“O Canada, our home and native land”(O Canada (Canadian National Anthem) Lyrics). When people think of Canada, one associates them with passivity and kindness. People stereotype Canadians as world traders, maple syrup lovers, and peaceful people. WWII, what is considered one of the most violent wars, setting new heights in respect to the levels of destruction, death, and debt raging across Europe. There is seemingly no correlation between these two ideals, which is yet another case of stereotyping and aspects of history being overlooked. Although that is not the complete truth, Canada, despite their supposed reputation, has been part of most modern wars. Canada currently has troops all over the world from Asia, Europe, and Canada (Operations Update, Government of Canada National Defence) , and Canada played a major role in WWII; they took a enormous part in the D-Day invasion, they supported the Italian campaign, and they signed the peace treaties following the Paris Peace Conference.
Canada played a large role in the D-Day invasion sending over 14,000 troops, 450 troops were sent behind enemy lines as paratroopers, 10,000 sailors in the royal navy, and sent additional support from the Royal Canadian Air Force in order to take the entire beach by themselves. Before the infantry attacked, Canada sent 230 bombers to Juno Beach, although, minimal damage was done. Then, Canada and the United Kingdom began the landing phase. Initially, Canada sent out only the 2nd and 3rd Canadian Armoured Brigade, but the landscape of the beach left Canada at a tremendous disadvantage; the large reefs, seaweed, and rising tides delayed the invasion leaving Canada vulnerable. At that point, the rising tides had already submerged and hid the obstacles the Germans implanted. Canadian engineers were unable to clear a safe path for the boats and the troops to land on the beach, so the landmines had a blast. About 30% of the boats were destroyed because of the obstacles put in place by German forces. The battle started with a positive outlook for the Canadians because the Germans had not been aiming at the sea, however the troops soon learned taking the beach was not going to be an easy victory when the reached the end of the beach; the Germans started firing upon the Canadian troops which resulted in the Canadian forces suffering numerous casualties. The mortality rate of the battle increased exponentially, because much like the British forces at the battle of Bunker Hill in the American Revolution fighting up Breed’s and Bunker Hill in order to defeat the colonial forces, the Canadian troops had to fight upwards to take the beach from the Germans.
Eventually, Canada persevered through the trials and tribulations in order to take the beach and the surrounding towns heading to meet up with the other troops. Canada had successfully taken the Juno Beach. During that battle the Canadian Army was under the Royal British Army, and out of all of their British divisions, the Canadian divisions suffered numerous casualties losing about 350 troops during that battle. The Canadians captured Bernières, Courseulles, and St. Aubin and then moved forward inland, securing a critical bridgehead for the allied invasion (Juno Beach – The Canadians On D-Day). The effort from the Canadian forces greatly affected the ability of the Allied forces to defeat the Nazi party.
The Canadian forces went on to aid in the Italian campaign and helped the other Allied powers push back the Italian Army. “More than 93,000 Canadians, along with their allies from Great Britain, France and the United States, played a vital role” during this campaign (Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign). The Italian Campaign was treacherous, the Germans who had been spearheaded the Axis Powers had been present limiting the success of the combined allied forces (Divisions). The Canadians had not only fought troops during the campaign, but they also had to fight the weather. The Canadians seemly were at a disadvantage throughout the campaign. The campaign began in Sicily with Canadian troops from 1st Division Infantry and Armored Brigade prepared to complete a task known as Operation Husky. But, nevertheless, the battle started in the water, while the Canadian Naval vessels were making their way to Sicily they were attacked and sunk by German subs. They lost many valuable things like: 500 vehicles, many guns, and 58 Canadian troops drown (Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign). The operation began in the early morning of July 10, 1943. This was a groundbreaking battle, there were about 3000 allied ships and landing crafts which is the largest seaborne operation in military history (Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign). For the Canadians this battle lasted for more than 4 weeks, and it span across Mountainous ranges, it was a long road and had over 2.3k casualties, about 26% were fatal. This battle was a great victory and now the allies have taken ahold of sicily, this battle was major, the italians surrendered right after this happened; The allies also had many advantages to having sicily. There next step was mainland italy.
The Battle of Ortona, was the most difficult battle for Canada, They couldn’t use artillery or tanks so they had to resort to treacherous hand to hand combat and gunfights (Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign). After Capturing this town on december 28th, they continued onto the battle of Liri Valley which will help ensure the capture of rome. During these battles, the Canadian Army had about 26k casualties and lost 6k troops in the line of duty. But this campaign will victory to the allies, by bringing a direct route to Normandy and Germany, and the Germans suffered many losses which were vital to them. This will lead to the Paris Peace Treaty
Canada as well as all the allied nations signed the treaty. This Treaty was the Direct end of WW2. Even though Canada didn’t really have a huge say in what will be decided in the treaty they still signed it ending the war.
These facts prove that Canada was an enormous role in WWII, they became one of the stronger nations at the end of this too, with being in the top 5 of navies, and top 3 with Air Force.(Random Facts I knew Since I was a Small Boy) Even though during that time Canada wasn’t a major power this told the world that canada was still there, they aren’t a random large country. Canada was a country full of pride and Canada’s people would do anything for the better of Canada. Canada was a great force to be reckoned with and by being in this war it changed Canada’s future for the good.
Originally published 15.10.2019