Reserved occupations in Canada during WWII - off topic

**CZ_RAF** · 22nd January 2023, 19:19

Hi all,

I would like to ask for help with following matter: I have a coal miner who enlisted to the RCAF only in 1942 being 29 years old...

from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserved_occupation:

A reserved occupation (also known as essential services) is an occupation considered important enough to a country that those serving in such occupations are exempt or forbidden from military service.
...
Examples of reserved occupations in the Second World War included coal mining, ship building, railway and dockworkers, farmers, teachers, doctors and lighthouse keepers.
...
In the UK, coal mining was not a reserved occupation at the start of the war, and there was a great shortage of coal miners.

Would be someone able to confirm me that coal mining has been a reserved occupation in Canada and this was the reason why he has enlisted so late?

TIA

Pavel

**Rob Stuart** · 23rd January 2023, 11:44

Hmm. I could be mistaken, but I have never heard of any occupations being designated as reserved occupations in Canada during WW2.

Canada did not have conscription until 1942, when it was introduced for home defence. I'm only speculating, but one among several possible reasons why your fellow decided to join the RCAF in 1942 was to avoid being drafted into the army - if I'm right to think that there were no reserved occupations. Other possible explanations could include having to look after a sick family member who died or recovered in 1942, having a medical condition himself which was not taken care of until 1942, or perhaps he did not quite have enough education to join as aircrew before 1942 and he either obtained the necessary certificate by 1942 or perhaps (and I don't know if this happened) the RCAF relaxed its educational requirements that year just enough so that he could join.

**CZ_RAF** · 23rd January 2023, 13:48

Hi Rob, thank you very much for your ideas and suggestion.
I can exclude all medical reasons - he was the oldest son but both parents were well at the time the same him as he was an active sportsman.
You are quite right with the education but he was posted to an additional course after joining up.
So I have picked that he decided to join the RCAF in 1942 to avoid being drafted into the army - I have had a similar case in the past.

If any other members have any additional comments I would be thankful.

TIA

Pavel

**ClintCoffey** · 23rd January 2023, 18:51

Hi Pavel,
I'm not sure about "reserved occupations", but my Dad's tail gunner told me that his parents were upset that he joined up in 1942, as he was the only son on the family farm, and could "easily" have gotten a "deferment". I also recalling reading a relevant story in Barry Broadfoot's book Six War Years. Broadfoot travelled Canada in the 70's sticking a microphone in random peoples faces and asking simply "what did you do in the war?" - amazing book. Anyway, I recall one story about a machinist at a war plant who wasn't allowed to join up, and recalls being harassed on buses by servicemen.
Cheers, Clint

**anglin.mj** · 23rd January 2023, 18:57

Pavel and Rob,

As early as October 1942 actions were being taken in Canada to restrict coal miners from joining the services or seeking employment outside the mining sector. Later in the war the extreme measures were taken of returning coal miners employed in other fields, and in some cases within the armed services and placing them back in the mines. Such was the priority of coal mining to the war effort.

This article in the Oct 23 1942 Hamilton Spectator speaks to the issue https://collections.warmuseum.ca/war...hp?irn=5035054

Mike