Canada’s Contribution to World War II

By Luke Husmann

  • Canada Declares War (sep 10th 1939)

    Canada entered World War II on September 10th, 1939, declaring war independently from Britain.

  • Air Training Plan Begins (1939)

    The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan began in 1939. Canada trained over 130,000 pilots for the Allies.

  • War Supply Board Created (1940)

    In 1940, the War Supply Board was created. Organized Canada’s industries to build weapons, vehicles, and other supplies.

  • Battle of Hong Kong (1941)

    attle of Hong Kong 1941. The first Canadian fight in WWII, nearly 2,000 troops fought, many were killed and taken prisoner.

  • Dieppe Raid (1942)

    Dieppe Raid 1942. A failed attack on Nazi-occupied France. A lot of Canadian casualties, but valuable lessons for D-Day.

  • Women in War Industry (1942)

    Women joined the war industry in 1942. Women took on roles in factories and producing planes, tanks, and other military vehicles

  • Shipbuilding in Halifax (1942)

    Shipbuilding in Halifax, 1942. Canada built over 400 ships in the coming years, equipped to transport troops and supplies.

  • women behind the war effort

    Women in Canadian factories were seen as patriotic heroes during the war, even though they were often expected to give up those jobs later on.

  • women in da war industry

    women in da war industry

  • Battle of Ortona (1943)

    Battle of Ortona 1943. Fierce fighting in Italy. Canadians gained a tough victory in close combat.

  • Juno Beach (D-Day, 1944)

    Juno Beach (D-Day, 1944)

  • D-Day at Juno Beach (1944)

    Juno Beach 1944 (D-Day), Canada stormed the beach and pushed inland, a key part of the Allied invasion.

  • the battles cause and consequences

    Canada's battles, like Dieppe and Juno Beach, caused very heavy casualties to both sides but really helped shape the future.

  • Liberation of the Netherlands (1945)

    Liberation of the Netherlands, 1945. Canadian soldiers freed Dutch cities and are still celebrated there today.

  • Canada’s Independence in Global Affairs

    During the 2nd World War, Canada showed growing independence by declaring war on its own and becoming a key global partner.

  • Liberation of the Netherlands

    Liberation of the Netherlands

  • sources

    Veterans Affairs Canada
    The Canadian Encyclopedia
    Historica Canada
    Library and Archives Canada
    CBC Archives