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Canada is Brought into the War
With Canada still being a self-governing dominion of the British Empire, it was brought into the war the second the British declared one. Although they were forced to participate in the war, they still got to decide their level of involvement ("Canada at War"). -
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Canada and the War Front During WW1
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The Battle of Ypres
For their first appearance on a European battlefield, Canada participated in the second battle of Ypres, located in Belgium. During the trench warfare, the Germans used deadly chlorine gas for the first time in world history which caused many of the allies to die from asphyxiation. Over 6,500 Canadian’s were killed, which inspired the poem “In Flanders Fields” ("First World War Timeline"). -
The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel
The Newfoundland troops are brought to France to participate in another trench warfare alongside the British and French troops. While making their way towards the German positions to commence the Battle of the Somme, over 650,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, missing, or taken prisoner. However, they still managed to capture Beaumont-Hamel on the first day of battle ("Beaumont-Hamel"). -
The Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme between Germany and the allies was the bloodiest battle in history with 1.25 million deaths. Despite the heavy fighting, the battle produced very little gains, making it a senseless slaughter. The Canadian Corps was involved in the final three months of fighting and had 24,000 casualties ("Battle of the Somme"). -
The Battle of Vimy Ridge
Four Canadian divisions and one British brigade, captured Vimy Ridge under order of Canadian Commander Arthur Currie. It has been declared a defining moment for Canada because they achieved greatness from under Britain's shadow. The Battle was considered the most successful and organized battle of the whole war ("First World War Timeline"). -
The Battle of Monchy-le-Preux
The Newfoundland Regiment ferociously fought to successfully hold off massive German counter-attacks at the Monchy-le-Preux hill. Ten Newfoundlanders sacrificed themselves during the fight which ultimately prevented the Germans from capturing the hill ("Battle of Monchy-le-Preux"). -
The Battle of Hill 70
Canada captured Hill 70 in France which was a very important victory because it was the first major action fought by a Canadian corps under a Canadian commander. There were many German counter attacks launched to prevent Canada from capturing the hill, but Canada was able to capture it with only 9000 injured or killed soldiers, compared to Germany’s 25,000 casualties ("The Battle of Hill 70"). -
The Battle of Passchendaele
In Belgium, the Passchendaele battle took place on a muddy terrain, making it a very tough battle between the allies and Germany. The Canadian Corps was able to seize Passchendaele with 15,000 Canadian casualties. The land won ended up being insignificant, however, Canada performed very well and several soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross ("First World War Timeline"). -
Canada’s Hundred Days
Canada’s Hundred Days were the last hundred days of the war, including several key battles that lead to the conclusion of World War One. The most relevant battles were the Battle of Amiens, the Battle of Arras, the Battle of Cambrai, and the Battle of Mons. The three months of victories helped the allies pressure Germany to surrender and showed the allies determination throughout the war ("Last 100 Days"). -
The Armistice
Germany surrendered and signed the Armistice, ending the First World War. Out of the 628,562 Canadians who served in the war, 60,661 were killed, making the war the bloodiest conflict in Canadian history ("First World War Timeline").
