History Browser

Lieutenant-Colonel William D. Otter became the first Canadian-born officer to command this country’s military. As commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry in South Africa, his no nonsense, no frills approach to soldiering brought him into conflict with the less disciplined ways of his officers and men, but his austere professionalism got results.

A vital factor throughout Canadian military history has been the role of the militia or reserves. While there has been a shift from a small professional core of soldiers supporting a larger militia, to a small militia supporting a larger regular force; society has seen the necessity of funding both groups.