With the outbreak of war in September 1939, Canada realized the need for a local defence force to guard against enemy attacks on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Following the lead of the British Home Guard, Canada began recruiting veterans of the First World War who, although they were unfit for overseas service, were eager to serve their country.

[4] The age requirement was “under 50” (later raised to 55, and the men, all volunteers, had to be First World War veterans that served in Canadian or British forces, fit and honourably discharged.

On duty the men wore battle dress uniforms, were armed, and had the same service obligations and received the same pay ($1.30 a day) and allowances as other soldiers.

[5] The men were never intended for overseas duty, and most served only in Canada, but a few small detachments were sent abroad, to guard Canadian interests in London, Newfoundland, the Bahamas and British Guiana.