canteens, and other buildings. At one point during its construction period, the camp housed more troops than the population of neighbouring Truro at the time. The surrounding community of Debert grew rapidly with movie houses, restaurants, bars and other businesses being set up and the economic effects spilling over into Truro. Camp Debert was the final staging area for units embarking from Halifax and was the location where the majority of troops received and trained with their personal weapons. For these purposes a large ammunition depot was built as well as extensive firing ranges. Component units arrived at Camp Debert from across Canada and were organized into larger formations before being carried by trains to troopships at Halifax, usually at night in black-out conditions. All five divisions of the First Canadian Army were housed (all, or in part) at Camp Debert prior to departure for the European Theatre during the Second World War. In addition, the 7th Canadian Infantry Division of Atlantic Command was formed at Camp Debert, although its volunteer troops went overseas as reinforcements rather than an intact combat unit. Following the war, Camp Debert was used in the repatriation of troops returning from Europe before undergoing significant downsizing with the majority of training and marshalling areas being decommissioned. In 1948, Camp Debert was reactivated and hosted several active army units during the 1950s. Regiments formerly serving in Camp Debert The regiments are listed in chronological order from date of arrival: North Nova Scotia Highlanders (August 1939) 6th Field Company Canadian Engineers (1940–1941) 16th Field Company, RCE (1940–41) 22nd Field Ambulance (1940) 44th Field Battery, RCA (1940–41) The Canadian Grenadier Guards (1940) 1st Battalion, Canadian Scottish Regiment (June 1940 – August 25, 1941) Royal Winnipeg Rifles (July 1940 – August 1941) The Regina Rifle Regiment (September 1940 – August 25, 1941) 12th Field Regiment, RCA (January 16, 1941 – July 19, 1941) 13th Field Regiment, RCA (January 16, 1941 – July 19, 1941) 14th Field Regiment, RCA (January 16, 1941 – July 19, 1941) 3rd Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA (January 16, 1941 – July 19, 1941) The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders (January 1941 – July 18, 1941) Highland Light Infantry of Canada (February 1941 – July 18, 1941) 16th Anti-Aircraft Battery (February 9, 1941 – April 5, 1941) North Nova Scotia Highlanders (May 14, 1941 – July 18, 1941) Halifax Rifles (July 18, 1941 – August 7, 1941)