During the Second World War each unit issued daily orders. During training, prior to entering combat, these orders covered various topics. They usually began with the duty roster, outlining who was tasked as Orderly Officer, Orderly Sergeant, etc. The orders listed the soldiers taken on strength of the Regiment, struck off strength, transfers within the Regiment, who was going on course, who passed a course, disciplinary action taken against particular soldiers, changes in camp procedures, etc.

Near the bottom were general directions given to the troops. Whenever an order began with, “It has come to the attention of this headquarters that…” the remainder of the order was inevitably detailing some unacceptable behaviour of the troops.

There were regular reminders that concealing venereal disease was an offense. There were recurring incidents in which soldiers were riding on trains without purchasing tickets or purchasing a ticket to a nearby city and then modifying the ticket to travel to a more distant (and more expensive) destination.

There were some other odd actions by the soldiers that the commanders felt compelled to correct. Below are some examples.

18^th January 1940

BARRACK ROOM BREAKAGES

Wilful breakage of windows in barracks is still continuing. In the future all personnel in Barrack Room cubicles where damage occurs will lose their next week-end pass.

Breakages are also occurring in the Cook-house and store-rooms, similar breakages in the future, wherein the culprit is not apprehended will result in week-end leave being cancelled for all personnel of the Unit.

2^nd February 1940

DISCIPLINE

It has been brought to the attention of the Officer Commanding that uncomplimentary remarks are being made by troops-on-parade to passing pedestrians.

Officers or N.C.O.s in charge of troops marching on the streets are warned that they are responsible that proper March Discipline is enforced.

14^th May 1940

BARRACK ROOM DISCIPLINE

1. The throwing of water out of Barrack Room Windows into the 4400 Voltage Transformers endangers the lives of individuals throwing same.
2. Reports are being received that individuals are using the fire escape, entering and leaving the barracks.
3. Both of the above practices must cease immediately.

13^th June 1940

DRESS

Camp Area

1. Other ranks are warned that they must be decently dressed when leaving Unit Camp Area.
2. Reports have been received that certain personnel are outside unit area in their underwear only, or other such similar indecent dress. This practice must cease immediately.

2^nd September 1940

BARRACK ROOM DISCIPLINE

1. The practice of washing dishes in the Ablution Rooms and the using of shower curtains for towels, must cease immediately.
2. Disciplinary action will be taken for any infraction of these orders.

21^st April 1941

BARRACK ROOM DAMAGES

Attention of all ranks is again directed to the unnecessary damages too often suffered by this Unit.

Particular emphasis is again placed on the plugging of toilets through the excessive use of paper.

The switching of burnt out light bulbs from the huts to the Ablution Room sockets will henceforth be followed by disciplinary action.

16^th July 1941

SALUTING

Saluting is far below the standard set. There will be an immediate improvement.

DISCIPLINE

It has been noticed that the personnel of this Unit have formed a habit of keeping their hands in their pockets. This practice will cease immediately. All Officers and N.C.O.s will check very closely for breaches of discipline.

Rod Henderson

Rod Henderson is the Regimental Historian of the Ontario Regiment. He served as a Sergeant in the Regiment and is the author of “Fidelis Et Paratus: The History of The Ontario Regiment RCAC”.