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Battle of the Atlantic - Significance: 3
Britain wanted to transport weapons, raw materials, and food across the Atlantic by ship, but German U-boats were planning to cut them off by sinking those merchant ships. So to prevent that from happening, Britain was escorted by convoy protection ships, majority of them being part of the Royal Canadian Navy. The R.C.N. started as a small group of 6 ships but became an ominous anti-submarine force of 400 ships and 125,000 men, and made huge contributions to Allied plans throughout the war. -
Battle of Dunkirk - Significance: 6
Canadians were a huge lifesaver to the British in this particular battle. Canadians were the only equipped division in Southern England at the time of the German invasion. Britain also lost 75,000 of their 80,000 military vehicles. They turned to the Canadian auto industry for help. Canada did not only replace what was lost. They were able to produce over 800,000 armed military vehicles, including tanks, guns, and small arms. Canada showed support/courage by stepping up in a time of desperation. -
Battle of Britain - Significance: 4
This was the first crucial battle of WWII and 100 Canadian pilots participated. Germany's powerful airforce were bombing British ports and airfields. The Royal Canadian Air Force scrambled to attack German planes. By the end of the battle, the Germans failed to crash the Allied air defenses and lost 60 aircraft. This wouldn't have been possible without the bravery and determination of the RCAF pilots. -
Battle of Hong Kong - Significance: 7
This was the first time in WWII that Canadian soldiers committed to battle. Canada sent 1975 troops to help defend the British colony. They were still undergoing training and weren't fully equipped. The Japanese attacked Hong Kong and although unexperienced, Canadian troops fought like true veterans. Losses were heavy but Canadians still showed huge amounts of courage and sacrifice. -
Battle of Dieppe - Significance: 8
Britain had a plan to raid the French coastal town of Dieppe and distract the Germans, which 5000 Canadian troops eagerly accepted and supported. Together, they striked the port and neighbouring villages, but weren't successful, as the Germans were much stronger than expected. Canadians showed huge amounts of bravery during this battle. Even though only 2110 of 5000 Canadians returned to Britain, the lessons learned at this battle contributed to the success of Deliverance Day. -
Italian Campaign - Significance: 5
This was Canada's first continual land operation of the war and Canadian troops helped capture Sicily. Canadian troops also captured the port of Ortona in December of 1943. Canadians broke through German line defences south of Rome and burst through the heavily-defended lines further north in May 1944. This campaign was long and well-fought by Canadian troops. -
D-Day - Significance: 1
Allied forces invade Western Europe through a large front in Normandy, France. 14,000 Canadians play a huge part in the success of this invasion. At the battle of Dieppe, Canadians lacked sufficient naval and air support. But here, the R.C.N. and the R.C.A.F. helped achieve this victory by bombing and attacking enemy targets inland. I chose this battle as the most significant because it ultimately led to the end of the war and without Canada's help, this attack would not have been successful. -
Liberation of the Netherlands - Significance: 2
As the Allied armies advanced towards the German-occupied Netherlands, the 3rd Canadian Division cleared the south bank of the River Scheldt, while the 2nd Canadian Divison fought along the north bank. The Canadian troops from Italy then advanced quickly towards the North Sea and with their support, the Allies were able to fight until German defenses crumbles from lack of supplies and men.
