Fonds 2003/42; 95/82 - Canadian Army Military District No. 6 Headquarters fonds

In 1868, the Militia Act divided the Dominion of Canada into nine Military Districts. These Military Districts were designed to be the administrative units for the coordination of recruitment and for mustering the active militia units within the rural districts, and for responding to requests for aid to the civil power. In July 1914, under the threat of war, Canada was again divided for military purposes; this time into 6 Divisional Areas (renamed Military Districts on 1 April 1916) and 3 Districts. Among these was created the 6th Divisional Area, Maritime Provinces, with its headquarters in Halifax. At the outbreak of the First World War, due to its strategic location, local militia units were immediately posted for defence duties at Halifax. Two Infantry Regiments and an Artillery were also placed on active service. In addition, a composite battalion composed of eight companies was placed on active service on 10 September 1914. In May 1915, three other companies were added. They remained on duty until 1 May 1918, when Artillery and Infantry units formed out of CEF personnel in Canada relieved them. The units in Military District No. 6, whether on active service in Canada or not, all contributed to CEF formations.