I wish to thank everyone who has made contributions of photos, stories and other info of their
family members in the Canadian Forestry Corps on this website.
If anyone has additional photos or stories they would like us to add here we would be pleased to do so
We are continuously trying to keep as up-to-date as possible regarding links that are ever changing, that photos are properly credited & any sourced material is also properly credited.
For Further information please contact Bob Briggs
HQ No 5 Forestry District
Canadian Forestry Corps
Balblair House, Beauly, Inverness-shire
HQ No 5 District CFC Timeline
Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage
Courtesy of Melynda Jarratt
![]() |
![]() CFC Cap Badge
|
The war created a crisis in wood supply for the United Kingdom. Pre-war domestic production covered only a small fraction of the timber needed to support the war effort. In addition to civilian requirements, it was estimated that every soldier needed five trees: one for living quarters, messing, and recreation; one for crates to ship food, ammunition, tanks, and so on; and three for explosives, gun stocks, coffins, ships, factories, and direct or indirect support for the fighting line.
Canadians stepped up to fill this need. During 1941 and 1942, thirty companies drawn from all regions of Canada, totalling 220 officers and 6,771 regulars, were deployed to Scotland.
Also it takes a number of support soldiers for each fighting soldier.
We did load a ship with lumber, yeah. And it went to Africa and I took a chalk and I wrote my name and address on the board. I get to, it was about a month
after, first thing I get this letter from the soldier in Africa. He says, "I want to tell you, he said, that you people, your job is important," he said, "We
used your lumber today, we landed in Africa.
Courtesy of Joseph Wilmer Gagnon - The Memory Project Historica Canada
Once again the British Government turned to Overseas Woodsman to assist in the war effort. Given their impressive record in World War One it was natural that they looked to Canada to provide forestry units once again. In May 1940 the Canadian Government decided to form a Canadian Forestry Corps. Twenty Companies were initially formed with ten more as the war progressed.
The financial agreement between the two Governments as similar to that in World War I. Canada would bear the cost of pay, allowances and pensions, all initial personal equipment, transport to and from the United Kingdom. The British Government paid for "all other services connected with equipment, work or maintenance" and certain others, including medical services. Canada covered the cost for Medical Officers and Britain paid for hospitalization.
The arrangement was unusual as it resulted in a Canadian Unit working for the British, who controlled the areas of work and disposal of the product, but Military operations of the C.F.C. was never surrendered by the Canadians and came under command of Canadian Military Headquarters in London. Even though the C.F.C. had to serve two masters, no serious problems ever resulted.
Mobilization centres for the Corp spanned all across Canada, and recruited both English and French speaking personnel. Many of the volunteers were veterans of World War One, including the Corp's Commander, Brigadier- General J.B. White. Many of the men carried out the same duties as they did in civilian life, such as loggers, black smiths, lawyers, store man, cooks and clerks. The big difference between the new Corp and their World War One counter parts were the new Corp were considered Combat Troops.
HQ No 5 District Canadian Forestry Corps War Diaries - Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage
May June July 1941 |
Aug 1941 | Sept 1941 | Oct 1941 | Nov 1941 | Dec 1941 | Jan 1942 |
Feb 1942 | Mar 1942 | Apr 1942 | May 1942 | June 1942 | July 1942 |
Aug 1942 | Sept 1942 | Oct 1942 | Nov 1942 | Dec 1942 | Jan 1943 |
Feb 1943 | Mar 1943 | Apr 1943 | May 1943 | June 1943 | July 1943 |
Aug 1943 | Sept 1943 | Oct 1943 | Nov 1943 | Dec 1943 | Jan 1944 |
Feb 1944 | Mar 1944 | Apr 1944 | May 1944 | June 1944 | July 1944 |
Aug 1944 | Sept 1944 | Oct 1944 | Nov 1944 | Dec 1944 | Jan 1945 |
Feb 1945 | Mar 1945 | Apr 1945 | May 1945 | June 1945 | July 1945 |
HQ No 5 District Canadian Forestry Corps - Troop Movement
HQ No 5 District CFC did not go to Scotland as a unit it was formed up in Scotland from various other units
![]() |
Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage
Credit: Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-112993 Convoy in Bedford Basin, Halifax
Interactive Map of Port of Halifax & PDF Map
|
![]() |
SS Orontes - Wikipedia
By Mikeo1938 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons |
![]() |
Canadian soldiers aboard a troopship arriving at Greenock, Scotland, 31 August 1942.
Reproduction of Faces of the Second World War - Image 300 Photographer: Laurie A. Audrain |
Firth of Clyde is where the ship with the men came in to disembark at Gourock, Scotland
![]() |
Interactive Map of Gourock - Courtesy of Paul Keenleyside
Enlarged Maps of Gourock Scotland - Courtesy of Paul Keenleyside |
HQ No.5 Forestry District Balblair House, BEAULY, (OC, LCol N.C. Ferguson)
![]() |
CFC Headquarters Locations
Courtesy of The Sawdust Fusiliers by William C. Wonders |
No.6 Company | BOG O'SHANNON, AVOCH, Ross-shire. |
No.10 Company | DOCHFOUR, Loch Ness (Nr. INVERNESS) |
No.15 Company | BOBLAINY (Nr. BEAULY), Inverness-shire. |
No.18 Company | KILTARLITY (Nr. BEAULY), Inverness-shire. |
No.19 Company | BALLADRUM (Nr. BEAULY), Inverness-shire. |
No.21 Company | MUIR OF ORD, Ross-shire. |
No 5 District CFC Officers
HQ, No 10, 13, 18, 19 & 24 Companies
With Age and Medical Category
Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage - HQ No. 5 District CFC War Diary
Courtesy Jean-Francois Chicoine
No 5 District CFC Officers
HQ, No 10, 18, 19 & 27 Companies
With Age and Medical Category
Library And Archives Canada Miltary Heritage - War Diaries HQ No. 5 District CFC War Diary
Courtesy Jean-Francois Chicoine
![]() |
No 5 District
Map CFC Scotland
|
District No.5 included Orrin Bridge and Bog of Shannon Camps as well as the camps of the Aird south of Beauly, and Dochfour at the outlet of Loch Ness, Its headquarters was originally at Teanacoil Camp but moved on 15 Jul 1942 to Balblair House, Lord Lovat's residence east of Beauly
FORESTRY DISTRICT ORGANIZATION
It may be explained at this point that the Forestry Companies of the C.F.C. are grouped territorially under the command of Officers Commanding Forestry Districts. The War Establishment as at present authorized (CDN/IV/1940/12AD/1, provides for a total of 35 all ranks, of whom five (including an attached paymaster) are officers. The O.C. may be a lieutenant-colonel or a major, the second-in-command a major or a captain; the remaining officers are an Adjutant and a Quartermaster
HQ No. 5 District Canadian Forestry Corps Camp
Canadian Forestry Camps in Scotland
Courtesy of The Sawdust Fusiliers by William C Wonders
![]() |
Balblair House, Beauly, Inverness-shire
Large photo courtesy of Jean Francois Chicoine Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage - HQ No 5 Dist War Diaries |
HQ No 5 District Canadian Forestry Corps - Logging Operations
Total Production of Forest Products CFC Scotland
Courtesy of 'The Sawdust Fusiliers' by William C. Wonders
The CFC soldiers were constantly being trained to be a fighting soldier an axe in one hand and a rifle in the other.
Most Saturday mornings were spent training in one thing or the other.
- SEE the following:
Military Training HQ No 5 District CFC from Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage
HQ No. 5 District Canadian Forestry Corps - Life in Scotland
![]() ![]() |
Christmas 25 Dec 1941 menu
Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage - War Diaries - HQ No 5 Dist CFC War Diary |
![]() |
Achnagairn House, Beauly
Postcards 1942 - courtesy of Shirley Briggs grand daughter of Pte Thomas Stanley Levy K98592 |
![]() |
Church parades also brought them to the public's attention as the No 1 District CFC made use of the local church buildings as well as holding religious services in the camp.
The Chaplains of the Canadian Forestry Corps were attached to CFC HQ or to one of the District HQ to serve the needs of the soldiers. For extra information on the Chaplains go to Chaplains of the CFC Courtesy of "The Sawdust Fusiliers" by William C. Wonders Church Services HQ No 5 Dist CFC Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage |
![]() |
The Scottish people above all appreciated the kindness shown local children by members of the CFC. Christmas celebrations however, were the highlights. CFC personnel went out of their way to make the day memorable for the local children, many of whom came from poor crofts and many of whose fathers were away in the services
For further reading on Life in Scotland
|
![]() |
HQ No 5 District CFC was quite involved in sports (Company, District, Corps and Army)
Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage Courtesy of The Sawdust Fusiliers by William C. Wonders |
![]() |
Local Reactions and Recreational Activities
Courtesy of 'The Sawdust Fusliers' by William C Wonders |
Auxiliary Services Supervisor HQ No 5 District CFC - Library And Archives Canada Military Heritage
HQ No 5 District, Canadian Forestry Corps - War Brides
Kennedy, Colin Lachlan Major married Miss Myrtle Campbell
Lau Jensen, Theodore QMS H52659 married Miss Jessie MacKeddick Michie
HQ No 5 District Canadian Forestry Corps - Company Photos
Why are some soldiers missing from the company photo's
![]() |
HQ No 5 District CFC Aug 1941 Scotland
Photo with list of names National Defense Directorate of History and Heritage & for further reference Library And Archives Canada Courtesy of Jean-Francois Chicoine |
![]() |
HQ No 5 District CFC 1943 Scotland
Photo with Nominal Roll including trades National Defense Directorate of History and Heritage & for further reference Library And Archives Canada Courtesy of Jean-Francois Chicoine Soldiers Missing from Photo |
HQ No 5 District Canadian Forestry Corps Soldiers List
List of Abbreviations - Library and Archives Canada
ABBREVIATIONS and ACRONYMS of WW2 and service records
Military Districts of Canada 1939
Calgary Military Historical Society
Access to Information (ATI) Online Request to obtain the services records for a soldier
Abbott, G.P. Pte K97903 off clerk - transf from No.10 Coy
Allen, William David Pte M61889 Transf from No.19 Coy
Archibald, William Laverne Cpl K99505 Transf from No.10 Coy & No.18 Coy
Blizzard, Alfred Phair Sgt G48193 saw doctor - transf from No 7 DD & No.15 Coy
Boyd, Alexander LCpl K99644 batman - transf from No.10 Coy
Brenton, Walter Robinson CQMS F25443 Transf from No.13 Coy
Broadbent, Ernest Pte M61811 driver I/C - transf from No.19 Coy transf to HQ No 7 CFD
Burchett, Edward Page Lt Col Transf from No.6 Coy transf to HQ CFC & HQ No 1 CFG
Burnside, Thomas Richard Major paymaster - att from RCAPC & HQ No 1 Dist transf to HQ No 1 CFG
Calder, Robert Mitchell Capt Transf from No.23 Coy & No.11 Coy
Chase, Leonard Mansfield Pte G45563 aux serv helper - transf from No.4 Coy transf to Anti Tank Regt
Chausse, Joseph Adolphe Cpl C70013 driver for Lt Col N.C. Ferguson - transf from HQ CFC
Clapp, Willett Earl Pte H94481 Transf from 2nd Battn LSR & CFC Wing No 10 DD PA & No.26 Coy & No.10 Coy & No.28 Coy
Cline, Clarence Wilfred H/Major Church of England - att from CCS & HQ No 1 Dist
Colquhoun, Robert Tannahill Major Adj& QM - transf from No.10 Coy transf to No.16 Coy & No.22 Coy & No.24 Coy & No 1 CSFS & Q List Forestry Duties w Civil Affairs
Craig, John Richmond Sgt K57409 Transf from No.10 Coy transf to HQ No 7 Dist
Currie, Harry Riccard Capt G18738 Adj & QM - transf from No 7 DD & No.15 Coy transf to HQ CFC
Dargo, A. Pte G4155 general duty
Desjardins, D. Pte D113175 Transf from No.9 Coy & No.3 Coy & No.19 Coy & Reinf Sect CFC transf to No 7 Educational Coy CTCW
Drummond-Hay, H.S. Pte K41483 Transf from Reinf Sect
Emmery, W.A. Pte K67801 Transf from 1st Bttn IF & No.18 Coy
Ferguson, Neil Cameron Lt Col CO - transf from No.1 Coy & HQ No 3 Dist transf to HQ No 7 CFD
Ferrier, A.K. Cpl K72736 cook 'C' - transf from No.18 Coy
Fletcher, J.E. Pte Transf to No.10 Coy
Gamblin, Samuel Tilley Pte G48158 gen duty - transf from & back to No.15 Coy transf to No.8 Coy
Gardner, William Eric Lt Col OC - transf from 2nd Battn L&WRegt & HQ CFC & HQ No 3 Dist
Gee, Herbert Perley Sgt G48159 Transf from No.15 Dist
Gilmour, A.M. Cpl K73493 pay office clerk - transf from No.30 Coy & HQ CFC transf to HQ No 1 CFG & HQ No 7 CFD
Godfrey, E.H. LCpl K92288 Transf from No 11 DD & No.18 Coy
Golding, Henri Pte D110182 Transf from No.2 Coy & HQ No 3 Dist
Hall, L.E. Sgt K78435 orderly room clerk - transf from Reinf Sect transf to OCTU & CScotR
Hanssen, Gerald Louis Maria Pte K31530 Transf from No 11 DD & No.18 Coy transf to OCTU & HQ CFC & HQ No 1 CFG
Hoare, Jack Oliver R. CQMS K99761 Transf from No.10 Coy
Hudson, Arthur Major 2 I/C - transf from 2nd LMG & No.20 Coy & No.5 Coy & HQ No 4 Dist
Keegan, C.J. Pte C75094 Transf from HQ No 3 Dist transf to HQ No 8 CFD
Kelly, James Henry Pte K99636 Transf from No.10 Coy & No.21 Coy
Kennedy, Colin Lachlan Major K98553 2I/C - transf from 60th Heavy Battery 5th BC Coast Brigade & No.6 Coy
Kjenstad, N.E. Sgt K72910 cook - transf from RWR transf to No.6 Coy
Lagrippa, A. Pte D113004 Transf from No.9 Coy & No.6 Coy transf to HQ No 7 CFD & HQ No 1 CFG
Lau-Jensen T. QMS H52659 QM - transf to HQ No 1 CFG
Linton, G. ACpl K72630 RCASC att HQ No 5 Dist transf from No.18 Coy transf to No.10 Coy & HQ No 3 Dist
Little, Harvey Frederick Pte C63071 Transf from No.1 Coy & HQ CFC transf to No.10 Coy & No.15 Coy - See No 8 CFD
Longley, Eric Walter LCpl K98661 Transf from No.6 Coy
Lowe, R.O. Cpl K73560 driver I/C - transf from No.10 Coy transf to HQ No 7 CFD
MacDonald, Lorne Locklane Pte G48026 Major Kennedys driver - transf from No.15 Coy
MacLennan, William George SQMS WO11 M61799 Supdt Ckk - orderly room att - transf from No.19 Coy
McAdam, Frank William Sgt G48028 Transf from No.15 Coy transf to No.21 Coy
Miljour, R.O.J. Pte C34182 general duty - transf from No.21 Coy transf to HQ No 1 CFG
Orser, S.A. Pte G46836 batman for Maj C.l. Kennedy - transf from Reinf Sect & No.15 Coy transf to HQ No 1 Dist
Oslund, Stone E. Sgt H62692 clerk - transf from & back to No.15 Coy
Pallot, Joseph Edward ASSgt D110184 payroll clerk - transf from No.2 Coy & HQ No 2 Dist & HQ No 3 Dist
Peake, Allatt Gladstone Capt K99038 Dist transp offr - transf from No.7 Coy & OCTU transf to No.21 Coy
Pearce, P.C. Pte K77640
Pennington, Frank L. Capt att from RCAPC transf to HQ No 2 Dist transf to RCAPC Reinf Sect
Pert, William ACpl G17011 cook - transf from No 7 DD & No.4 Coy & No.10 Coy
Phipps, Ivor V. Pte M46310 RCASC att to HQ No 5 Dist transf from No.10 Coy transf to No.15 Coy - See No 8 CFD
Pilon, R.J. Pte C70372 clerk - transf from No 3 DD transf & No.19 Coy
Pleasants, Herbert Earle Pte K99114 Transf from No.7 Coy & No. 18 Coy
Readman, Robert William Staff Sgt H56259 Orderly Room Clk - transf from No.17 Coy & HQ No 1 Dist & HQ No 3 Dist
Russell, Hugh McLaren Capt Transf from No.26 Coy transf to No.6 Coy & No.16 Coy - See No 8 CFD
Saunders, Frederick Willard Cpl G48002 Transf from No.15 Coy
Sicard, Laurent Louis Staff Sgt B20696 payroll Sgt - transf from No.12 Coy & HQ No 3 Dist transf to HQ No 1 CFG
Soles, J.E. Pte K47441 Transf from No.10 Coy
Stein, Ben LCpl M61808 Transf from No.19 Coy & No.18 Coy transf to No.9 Coy - See No 7 CFD
Smeeth, Edward Holton Pte K24013 engine artificer B - transf from 17th SBRCA transf from No.6 Coy transf to No.18 Coy & OCTU & No.15 Coy & No.19 Coy & No 1 CSFS & No.15 Coy - See No 8 CFD
Stevens, E.E. Cpl H94620 Transf from No.28 Coy
Straby, E.R. Pte C34155 Transf from No.21 Coy
Villeneuve, Edgar Joseph Pte C63171 Transf from No.1 Coy & HQ No 3 Dist
White, G.W. Sgt G56672 orderly room clerk
Wojtula, Emil Joseph Pte M61770 Auxiliary Services Helper - transf from No.19 Coy
Yuille, Alexander Pte H62736 driver I/C - transf from No 10 DD CFC Wing & No.19 Coy transf to No.28 Coy - See No 8 CFD
Wilkinson, Pte Transf to No.6 Coy
E-mail
your questions or comments to
Bob Briggs