Main article: Military history of Canada during World War II
On 10 September 1939, Canada likewise declared war on Germany, the country's first independent declaration of war[24] and the beginning of Canada's participation in the largest combined national effort in its history. Canada's military was active mainly in Italy,[25] Northwestern Europe,[26] and the North Atlantic.
Over the course of the war, 1.1 million Canadians served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Of these more than 45,000 lost their lives and another 54,000 were wounded.[27] The financial cost was $21,786,077,519.13, between the 1939 and 1950 fiscal years.[28] By the end of the War, Canada had the world's fourth largest air force,[29] and third largest navy.[30] As well, the Canadian Merchant Navy completed over 25,000 voyages across the Atlantic.[31] Many Allied pilots trained in Canada during the war. Canadians also served in the militaries of various Allied countries.
Canadian forces deployed to the United Kingdom in 1939. One corps fought in the Italian campaign while the other fought in Northwest Europe beginning with the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944. The 1st Canadian Army ended the war on German soil with five Canadian divisions and a host of allied formations under direct command.
During the war, Canada was subject to direct attack in the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and in the shelling of a lighthouse at Estevan Point in British Columbia.
The war had significant cultural, political and economic effects on Canada, including the conscription crisis. However, the war effort not only strengthened the Canadian economy but further established Canada as a major actor on the world stage.[32]
On 10 September 1939, Canada likewise declared war on Germany, the country's first independent declaration of war[24] and the beginning of Canada's participation in the largest combined national effort in its history. Canada's military was active mainly in Italy,[25] Northwestern Europe,[26] and the North Atlantic.
Over the course of the war, 1.1 million Canadians served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Of these more than 45,000 lost their lives and another 54,000 were wounded.[27] The financial cost was $21,786,077,519.13, between the 1939 and 1950 fiscal years.[28] By the end of the War, Canada had the world's fourth largest air force,[29] and third largest navy.[30] As well, the Canadian Merchant Navy completed over 25,000 voyages across the Atlantic.[31] Many Allied pilots trained in Canada during the war. Canadians also served in the militaries of various Allied countries.
Canadian forces deployed to the United Kingdom in 1939. One corps fought in the Italian campaign while the other fought in Northwest Europe beginning with the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944. The 1st Canadian Army ended the war on German soil with five Canadian divisions and a host of allied formations under direct command.
During the war, Canada was subject to direct attack in the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and in the shelling of a lighthouse at Estevan Point in British Columbia.
The war had significant cultural, political and economic effects on Canada, including the conscription crisis. However, the war effort not only strengthened the Canadian economy but further established Canada as a major actor on the world stage.[32]