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UA 41, PC 126 (A.91-35); UA SC 51
Title: Canadian Officers Training Corps fonds
Dates: 1914-1966
Extent: 0.94 m of textual records. -- 126 photographs
Administrative History: With the outbreak of
World War I, the University Council appointed a Committee on Military
Instruction which authorized the teaching of military science and
tactics. A university corps was organized in the fall semester of
the 1914-1915 year with 64 students taking extra classes to qualify
as officers. On 1 March 1915, the Canadian Officers Training Corps
(C.O.T.C.) of the University of Manitoba was established. Eight
companies of 60 men of all ranks were formed with Professor E.P.
Fetherstonhaugh as captain and adjutant. In 1915 the Western Universities
Battalion was formed with the University of Manitoba contributing
one company and one platoon. With the introduction of conscription
legislation in 1917, military training was made compulsory for all
male students. After the War, the C.O.T.C. program was reorganized
in 1920 by Lt. Col. N.B. Maclean, but it continued in relative obscurity
for almost twenty years.
With the outbreak of World War II, the C.O.T.C. was quickly revitalized
and its membership mushroomed, from its peace time level of 150,
to 800. The Senate also passed regulations relating to academic
credits or bonuses for students who joined the C.O.T.C. By 1942
all male students were once again required to enlist in a compulsory
programme of military training. The C.O.T.C. continued the work
of military training on a voluntary basis after World War Two with
new modernized and attractive programmes, but with the return of
peace its popularity rapidly declined.
Custodial History: The fonds was donated to Archives
& Special Collections in 1991 by John Steele.
Scope and Content: The collection, covering the
years 1915 to 1964, includes photographs, military manuals and other
publications, examinations, records of regimental funds, correspondence,
news clippings, war diaries, newsletters, reports, and historical
notes on the C.O.T.C. at the University of Manitoba.
Source of Supplied Title: Title based on provenance
of fonds.
Restrictions: No restrictions on access.
Finding Aid: An on-line finding aid is available
at the link below and a printed finding aid is available in the
Archives & Special Collections' reading room.
UA 41, PC 126 (A.91-35)
We greatly acknowledge the financial support of the Manitoba Department
of Culture, Heritage and Tourism and the Heritage Grants Advisory
Council in the creation of this finding aid.
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