Canada's Involvement in WWII

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Questions and Answers

When did Canada declare war in World War II?

September 10, 1939

What was the purpose of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)?

To train pilots from all over the Commonwealth.

What was the total cost of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)?

$2.2 billion+

Which event marked the beginning of Canada's full-scale war effort in World War II?

The fall of France in 1940 Signup and view all the answers

What did PM Mackenzie-King tell Canadians about conscription during the war?

Canada would not practice conscription Signup and view all the answers

What was the Axis power that invaded China in 1937?

Japan Signup and view all the answers

What event caused Canada to become less of a powerful ally to Britain in 1941?

The surprise invasion of Hong Kong by Japanese troops Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the British invention of radar during World War II?

It was a very powerful weapon in fighting the Germans Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the surprise invasion of Hong Kong by Japanese troops in December 1941?

Hong Kong fell to Japan on Christmas Day 1941 Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Dieppe for Canada during World War II?

It was Canada’s first European battle Signup and view all the answers

What were the main goals of deploying 6000 troops to the northern coast of France in August 1942?

<ol> <li>Capture a major port for a short time, to gather information from prisoners. 2) Draw the Luftwaffe into a large-scale planned encounter</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What were the reasons for the failure of the Dieppe operation?

Delays caused the ships to land on the beach during daylight, delays caused the bombers to be late on the attack, soldiers were picked off as they scrambled for cover, commanders in the boats could not see what was happening and continued to send reinforcements onto the beach Signup and view all the answers

What was the constant threat faced by Canadian merchant ships during the Battle of the Atlantic?

Constant threat of attack from German U-boats or submarines Signup and view all the answers

What measures did the Allies take to counter the threat of German U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic?

They used corvettes to escort the ships across the ocean and cracked the German naval codes Signup and view all the answers

How were Canadian merchant sailors treated post-war compared to veterans of the army and navy?

They were treated as civilian participants and were not given the same benefits as veterans of the army, navy Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the German E Boat during the Battle of the Atlantic?

To attack and disrupt the supply ships carrying essential supplies for England & Allies across the north Atlantic Ocean Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Canada's Involvement in World War II

Canada declared war on September 10, 1939, following the invasion of Poland by Germany.
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) was established to train aircrew from Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to support the Allies.
The total cost of the BCATP was approximately $1.6 billion, making it one of the largest and most expensive programs in Canadian history.

Early War Efforts

The invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of Canada's full-scale war effort.
PM Mackenzie-King promised Canadians that there would be no conscription during the war, stating "not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary."

The Axis Powers

Japan invaded China in 1937, marking the beginning of its aggressive expansion in Asia.

Challenges and Setbacks

The sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales in 1941 by Japanese forces off the coast of Malaysia weakened Canada's alliance with Britain.
The surprise invasion of Hong Kong by Japanese troops in December 1941 resulted in the occupation of the territory and the capture of Canadian soldiers.

The Battle of Dieppe

The Battle of Dieppe on August 19, 1942, was a failed Allied raid on the French coast, resulting in heavy casualties and a significant blow to Canadian morale.
The main goals of the Dieppe operation were to test the feasibility of a large-scale amphibious assault, to gather intelligence, and to capture a German-occupied port.
The failure of the Dieppe operation was attributed to inadequate planning, poor intelligence, and insufficient support from the air and naval forces.

The Battle of the Atlantic

Canadian merchant ships faced a constant threat from German U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic.
To counter the U-boat threat, the Allies implemented a convoy system, where ships sailed together in groups, escorted by naval vessels.
The German E-boat was a fast and heavily armed vessel used to attack Allied ships and convoy escorts.

Post-War Treatment of Merchant Sailors

After the war, Canadian merchant sailors were not treated equally to veterans of the army and navy, receiving less recognition and compensation for their service.

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Description

Explore Canada's involvement in World War II, including its entry into the war and its role as part of the Allied powers. Learn about the Axis and the Allies, the Statute of Westminster, and significant events related to Canada's participation in the war.