1.2B Canada in the EUROPEAN THEATER

Military Engagement

1. Canadian forces participated in major campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and Western Europe. 

2. Notable operations include the Battle of the Atlantic, Battle of Britain (1940) & D-Day invasion of Normandy (June 1944)

3. 1 million served; Canada declared war on Sept 10, 1939

4. By end of war, Canada had 4th largest airforce in the world!

Battles Needed to know

1. Battle of the Atlantic

   -Canada played a crucial role, which was the longest continuous military campaigned of WWI

   -essential for controlling transatlantic supply routes between North America and Europe

   -ensured Allies’ abilities to sustain war effort against Nazi Germany

2. D-Day (June 6, 1944) and Operation Overlord

   -Canada played a crucial role, the Allied invasion of Nazi occupied Europe

   -Canadian forces were assigned to Juno Beach, one of the 5 landing sites on the Normandy coast)

3. Battle of Britain (July-Oct. 1940)

   -played a crucial and supporting role, contributing both directly and indirectly to Allied victory

Strategic, Leadership & Diplomatic

• Leadership and Strategy: 

  • Prime Minister Mackenzie King: Led Canada through the entirety of World War II, managing the balance between supporting Britain and the Allies while addressing domestic concerns, including French-English relations.

• Diplomatic: 

  • Middle Power Diplomacy

    • Canada was a middle power, promoting unity among the Allies

    • Contributed to discussions on post-war global structures, including the creation of the United Nations.

  • Built the Canada-U.S. Alliance

    •  Canadian leadership worked closely with the United States, fostering stronger military and economic ties during the war.

Economic and Industrial Support

• War Economy: Canada transformed its economy to support the war effort, becoming a significant supplier of war materials, including munitions, ships, aircraft, and food.

  • Over 800,000 military vehicles, including half-tracks and tanks.

  • British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATO)

    • Canada played a central role in training Allied airmen, with more than 130,000 pilots, navigators, and other aircrew receiving their training in Canada. 

• Lend-Lease and Financial Support: Canada provided billions in aid through its own version of the Lend-Lease program, the Mutual Aid Program.