(Continuity & Change) How did Canada’s role in WWII battles change over time? Explain with reference to the sequence of battles Canada participated in.
In the beginning, Canada contributed to the war by sending out supplies to common wealth countries; however, when the bombing of pearl Harbour hit, Canada quickly reacted by sending two battalions to reinforce the British forces in Hong Kong. Sadly, Canadian soldiers were inexperienced and proven to be no match against the skilled Japanese soldiers. All the Canadian soldiers were either killed or taken prisoner. Canadians contributed to the war on all fronts. during the war, Canada trained and expanded its navy and air force to help reinforce the Allies. Canada commenced on a massive building and training program which resulted in the RCN having 400 vessels and more than 100, 000 sailors. Canada also helped turn the tide. The RCN provided about half the escorts across the Atlantic. Canada built corvettes which escorted tonnes of cargo across the ocean. 14,000 Canadians soldiers landed at Juno beach to help at the battle of D-Day which their contributions resulted in gaining 9 km inland. Canadians played a huge role in WW2.
Just to clarify with Hong Kong, we sent 2 battalions back in October 1941 so they were already there when Pearl Harbor was attacked. But we sent them really to help Britain out.
But what about our participation at Dieppe, Ortona and the Netherlands?
If you do track the chronology of our participation in battle, you do see a transition from being more supportive to being an ally fighting alongside Britain, the US, and our other allies.