Canada At War Flashcards
The Canadian Expeditionary Force
Prime minister Borden and Wilfrend Laurier formed a Union Government, Canada recruited over 30,000 volunteers from around Canada to serve in the Canadian Militia army.
Sam Hughes
The army formed by Sam Hughes became known as the Canadian Expeditionary force, the first autonomous Canadian army to fight in an international conflict.
This accomplishment increased our pride and nationalism in Canada.
We had our own army and would later fight under our own commanders
The Second Battle of Ypres
The Canadian forces defending the line near the town of Ypres were hit by several tonnes of gas as the Germans advanced. They were outnumbered and ended up losing more than 6000 men
The Canadian forces used rags covered in urine to cover their eyes and mouth.
The Battle of the Somme
The British commanders were tired of the stalemate they endured for the first 2 years. So together the Canadian Corps and the British launched a massive offensive, but ended in catastrophic failure.
They suffered 50,000 casualties on the very first day with many more to come.
However, news of the losses they suffered inspired those at home to increase their support.
Vimy Ridge
The Canadian divisions fighting together, captured the ridge which was a strategic point of paramount importance which helped allies win the decisive battle.
They captured and fortified the ridge during a surprise attack that was expertly planned.
The Battle of Passchendaele
The terrain was so difficult to navigate the attack ended in devastating losses with more than 200, 000 casualties on each side including 15,000 Canadians.
The battle ended in victory however 8 days later the town of Passchendalele was captured by the Germans.
Arthur Currie
After the success of the Vimy Ridge attack Aurthur Currie was given command of the Canadian corps.
Edith Cavell
Edith Cavell was a British nurse reportedly killed by the German soldiers during WWI.
Her death was used as propaganda by the allies who accused the Germans of being barbaric for harming an innocent nurse.
Women on the Warfront
More than 2800 served during WWI within the Royal Canadian medical corps
Billy Bishop
Billy Bishop was a Canadian flying “ace”. He shot down at least 5 enemy aircraft.
It is reported that he shot over 72 enemy aircraft during WWI
Billy Barker
Billy Barker is the most decorated war hero in Canadian military history.
He faced off against 15 enemy aircraft by himself and managed to shoot down 3. He was severely wound and the plane was badly damaged but he managed to land and live.
