Fonds high-1311 - 2nd Battalion, Calgary Highlanders fonds

The 2nd Battalion (Bn.)of the Calgary Highlanders was authorized to be formed on 22 June 1940 as a part of the Reserve Army. The primary purpose of the Canadian Army's Reserve Units was to prepare soldiers for active service in the regular force. Recruits participated in two parades each week, with extra parades for officers and non-commissioned officers(NCO). A two-week training camp was held in the summer months at Camp Sarcee. Other training included Vernon Battle Drill School and Small Arms School at Gordon Head, B.C.. In May 1942, the 2nd Bn. was incorporated into the 41st Reserve Brigade of the Pacific Command. The 2nd Bn. sponsored Highland Flings to raise funds to provide the soldiers overseas with additional comforts and extra training equipment. By mid 1943 constant turnover in the reserve unit caused a recruiting crisis and as a result many veterans chose to volunteer again for reserve duty with the 2nd Bn.. The battalion organized homecoming festivities for the returning Highlanders on 24 November 1945. On 1 April 1946, the 2nd Battalion Calgary Highlanders was disbanded and redesignated as the Calgary Highlanders.