Training Manuals

"Efficient first aid may be a life-saving knowledge"

Compiled in 1942, this manual covered everything from splinting a broken limb to recognizing and dealing with gas attacks.

First Aid RCN.pdf (42.75 MB)

Preparing for war

Issued at the beginning of the Second World War, this British manual (reprinted for Canada) covered only the most basic elements of training for war, including a series of games that could provide instruction in field-craft.

ATM 24 War.pdf (2.72 MB)

Calisthenics for soldiers

The Second World War revealed an unexpectedly low level of physical fitness in Canadian men, leading military authorities to devote considerable effort to remedial action. Training brochures like this one were among the results of that effort.

PT Tables.pdf (66.54 MB)

Notes on Military Law

First World War veteran and later cabinet minister Brooke Claxton originally prepared these notes in the form of lectures for the McGill University Contingent of the Canadian Officers' Training Corps. They cover everything from courts martial to morale and efficiency.

Lessons in anti-tank warfare

Written in 1939, this training pamphlet was distributed before the British or Canadian army had much experience with modern anti-tank warfare.

AT Regiments.pdf (1.28 MB)

Infantry Training, Part I: The Infantry Battalion

The UK War Office produced and issued a series of short training manuals used by both the British and Canadian armies. Collectively, these manuals established the doctrine, or tactical procedures, for both armies throughout the war. This 1944 manual concerns the operation of the infantry battalion.

Infantry Training, Part VII, Section and Platoon Tactics

The UK War Office produced and issued a series of short training manuals used by both the British and Canadian armies. Collectively, these manuals established the doctrine, or tactical procedures, for both armies throughout the war. This 1944 manual on the tactics of small units reflected the experience gained in North Africa and Italy.

Radio security

Periodic amendments were made to the Field Service Pocket Book, a kind of military manual typically carried by officers. This one concerned the proper use of radios in the field.

FSP Signals.pdf (15.78 MB)

Map Using

This coursebook prepared instructors in the Canadian Army to teach recruits how to use maps strategically in battle.

Map Using.pdf (8.95 MB)

Uniforms made easy

This identification booklet, intended for use by both civilians and service personnel, describes through drawings the uniforms of the three arms of the Canadian military.