Canadian Auxiliary Territorial Service Weekly Muster Roll

Scope and Content: Canadian Auxiliary Territorial Service weekly muster roll.

History Biographical: The Lethbridge unit of the Canadian Auxiliary Territorial Service (CATS) was formed in 1940. Training took place three days a week and consisted of basic drill, general military skills, first aid and motor vehicle repair. The local unit was divided into three platoons, and was commanded by Major Leona McIlvena with Captain Ethel Brander as second in command. On 20 April 1941 Margaret Reid, western commander of the CATS, inspected the Lethbridge unit. The unit was presented with its colours in the same ceremony. More than 100 local members of the CATS were on parade that day. Later, 18 women from Lethbridge joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Major McIlvena was among them, and she became the highest-ranking woman from Lethbridge to serve during World War 2. By July 1941 all branches of the Canadian armed forces – army, navy and air force - had formed their own women’s auxiliaries. So many members of the local CATS unit joined the regular forces that their colours were stored at Southminster United Church. Leona McIlvena received her commission as a Lieutenant in the CWAC, and Ethel Brander took command of the CATS unit. The unit continued to suffer from declining membership, however, and formally disbanded on 26 October 1941. At their final parade Senator William Asbury Buchanan of Lethbridge presented a scroll listing the names of all of the women who had gone on active service.

Scope and Content: Canadian Auxiliary Territorial Service weekly muster roll.