You're in the army now

On June 21, 1940, the National Resources Mobilization Act was passed in Canada. The NRMA required eligible able-bodied men between 18 and 45 to register and be ready to undergo 30 days of basic training in anticipation of home defence needs. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, the Act

represented the government's response to the public clamour for a more effective Canadian war effort that arose in the wake of the stunning German victories in Belgium and France. The Act enabled the government to requisition the property and services of Canadians for home defence. An earlier promise made by PM Mackenzie King in 1939 not to introduce conscription for overseas service was honoured, but it was reversed in August 1942 following the national plebiscite of April 1942. The amended NRMA permitted the sending of conscripts overseas in addition to the existing regular volunteer forces. The NRMA was important politically as it attested to the government's determination to intensify the war effort. It tended to appease the conscriptionists without antagonizing the anti-conscriptionists. In military affairs the Act created a duality in Canada's military that was to last until the war's end. It also resulted in the training of a large body of men for military duty. From 1940 to 1944 close to 60,000 NRMA soldiers ("zombies") volunteered for general service, and several thousand more were sent to the front after the use of conscripts for overseas service actually began late in 1944.  [1]

The Winnipeg Free Press announced that under the Act "Canada will have clothed herself in totalitarian powers in order that we may resist to the uttermost an invasion which, fantastic though it seemed a week or a month ago, is now a grim prospect, too real to be ignored. A six clause bill, adopted on second reading, without one dissenting vote, places all persons and their property at the disposal of the government for purposes of home defence. Thus parliament moved, swiftly and unitedly, to meet the direst peril this country ever has known."  [2]

The Winnipeg Tribune declared the idea was splendid, stating, "The one and immediate tangible thing is the announcement that a national registration of Canadian manpower will be launched without delay. That is all to the good." The editorial stated that "Canada is more than ready for an all-out war effort" but noted that the NRMA did not impose conscription of manpower for service overseas; only those who volunteer to do so would be sent abroad.  [3]

Winnipeg Free Press, June 19, 1940, p. 20  [4]

A proclamation in newspapers across the country began with the introduction: "Calling out men of certain age classes for medical examination, and if fit, to undergo military training for a period of 30 days within Canada, or the territorial waters thereof."

Pilot Mound Sentinel, September 27, 1940, p. 4.  [5]

Having turned 21 on May 31, 1940, Dad was among the first age group required to register and undertake 30 days of basic training. The Pilot Mound Sentinel explained to readers that the first step was to complete a questionnaire.

Pilot Mound Sentinel, August 2, 1940, p. 4.  [6]

The newspaper published a sample of the questionnaire itself, so that registrants could be prepared and the process could be conducted easily and swiftly.

Pilot Mound Sentinel, August 9, 1940, p. 4.  [7]

An advertisement gave further details.

Pilot Mound Sentinel, August 9, 1940, p. 2.  [8]

Murray Fraser submitted two impressive references attesting to his suitability and good character.

August 5, 1940. G. W. Brisbin (1881-1957), came to Pilot Mound from Ontario at age 17. He was very involved in the community, and served as a school trustee, town councillor, and mayor of Pilot Mound. You could not find a more upstanding citizen to write a reference for you.

A second reference from Pilot Mound's high school principal, Alex Vopnfjord (1902-1993), later a University of Manitoba professor, confirmed Brisbin's praise of Murray Fraser.

Principal Vopnford wrote that Murray Fraser was quiet, gentlemanly, and trustworthy. Absolutely true.

 

Within weeks of registering, Murray Fraser was called up in October of 1940 for training with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles for Course 1 ending November 7, 1940. N.P.A.M. Training Centre No. 101 was in Brandon.
 `

It is interesting to note that Murray Fraser expressed no preference for either the navy, army, or air force.

But on side 2, Lt. Mooney wrote that Murray Fraser was "Willing to join R.C.A.F."

Murray listed his occupation as "Farmer," which might have warranted a delay for harvest season, but it appears he did not postpone this training. On October 9, he was in the first group of Canadian men who reported at the 39 Training Centres set up across the country.  [9] 

Registrants were required to carry a wallet card at all times, should it be demanded by the proper authorities. Those refusing to register could face fines or imprisonment.

Murray Fraser registered on the 19th of August, 1940 and kept this card in his wallet throughout the war. 

A CP story reported on November 7 that the 25,000 men in this first group had completed their 30 days of military training. 

Officials of the department of national defence which trained the men and the department of national war service which called them from their homes expressed satisfaction at the results of Canada's first step in compulsory military service in the present war. While the majority of the men who underwent training will return to civilian life, quite a number are remaining in the army or have gone to the Royal Canadian Air Force.  [10] 

A few weeks later, in December of 1940, Dad began training at the Henry Avenue vocational centre in Winnipeg under the War Emergency Training Program. Available courses included Aviation, Radio, Telegraphy, International Code, Machine Shop Practice, Forging, Welding, Sheet Metal, Auto Mechanics, Airplane Engine Fitting, Drafting, and Cabinet Making. He completed his training in Winnipeg on April 15, 1941. 

A mere ten days later, Murray was in the air force, receiving further training in St. Thomas, Ontario. He studied Air Frame Mechanics (18 weeks) and Advanced Metal Work (6 weeks), finishing as a Leading Aircraftman. In November of 1941 he reported to No. 6 Repair Depot, Trenton, where he served the bulk of his service. On or about March 18, 1945 he went overseas to Squadron 426 in Linton-on-Ouse. and was finally discharged February 7, 1946.

Trenton, 1941  [11]

Sources

1. Nandor Fred Dreisziger, "National Resources Mobilization Act," The Canadian Encyclopedia, December 16, 2013
2. Grant Dexter, "Full Power: Drastic Measures Rushed By Ottawa," Winnipeg Free Press, June 19, 1940, p. 1.
3. "Splendid--Provided It Really Means Business," Winnipeg Tribune, June 19, 1940, p. 6.
4. "Text of Bill," Winnipeg Free Press, June 19, 1940, p. 20.
5. "Proclamation," Pilot Mound Sentinel, September 27, 1940, p. 4.
6. "National Registation," Pilot Mound Sentinel, August 2, 1940, p. 4.
7. Pilot Mound Sentinel, August 9, 1940, p. 4.
8. Pilot Mound Sentinel, August 9, 1940, p. 2.
9. C.P. Stacey, Six Years of War -- The Army in Canada, Britain and the Pacific; Chapter 4: Recruiting and Training in Canada
10. "25,000 Complete 30 Days' Training," Winnipeg Free Press, November 7, 1940, p. 6.
11. "Training of Ground Crew Trades," 419 Squadron RCAF 1941 to 1945