Canada Preparing for War When Britain declared war on Germany on Aug 4, 1914, Canada and the rest of the British Empire. August 5, 1914 Canada officially declares war on Germany. 1

Major Canadian Battles 2

2nd Battle of Ypres - 1915 Significance of Ypres Description of Battle Part of the “Race to the Sea”. Located in Northern Belgium. The British needed to control the ports along the English Channel. The Germans wanted to cut off the British supply line and out Flank the Allied Line. First Canadian engagement of WWI. First use of Chemical Warfare. Germans unleashed Chlorine Gas The French and Algerian Divisions took heavy casualties (6000 dead in first 10 minutes) and abandoned their positions. The Canadians held their positions (by urinating on their handkerchiefs) through the night, and launched a counter-attack to fend off the Germans. 3

2nd Battle of Ypres - 1915 4

2nd Battle of Ypres - 1915 Results of Ypres Due to the surprise use of Gas, both sides developed other types of Gas and more sophisticated countermeasures. Canadian Arthur Currie's actions as a Commander were praised after the battle. Canadian forces realized how little their training would play a part in actual fighting. Canadians took 6,000 casualties. Canadians recognized for their heroic efforts. Col. John McCrae, wrote “In Flanders Fields”. 5

Battle of the Somme July-Nov 1916

Battle of the Somme July-Nov 1916 Description of Battle Role of Canadians Part of a Major Allied Offensive along the River Somme in France. British took 60,000 casualties on the first day (largest single-day loss in British history). The Germans were extremely well prepared and dug in for the attack. Allied Artillery Barrages were ineffective. Tanks were used in September along portions of the line, but proved to be unreliable. 80,000 Canadians fought. Soldiers from Quebec and Newfoundland fought at Courcette in September 1919. Canadians distinguished themselves in the fight and took their objective. Canadians were used as “Shock Troops”. 24,000 Casualties. 7

Battle of the Somme July-Nov 1916 8

Battle of the Somme July-Nov 1916 Results of the Battle Both sides took 1.5 million Casualties. - Bloodiest military operation ever! Ultimate Battle of Attrition. Daily loss rate for the British was 2,900 casualties/day. The British only gained 2 miles. **Hitler fought and was wounded in the Battle of the Somme. 9