Thread by @PaulGaskinCFS

The #freedoms we enjoy came at an enormous cost. The contribution to #WWI and #WWII required mobilizing our people and our #NaturalResources.

#Wood was vital to every soldier – for living quarters, food and ammunition crates, trenches, and yes, coffins.
#LestWeForget

Serving mainly in #Scotland and the #BritishIsles during both World Wars, the #Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC) provided lumber for the Allies. Assembled in November 1916, the CFC was composed of dozens of forestry companies. Loggers also occasionally served as infantry.

Known as “the Sawdust Fusiliers,” the men continued their military training on Saturdays after their week’s work in the woods. Rifle range practice, training with bayonets, and tactical exercises helped prepare the CFC to protect residents and neighbouring airfields.

When it was first disbanded in 1920 the CFC was responsible for ~70% of all lumber used by Allied forces. In 1940, it was re-established in response to WWII. Units included men capable of multiple tasks, including mechanical repair and snow clearance! 🇨🇦

The CFC was officially disbanded in September 1945. At its peak, the overseas strength of the corps had been 220 officers and 6,771 other ranks. Over 442 million foot board measures of #timber were cut in #Scotland, #England, and #France by the Forestry Corps' 35,000 men.

On #RemembranceDay , the @NRCan-Canadian Forest Service honours everyone who made sacrifices to give us a better today and tomorrow. Below are the names of Forestry Branch (now CFS) employees who actively served in WWI. #LestWeForget
Source: cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?i…