WWII Service number Classifications

[Darrell Zinck]

Hi

According to Clive Law's excellent compilation "Regimental Numbers of the Canadian Army 1936-60", Letter prefixes during WW2 were assigned by Military (or Militia) District (MD) number. Not always following Provincial boundaries. Roughly:

A= MD 1 (SW Ont)
B= MD 2 (Central and NE Ont)
C= MD 3 (E Ont/W Que)
D= MD 4 (Central and NW Que)
E= MD 5 (E Que)
F= MD 6 (NS & PEI)
G= MD 7 (NB)
H= MD 10 (NW Ont/MB/E NWT)
K=MD 11 (BC/Yukon)
L= MD 12 (Sask)
M= MD 13 (Alta)

Yes, the following are as you say:

P= Permanent Forces (if joined the CASF)
U= Overseas Allotments by Corps
W= CWAC

There is no "J " or "V" Mentioned. I sometimes see "J"s in front of RCAF numbers if that is any help.

There is an "X" which was = Overseas Allotments by Theatre

Starting in late WW2 (early 1945) Army Officers of the Canadian Army got letter/number combinations starting with "Z", and the MD Letter.

Within all these letter pre-fixes, specific blocks of numbers were assigned to units within that District so with a Number, one can narrow a specific number down further. I know all numbers G1 to G3000 were a certain unit, for example. Remember that soldiers retained their original number even if they later transferred units or trades, within the Army. Really just a "Joined as..." indicator.

Happy to assist if you need a look up.

regards
Darrell