A considerable gap existed between formation of the component battalions and formation of brigade and divisional HQs for Canadian 3rd Infantry Division. The division itself was authorized on 17 May 1940, the HQs on 5 September, and the first divisional commander was appointed on 26 October.
While the division’s components were forming, The Cameron Highlanders were detached and transferred to Iceland as part of Z Force. The battalion spent the winter of 1940-41 there before moving to the UK. The divisions’s 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade and 9th Cabadian Infantry Brigades began embarking as early as 1 July 1941 and arrived in the UK at the end of that month. The 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade embarked in August and arrived at the beginning of September. After its arrival, the division spent three uneventful years in garrison and training duties prior to the assault landing on Juno Beach in Normandy. Battle honours included Caen, Falaise, capturing the Channel ports, Breskens pocket, and the final offensives of 1945.
; 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade :
Formation
; 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade :
; 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade :
; Other Units :