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Canada Enters the War with Britain
Germany’s control of Belgium, a neutral country, greatly threatened Britain. As a result, Britain joined Russia and France’s effort to defeat the Central Powers. Britain had many colonies such as Australia, South Africa and Canada. Canada and other British colonies recruited many young men to join the war under Britain. -
Battle of Ypres
The Battle of Ypres is notorious for the first use of chlorine gas by the Germans. The deadly gas caused many regiments to turn away. However, the Canadians continued to fight by using urine soaked cloth strapped to their face to protect themselves from the poisonous gas attacks. The Battle of Ypres earned Canadian soldiers a courageous reputation. -
Battle of Beaumont-Hamel
The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel was part of the beginning phase of the Battle of Somme. The Battle was very poorly planned and the Newfoundland soldiers were at a large disadvantage. The Newfoundland soldiers were carrying heavy backpacks and poorly functioning rifles while the German soldiers were heavily equipped with machine guns. 700 out of the 800 Newfoundland soldiers were cut down in 30 minutes(Dubreuil). -
Battle of Somme
The Battle of Somme was devastating on both sides with little reward. British Commander, Douglas Haig was unfamiliar with the new strategies of World War 1 causing many casualties (War Museum). Three divisions of the Canadian Corps fought in many battles in Somme. The Canadians were highly disadvantaged due to their rifles which were inferior to the Germans’(Veterans Affairs Canada). -
Battle of Flers-Courcelette
The Battle of Flers-Courcelette was also part of the larger Battle of Somme. It included many new strategies that were more suitable for the new way of war such as the creeping barrage (Simkin) which allowed soldiers to make their way to the enemy’s trenches without getting shot down. It was also the first battle where tanks were used. Many Canadians died capturing Courcelette which was one of the few victories in Somme (Ridler). -
Canada Takes Vimy Ridge
The Battle of Vimy Ridge is known as a symbolic victory for Canada. There were many failed attempts to claim Vimy Ridge. The land was very useful to whichever army occupied it. No one was able to take Vimy Ridge until the Canadians came in and overthrew the Germans in their first attempt. This battle gave Canadians a great sense of Nationalism, independence and pride. -
Battle of Passchendaele
Douglas Haig once again used old and costly strategies in his effort to attack the German defences, despite being warned by Canadian General Arthur Currie. Canada had a very large contribution to the penetration of German lines. Especially since the British and French soldiers were unsuccessful until the arrival of Canadian soldiers. The Battle of Passchendaele is remembered by Canadians as a somewhat unnecessary battle that cost the lives of many soldiers (Roy, Foot). -
Battle of Hill 70
The Battle of Hill 70 was the first major battle fought under a Canadian Commander. The victory gained the allies a strategic position which provided a view over a German occupied city called Lens. Commander Arthur Currie was able to convince his superiors that capturing the hill was the best way to later capture Lens. Currie used brilliant strategies that allowed his Canadian soldiers to capture Hill 70 and continue to hold the position despite many German attacks (Greenhous, Tattrie). -
Battle of Cambrai, 1918
The Battle of Cambrai, 1918 took place during Canada’s 100 days. Canadian Commander Currie was given the difficult challenge of capturing the German occupied city of Cambrai (Veterans Affairs Canada). The city had extremely difficult defenses including floods and canals to prevent tanks. However, despite these challenges the Canadian Corps were able to defeat the German army occupying Cambrai with the help of engineers who provided solutions to the floods (Ridler). -
Canada's 100 Days
Canada’s 100 days represents many battles fought by the Canadian Corps during the last one hundred days of the war. Some of these battles include Amiens, Arras, Canal du Nord, Drocourt and many more. These last one hundred days overwhelmed the Germans and forced them to retreat their defences. This resulted in the Central Powers initiating cease-fire and Allies’ victory (Wild).
