Exercise Spartan

It was a test of the structures, components, and organization of the Canadian Army at that time.

The exercise was the largest field force ever commanded by a Canadian officer up until that time.

This one however, was an offensive exercise where the Allied Army under the command of a Canadian General was expected to advance across a bridgehead and take the capital city of the fictional enemy country of Eastland which was located at Huntingdon.

Many newer capabilities were also tried for the first time including the coordination between air and land forces during offensive operations.

[1] General McNaughton described the purpose of the exercise as follows in an after action report:This large scale exercise was designed as a strict test of the physical condition and endurance of the troops, their proficiency in movement and tactics and of the ability of commanders and staffs to administer, handle and fight their formations and units.