<P> The BBC collected 47,000 wartime recollections and 15,000 images in 2003 - 6 and put them online . The CD audiobook Home Front 1939--45 also contains a selection of period interviews and actuality recordings . </P> <P> Canada joined the war effort on September 10, 1939; the government deliberately waited after Britain's decision to go to war, partly to demonstrate its independence from Britain and partly to give the country extra time to import arms from the United States as a non-belligerent . War production was ramped up quickly, and was centrally managed through the Department of Munitions and Supply . Unemployment faded away . </P> <P> Canada became one of the largest trainers of pilots for the Allies through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan . Many Canadian men joined the war effort, so with them overseas and industries pushing to increase production, women took up positions to aid in the war effort . The hiring of men in many positions in civilian employment was effectively banned later in the war through measures taken under the National Resources Mobilization Act...</P> <P> Shipyards and repair facilities expanded dramatically as over a thousand warships and cargo vessels were built, along with thousands of auxiliary craft, small boats and others . </P>

How did the great war affect life on the homefront