British Plans for Recruiting and Training of Recruits in Canada: Para-Military Duties

In December 1942, the British envisioned a force of up to 100 Yugoslavs recruited in Canada for paramilitary duties. These men could make up "parachute raiding parties...stiffen guerilla bands" or form new ones. For administrative reasons, the BSC wanted to either recruit from within the Canadian Army or enlist soldiers "into the regular armed forces of the Crown" before transferring them to the SOE. These Yugoslavs would need "a good cover story," and would not be given any "inkling of undercover work" during their training. Those of outstanding ability would be given the opportunity to volunteer for undercover work. Reference is made to Special Training School 103 (Camp X near Whitby, Ontario), where agents were trained for clandestine operations (CDYS00030).

This proposal reached Canada's Vice-Chief of the General Staff, General J.C. Murchie. The Canadians were in broad agreement with the BSC proposal and foresaw "no difficulty in arranging a transfer to this scheme of any men now enlisted in the Canadian Army" (CDYS00031).