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Start of World War II
German invades Poland in a blitzkrieg after weeks of diplomatic bullying. Britain and France respond by declaring war on Germany shortly after. The king summons the parliament to decide, and the declaration of war is postponed for a week, during which Canada stays neutral. This marks the start of WWII. -
Canada Declares War
Canada declares war on Germany, the day after the address was approved without a recorded public vote. This is the start of Canada's involvement in the second World War. -
First Canadian Troops Depart for Europe
Units of the first Canadian Infantry Division depart for Britain at the end of 1939. -
Conscription
In June, conscription was introduced in Canada for home defense, which would soon force Canadians to enroll in the war. -
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Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe Attacks BritainThe German Air Force, Luftwaffe, attacks United Kingdom grounds. Starting on September 7, Germans bombs London nearly every night, but Britain held up. During this time, Canadian pilots supports the British air force in repelling Luftwaffe's attacks. The Royal Canadian Air Force engages for the first time in direct combat wih enemy planes. -
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Battle of Hong Kong
Battle of Hong Kong InterviewsCanadian forces witness direct combat with the Japanese in the Battle of Hong Kong.The Canadians are all volunteers and far from battle-ready, having arrived just three weeks earlier. This results in many casualties, especially when Canada and Britain both surrender on Christmas Day. 290 Canadian soldiers were killed and 493 were wounded, while many others were taken as prisoners. -
Canadians Take Part in the Dieppe Raid
Troops of the Canadian second division take part in the Dieppe Raid. This major raid on France becomes a disaster which resultes in the death of 907 Canadian soldiers. In total there are 3,367 casualties including 1,946 prisoners of war. -
Germans Surrender in Stalingrad
The last Germans surrender in Stalingrad, which is one major step contributing to the Allies (and Canada) winning the war. -
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The Italian Campaign
The invasion of Sicily gave the island quickly to the Allies for a base to attack Italy mainland. After months of fighting, Canadian forces forced Germany to finally retreat at the cost of 1 300 casualties. At the height of the battle, 76,000 Canadian soldiers were fighting in Italy. They played a major role in the campaign's eventual success. -
D-Day
Five heavily fortified beaches are invaded by the Allies long-planned attack, Operation Overlord, which turns the war's direction around, playing a major role in the Allies success in WWII. Canada has the responsibility of Juno beach. In the first six days of battle, about 3 000 Canadians are killed or wounded. Eventually the Canadian infantry continue to move inland, capturing enemy positions. -
Fighting in Holland
Canada moves through The Netherlands in early April. However, the Dutch citizens are in starvation, so Canadians provide the Dutch with food. The Germans, refusing to surrender, fight with Canada nonetheless. Thanks to Canada's role in the battle, The Netherlands and Canada remain close countries to each other even today. -
End of World War II
Germany surrenders unconditionally to the Allies. The next day, Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister) declares "Victory in Europe Day", or VE-Day. Official celebrations are held throughout Canada. (Photo shows the famous VE Day kiss, a soldier who has returned home from war, overjoyed, kisses a nurse although she was a stranger. This showed the happiness from the end of war)
