The Realities of Fighting for Canada in WW1

The Beginning 1914 – Canada Automatically at war. Leader of opposition Wilfred Laurier declares Canada is ‘Ready, Aye Ready’ to serve Britain. Promised 25,000 troops 30,000 signed up in the first month alone Went to Europe as CEF (Canadian Expeditionary force) Beginning of stronger National Identity Tensions between groups Aboriginal Canadians not welcomed – officially banned but this was often ignored. African and Japanese Canadians not promoted -  "This is not for you fellows, this is a white man's war.“ – NS recruitment officer to French and English Canada fighting in separate units

How does Trench warfare start? French forces try to stop German advance Begins ‘Race to the sea’ – front line moves further and further north (like a zip) By November, weather becomes bad Sides begin to ‘dig in’ and build trenches Start of defensive, rather than offensive war.

Rats!

Lice

Mud at Passchendaele

No Mans Land

The Battle of Ypres 1. April 1915 – Ypres Gas used for the first time Totally new – had to pee in handkerchiefs 6000 Canadians killed or wounded Later developed cumbersome gas masks Hit most unexperienced (Youngest) soldiers hardest.

The Battle of The Somme . July 1916 – Battle of the Somme German lines bombarded for one week. Hid in bunkers, very little damage Soldiers instructed by Haig to walk toward machine gun fire 85% of Newfoundland regiment killed or wounded in first 30 minutes Lasted 6 months. Haig never visited the front to see reality

Vimy Ridge 3. April 1917 – Vimy Ridge Canadian Forces capture important high ground in 3 days Prepared in advance by practising on similar terrain Both French and British forces had previously tried and failed. 3500 killed, 7000 wounded US editorial called it a “Canadian Victory” Canada getting international recognition as Canada and not Britain.

4 key Canadian battles 4. October 1917 - Passchendaele Canadian general Arthur Currie in command of Canadian troops for first time Scouted Passchendaele and complained to Haig and British high command Said suicidal and not willing to risk Canadian troops Haig refused to change plan. 15,000 Canadian dead. Many stuck in mud and trampled or suffocated