History Browser

The British likely introduced the military band to Canada. These regimental musicians were paid for by individual units. Instrumentation favoured flutes, clarinets and percussion. The bands played a strong role in the social life of garrison towns throughout Canada.

Listing of films from the National Film Board. These films deal with more peaceful events in the history of the armed forces. The operations discussed include security for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, the movement of horses from the Suffield Base, and the military spectacle to commemorate the 1967 centennial celebrations.

After spending time at the front the troops were relieved and sent to the rear for much needed rest. Here they enjoyed numerous forms of entertainment, such as card games, humour, singing, and variety shows.

This is a slide presentation of 25 images showing Salvation Army's work during the First and Second World Wars as well as in the postwar period.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, alcohol and prostitutes were not the only forms of entertainment available to British soldiers. Cards and dice were popular, as was singing and playing music. The army tried to encourage reading, and it set up schools for the illiterate majority.

The Salvation Army tried to establish a degree of civility amidst the loneliness and dehumanizing conditions of war. To a remarkable degree, the SA formed an integral part of Canadians’ military experiences.

This report attempts to provide a brief general outline of the work being done in England at the time of the Second World War by the Canadian Auxiliary Services. The four major organizations that were involved in this work were the Salvation Army, Y.M.C.A., the Canadian Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.

The tradition of raising the May pole in front of the Militia captain's house, which began in the era of New France, went on in French Canada until the middle of the 19th century.

Outside their unit's Mess, British officers had other recreations when stationed in Canada during the 18th and 19th centuries. Amateur theatrical productions and musical concerts were put on by officers. Many painted in watercolours, and fishing, hunting and horse racing were also popular.

...the château was also the governor’s residence, it was an important living environment and cultural centre. There were many receptions, under both the French and English regimes.