-
First Canadian Casualty
The passenger liner Athenia is torpedoed, killing the first Canadian of the war, stewardess Hannah Baird of Quebec. Hannah Baird was the first Canadian casualty. The collision killed 112 people in total and 52 of them were women. Baird is commemorated on the Halifax Memorial and on a memorial plaque affixed to a new eight - sided old-fashioned bandstand in Veteran's Park in Langford, British Columbia. (Government of Canada, 2024) -
Canada Declares War on Germany
Canada declares war on Germany - the first and only time Canada has declared war on another country on its own. The Battle of the Atlantic saw the Royal Canadian Navy grow from a small entity to the third largest Allied navy by the end of the way. (Government of Canada, 2024) -
Conscription
The Prime Minister, William Lyon MacKenzie King, pledges not to institute conscription. Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of Canadians for military service. King changed his approach with conscription from that of Robert Borden during WW1. He slowly introduced conscription and made it less aggressive. He slowly implemented in WW2. It initially started as home defence conscription only as this was absolutely necessary and then it progressed from there. (St. Rosemary Institution, 2025) -
Attack By Japanese
Canadian troops are stationed at Hong Kong to help the British colony of Hong Kong against a Japanese attack. Battle ends in defeat with almost 300 Canadians being killed and many became prisoners of war. Death total was 554. Of the 1975 Canadians that went to war, more than 1050 were killed or wounded. (Government of Canada, 2024) -
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan
The first Canadian troops arrive in Scotland; inauguration of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan to train pilots and aircrew in Canada, away from the fighting. Over 130 000 aircrew were trained and they titled it the “aerodrome of democracy”. “Canada was ideally suited for this program because our country was far from most of the active fighting and had lots of wide – open spaced and good flying conditions”. (Government of Canada, 2024) -
The Dieppe Raid
The Dieppe Raid involved almost 5000 Canadians. Over 900 were killed and over 1900 were taken as POW's. The raid was considered a failure. The attack was made across the pebble beach in front of Dieppe. “Some believe the Dieppe Raid was a useless slaughter, others maintain that it was necessary for the success of the invasion of the continent two years later on D – Day.” Charles Merritt John Weir Foote were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery and actions.(Government of Canada, 2024) -
Sicily
Canadians (part of the British 8th Army) join in the invasion of Italy. The Canadian Forces fought from Sicily to northern Italy and played a major role in the Allied advance, but suffered many casualties. On August 17th, 1943, the conquest of Sicily was completed. Then, on September 3, 1943, Canadian troops joined Allied forces in the invasion of the Italian mainland. This was the exact date of the fourth anniversary of Britain and France’s declaration of war on Germany. (Gov of Canada, 2024) -
D-Day
June 6th was D-Day. “Canadians landed on the beaches of Normandy on D – Day and helped begin the liberation of Western Europe.” (Gov of Canada, 2024) 15,000 members of the Canadian Army as well as hundreds of members of the Royal Canadian Air Force participate in the landings in Normandy as part of an invasion force of 150,000 Allies. There were 1,074 Canadian casualties on D-Day, including 359 deaths. (Gov of Canada, 2024) -
Battle Of Normandy
The Battle of Normandy ends with the liberation of Paris. The Canadians were successful, but our losses had been large in proportion to the strength engaged. From D-Day through 23 August the total casualties of the Canadian Army were 18,444, of which 5,021 were fatal. “The losses were catastrophic.” (Government of Canada, 2024) -
Battle of Sheldt
To help the Allies gain access to the port of Antwerp, the First Canadian Army fought to clear the Germans from the Scheldt. This battle started in Holland. “The First Canadian Army during the final phases of the war was a powerful force, the largest army that had ever been under the control of a Canadian general.” The battle ended after several weeks. 41 000 prisoners were taken, but there were 13 000 casualties (killed, wounded/missing)-6 000 of these were Canadians.(Gov of Canada, 2024). -
Arnhem
The First Canadian Army begins its campaign to open up a supply route through Arnhem and clear the Netherlands and the coastal belt of Germany. An assault on Arnhem began on April 12th. After two days of fighting, the two was liberated. “No part of Western was liberated at a more vital moment than the west of the Netherlands, and the Canadian soldiers who contributed so immensely to that liberation were cheered and greeted with joy.” (Government of Canada, 2024) -
V-E Day
Germany surrenders, the war in Europe ends; the next day, May 8, is declared V-E Day. This stands for Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. -
V-J Day
Japan surrenders - V-J Day. The Second World War is officially over. More than 1 million Canadians served and over 45 000 Canadians died in World War 2 with many more wounded (physically and mentally). "Thank you for your bravery and service in defence of our peace and freedom." (Government of Canada, 2024)