NOVEMBER 15, 2017 VOL. 34. NO.4 West Vancouver Memories West Vancouver Historical Society West Vancouver's Own Guerrilla Army in World War II excerpts from "Nostalgia" by Jack Gillmore Long time Socie' membei Barrie Gillmore, supplied the following portion of Jack Gillmores autobiography, "Nostalgia". Jack1 Barrie's fathei was a member of the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers in World War II. The Rangers existed along the West Coast -- a first line defence against a feared Japanese invasion. Jack belonged to the section assigned to the West Vancouver Mountains named the "Hollyburn Rangers". "As the Pacific war news continued to worsen, our immediate thoughts were of what could be done in case of a Japanese invasion. Started in Victoria, the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers were conceived in 1942 and West Vancouver became detachment number 2. The Commanding Officer was Major Angus McAllister, a one-armed veteran of World War I. Our Lion, J. Edward Sears, who was the current Reeve of West Van, was his Adjutant. Within days, 173 volunteers had joined and were divided into five detachments, each headed by a Lieutenant. (continued on page 4) Members of the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers gathered outside the Rangers' House in the British ProperLies between 1942 and 1945. 381 9.WVA.PHO 1