Directorate of History and Heritage

Welcome to the Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH) website of the Department of National Defence. DHH was founded in 1996, following the amalgamation of the National Defence History Directorate and the Directorate of Military Traditions and Heritage. The roots of our organization go all the way back to the First World War.

Even in the early stages of the Internet, the usefulness of this remarkable communication tool was obvious. From the very beginning, our vision was to make the DHH website an essential tool for Canadian researchers. We have established three goals in this regard: to keep our internal and external audiences informed about the various functions performed by DHH; to make available a maximum number of archives as well as works that have been published by our predecessors, but that are no longer available in book stores; and to provide any other relevant information. Anyone comparing what was available in 1996 with what is offered today will see a world of difference, not only in the quantity, but also in the quality of the information online, which is frequently updated.

DHH serves the Canadian people and the Canadian Forces. DHH enjoys significant credibility in Canada and around the world. The current site, which will more than meet people’s expectations, will add to that credibility with its reliability and the type of information it provides.

The War of 1812

Remembrance Day


Victoria Cross

Today in Canadian Military History

  • 12/10/1883
    The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) (RCAC) is organized as the "British Columbia Provisional Regiment of Garrison Artillery'.
  • 12/10/1899
    The cabinet announces that the government will assist volunteers wanting “to serve in the British army now operating in South Africa”.
  • 12/10/1917
    Major-General the Honourable Sydney Chilton Mewburn is appointed the Minister of Militia and Defence.