-
Britain declares war on Germany after refusing to withdraw its army in Belgium. Canada was part of Britain’s Dominion, which automatically meant that Canada were at war as well, as Canada did not have control over their foreign affairs
-
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle provided a new role for Canadian troops who had just arrived from Salisbury Plain, England. This was the first time the Canadian Expeditionary Force was involved in action with enemy forces.
-
The Second Battle of Ypres was the first time Canadian troops were involved in a major battle. Germans released massive amounts of chlorine gas against the Canadian frontline. This was the first time major amounts of deadly gases were used in battle.
-
The Canadian Corps were created with the arrival in France of the 2nd Canadian Division. They were split up into 4 divisions. The Canadian Corps played major roles in future battles, such as The Battle of Somme and Vimy Ridge
-
Allied forces launched a major offensive in France during the First World War. The battle in the village of Beaumont Hamel lasted 30 minutes, however it is considered one of the deadliest days in modern history. The First Newfoundland Regiment suffered catastrophic losses, less than 10% of the regiment were able to answer roll call (“Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, The Canadian Encyclopedia”).
-
The Battle of Vimy Ridge was regarded as a defining moment for Canada. The British High Command ordered the Canadian Corps to capture the position. This was the first time all 4 divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together (“The Battle of Vimy Ridge, Canadian War Museum”). The Canadians used artillery and strategic planning to eventually win the battle
-
The Battle of Passchendaele was a 3 month battle in which 16,000 Canadians were killed in action (“Canada and the Battle of Passchendaele, The Canadian Encyclopedia”). This battle did nothing to help Allied Forces, however it became a symbol of the mud, madness, and senseless slaughter during World War 1
-
The Battle of Hill 70 was the first time that the Canadian Corps fought under a Canadian commander, Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie (“Battle for Hill 70, The Canadian Encyclopedia”). The Canadian troops won and withstood German counterattacks, losing nearly 2000 Canadian troops in the process
-
The 100 Days campaign started with the Battle of Amiens. Canadian troops battled rapidly and pushed the German troops while marching towards Mons, Belgium. This event is remembered because of Canada’s contribution offensively against the Germans in the 100 days
-
The Battle of Cambrai is one of Canada’s more impressive tactical victories. Cambrai was heavy guarded by Central Forces, but the Canadian troops overcame them. This battle helped spark the 100 days campaign
