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Battle of the Atlantic
This battle lasted over 5 years , almost the entire length of WW2, from Sep. 3, 1939 to May 8, 1945. It was a water battle on the Atlantic Ocean, with Germany trying to gain control of the waters so that aid from America to GB was impossible. Canada, allies with Britain, hosted a large navy base for GB in Halifax and played leading roles in the war. Newfoundland was also a very important base because it was on Canada's east coast. Over time Canada's force grew until too many casualties arouse. -
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World War 2
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Battle of Dunkirk
This battle lasted from May 26 to June 4, 1940. The Germans planned on taking over France, and through a surprise entrance through Maginot, France eventually surrendered. Canada protected France in this war and procrastinated their surrender. Also, Canada played a major role in evacuating all the soldiers and equipment after the battle saving hundreds of lives. -
Battle of Britain
This 3 month air battle from July 10 to Oct. 31 started when Germany wanted to take over GB and began bombing British coasts and London from aircraft. Canada immediately helped Britain through logistical support, ground defense, and flying with the Royal Air Force. Canadians were also trained to become fighter pilots and overtook the Germans while Britain occupied. GB eventually won the battle and Canada was a huge asset. -
Battle of Hong Kong
This 18 day battle from Dec. 7 to 25, 1941 involved GB and Canada protecting Hong Kong from Japan. Canada's role consisted of providing soldiers and doctors however Japan was very prepared and hundreds of Canadians died. Canada was later forced to surrender and many were kept in prison camps and tortured. -
The Dieppe Raid
The nine hour Dieppe Raid on Aug. 19, 1942 consisted of Canada and its allies attacking a portion of France taken over by Germans. Canadians attacked from ship, ground forces and in the Royal Canadian Air Force. GB and Canada strategized a plan for a quick success yet Germany was ready. Nearly a thousand Canadians were killed and hundreds more injured. Canada had supplied the majority of soldiers and almost a third were taken as prisoners. This raid is looked back upon as a massive failure. -
Italian Campaign
In this battle from July 10, 1943 to May 2, 1945 Canada and GB worked their way up Italy from the south to protect it from Germany. Canada was the main force against Germany and was a major reason why the Germans needed to retreat. Canada supplied a vast amount of soldiers and covered difficult terrain. The soldiers also took part in street fighting and 'mouseholing' (smashing through buildings), but unfortunately thousands of the Canadians died. -
D-Day
June 6, 1944 was D-Day; a plan for the allies to attack France from 5 beaches and push Germany back. Canada was in charge of Juno Beach, a huge deal. Canada planned an attack which involved the navy, ground and air force. Canada supplied thousands of soldiers and vehicles. The plan was executed very well and the allies pushed Germany back relieving France. Juno Beach had the second most opposition compared to all ports; Canadians did a great job. Germany was never able to recover from this loss. -
Liberation of the Netherlands
From Sep. 1944 into 1945 Canada was a major force in the Liberation of the Netherlands. Germany had control over the majority of the Netherlands so Canada and allies planned to relieve the nation. By paratrooping from air forces, the allies made their way up the Netherlands. Eventually Germany surrendered from the lack of supplies and soldiers. Canada supplied the majority of soldiers for this battle and the Netherlands recognized this so to thank us the country sends Canada tulips every year.
