The Legionary cover headline in September 1939 was sombre—Canada at War—and the words ‘The Fighting Man’s Magazine’ were added to the masthead.  

The magazine’s coverage now included Legion programs for personnel at home and overseas, which included education services, recreation huts, publications, sports and mobile kitchens. The Legionary also had its own overseas correspondent, a Legion welfare officer attached to the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. The July 1940 issue included “The Nazi Bluff,” an essay debunking German invincibility.

Improvements and gaps in veterans’ benefits and services continued to be covered, and coverage also reflected concerns of a new generation navigating the bureaucracy to obtain land grants, re-establishment credits, financial aid for higher education and other benefits.

“The War in Review,” written by University of Toronto historians and with maps showing where the action occurred, allowed readers to follow progress of the war month by month. Photographs of recipients of medals and honours were featured in the “Salute to Valour” series, which continued even after the war.

In 1943, an editorial discussed how the magazine wished to reflect more diversity, announcing it would devote covers to men and women in all services.

After the war, new concerns arose about helping veterans transition to civilian life, land settlement for new veterans, a looming housing shortage and support for war brides. Photos of returning regiments peppered the magazine for more than a year.