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The Debert Military History Society (DMHS) began
in when a small group of concerned citizens felt it was important
to preserve the military history of the former Camp Debert (16X, RCAF/RAF)
and to restore the former CFS Debert Museum which closed in 1996 when the
military pulled out.
Built in 1939-40, Debert was a staging
area for an estimated 300,000 soldiers being shipped overseas to fight for
our freedom in World War II.
DMHS was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in
March of 1998 and planning for a museum got underway almost immediately.
When Debert Military Camp was built in 1940, 1400 carpenters, 1600 labourers, 200 steam fitters, 150 painters, 100 electricians and 150 truck drivers were employed. The government paid 35 cents to 60 cents per hour depending on the skill of the work-man. There were 200 buildings on the completed site, with the streets laid out and a sewage system installed. For many of them, Debert was the last Canadian Base they would ever see. Many stories and poems (some not too complimentary!) were written about Debert. |
On June 1st 1998, a lease was signed with the Colchester
Park Development Society (CPDS) for the use of Bldg. 213, a war-time “H-hut”
and work is presently being carried out to have the museum open during
the summer tourism months. The museum is quickly becoming a prominent tourist attraction and is advertised nationally in Legion Magazine and other tourist brochures. A summer student is usually hired as a guide for visitors to the museum and to help research and record war stories from veterans and local residents. Fund-raising is carried out by membership drives and various other activities. The Society welcomes your input and would gratefully receive other artifacts (military and civilian) dealing with the war years in and around Debert. We would also greatly appreciate a few hours of your time should you wish to volunteer as a helper. This is a great opportunity for area senior citizens to tell about their experiences during the war years. Visitors are often awed by the huge expanse of the military encampment and the stories about it. |