39 Service Battalion

Prior to 2010, 39 CBG, the headquarters responsible for all Primary Reserve units in the province of British Columbia, had two service battalions under its chain of command. They were 11 (Victoria) Service Battalion and 12 (Vancouver) Service Battalion. They amalgamated into the two companies, 11 (Victoria) Service Company and 12 (Vancouver) Service Company, that make up 39 Service Battalion, providing critical logistical support to Army Reserve units within 3^rd Canadian Division. Established in 1965 at Jericho Park in Vancouver, 12 (Vancouver) Service Battalion brought together a collection of independent supply, transport, maintenance and administration elements into a single unit. In a similar fashion, 11 (Victoria) Service Battalion was created in 1970. While 39 Service Battalion is a very recent addition to the order of battle, the history of army reserve service units extends back to the very early days shortly after the foundation of both Victoria and Vancouver.

39 Service Battalion and its ancestors do not have an operational history. However, unit members formed a number of organizations serving in both World Wars and continue to serve in peacekeeping and other operations of the Canadian Forces into the 21st century. The battalion continues in the tradition it has always had – provide the best support to the units of 39 Canadian Brigade Group that can be achieved whether for military operations or domestic emergencies. This includes ensuring the provision of all necessary equipment and supplies from boots to bullets and gasoline to groceries. The trucks of the battalion deliver all of this as well as transporting soldiers to where they need to be. In addition, battalion maintainers (mechanics) work on the vehicles and weapons of the Brigade to ensure they are in the best working condition. Finally, the cooks prepare the meals needed to sustain all the soldiers.

Today, the service battalion continues its tradition of service to Canada through the generation of reserve combat service support soldiers that augment Canadian Battle Groups overseas, and support civilian authorities during times of domestic emergency and security.