1. The Calm before the Storm
The “phony” war and the changing Canadian military

2. “Phony” War (a.k.a. Sitzkrieg)
From September 1939-April 1940, not much happened
Most German forces went to Poland, some left to defend French border
French invested in Maginot Line, were content to wait behind it
Defensive position across France built after WWI
French/British hesitation during this time likely cost them in the long run
Canadian troops were sent to Scotland, but not sent into mainland Europe

3. Meanwhile, in the Pacific…
Japan sought expansion of its Empire in Pacific
Conquest of China began in 1932
Rape, torture, and murder of 200,000 Nanking citizens
Japan completes the “Axis”
Allies with Germany in 1936
Axis now consists of Germany, Italy, and Japan
United States began preparing for war with Japan

4. Germany’s Quick Turnaround
Used French/British hesitance to go from Poland back to France, Belgium, other European countries
Easily broke through Maginot Line, sent French/British troops into retreat
Allies completely unprepared for Blitzkrieg tactics, were driven back to coast of France
Germans captured Paris on June 22nd, 1940
Day armistice was signed between France and Germany

5. Miracle at Dunkirk Huge turning point for Allies
German forces completely surrounded Allies, forced them back to town of Dunkirk
British government called for any civilian boats to help evacuate the troops stuck on beach
Luftwaffe (German Air Force) continually bombing beach and British Channel
Only 10,000 were expected to make it back to England
Thanks to hundreds of civilian boats, 340,000 soldiers were evacuated back to safety in England

6. Canada’s Changing Military
Quite different than the military make-up in WWI
Canadian military in WWI had segregated units, denied certain minorities enlisting
Inclusion of Minorities in Armed Forces
No segregated units, minorities were dispersed throughout Army
Army recruitment parties actively campaigned in Native Reserves
Still experienced prejudice and racism within their units

7. Canadian Women in the Military
Expanded role of Women in military roles
WWI: Primarily nurses
WWII: Nurses, truck drivers, mechanics, welders, radio operators, and more
No actual combat roles however
Numerous military groups devoted to female involvement were created
CATS: Canadian Auxiliary Territorial Service
CWAAF: Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Air Force
CWAC: Canadian Women’s Army Corps
WRNS (a.k.a. “Wrens”): Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service

8. Canada’s Role in the Air
RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) often flew with RAF (Britain’s Air Force) throughout the war
Involved in Battle of Britain, Night-raids & bombings against Germany, general air support across Europe
BCATP: British Commonwealth Air Training Plan
Canada’s largest contribution to war effort
Training program set up in Prairies to train pilots before they went to Europe
Will explore more in-depth later…

9. Group Questions/Discussion
Group 1: Why did the French defensive military strategy fail against Germany?
Group 2: Should Canada have reacted more aggressively to Japan’s actions in China?
Group 3: Between Germany and Japan, which was the bigger threat to Canada, and why?
Group 4: Why was Canada particularly worried about England being defeated by Germany?
Group 5: Aboriginal enlistment was quite high at the start of the war. Why do you think this was the case?