Andrew Oakden
Stag Special

In 1986, R. Masterman donated a Second World War recruitment poster for the 13th Winnipeg Field Battery.
The Gunners Wanted poster ties in nicely with Canada’s recruitment campaign during the Second World War. It also connects with the military history of Manitoba, including the history of the 13th Winnipeg Field Battery,
It also links to the history of Camp Hughes, and before the name change, Camp Shilo.
The poster is very direct. At the top it says ARTILLERY, followed by the RCA xrest, then GUNNERS WANTED. Followed by Join the Historic 13th WINNIPEG FIELD BATTERY Royal Canadian Artillery (Mechanized) Apply Between 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. at MINTO BARRACKS – British Subjects Between the Ages of 18 to 41. Physically Fit.
The 13th Winnipeg Field Battery has a long and distinguished history. It is the oldest artillery battery in Western Canada, founded on Oct. 13, 1871.
Of note, the Canadian government founded A Battery in Kingston, Ont., and B Battery in Quebec City seven days later, on Oct. 20, 1871.
Posters such as this were used to recruit, encourage wartime productivity, and to raise money through Victory Bonds or other programs.
During the Second World War, more than one million Canadians answered the call and joined the Canadian Forces.
In our archives, I found an old newspaper clipping marking the 50th anniversary of the 13th Winnipeg Field Battery from 1921.
The article mentioned that many of Winnipeg’s most prominent businessmen and professionals served in the 13th. It referenced the 13th Battery served in the North-West Rebellion in 1885. Also, many from the 13th Battery served in the Boer War and Great War.
The newspaper article mentioned that in 1921, the 13th Battery trained at Camp Hughes. In our museum archives, I found a photo of the 13th training with an 18-pounder from the 1920s.
At the RCA Museum, we have a permanent exhibit on Camp Hughes in our Manitoba Gallery. The original training camp opened in 1910.
More than 38,000 Canadian soldiers trained at Camp Hughes during the First World War, including 25,000 Manitobans. Camp Hughes held its last military training in 1933. A year later, military training moved to Camp Shilo, approximately 10 kilometres away.
Gunners have represented the 13th Winnipeg Field Battery since it was founded in 1871. The poster is a reflection of this need for Gunners during the past 150 years. The 13th Battery has a long and proud history.

Poster donated to the RCA Museum in 1986.