Canada in World War I
For many, the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian John McCrae is a strong symbol of World War I. The evocative poem was written in the trenches at the Battle of Ypres in 1915 when a close friend of McCrae's was one of 6000 Canadian casualties in just 48 hours.
Canadian World War I Posters provide some insight into life in Canada during World War I. These colour posters were used as an affordable means of mass communication by the Canadian government and were put up in just about any public place where people gathered. The Canadian government produced war posters for recruitment drives, for fund raising through Victory Bonds, and to encourage the increase in production required to change the Canadian economy to support a war.
For a good idea of the battle conditions faced by Canadian soldiers, scroll through these World War I photo collections
There is much more information on Canadians in World War I and the battles they fought in
Canada in World War II
Valour Remembered is an excellent way to learn about Canada and World War II. From Veterans Affairs Canada, this document gives a good overview of the major events of World War II. It is easy to read, explains how Canadians participated, and has some good photos.
The Canadian government also used war posters to encourage support for World War II amongst Canadians. Canadian War Posters in World War II were colorful, dramatic, and immediate. These simple advertising vehicles give a quick glimpse of wartime life in Canada during the war.
The Battle of Dieppe in World War II was a test for the full-scale invasion of Western Europe, and it was devastating for the Canadians. See what the Canadians faced in the Battle of Dieppe in
Almost two years later the Allied invasion of Northwest Europe began on D-Day. Most of the intermediate objectives for D-Day were met and the Allies were back in Europe. About 14,000 Canadians landed in Normandy on D-Day, with over 1000 Canadian casualties, and more than 400 killed. Take a look at the massive preparations involved and the participation of the Canadians in
You can find more information about the role of Canada in World War II in
Canada in the Korean War
The Korean War is sometimes forgotten when Canadians talk about wars. But approximately 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean War, and 516 or them died.
Veterans Affairs Canada has a good synopsis of the participation of Canada in the Korean War in the Valour Remembered section Canadians in Korea.
There are other sites to visit in Canada and the Korean War.
Back to: Remembrance Day in Canada
