The 6th Canadian Infantry Division was raised as part of a home-defence scheme in Canada, the culmination of various mobilizations throughout 1941 and 1942.

Throughout 1943, the division lost its artillery units to coastal defence work, and other battalions were shipped overseas.

In June 1943, these units were sent to Kiska only to find the island abandoned, and in late 1943, the 7th Canadian Infantry Division was disbanded and various battalions were amalgamated into the 6th.

[1] However, planning for a proposed Allied invasion of Japan called for a Canadian division to be a component of a combined Commonwealth Corps.

Disbandment of the 6th halted and it was re-formed as the main component of the Canadian Army Pacific Force, with the inclusion of units that served with other divisions.