Sub-series consists of nominal rolls and paylists for units of the Permanent Force of the Canadian Militia, 1871 to 1914. At the time of Confederation, the requirement for a Canadian standing army was not widely supported. However, the departure in 1871 of the British Army from all Canadian bases but Halifax created the impetus for the formation of such a force. That same year, Ottawa authorized the creation of permanent batteries of artillery at Québec and Kingston, which were also to serve as schools in the craft of modern gunnery. Eventually the government acknowledged a similar need for the proper and efficient training of militia infantry and cavalry units and amended the Militia Act accordingly. The 1883 amendment called for the creation of three schools of infantry and cavalry, staffed by permanent officers and other ranks. This move is widely credited as the birth of Canada's standing army, or "Permanent Force" as it came to be designated in the 1904 Militia Act (4 Edward VII Ch.23).
The General Orders issued by the General Officer Commanding and under the authority of the Minister of Militia and Defence identified the Militia Form or other documentation required to be submitted for payment of units of the Permanent Force, as well as officers and men attached for instruction to Permanent Force units.
The records in this sub-series are arranged by the corps of the Permanent Force and then by year. There are often separate paylists for officers and for non-commissioned officers and men. The forms generally indicate the names and ranks of those receiving pay, the rate of pay, and the period covered by the pay. Some forms are more detailed and describe washing, hospital, library, subscriptions, mess, and uniform expenses, as well as fines and other charges. In addition, the form indicates the total charge to the Accounts and Pay Branch for the unit. The completed form was signed by the officer commanding and authorized by the Paymaster of the Accounts and Pay Branch.
In addition to the corps, units and staff of the Permanent Force, there are paylists and nominal rolls for those participating in the 1902 Coronation Contingent.