What's New

What's New

Launch Announcement for the Second World War Service Files

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new online database, Second World War Service Files: Canadian Armed Forces War Dead.

Through this online database, researchers can access references to the service files in the Department of National Defence Fonds (RG 24) for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who lost their lives during this conflict. Over 1,159,000 men and women served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War (1939-1945) and 44,093 people lost their lives.

The database is available at: www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/war-dead/index-e.html

Library and Archives Canada gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, without which this project would not have been possible.

About the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Established by Royal Charter in 1917, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission pays tribute to the 1,700,000 men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two world wars. It is a non-profit-making organization that was founded by Sir Fabian Ware. Since its inception, the Commission has constructed 2,500 war cemeteries and plots, erecting headstones over graves and, in instances where the remains are missing, inscribing the names of the dead on permanent memorials. Over one million casualties are now commemorated at military and civil sites in some 150 countries.

About Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada collects and preserves Canada's documentary heritage, and makes it accessible to all Canadians. This heritage includes publications, archival records, sound and audio-visual materials, photographs, artworks, and electronic documents such as websites. The Canadian Genealogy Centre includes all physical and online genealogical services of Library and Archives Canada. It offers genealogical content, services, advice, research tools and opportunities to work on joint projects, all in both official languages.

The contributions of many LAC staff were instrumental in the success of this project, and their efforts are much appreciated. For more information, please contact Sylvie Tremblay, Chief, Canadian Genealogy Centre at cgc-ccg@lac-bac.gc.ca.