Material Type

Mixed Media

Physical Description

10.2 cm of textual records ??? photographs

Physical Condition

Excellent

History Biographical

The 20th Anti-Tank Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA), had its origins during World War 1. The 20th Overseas Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery (CFA), Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was mobilized on 7 November 1914 under the command of Major John Smith Stewart. The Battery served on the front lines of France from 4 February 1916 on, including the Ploegateert Front, the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70 and Passchendaele. The 20th Battery went through the inter-war years, 1920 to 1939, as part of the 18th Field Brigade CFA. Nine days before the start of World War 2, the 20th Field Battery was mobilized. In October units from British Columbia and Saskatchewan arrived in Lethbridge to join the 20th Battery, and the 2nd Field Brigade RCA was formed. On 1 December 1939 orders were received that the 2nd Field Brigade was to be transformed into the 2nd Anti-Tank (AT) Regiment, part of the 2nd Canadian Division. The 20th Field Battery became the 20th Anti-Tank Battery. The 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment was sent to Shilo, Manitoba for further training in May 1940. On 4 September 1940 the regiment landed in England, where the 20th Battery trained and guarded the south coast until May1942. After more waiting the Battery, along with the rest of the 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment, landed in France in July 1944. Beginning with 'Operation Goodwood', the 20th Anti-Tank Battery took part in fighting through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The 20th Anti-Tank Battery ended its service in the city of Oldenberg, Germany where it was demobilized on 23 September 1945. After World War 2, the veterans of the Battery formed an association to hold reunions and keep in touch with one another. The 20th Anti-Tank Battery Veterans Association remained active until 1999. Source: Kilford, Major Christopher R. Lethbridge at War: The Military History of Lethbridge from 1900 to 1996. Battery Books & Publishing, Lethbridge, 1996

Language

English

Acquisition Source

Ponych Nick

Custodial History

The fonds was compiled from the contributions of veterans of the 20th Anti-Tank Battery.

Scope and Content

Papers of the 20th Anti-Tank Battery Veterans Association, including information from the time of the Battery's service in World War 2. Also included are memorabilia from several men who served with the unit. In addition, there are photographs showing the 20th Battery's service in World War 2, as well as activities and reunions of veterans of the Battery

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

19991039000

Collection

Archive

Less detail