The 8th Canadian Infantry Division was a military formation of the

Canadian Army The Canadian Army (french: Armée canadienne) is the command responsible for the operational readiness of the conventional ground forces of the Canadian Armed Forces. It maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada, and is also respo ...

that served within Pacific Command in Western Canada during

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

. The Division units were raised on 18 March 1942 and the HQ was raised on 12 May 1942 at Prince George, BC. The Division was a home defence unit, initially consisting of the 19th, 20th, and 21st Canadian Infantry Brigades. In July the home Defence Divisions were reorganised and the 8th Division consisted of the 14th and 16th Infantry Brigades. The 19th Brigade went to the

6th Canadian Infantry Division The 6th Canadian Infantry Division was an infantry division of the Canadian Army, formed in 1942 during the Second World War. It was attached to Pacific Command. The division had a brigade sent to the Aleutian Islands Campaign, particularly at ...

, the 20th went to the

7th Canadian Infantry Division The 7th Canadian Infantry Division was an infantry Division (military), division of the Canadian Army, mobilized in the spring of 1942 and assigned for home defence within Atlantic Command (Canadian Army), Atlantic Command, during World War II. ...

, and the 21st would remain at Valcartier, PQ as a strategic reserve. The 8th Canadian Infantry Division was disbanded on 15 October 1943, along with the 16th Brigade. The 14th Brigade returned to the 6th Division. Throughout its relatively brief existence, the division was commanded by

Major General Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of a ...

Hardy N. Ganong.

Order of battle

June 1942 * Headquarters, 8th Division ** 8th Division Intelligence Section ** No. 8 Field Security Section ** No. 8 Defence and Employment Platoon (

Lorne Scots The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. It is part of the 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. Organization The sub-units of the Lorne Scots are situated ...

) * Machine Gun Battalion - The Prince of Wales Rangers (MG) * 19th Brigade ** 3rd Battalion, Irish Fusiliers of Canada **

Winnipeg Light Infantry , anniversaries = Battle of Kitcheners' Wood , battles = North-West RebellionFirst World WarSecond World War , battle_honours = See #Battle Honours The Winnipeg Light Infantry was an infant ...

Prince Albert Volunteers The Prince Albert Volunteers (PAV) is the name of two historical infantry units headquartered in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The unit was first raised in 1885 during the North-West Rebellion and disbanded after hostilities ceased. In the 20th cen ...

** No. 19 Defence Platoon * 20th Brigade ** 3rd Battalion,

The Queen's Own Rifles ("In peace prepared") , colours = None (Rifle regiments have no colours) , march = , mascot = , battle_honours = See #Battle honours , website ...

** 3rd Battalion,

The Royal Winnipeg Rifles The Royal Winnipeg Rifles (R Wpg Rif) are a Primary Reserve one-battalion infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. Nicknamed the "Little Black Devils", they are based at Minto Armoury in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Royal Winnipeg Rifles are part of 3rd ...

** 2nd/10th Dragoons ** No. 20 Defence Platoon * 21st Brigade ** 3rd Battalion,

Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. Lineage File:FMR Colours.jpg, The regimental colour of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal. File:FMR Camp Flag.jpg, The camp flag of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal. File:Fusilie ...

** 3rd Battalion, Le Regiment de Maisonneuve ** Le Regiment de Levis ** No. 21 Defence Platoon Units of the supporting arms included: *

Royal Canadian Artillery , colors = The guns of the RCA themselves , colors_label = Colours , march = * Slow march: "Royal Artillery Slow March" * Quick march (dismounted parades): "British Grenadiers/The ...

: ** Headquarters, Eighth Divisional Artillery, RCA ** 25th Field Regiment *** 114th Field Battery *** 115th Field Battery *** 116th Field Battery ** 26th Field Regiment *** 117th Field Battery *** 118th Field Battery *** 119th Field Battery ** 27th Field Regiment *** 120th Field Battery *** 121st Field Battery *** 122nd Field Battery * Corps of

Royal Canadian Engineers The Canadian Military Engineers (CME; french: links=no, Génie militaire canadien) is the military engineering personnel branch of the Canadian Armed Forces. The members of the branch that wear army uniform comprise the Corps of Royal Canadian Engi ...

: ** Headquarters 8th Divisional Engineers, RCE *** 21st Field Company, RCE *** 24th Field Company, RCE *

Royal Canadian Corps of Signals The Royal Canadian Corps of Signals (RCCS or RC Sigs; french: links=no, Corps des transmissions royal du Canada, CTRC) is a component within the Canadian Armed Forces' Communications and Electronics Branch, consisting of all members of that person ...

: ** Headquarters 8th Divisional Signals RCCS *

Canadian Provost Corps The Canadian Provost Corps (C Pro C) was the military police corps of the Canadian Army. The Canadian Provost Corps was authorized on 15 June 1940. The Canadian Provost Corps was amalgamated with the police forces of the Royal Canadian Navy and R ...

: ** Provost Company Plus units of the RCASC, RCAMC, RCOC, CPC, etc.

References

Infantry divisions of Canada Canadian World War II divisions Military units and formations established in 1942 Military units and formations disestablished in 1943 Military units and formations of the British Empire in World War II {{Use dmy dates, date=June 2013