Dieppe, Italy, D-Day, France and Holland

Canadians in Action

August 9, 1942 – 5000 Canadians cross the English channel to raid the French port of Dieppe

It was the first attempt to attack German positions in France since 1940.

The Canadians lost the element of surprise and were cut down by the German defenders

907 Canadians killed, 1946 capturedComplete failure

The Dieppe Raid

Canadians fought throughout Italy and were some of the best soldiers in the Campaign

They were deeply involved in the capture of Sicily and breaking the Gothic and Hitler defensive lines

Canadian and American commandos joined forces to form the 1st Special Service Force – one of the world's first “SpecOps” teams. This unit was given the nickname ‘The Devil’s Brigade” or the “Black Devils” by the Germans because they were so feared

They specialized in Night, Mountain and Close combat

Canadians in Italy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1st_Special_Service_Force.patch.jpg

The most important battle for Canadians in ItalyA small but extremely fierce battle between German

elite paratroopers and the first Canadian DivisionThe town was important because it had a large portThe battle lasted 8 days and involved the some of the

most vicious street fighting of the entire warCanadians won the battle using a technique called

mouse holing to get around traps and ambushes (using explosives to break though walls and ceilings rather than use doors and windows) This technique is still used today!

The Battle of Ortona

The full scale invasion of France, June 6, 1944Using paratroopers, bombers, massive artillery

barrages from battleships and over 5000 landing craft British, American and Canadians Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy (in France)

Five Beaches were hit (Utah and Omaha by the USA, Sword and Gold by the British and Juno by the Canadians)

Casualties were very heavy but the battle was won and the allies begun the liberation of France and the drive towards Germany

Operation Overlord (D-Day)

Canadians were important in the battles in FranceCanadians fought and defeated the 12th SS Hitler Youth division

(an entire division of fanatical 18 year old Hitler Youth members)

Canadians also were some of the first men to cross into Germany

However, Canadians were pulled out of Germany and given the job of liberating Holland

The Canadian Army single handedly drove the Nazis out of Holland and saved the country from oppression and starvation

Canada and Holland still have a special relationship and our there are parades and festivities hold every year in honor of Canadian veterans.

In Holland, the grave of every fallen Canadian soldier is taken care of by young child as part of their schooling

Canadians in France and Holland

VE Day = Victory in Europe DaySurrounded by Russian forces and with the

German army in complete ruins, Hitler commits suicide on April 30th 1945

Germany officials surrenders on May 8th 1945 (VE day)

Japan is the only enemy that continues to fight

VE day!