WWII Service number Classifications
 

Hi I am trying to sort out the letters that come before the service number for Canadian WW2 soldiers- This is what I have so far- right? wrong? or missing ones?
A=Ontario West
B=Ontario Central
C=Ontario Eastern
D= Quebec West
E=Quebec East
F=Nova Scotia
G=New Brunswick & PEI
H= Manitoba
K=British Columbia
L= Saskatchewan
M= Alberta
P= Permanent Forces
J=
U= Overseas Allotment Corps
V=Volunteer
W= CWAC

Hi

According to Clive Law's excellent compilation "Regimental Numbers of the Canadian Army 1936-60", Letter prefixes during WW2 were assigned by Military (or Militia) District (MD) number. Not always following Provincial boundaries. Roughly:

A= MD 1 (SW Ont)
B= MD 2 (Central and NE Ont)
C= MD 3 (E Ont/W Que)
D= MD 4 (Central and NW Que)
E= MD 5 (E Que)
F= MD 6 (NS & PEI)
G= MD 7 (NB)
H= MD 10 (NW Ont/MB/E NWT)
K=MD 11 (BC/Yukon)
L= MD 12 (Sask)
M= MD 13 (Alta)

Yes, the following are as you say:

P= Permanent Forces (if joined the CASF)
U= Overseas Allotments by Corps
W= CWAC

There is no "J " or "V" Mentioned. I sometimes see "J"s in front of RCAF numbers if that is any help.

There is an "X" which was = Overseas Allotments by Theatre

Starting in late WW2 (early 1945) Army Officers of the Canadian Army got letter/number combinations starting with "Z", and the MD Letter.

Within all these letter pre-fixes, specific blocks of numbers were assigned to units within that District so with a Number, one can narrow a specific number down further. I know all numbers G1 to G3000 were a certain unit, for example. Remember that soldiers retained their original number even if they later transferred units or trades, within the Army. Really just a "Joined as..." indicator.

Happy to assist if you need a look up.

regards
Darrell

Canadian Service Numbers
 

The information you are seeking has already been published, several times over. No use re-inventing the wheel, so for $10.00 you can purchase a nice little book from Service Publications that lays it all out for you and will save you loads of time. Here is the link. You want Regimental Service Numbers of the Canadian Army.

https://servicepub.com/publications

Hi Tina

Like Ed, I recommend the book as a great source of information.

Despite all the effort of my reaching out to bookshelf and flipping few pages, I remain should you have any further questions that may not necessitate your buying the book. Happy to help.

regards
Darrell