Crerar’s Lieutenants

Inventing the Canadian Junior Army Officer, 1939-45

In 1943, General Harry Crerar noted that there was still much confusion as to “what constitutes an ‘Officer.’” His words reflected the preoccupation of army officials with inventing an ideal officer who would not only meet the demands of war but also conform to notions of social class and masculinity. Drawing on a wide range of sources and exploring the issue of leadership through new lenses, this book looks at how the army selected and trained its junior officers to embody the new ideal. It also sheds light on the challenges these officers faced during the war – not only on the battlefield but from Canadians’ often conflicted views about social class and gender.