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Canadian Officers Training Corps fonds

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 March 1, 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 First World 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 II with new modernized and attractive programmes, but with the return of peace its popularity rapidly declined.

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: COTC cadets; A photograph of four unidentified COTC cadets standing next to a tank.

: COTC cadets at Shilo; A photograph of a bridge at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, sometime after World War I.

: COTC cadets with anti-aircraft gun on campus; A photograph of five COTC cadets using an anti-aircraft gun on the University of Manitoba campus.

: COTC cadets with anti-aircraft gun on campus; A photograph of five COTC cadets using an anti-aircraft gun on the University of Manitoba campus.

: COTC curling team; A photograph of the COTC curling team. The four unidentified members are standing on a curling rink, holding brooms, with three rocks at their feet.

: COTC members in formation; A photograph of COTC members in formation during training at Minto Armoury, circa 1939.

: COTC staff officers & wives at Tri-Service Ball; A photograph of six college students at a COTC Tri-Service Ball.

: COTC training poster; A poster advertising COTC first-year training.

: COTC training session at Minto Armoury; A photograph of COTC members in formation during a training session at the Minto Armoury circa 1939.

: Five COTC officers; A photograph of five unidentified COTC officers. This black-and-white photograph depicts the five sitting in front of and standing beside a table of plaques and trophies.

: Kenneth Johnson; A photograph of newly-enlisted University of Manitoba COTC cadet Kenneth N. Johnson. Attached to this black-and-white headshot is a press release, dated 4 December 1959, stating the circumstances of Johnson's enrollment in the COTC as well as some biographical information about Johnson.

: Kenneth Johnson; A photograph of new University of Manitoba COTC recruit Kenneth N. Johnson. Attached to this black-and-white headshot is a press release with details of the conditions of Johnson's enlistment, as well as biographical information about Johnson.

: Programme for Reception To Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth; A booklet describing the programme of a reception to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England. The reception was held by the Government of Manitoba on Victoria Day, 1939 (celebrated 24 May that year). A photograph of the monarchs is included, as is the text of Premier John Bracken's "Address of Welcome to Their Majesties" and a list of the chairmen of various subcommittees related to the royal visit.

: Robert McDonald; A photograph of newly-enlisted University of Manitoba COTC cadet Robert A. McDonald. Attached to this black-and-white headshot is a press release stating the circumstances of McDonald's enrollment in the COTC as well as some biographical information about McDonald.

: University of Manitoba COTC promotional brochure; A promotional brochure about the University Naval Training Division, Canadian Officers' Training Corps, and University of Manitoba Squadron options for current and prospective University of Manitoba students. Lists of careers and options within the corps are included, as are descriptions of the benefits and lifestyle one could expect as a member of the COTC. Also attached is a letter from J. E. Wilson, commanding officer of the corps, to prospective undergraduate students, urging them to contact him and his office for more information about the COTC.

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Canadian Officers Training Corps fonds