Canadian Army Basic Training Centre #110 

 In July of 1940, work was underway to expand and upgrade the facilities. Water and sewer lines were extended and a few buildings slowly began to emerge.  In addition to the 5th Canadian Motorcycle Regiment (BCD), other units began to arrive at the camp for training. By August 30, 1940 the ranks had swelled to over 400 men. In September it was announced that the Vernon Army Camp would become permanent and would be upgraded to comfortably house 1,200 soldiers.  By mid-month hundreds were employed erecting barracks and storerooms, and building roads.  In the September 19th, 1940 Vernon News it was reported that over 500 men were working on the construction of the Camp to reach the deadline of October 9, 1940 when 1000 troops would arrive by train for the first intake at #110 Canadian Army Basic Training. 
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At the height of World War II training, there were in excess of 7,000 troops at the camp at any given time.  For those living near the camp, the constant sounds of bugle calls, men shouting drill orders, trucks, and the distant resonance of exploding mortar shells and gunfire during practice sessions became part of their daily life. With so many soldiers in town, Vernon’s economy thrived. Of these men who trained at the Vernon Military Camp, over 400 were indigence men from around BC and Alberta. ​

Staff Sgt George Nuyens - A local Vernon resident, joined the Rocky Mountain Ranges and working at the camp until he was transferred to Vancouver as a pay master.

Thomas Rhoades standing outside his tent while undergoing training here in Vernon

Prt Hubert Norman Galpin from North Vancouver who trained in Vernon in 1942

VMHS #001 Photo inside the barracks in 1940 when troops first arrived for training.