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Canada in World War Two. Weapons and Products. CD Howe – Minister in charge of Munitions (weapons) and Supplies Businesses told what to produce and when Total War Hyde Park Declaration Agreement with US to exchange goods and increase trade. Money. Soldiers. 1914 –
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Weapons and Products • CD Howe – Minister in charge of Munitions (weapons) and Supplies • Businesses told what to produce and when • Total War • Hyde Park Declaration • Agreement with US to exchange goods and increase trade
Soldiers • 1914 – • 3,110 men and a fledgling navy • By 1918 • 620,000 Canadians Fought 1939 • Army 4,261 (51,000 reserves) • Air Force 3,100 (270 aircraft, most obsolete • Navy 1,800 (6 modern destroyers, 4 minesweepers )
Why would Canadians enlist? • -Private’s Pay of $1.30 a day • -Also included $60 a month for dependent spouse and $30 a month for each child • -British ties • -A sense of new-found national pride
Conscription • Mackenzie King did not want because would upset French Canadians • French Canadians would support the war if they were not conscripted • By 1942, Canada does not have enough volunteers • King holds referendum – 70% of Quebecers vote no • “Not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary” – Mackenzie King • Finally happens in 1944, 12,000 go overseas
Hong Kong • December 1941 • 1st battle of WW2 involving Canadian Soldiers • 290 killed in Battle, 264 died as POWs • Over 50% killed or wounded – highest casualty rate for Canada in WW2 • Many Canadians unhappy – British Empire and brutal treatment after the battle • Example – field hospital attacked and nurses and wounded soldiers killed
Dieppe • August 1942 • Involved 4000 Canadian troops, 1000 British’ • Complete disaster – 1000 dead • More prisoners than whole of 1944 and 1945 • Lessons learned used for D-Day
The War Turns in Europe - The West • June 1944 – D Day landings launched • Also called Operation Overlord • Allied Forces secure beachheads • Use as base to drive German army back • December 1944 – Reached German/French Border
Ortona • December 1943 • Canada attacks small city in Italy • Cleared the town street by street • Part of squeeze of German forces
Netherlands • Canada’s contribution to the west ward retreat of Germany • Liberated (freed) Holland in May 1945 • Ensured special relationship that still exists
The War ends in Europe • January 1945 – USSR moves in from East, Allies from west • 2 May 1945 – USSR Forces reach Berlin • 8 May 1945 – Germany Surrenders • Known as VE (Victory in Europe) Day