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Canadians in Action

Canadians in Action. Dieppe, Italy, D-Day, France and Holland. The Dieppe Raid. 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.

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Canadians in Action

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  1. Canadians in Action Dieppe, Italy, D-Day, France and Holland

  2. The Dieppe Raid • 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 captured • Complete failure

  3. Canadians in Italy • 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

  4. The Battle of Ortona • The most important battle for Canadians in Italy • A small but extremely fierce battle between German elite paratroopers and the first Canadian Division • The town was important because it had a large port • The battle lasted 8 days and involved the some of the most vicious street fighting of the entire war • Canadians 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!

  5. Operation Overlord (D-Day) • The full scale invasion of France, June 6, 1944 • Using 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

  6. Canadians in France and Holland • Canadians were important in the battles in France • Canadians 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

  7. VE day! • VE Day = Victory in Europe Day • Surrounded 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

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