to leverage the region's French-speaking personnel. Meanwhile, the 4th Brigade, drawn from Ontario units like the Royal Regiment of Canada, Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, and Essex Scottish Regiment, gathered at Camp Borden, Ontario; the 6th Brigade, with Prairie regiments including the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, South Saskatchewan Regiment, and Calgary Highlanders, assembled at Camp Shilo, Manitoba. This geographic distribution facilitated recruitment from regional militias but highlighted the division's composite nature, blending English- and French-speaking elements.^[21]^[22] The mobilization faced significant challenges, including a reliance on inexperienced recruits who were largely civilians or minimally trained NPAM volunteers, leading to gaps in basic military proficiency. Equipment shortages were acute, with units equipped using outdated World War I-era gear such as Ross rifles and limited numbers of modern weapons like Bren guns and anti-tank rifles—often fewer than required for full brigade strength. Bilingual integration posed additional hurdles, particularly in the 5th Brigade, where a scarcity of French-speaking staff officers complicated command and training coordination between anglophone and francophone subunits. These issues were compounded by the rapid pace of expansion, as the division grew from partial brigade formations in late 1939 to full divisional strength by mid-1940, incorporating artillery, engineers, and support units to achieve operational readiness.^[21]

World War II

Training and Early Deployments

Following its mobilization as part of the Canadian Active Service Force in September 1939, the 2nd Canadian Division underwent initial domestic training in 1940 at Camp Valcartier in Quebec during the spring and summer, with the 5th Infantry Brigade concentrating there to focus on foundational infantry skills such as drill, weapons handling, and small-unit maneuvers.^[23] Concurrently, the 6th Infantry Brigade trained at Camp Shilo in Manitoba through the summer, emphasizing similar basic tactics amid equipment shortages that delayed more advanced exercises.^[23] The 4th Infantry Brigade assembled at Camp Borden in Ontario for parallel instruction, though the division's overall preparation was hampered by incomplete mobilization and limited resources until brigade concentrations formed in May and June.^[24] The division's overseas deployment began in stages from Halifax in the summer of 1940, with most units arriving in the United Kingdom by late August under the command of Major-General V.W. Odium, marking the first major Canadian formation sent abroad after the fall of France.^[23] Shortly thereafter, elements of the division formed "Z" Force for garrison duty in Iceland as part of Operation Fork, sailing on 10 June 1940 and landing on 16 June with approximately 2,700 personnel from units including The Royal Regiment of Canada, Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, and The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Machine Gun).^[25] This brief occupation, aimed at securing the North Atlantic against potential German threats, lasted until most troops withdrew on 31 October 1940, though the Cameron Highlanders remained until 28 April 1941 before rejoining the division in Britain.^[25] Upon full return to the UK by spring 1941, the division, now based in Aldershot, underwent reorganization to align with evolving British Army structures, including the transfer of the Toronto Scottish Regiment from the 1st Canadian Division to serve as its machine-gun battalion and the addition of intrinsic reconnaissance and light anti-aircraft regiments for enhanced mobility and defense.^[24] Infantry anti-tank companies were disbanded in February 1941 as part of broader Canadian Corps adjustments, with divisional anti-tank capabilities consolidated under specialized regiments.^[26] These changes emphasized defensive and combined-arms training in southern England, preparing the formation for potential continental operations without direct combat involvement until mid-1942. By May 1942, the 2nd Canadian Division relocated to the Isle of Wight for specialized preparation for Operation Jubilee, conducting intensive amphibious and raiding exercises near Bridport to simulate port assaults, including dress rehearsals on 11-12 June and 22-24 June that tested landing craft coordination, beach defenses, and rapid troop deployment.^[27] Under Major-General J.H. Roberts, these three months of focused training shifted from general infantry drills to scenario-based rehearsals for combined operations, incorporating naval and air support elements to address vulnerabilities exposed in earlier Allied planning.^[27] This phase equipped over 4,900 Canadian troops with practical experience in raiding tactics, though it highlighted ongoing challenges with equipment and inter-service communication.^[23]

Key Campaigns and Battles

The 2nd Canadian Infantry Division's initial major combat engagement occurred during Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid on 19 August 1942, where its 4th and 6th Infantry Brigades spearheaded the amphibious assault on the fortified French port to test German coastal defenses and seize documents. The operation faced intense resistance from entrenched German forces, including artillery and machine-gun fire, leading to a rapid withdrawal after limited penetration of the town; of the 4,963 Canadians who landed, 907 were killed, 1,946 captured, and the remainder wounded, representing over 60% casualties for the division's participating units. This failure highlighted critical deficiencies in combined arms coordination, particularly the need for overwhelming naval gunfire and air superiority, influencing planning for subsequent invasions like Normandy.^[27] The division entered the Normandy campaign on 6 July 1944, landing in France to reinforce II Canadian Corps amid the ongoing Battle for Caen following the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division's D-Day assault on Juno Beach. In Operation Atlantic from 18-21 July, elements of the 5th and 6th Brigades advanced toward Colombelles and Vaucelles but stalled against fortified German positions, incurring around 1,149 casualties including 254 fatalities across Canadian forces in the sector. Operation Spring on 25-26 July saw the division assault Verrières Ridge and Tilly-la-Campagne, a fierce engagement that yielded limited territorial gains at the cost of approximately 1,500 Canadian casualties, over 450 fatal, due to determined counterattacks by the 1st SS Panzer Division.^[3]^[28] Subsequent operations in August marked a turning point for the division in Normandy. During Operation Totalize from 7-11 August, the 2nd Division, supported by 1,020 heavy bombers and innovative armoured personnel carriers dubbed "Kangaroos," advanced toward the Falaise plain but fell short of encircling retreating Germans, suffering 1,479 killed, 4,023 wounded, and 177 captured among Canadian troops overall. Operation Tractable, launched 14-16 August amid smokescreens and air support, enabled the 4th and 6th Brigades to push forward and help close the Falaise Gap by 21 August in coordination with Polish and American units, trapping and destroying much of the German Seventh Army with artillery and aerial bombardment; Canadian casualties in this phase totaled around 18,444 for the broader Normandy fight, including 5,021 deaths. The division's role in capturing Falaise on 16-17 August was pivotal to the Allied breakout, securing momentum for the pursuit across France.^[3]^[28] In the Scheldt Campaign from early October to 8 November 1944, the 2nd Canadian Division bore the brunt of clearing the estuary approaches to Antwerp, a vital port for Allied logistics, advancing north from the city on 2 October through flooded polders and entrenched defenses. The 4th Brigade's assault on Woensdrecht on 6 October met stiff resistance, while later phases involved amphibious operations across the Walcheren Causeway and South Beveland isthmus, where the Black Watch of Canada and other units endured mud, mines, and flooding from breached dikes; the division suffered 3,650 casualties, including 207 officers and 3,443 other ranks in the Walcheren fighting alone. These grueling efforts, supported by British commandos and specialized armor, succeeded in neutralizing German gun batteries and opening the Scheldt to shipping by late November, though at high cost in a terrain that favored the defender.^[3]^[29] The Rhineland Battles in February-March 1945 tested the division in Operation Blockbuster, aimed at breaching the Siegfried Line west of the Rhine. From 27 February to 3 March, the 6th Brigade assaulted the Hochwald Gap, a heavily fortified woodland position, overcoming mud and wire with artillery barrages and flamethrower tanks to secure a breakthrough. The 4th and 5th Brigades then captured Xanten on 8-10 March after intense house-to-house fighting, contributing to the clearance of the Rhineland; the division endured 243 officer and 3,395 other-rank casualties from 26 February to 10 March, part of broader Canadian losses exceeding 15,000 in the offensive. These victories dismantled the last major German defensive barrier in the west, paving the way for the Allied advance into Germany.^[3] In the war's closing weeks, the 2nd Canadian Division crossed the Rhine on 28-29 March 1945 during Operation Plunder, using assault boats and engineer bridges under covering fire to establish bridgeheads amid disorganized German resistance. The division then advanced northeast through the Netherlands, liberating towns like Groningen—at the cost of 209 infantry casualties—and reaching Hamburg by 4 May, where it accepted the German surrender on 5 May before VE Day. This rapid pursuit, with light opposition after the Rhine, underscored the division's endurance after nearly three years of continuous operations, aiding the final liberation of Dutch territory.^[3]

Commanding Officers

The 2nd Canadian Division's command during World War II began with Major-General V.W. Odlum, who assumed the role of General Officer Commanding on 20 May 1940 and served until 6 November 1941. Appointed shortly after the division's full mobilization and overseas deployment to England, Odlum oversaw its initial organization, training, and garrison duties, including the temporary detachment of units to Iceland as part of "Z" Force in June 1940 to counter potential German threats in the North Atlantic. His tenure focused on integrating non-permanent active militia units into a cohesive formation amid the challenges of rapid expansion and equipment shortages.^[23] Major-General J.H. Roberts took command on 6 April 1942, following a brief acting period, and led the division until 12 April 1943. Roberts, a World War I veteran, managed intensive training exercises in England and served as Military Force Commander for the Dieppe Raid (Operation Jubilee) on 19 August 1942, where elements of the division suffered heavy casualties in the first major Canadian amphibious assault. He advocated for cautious planning in the raid's revival from the canceled Operation Rutter but faced criticism in its aftermath for tactical shortcomings, leading to his reassignment to oversee Canadian Reinforcement Units in the UK. Under his leadership, the division emphasized amphibious and combined operations training to address lessons from Dieppe.^[23] Major-General E.L.M. Burns commanded from 6 May 1943 to 10 January 1944, succeeding Roberts after a short interim by Major-General G.G. Simonds. Burns, an experienced staff officer, prioritized rigorous preparation for the North-West Europe campaign, including large-scale maneuvers to enhance infantry-armor coordination and logistical readiness. His period marked a shift toward modernizing the division's tactics in anticipation of the Normandy invasion, drawing on British and Canadian army doctrines. Burns departed to command I Canadian Corps in Italy, leaving the division battle-hardened for continental operations.^[23] Major-General Charles Foulkes assumed command on 11 January 1944 and directed the division through its most intense combat phase until 9 November 1944. Foulkes, the first non-World War I veteran to lead the formation, guided it during the Normandy landings in July 1944 as part of II Canadian Corps, overseeing assaults in Operations Atlantic (18 July, capturing Louvigny) and Spring (25 July, targeting Verrières Ridge). He placed strong emphasis on combined arms integration, coordinating infantry advances with artillery barrages, armored support from the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, and close air support to mitigate German counterattacks, particularly in the grueling battles for Caen and the Falaise Pocket closure in August 1944. Foulkes also managed early Scheldt operations before temporarily acting as II Canadian Corps commander and then transferring to lead I Canadian Corps in Italy; his strategies contributed to the division's role in breaking out from Normandy despite high casualties.^[3]^[23] Major-General A.B. Matthews took over on 10 November 1944, commanding until the division's disbandment on 6 October 1945. Matthews led the division through the liberation of the Scheldt estuary, including assaults on the Antwerp-Turnhout Canal and Walcheren Island in late 1944, as well as the Rhineland campaign in Operation Veritable (February 1945), where it cleared the Reichswald Forest and secured bridgeheads over the Maas and Twente Canals. His tenure culminated in the final offensives into northern Germany and the Netherlands, such as the capture of Groningen in April 1945 and advances toward Oldenburg, emphasizing rapid exploitation of breakthroughs and civil affairs coordination in liberated areas. Matthews' leadership ensured the division's cohesion during its transition to postwar demobilization.^[23]

Postwar and Cold War Era

Reorganization After 1945

Following the end of hostilities in Europe, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division initiated demobilization in September 1945, with its units progressively returning to Canada through organized repatriation efforts managed by the Canadian Military Headquarters in London.^[30] The division's headquarters was formally disbanded on 13 October 1945 under General Order 71/46, marking the cessation of its active wartime role by December of that year.^[31] This process involved the release of personnel based on factors such as length of service, marital status, and occupational needs, transitioning thousands of soldiers back to civilian life while preserving select cadres for potential future mobilization.^[30] In the immediate postwar period, the Canadian Army restructured its forces to emphasize a smaller permanent component supplemented by reserves, leading to the reformation of the 2nd Infantry Division as a reserve formation headquartered in Quebec to align with regional militia traditions and francophone recruitment.^[32] This reserve division incorporated existing Non-Permanent Active Militia units, focusing on home defence and training rather than overseas deployment.^[33] The structure emphasized volunteer-based readiness, drawing from Quebec-based regiments to maintain cultural and linguistic representation within the army.^[32] Budgetary constraints and shifting priorities in the late 1940s and early 1950s prompted further contractions, with the 2nd Infantry Division (Reserve) reduced to brigade level as resources were redirected to support Canada's commitments in the Korean War and emerging NATO obligations elsewhere.^[32] This downsizing reflected a broader army-wide emphasis on specialized active formations over large-scale reserve divisions, limiting the unit to a 2nd Infantry Brigade (Reserve) with reduced manpower and equipment. A key aspect of this reorganization was the integration of French-language units, notably the Royal 22e Régiment, which was embodied into the Permanent Force on 27 June 1946 and aligned with Quebec's reserve infrastructure to bolster bilingual capabilities.^[34] The regiment's battalions, including reserve elements from units like Le Régiment de Châteauguay (amalgamated as the 4th Battalion in 1954), were incorporated to provide culturally attuned infantry support within the 2nd Division's framework, ensuring francophone representation in postwar training and readiness activities.^[34]

NATO Commitments and Structure

Following the immediate postwar demobilization, the 2nd Canadian Division was reorganized as a reserve formation headquartered in Quebec, tasked with supporting Canada's NATO obligations through personnel and unit rotations to Europe. In 1951, elements of the division contributed to the initial buildup of Canada's forward-deployed forces, with the structure evolving to include the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, which rotated to West Germany from 1955 to 1957 as part of the British Army of the Rhine, reinforcing NATO's central front against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.^[35] This rotation involved Quebec-based reserve units providing infantry battalions, such as those from the Royal 22e Régiment, to sustain Canada's NATO presence in Europe during the 1950s, ensuring a continuous commitment of approximately 6,000 troops equipped with light infantry and support elements for rapid defense.^[36]^[35] During the 1960s, the division expanded its capabilities in line with NATO's emphasis on mechanized warfare, incorporating armoured reconnaissance elements such as the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada to enhance mobility and firepower for potential reinforcements.^[37] The 1963 reorganization under the emerging Mobile Command framework positioned the 2nd Division as a key reserve component for swift deployment to Europe, focusing on air-transportable brigades to counter Warsaw Pact incursions, with exercises simulating rapid buildup to allied forces in West Germany. Under Mobile Command, the division supported NATO reinforcements and domestic defence operations through the remainder of the Cold War.^[38]

Modern Developments

Post-Cold War Operations

Following the end of the Cold War, the 2nd Canadian Division, as a primary reserve formation headquartered in Quebec, transitioned to supporting Canada's international commitments through individual and unit augmentations to regular forces, drawing on its reserve personnel for rapid mobilization.^[39] In the 1990s, the division contributed significantly to United Nations peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans through elements of the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG), based at CFB Valcartier. Personnel from 5 CMBG, including mechanized infantry and support units, deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of UNPROFOR (United Nations Protection Force) starting in 1992, conducting patrols, humanitarian aid delivery, and stabilization tasks amid ethnic conflicts following the breakup of Yugoslavia. Subsequent rotations supported IFOR (Implementation Force) and SFOR (Stabilization Force) under NATO from 1995 onward, with Quebec-based reservists integrating into multinational battlegroups to monitor ceasefires and facilitate civilian returns. Similarly, in Kosovo during the late 1990s and early 2000s, 5 CMBG elements participated in KFOR (Kosovo Force), focusing on demilitarization and refugee support after the 1999 NATO intervention, with deployments emphasizing non-combat roles to build local security capacity. These missions highlighted the division's role in providing French-language capable forces for complex peacekeeping environments.^[40] The division's most substantial post-Cold War involvement came during the Afghanistan mission (2001-2014), where over 1,000 reservists from Quebec-based units under the 2nd Canadian Division were deployed across multiple rotations, often augmenting regular battlegroups in Kandahar Province. These reservists, primarily from infantry, logistics, and medical roles within formations like the 35th Canadian Brigade Group and 5 CMBG, contributed to combat operations, reconstruction, and mentoring the Afghan National Army as part of Task Force Kandahar. For instance, in one 2011 rotation, 130 of 630 returning personnel from a 2nd Division-supported task force were reservists, performing critical tasks in high-threat environments. The mission resulted in fatalities and numerous wounded among division personnel. In recognition of their service, multiple members received mentions in dispatches and other honors, such as the Meritorious Service Cross, for actions in mentoring and combat support.^[41]^[42]

21st-Century Reforms and Missions

In the early 2020s, the Canadian Armed Forces implemented policies to enhance bilingualism, including changes to language requirements for supervisory positions as of November 2024, which supported recruitment efforts in Quebec by addressing linguistic barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment for francophone personnel.^[43] These broader reforms contributed to a more representative force structure within the 2nd Canadian Division.^[44] The division played a leading role in Operation LENTUS, the Canadian Armed Forces' domestic disaster response operation, particularly for flood relief in Quebec from 2019 to 2023. During the 2019 spring floods affecting Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick, approximately 2,500 CAF personnel, including elements from the Quebec-based 2nd Canadian Division, supported evacuations, sandbagging, and infrastructure restoration in affected communities.^[45] In 2023, amid severe wildfires across Canada, including in Quebec's northern regions like Chapais, the division contributed to firefighting efforts and evacuations under Operation LENTUS 23-03, deploying personnel to suppress hotspots and assist civil authorities in protecting communities.^[46] These efforts highlighted the division's readiness for peacetime humanitarian missions, with over 2,100 CAF members involved nationwide that year.^[47] Under Operation REASSURANCE, the 2nd Canadian Division supported NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia through rotational deployments starting in 2022 and continuing into 2025. Quebec reserve units from the division augmented the multinational battle group, contributing to deterrence against regional threats by providing infantry and support elements to the Canadian-led NATO brigade in Riga and Adazi.^[48] By 2024, soldiers from the division's 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group arrived to bolster the force, which grew to around 2,200 Canadian troops, enhancing interoperability with allies amid heightened European security concerns.^[49] This commitment extended Canada's NATO leadership role until at least 2029.^[50] The division also participated in Operation Nanook, including the 2023 and 2024 iterations, focusing on joint training with U.S. forces and allies to strengthen Arctic defense capabilities. These exercises involved coordinated maneuvers to improve rapid response in northern environments, building on lessons from prior international collaborations. Complementing this, the division supported northern sovereignty patrols, including exercises with Canadian Rangers from the 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier to patrol remote areas and assert presence in the Arctic as of 2023. These activities reinforced Canada's domain awareness in the North. In 2025, Operation Nanook continued with multinational elements, including U.S. participation, emphasizing sustained Arctic operations.^[51]

Current Organization

Leadership and Command

The 2nd Canadian Division is led by Brigadier-General Marie-Christine Harvey, who assumed command in August 2025, succeeding Brigadier-General J.G.P. Lemyre following his promotion.^[52]^[53] Harvey, an artillery officer with extensive experience in operational planning and joint task forces, oversees the division's responsibilities in Quebec, including domestic operations and readiness for international commitments under Joint Task Force (East).^[54] The Division Chief Warrant Officer is Chief Warrant Officer J.P.P. Chartrand, MMM, MSM, CD, who serves as the senior enlisted advisor, focusing on personnel welfare, training standards, and morale across the division's regular and reserve components.^[1] Chartrand's role emphasizes bridging the gap between leadership and troops, drawing on his decorations for meritorious service in multiple deployments. Deputy Commander Brigadier-General Dan Chafai, CD, supports the commander by managing operational planning and administrative functions, with a particular emphasis on integrating reserve forces amid post-2025 reforms to bolster the Canadian Armed Forces' overall capacity.^[54] These reforms prioritize enhanced recruitment and training for reserves, aligning with broader Army initiatives to address personnel growth in Quebec. Reflecting its Quebec roots, the division's command structure incorporates a rotation of officers from the region to foster francophone leadership and cultural alignment within the primarily bilingual environment.^[1] In August 2025, the Canadian Army announced new commanding officers for several reserve units under the 2nd Canadian Division, strengthening brigade-level readiness as part of these ongoing adjustments.^[55] This contemporary leadership builds on historical precedents, such as the World War II era under commanders like Guy Simonds, though current roles emphasize peacetime integration over wartime command.^[53]

Units and Formations

The 2nd Canadian Division encompasses a mix of regular and primarily reserve formations responsible for land force operations across Quebec, with a focus on domestic defense, support to civil authorities, and expeditionary contributions. Its structure emphasizes reserve augmentation to the regular brigade, enabling scalable responses to operational needs. Key elements include support, brigade, and specialized patrol groups, integrating logistics, combat arms, and remote surveillance capabilities. The 2 Canadian Division Support Group (2 CDSG), headquartered in Montreal, delivers essential logistics, administrative, financial, and operational support services to all division units and affiliated lodger formations. This reserve-oriented group ensures sustainment for training, deployments, and base operations, including maintenance of equipment and infrastructure across Quebec garrisons.^[8] The 35 Canadian Brigade Group (35 CBG), a reserve formation based in Quebec City, commands infantry, artillery, engineer, and service support units across eastern Quebec, contributing to community engagement and rapid mobilization for high-readiness tasks. It includes units such as Le Régiment de la Chaudière, a primary reserve infantry regiment headquartered in Lévis with a detachment in Rivière-du-Loup, specializing in light infantry roles for territorial defense and international missions. Other components encompass field artillery like the 6th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and combat engineer squadrons, enabling combined-arms training and operations. With approximately 2,200 reservists and 60 regular personnel, 35 CBG supports the division's reserve dominance while fostering regional economic and cultural ties.^[56]^[57] Complementing 35 CBG, the 34 Canadian Brigade Group (34 CBG) operates as a reserve formation in western Quebec, headquartered in Montreal, overseeing similar combat and support units for urban and regional security tasks. It integrates infantry battalions, signals, and medical elements to bolster the division's operational depth. The 2nd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (2 CRPG), reporting to the division, conducts surveillance and sovereignty patrols in northern Quebec, James Bay, and the Lower North Shore, covering vast remote territories. Comprising over 300 members organized into patrols, it focuses on public safety, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring in isolated communities, enhancing national security in areas beyond conventional force reach.^[58] As of 2025, the division maintains a total strength of approximately 4,800 personnel, with about 80% in reserve roles, reflecting its hybrid structure optimized for surge capacity and cost efficiency.^[1]

Training Facilities and Recent Changes

The primary training facility for the 2nd Canadian Division is the 2nd Canadian Division Training Centre, located at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Valcartier in Quebec. This centre serves as the hub for individual instruction and supports collective training to prepare forces for operational readiness, focusing on high-level soldier and leadership development.^[9] Units of the division, including those from the Royal 22nd Regiment, regularly participate in major annual exercises such as Maple Resolve, the Canadian Army's largest live-fire training event, which enhances brigade-level combat capabilities through multi-domain scenarios.^[59] Additional training occurs at the Citadelle of Quebec, where the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment is based and conducts routine military activities, including soldier training and operational preparedness in a historic urban environment.^[60] The division also leverages international partnerships for joint exercises, such as Exercise Hungry Horse at Fort Drum, New York, where Canadian artillery and air support units train alongside U.S. 10th Mountain Division forces to build interoperability in cold-weather and tactical operations.^[61] In September 2025, the Canadian Army announced Inflection Point 2025, a comprehensive modernization initiative that restructures reserve forces for greater self-sufficiency and faster mobilization, including tailored training pathways and the integration of Army Reserves into a dedicated domestic operations division.^[62] This reform emphasizes scalable mobilization frameworks to support division-level major combat operations, with centralized training to address gaps in electronic warfare and joint command structures. Key impacts include the Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project, which equips forces with up to 170 specialized platforms for improved survivability and mobility in Arctic conditions, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence into command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (C5ISRT) systems for enhanced decision-making during simulations and operations.^[62]

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