In the midst of World War II, a unique recruitment effort rolled across Canada on steel wheels.
The Army Train, a 15-car mobile exhibition, brought the realities of war and the call to service directly to Canadians in 202 communities. Among its dedicated crew were seven New Brunswickers who helped showcase military equipment and promote Victory Bonds from coast to coast, connecting Canadians to the global conflict and their nation’s role in it.
The Army Train was a 15 car railway train containing displays of arms, clothing, equipment, etc., and was authorized by the Canadian Department of National Defence to assist in the sale of Victory Bonds and to act as a stimulus to the recruitment of more soldiers, by presenting a visual guide to Canada’s war effort during World War II. Image 1 shows the military personnel of The Army Train C.A. in Ottawa, Ontario on May 10, 1942, at the conclusion of their nationwide journey.
With approximately 66 personnel, the train left Ottawa on February 3, 1942, travelled to various locations in Canada (202 cities and towns), and had 800,176 people visit the display train. It completed its journey on May 10, 1942, after which time the train was dismantled. Image 2 depicts military personnel working inside one of the train cars, revealing the behind-the-scenes operations that made this traveling exhibition possible.
There were seven representatives from New Brunswick on the train:
- Corporal William R. Beatteay, Saint John (#7 District Depot, Saint John)
- Private J.F. Robertson, Saint John (#7 District Depot, Saint John)
- Major Leonard H. Webber, St. Stephen (#7 District Depot, Saint John)
- Lieutenant B.F. Addy, Moncton (District Headquarters, M.D. #7 Saint John)
- Corporal J.T. Doiron, Saint John (Saint John Fusiliers)
- Private E. Seguin, Saint John (A. 13 C.I.T.C. [Canadian Infantry Training Centre], Valcartier Camp, Québec)
- Corporal R. Pelletier, Campbellton (A.8 C.A.C. T.C. [Canadian Armoured Corps Training Centre] Camp Borden, Ontario)
Among the impressive displays on the train was military equipment that many Canadians had never seen before. Image 3 shows military personnel with an anti-aircraft searchlight in Timmins, Ontario on April 3, 1942, demonstrating this powerful technology to civilians.
The New Brunswick Museum Archives & Research Library holds more than one collection related to the Army Train. The collections include maps, itinerary, posters, procedures for the demonstration train, a transcript of a war diary detailing information about each stop made by the train; various personnel who were on the train, and 2 photograph albums. Image 4 captures military personnel with a light utility vehicle in Timmins, Ontario on April 3, 1942, highlighting another aspect of the military equipment showcased during the train’s journey.
These collections provide a unique glimpse into the history of the Army Train and its role in promoting Canada’s war effort during World War II, connecting communities across the country to the global conflict.
