The Canadian Rangers is a singularly unique organization of the Canadian Army in which outdoors men and women can provide their existing abilities and experiences, combined with acquired military skills, to produce a much-needed layer in Canada’s defence. With an intimate knowledge of the land, our Canadian Rangers act as the eyes and ears of the Canadian Army in Canada’s remote locations and are guides, advisors, and teachers to the rest of the Canadian Armed Forces, while providing Ground Search and Rescue services where required.
The Canadian Rangers are a 5,000-strong sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces reserve that provide a limited military presence in Canada's sparsely settled northern, coastal, and isolated areas where it would not be economically or practically viable to have conventional Army units. Formally established on May 23, 1947, a primary role of this part-time force is to conduct surveillance or sovereignty patrols (SOV PATS) as required. Some Canadian Rangers also conduct inspections of the North Warning System (NWS) sites and act as guides, scouts, and subject-matter experts in such disciplines as wilderness survival when other Canadian forces are in their area of operations.
Canadian Rangers receive 12 days of collective patrol sustainment training each year which may involve advanced levels of first aid, flood and fire evacuation, search and rescue, disaster assistance, communications, marksmanship exercises, navigation, and setting up bivouac sites.
Each Canadian Ranger is issued a red Canadian Ranger sweatshirt, CADPAT pants, combat boots, baseball cap, safety vest, rifle and navigation aids. They are expected to be mostly self-reliant regarding equipment. However, they are also provided with a small amount of patrol-level stores (mostly camp stores – tents, stoves, lanterns, axes, etc.).
Modern Canadian Rangers can trace their history back to the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers (PCMR). Formed on March 3, 1942, the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers were volunteers who patrolled, performed military surveillance, and provided local defence of the coastline of British Columbia and in Yukon against the wartime threat of a possible Japanese invasion.
The Colt C19 is a licence-built, Finnish-designed Tikka T3 CTR bolt action rifle modified for the Canadian Rangers. The C19 replaced the longer and heavier Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk.1 rifles which entered service in 1947.
The rifles are mainly used for self-defence against large North American carnivores like polar bears, and for personal survival as regional surveillance missions are often conducted for extended periods in remote areas, requiring the Rangers to hunt for food. Further the rifles are expected to operate in temperatures ranging from −51 to 39 °C (−60 to 102 °F) with moderate to high humidity and be resistant to corrosion from long-term exposure to salt laden air and water.
Pacific Coast Militia Rangers
British Columbia’s Own Home Guard
They began as the Coastal Defence Guards and were finally recognized as the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers (PCMR). The PCMR were unique to the west coast of Canada and were formed in early 1942 to protect British Columbia (BC) and calm public unease over possible enemy activities.
After the attack at Pearl Harbour and declaration of war against Japan, patrols of BC’s rugged country appeared to be a necessity, one that could not be carried out by local militia forces, who were deemed more suited to populated areas.
Experienced men such as loggers, trappers, prospectors and ranchers were sought for this distinctive role. These men had knowledge of the local topography and terrain. Those who were close to populated centres were trained and employed at a local Ranger Training Camp in intelligence duties and local defence against minor raids. They were also instructed in tactical situations that included observation, especially coast watching against the possible Japanese invasion, anti-sabotage measures and protection of lines of communication and transportation.
As these newly formed companies of PCMR were so geographically spread out, many could not attend a training camp. Those who did attend were also trained in methods of instruction. This enabled them to pass on information to their own personnel upon their return.
Training continued to be an issue and so it was determined that a training publication would have to be created in order to meet the needs of this widely dispersed force. “The Ranger “, as it came to be known, was issued on September 1, 1942 and was filled with useful information that every well-rounded Ranger should know, such as: “Know where to shoot“, “Edible plants of BC“, “Dig or Die“, and “What can you do with a tarp?“. Age was not necessarily a consideration in the enlistment of these rugged men.
It was observed that, “young lads . . . in outlying areas were extremely valuable. Boys of 15 years and up proved to be good shots, could handle an axe, and were valuable as guides to city bred men.” Even those considered to be too old to join the war effort were able to contribute to the protection of BC.
The PCMR’s early months were met with a distinct lack of supplies in appropriate clothing and weaponry. This changed, however, after the first Japanese incendiary balloons and a standard kit issue was developed to include: steel helmets, cloth “dry-bak” shooting hat, armbands, cloth “dry-bak” cruiser coat with shoulder straps, cloth “dry-bak” trousers and battle dress drill blouse with .303 rifles issued. Although the PCMR never engaged the enemy they played a crucial role in establishing a sense of purpose in those who were unable to go overseas for whatever reason.
Rural communities also gained a feeling of security knowing that there were able-bodied men on patrol at many of BC’s remote locales. All in an effort to deter the potential invading marauders whether by air, land or sea.
Finally on September 30, 1945 at Brockton Point Oval, the PCMR were stood down. At the ceremony, Major General F.F. Worthington noted that, “the citizens of this country owe you a great debt of gratitude for the services you have rendered in the defence of their homes.”
Article by: Debbie Towell
Museum Curator CFB Esquimalt - Naval & Military Museum
https://navalandmilitarymuseum.org/archives/articles/defending-the-coast/pacific-coast-militia-rangers/
