1. The Tide Turns: Germany’s Defeat
Canadian Infantry at Juno Beach on
D-Day, 6 June 1944

2. The Tide Begins to Turn After:
Allies gained US military strength once US entered the conflict December 1941
Allies began to win Battle of the Atlantic
Allies cleared North Africa of Axis forces and could focus on invasion of Europe

3. The Invasion of Italy
Italy and Sicily seen as “soft underbelly”: best way to recapture Europe
July 1943: Canadians participated in successful Allied invasion of Sicily
September 1943: moved to Italy’s mainland

4. The Invasion of Italy
Canadians fought for a month in Ortona; lost 1372 soldiers before Germans withdrew
Fighting continued in Italy until spring 1945

5. D-Day and Liberation
D-Day, June 6, 1944: biggest Allied invasion in WWII
full-scale Allied invasion of Europe called “Operation Overlord”
After Dieppe failure, this invasion carefully planned

6. D-Day and Liberation
Five landings along Normandy beach: “Sword,” “Juno,” “Gold,” “Omaha,” and “Utah”
Attacked via air first, then paratroopers sent behind German lines
Morning of June 6, 1944: 30,000+ Canadians arrived at “Juno” beach

7. D-Day and Liberation
Allies had two advantages: massive air and naval support, and fact that Germans don’t expect attack until later
Allies successfully advance through Europe and eventually attack Germany March 1945

8. D-Day and Liberation
April 1945: Canadians sent to liberate the Netherlands where people starving to death
Over 6300 Canadian casualties in Holland
May 4, 1945: German troops surrender in the Netherlands
Canadians hailed as heroes

9. Germany Surrenders Hitler commits suicide in Berlin
May 7, 1945: while being attacked from west by Allies and east by Soviet Union, Germany surrenders