Canadian Armed Forces
CAMPAIGNs OF LIBERATION - NORTHWEST EUROPE
As in the Great War, Canadians were among the first in the Commonwealth to respond to the Second World War, with the 1st Division arriving in France just prior to its fall in 1940. From there on they played a pivotal role in safeguarding the coast and skies of England from the German menace well preparing for the liberation of mainland Europe. Canadians were at the spearhead of the disastrous Dieppe raid and in the successful invasion of Normandy. Their bravery rivaled that of their forefathers in the CEF as they fought viciously at places such as Normandy, the Scheldt, and Hochwald and in the skies over Germany. Their reward was in the gracious smiles of those they liberated in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
ATLANTIC TO PACIFIC - Canada's nAVY
The geographical blessing of touching both the vast Atlantic and Pacific oceans in peacetime would turn to a logistical nightmare as enemies emerged on either side of the globe. The prewar Canadian navy was hardly equipped to deal with the major threat posed by German U-boats in the Atlantic, let alone the eventual Japanese naval presence in the Pacific. Despite the odds being stacked against them, men joined the Royal Canadian Navy in mass, facing off against their foe on the often stormy and treacherous oceans. Without the fearlessness of destroyer crews and grit of men of the merchant marine, the war perhaps would have had a different outcome.
ON GUARD FOR THEE - HOMEFRONT
Threats to the Canadian homeland were never more serious than during the Second World War. German U-boats operated almost unhindered in the early days, having the capability to land troops or reek general havoc as they pleased. In 1941, the west coast came under threat as the Japanese established naval supremacy and even landed as close as Alaska. The task of defending the nation fell on both volunteers and draftees who performed their duty without question and with great seriousness. Anti-aircraft batteries, coastal defense units, and logistical formations all served their purpose of protecting the homeland and helping keep the vital lifeline of supplies flowing to the United Kingdom.