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Mobilization Begins
In 1939 Canadian factories converted civilian production to military goods which included ammunition, vehicles and weapons. Canadian Mobilization, Lest We Forget Museum, Aug. 23–30, 1939 -
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The Battle of the Atlantic
The battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous battle during WW2. There were around 72,000 allied deaths including Canada. September 10 1939 Canada declared war on Germany. During this time Canada's primary role was to protect merchant ships that were traveling in groups across the Atlantic ocean. Canada had a very small Navy when it entered the battle but it expanded with time. Brian Dubreuil, W.A.B. Douglas. "Battle of the Atlantic." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada., 2010 -
The Battle of Hong Kong
Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie was unsure of committing Canada to the war against Germany because they were unprepared. However the troops went to Hong Kong out of British loyalty. Almost 2000 people from Winnipeg and Quebec city fought in the battle. There was around 780 casualties during the battle and over the next four years 264 soldiers died in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps. Brereton Greenhous, Richard Foot. "Canada and the Battle of Hong Kong." The Canadian Encyclopedia. 2006 -
Dieppe Raid
The Dieppe Raid also known as Operation Jubilee was the first Canadian engagement in the European theater of the war. The raid was a huge failure for Canada, more than 900 Canadians killed and thousands wounded and taken prisoner. Major General J.H. Roberts told he troops before the raid, "Don't worry men it'll be a piece of cake." Alex Herd, "Dieppe Raid." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. 2013 -
The Raid on the Italian Island of Patelleria
Also known as Operation Corkscrew, the raid happened at the same time as the Italian Campaign. During this time the Canadians joined forces with the British and American forces to bomb Patelleria. Canadian pilots of the Royal Canadian air force planned strategic day light and night time bombing raids on the islands defences. Operation Corkscrew, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.2023. -
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The Italian Campaign
On July 11 one day after the first attack thousands of Italian troops surrendered. With the Italian arms collapsing German soldiers hurried to establish defense lines. The campaign stretched out German resources and diverted attention away from France. The Italian Campaign was a very valuable experience for Canadian soldiers. During the campaign 5300 soldiers were killed and 19,400 wounded. Mark Zuehlke, Canada and the Italian Campaign, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Historica Canada, 2015 -
D-day
In June 1944 Canadian airmen and sailors were to land on Juno beach, one of five landing areas during the Normandy Invasion. There were around 380 deaths and just over 700 injuries. The goal of this attack was to secure the beach and break through German defenses. Normandy 1944, Government of Canada, 2023
Ronald J. Drez, Juno Beach, Britannica, -
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Liberation of the Netherlands
In April 1945 the first Canadian Army began clearing the Northern and Western Netherlands an area known as "Hunger Winter". The goal was to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. On May 4th Canadian soldiers received a message that cease fire would come into effect 8 am the next day. On May 7th the war in Europe ended, a day known as VE-Day. Tabitha de Bruin, Canadian Soldiers and the Liberation of the Netherlands, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Historica Canada, 2013 -
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The Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was the last major surprise German offensive attack on the Western Front during WW2. The First Canadian Army was called to reinforce the allies line in Belgium and Northern France. Despite initial success allies were able to secure victory. Battle of the Bulge, Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2023 -
Sherman Tanks
In 1945 Canada began to mass produce Sherman tanks and export them all over the world. Many were sent to Western Europe to push back German forces.