Research
DHH has a number of historical resources available for research in our Reading Room but which are not yet available Online (For those that are, please consult our Histories). Some of the major resources are (click on the link for a description):
- DHH Library;
- DHH Archival Database;
- Kardex Collection;
- Document Collection;
- Permanent Reference Files;
- Biographical Files;
- Unit Annual Historical Reports (AHRs);
- Steiger Materials;
- Public Record Office and Related Materials;
- Naval Historian's Collection;
- Pamphlet Collections;
DHH Library
The DHH Library contains approximately 20,000 books, documents, and periodicals which collectively enables research and promotes a greater understanding of Canadian military history.
This collection includes Official histories of allied and enemy forces, general histories, campaign histories and some technical works, as well as numerous Canadian and British regimental histories. Some bound runs of periodicals are held. There is an extensive collection of officers' lists and printed regulations and administrative orders, mostly Canadian, for example: Admiralty Fleet Orders, Militia Orders, General Orders, Canadian Army Orders, Air Force Administrative Orders, Canadian Forces Supplementary Orders, etc. It also contains numerous documents on peacekeeping.
Two library collection catalogues allow access to our collection:
- Pre 1993 - available only in our Public Reading room and only on CD-ROM;
- Post 1993 - contained within a new library collections management system, InMagic.
Access: The Library collection is accessible to the public from DHH's Public Reading Room.
Circulation: Certain documents can be borrowed/loaned through inter-library loan services.
LIBRARY HOLDINGS Online.
DHH Archive Database
As of January 1995, two archival databases were established for all material. The ITEMS database contain descriptions of single discreet items, and the FONDS database contains descriptions of archival collections. These collections include new materials on peace-keeping. They are available here in .PDF format only until the databases themselves are web-enabled. Please use the binocular icon found on the Adobe Reader menu bar to search the document. Extracts DHH Archival Database in .PDF file format.
Kardex Collection
Papers from the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force, mainly 1939-1964, filed according to the Directorate Kardex classification system. The files includes the papers of Lieutenant-Colonel H.M. Jackson, who compiled information on a number of military topics -- in particular his heavily used notes on the careers of First World War Canadian officers. The Kardex Collection was closed to acquisitions in 1971.
Document Collection
Begun in 1971, the Document Collection is catalogued on cards, and includes all documents, reports and narratives received between 1971 and December 1994. This collection is now closed to acquisitions.
Permanent Reference Files
Working files of booklets, newspaper clippings, photographs and similar ephemeral materials. Files have been created for Canadian bases in Canada and abroad, Canadian units, Canadian ships, squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Forces, and aircraft types, both Canadian and foreign.
Biographical Files
Open working files for many Canadian servicemen and civilians, of all ranks and professions, and for some selected foreigners. The biographical files are supplemented by card files of Second World War honours and awards, casualties, prisoners of war, etc., for Canadian personnel. There is also a card file of Canadians who served in the British flying services in the First World War.
Unit Annual Historical Reports (AHRs)
Submitted, by regulation, by every Canadian Forces unit each year.
Steiger Materials
The late Mr. Steiger's collection of documents in the German language which originated in Germany during the Second World War. Many are translated into English. They also include: documents relating to research on specific aspects of the First World War; lists of documents held in other archives; and some secondary published material about German military history in general.
Public Record Office and Related Materials
Large quantities of Public Record Office documents photocopied in London for research on the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy histories.
Naval Historian's Collection
Large collection of naval materials arranged by the old Royal Canadian Navy file number and catalogued in a separate Kardex.
Pamphlet Collections
A small collection of training pamphlets, Canadian and British origin.
