NNOUNCEMENT of the selection for despatch overseas of the First Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force to proceed abroad on active service was made by Mr. Norman McLeod Rogers, Canadian Minister of National Defence, within 48 hours after it had become known that the First Canadian Contingent had safely landed in the United Kingdom and also only a few days after Canada's Prime Minister had announced details of the gigantic scheme for the training of thousands of Empire airmen in the Dominion. [A Reuter message from London, states that the first contingent has arrived—Page 7.]
In making his announcement over a nation-wide radio hookup, Mr. Rogers stated that "this Army Ca-operation Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force is in addition to the special Canadian Squadron of the Royal Air Force which has been formed from Canadian pilots now serving with the Royal Air Force in England."
In order that the First Canadian Division may carry its full weight in the Army Corps of which it will ultimately form a part, the Canadian Government, in consultation with the British Government, has decided to despatch overseas a due proportion of Corps Troops, in addition to the Division itself, Further to permit the First Canadian Division to be administered as a Canadian entity certain administrative units will also be sent. The total of all extra divi.
ional units which will go abroad will amount to between 6,000 and 7,000 men, stated Mr. Rogers. "They will include medium: and field artillery and an artillery survey unit, engineers, signal units, army service corps, ordnance corps and certain base details. Hospital units will also be included to care for Canadian casualties, and a fully equipped dental company will be sent to ensure adequate dental care for all Canadian Forces abroad."
Detailing Canada's military efforts to date, the Minister of' National Defence stated that the personnel of the Royal Canadian Navy had reached a total of over 5,000 men, the present strength of the Royal Canadian Air Force was now over 8,000 officers and men, and was growing rapidly, and that since the outbreak of war more than 65,000 men had been enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force, exclusive of Headquarters Staff or the numerous administrative and instruction al details,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.