This icon takes you to Canada's story in World War I. This includes an overview of a major battle and other Canadian influences in The Great War.
Click here to see how Canada played an integral role in the Second World War.
By selecting this icon, find out more about Canada's involvement in the Korean War, the first United Nations peacekeeping mission.
To remember is the key subject of this, possibly the most important section. Click here to discover the true meaning of remembering the effects of war.




Canada played a vital role in World War I. From the country's entry into the Great War in August 1914 to victory at Versailles in 1919, Canadians showed remarkable support of the Allied forces. Through the war, Canadians proved their loyalty to Britain and ability in action time after time. Such landmark battles as Vimy Ridge, the battle of the Somme, and Ypres set Canadian soldiers apart as an elite fighting corps.

During World War I over 60,000 Canadians were lost and many more came home disabled or mentally scarred. Sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers will be remembered with affection by people worldwide forever.

The battle of Vimy Ridge was fought April 9-14, 1917. Vimy Ridge was instrumental for the Germans because it linked their main trenches with the newly established Hindenburg Line. In a new assault by the Allied forces, it was the Canadians' share to seize Vimy Ridge.

On March 20, preliminary bombing began by the Allied forces in order to conceal the exact time of attack. These early offensives were extremely successful and prepared the troops for the battle to come. The full attack came on April 8 with the movement of infantry to the prepared positions at the front. The next day, April 9, all four Canadian Corps divisions moved up the ridge in a simultaneous wave of attack. In the same afternoon, the Canadians took the crest of the Ridge with the exception of two hills. Within three days, the Canadian force had captured the entire area and achieved a remarkable victory.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge is celebrated as a national coming of age. This battle was significant because it was the first time all of the Canadian troops attacked and achieved victory together. The victory brought a feeling of pride and confidence to the Canadian troops.
A painting of an air battle over London, England, during World War I




Canada entered World War II on September 10, 1939. In six years of conflict, more than a million Canadians were enlisted and many more did service for their country in other ways such as participation in the merchant navy, giving medical aid, working in war production factories,and buying Victory Bonds.
Canadian soldiers participated strongly in the Italian campaign, the assault on Normandy, and the liberation of Europe. By the end of the war, Canada had developped the world's third largest navy, fourth largest airforce, and an army of six divisions. For a country with a population of 11 million, Canada had become a significant military power.

For their effort in the war, 13 Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth's highest decoration for bravery. Over 45,000 Canadians died in service to their country and their legacy will be remembered by Canadians forever.

The Normandy invasion, operation "Overlord", proved to be a momentous victory for the Allied forces. The beach was a difficult obstacle as the Germans had heavily fortified the coastline. Canadian, American, and British troops spent months in preparation and much time was spent building prefabricated harours and other supplies.


Women found new roles in the workplace

On June 6, 1944, D-Day began with heavy bombardment and soldiers parachuted onto the flanks of the invasion area. All three of the Canadian services took part in the invasion. The Canadians were responsible for Juno, the center of the British front. Although they encountered strong opposition on the beaches, the Canadians fought valiantly and reached their ojectives. By the end of the day, beachheads had been established and the Germans had been pushed back from the coastline.

Operation "Overlord" was a huge success. 14,000 Canadians participated in the battle and casualties were high: 1,074 casualties, of which 359 were fatal. The victory, however, was one of the most important in the war. The Allies had gained a foothold in Europe which would be used, ultimately, to win World War II.



The Korean War, 1950-1953, marked the first time when Canadian soldiers went to war in a United Nations military operation. In all, 26,791 Canadians participated in the mission and a further 7,000 served in the time between the cease-fire and the end of 1955. Canadian soldiers played a vital role in this war. The R.C.N., the R.C.A.F., and the Canadian Army all took part in the operation and brought pride to the people of Canada. Canada's involvement in the Korean War marked the beginning of a new tradition of Canadian service around the world in truce teams, peace commissions, and emergency forces that continues to this day.

The Canadian troops played a vital role in the battle at Kap'yong. The battle resulted from strong offensives made by the Chinese and North Koreans. Under severe attack, the United Nations forces were forced to retreat. It was the Canadians' part to help protect the withdrawl of troops through the Kap'yong River valley.

The Australians faced the brunt of the attack and, after many casualties, were forced to retreat. This put the Canadians into action and they fought valiantly to preserve their positions. After intense fighting, the Canadians disengaged and reorganized for a counter-attack. With heavy artillery fire, the Princess Patricia's light infantry managed to repel the enemy offensive and the Canadian troops maintained their positions.
A Canadian soldier at a U.N. cemetery

In the battle, the Canadians suffered only 10 casualties and 23 wounded. This statistic testifies to the troops' organization and skill. For their part in the battle, the Canadians recieved the United States Presidential Citation. More importantly, however, the battle proved influential in the defeat of the general Chinese offensive.






Never Again is the most important motto taken from World War I and World War II. Many lessons have been learned through Canada's involvement in these wars, the most important being the value of peace and freedom. We often take these privileges for granted and it is not until war time that we fully appreciate their meaning.

The Canadian Armed Forces has adapted to this idea in its transformation into one of the world's most important peacekeeping forces. Canada has been involved in many peacekeeping missions with the United Nations since the Korean War. Canadian soldiers have participated in such missions as those to Somalia, Bosnia, and Cyprus.

All Canadians should strive to remember our past in order to better our future. We must not let war happen ever again; the costs are far too great. War memorials should not be regarded simply as memorials of the past but as symbols of the cost of war and a constant reminder to Canadians to strive for a peaceful future.


Bibliography of Resource Materials

Hoare, Robert. World War Two
London: Macdonald Educational Ltd., 1973

Hoare, Robert. World War One
London: Macdonald Educational Ltd., 1973

Giesler, Patricia. Valour Remembered:
Canada and the Second World War
Canada and the First World War
Canadians in Korea
Ottawa: Veteran's Affairs Canada, 1981