8th Canadian Infantry Division on arvau

Wikipedia / 8th Canadian Infantry Division

The 8th Canadian Infantry Division was a military formation of the Canadian Army that served within Pacific Command in Western Canada during World War II. The division's units were raised on 18 March 1942, and the HQ was raised on 12 May 1942 at Prince George, British Columbia. 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 reorganized, and the 8th Division consisted of the 14th and 16th Infantry Brigades. The 19th Brigade went to the 6th Canadian Infantry Division, the 20th went to the 7th Canadian Infantry Division, and the 21st remained at Valcartier Camp, Quebec, 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 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)
Machine Gun Battalion - 1st Battalion, The Prince of Wales Rangers (Peterborough Regiment)

19th Brigade