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Battle of the Atlantic Significance: 1
This battle was the longest in WWII, spanning from 1939-1945. Canada`s effort in this battle was crucial in securing the Allies` victory. Germany launched attacks on Britain from France and Norway, and Canada came to the rescue. Ships from Canada`s small navy were sent to protect Britain, and Britain also relied heavily on Canada for supplies and troops during the war. Without Canada`s help in this battle, Germany would`ve won, and many of the citizens would`ve starved due to lack of supplies. -
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World War II
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The Battle of Dunkirk Significance: 8
The Battle of Dunkirk was the evacuation of the British Army from Dunkirk. British and Canadian boats came to pick up the soldiers and equipment, to get them away from France before it was taken over by Germany. In total, over 300,000 soldiers were rescued, but many of the weapons and supplies had to be left behind.Canadian pilots and soldiers fought against the Germans while the British soldiers were rescued. Saving all these soldiers was crucial for the war, as men were always needed. -
Battle of Britain Significance: 2
Over the summer of 1940, Germany staged many air attacks on Britain. Many Canadians were a part of the Hurricanes and Spitfires that fought against the Luftwaffe, and were able to inflict huge amounts of damage on the enemy. The support and manpower from the Canadians was crucial in winning this battle and keeping Britain out of Hitler`s control. On Septemeber 27th, the last major attack was staged by Germany, and the Canadian pilots destroyed eight of the enemy`s planes, and damaged seven. -
Battle of Hong Kong Significance: 7
Canada sent two battalions to help British troops in Hong Kong. At this time, it wan unknown to the Allies that Japan would attack Hong Kong. The troops that were stationed in Hong Kong had no front line experience. Japan attacked, and the battle lasted for about 18 days, but unfortunately, the bravery of the unexperienced soldiers was not enough. Hong Kong surrendered after more than two weeks of brutal hand to hand combat. In this battle, over 1500 Canadian soldiers were taken prisoner. -
Dieppe Raid Significance: 6
The Dieppe Raid was a test run for D-Day, to see what the Allies would be faced with. As soon as Canadian soldiers hit the beaches, they were bombarded by Germany's defenses. The raid ended badly for the bave Canadian soldiers. Germany was extremely well equipped; 901 Canadians were killed, and 2000 were captured.Only 2211 Canadian soldiers made it out alive. Though the Dieppe Raid was an important learning experience, the heavy losses of the raid sent Canadians into mourning. -
Italian Campaign Significance: 4
The Italian Campaign started when the Allies attacked Sicily from the sea. As Canadians entered Italy near the toe of the boot, they were met with little resistance. But as they worked their way north, the Canadians were slowed down by German troops. Eventually they reached Ortona, where they took the city room by room, house by house, called mouseholing. Later in 1944, the Allies took Rome. The Italian Campaign was succesful for the Allies, and hepled with their victory later in the war. -
D-Day Significance: 3
D-Day was a suprsise attack on the Germans by the Allies. On this day, 14,000 Canadian troops arrived on Juno Beach in Normandy, France. Learning from their mistakes in the Dieppe Raid, the troops landed in multiple waves. Men in the first wave had little chance of survival, but the multiple waves helped the Allies secure a victory. 516 canadian paratroopers dropped behind the Germans in the night to secure bridges and create an opening for the soldiers. D-Day was extremely successful. -
Liberation of the Netherlands Significance: 5
On March 23rd, 1944, the Allies began an attack across the Rhine River. After the Allies crossed the Rhine, the 2nd Canadian Corps cleared the Northeastern Netherlands, while the 1st Canadian Corps dealt with the Germans in the westen Netherlands. The Netherlands was liberated on May 5th, 1945, when the German troops formally surrendered after 8 months of battle. The Netherlands still sends Canada tulips anually,as a thank you for their enormous part in their liberation.
