Canada and world war II

August 23 to 24, 1939 saw the Soviet/German non-aggression Pact signed in Moscow. By August 26, Hitler had postponed the invasion of Poland. This was a last minute decision. Hitler had heard that Britain and Poland had formed a formal alliance.

September 1st, the German army invaded Poland on Hitler’s orders and without a declaration of war. This action was the beginning of WWII.

On September 9th, it was learned that two Canadian women were on the unarmed ocean liner, SSAthenia,” which had been sunk by German U-boats. The next day, Canada declared war on Germany independently.

Prime Minister William Lyon McKenzie King said it all in the House of Commons:

For months, indeed for years, the shadow of impending conflict in Europe has been ever present. Through these troubled years, no stone has been left unturned, no road unexplored in the patient search for peace. Unhappily for the world, Herr Hitler and the nazi regime in Germany have persisted in their attempt to extend their control over other peoples and countries, and to pursue their aggressive design in wanton disregard of all treaty obligations, and peaceful methods of adjusting international disputes. They have had to resort increasingly to agencies of deception, terrorism and violence. It is this reliance upon force, this lust for conquest, this determination to dominate throughout the world, which is the real cause of the war that today threatens the freedom of mankind.

This morning, the King (of England) speaking to his peoples at home and across the seas, appealed to all to make their own, the cause of freedom, which Britain again has taken up. Canada has already answered that call. On Friday the government, speaking on behalf of the Canadian people, announced that in the event of the United Kingdom becoming engaged in war in the effort to resist aggression, they would, as soon as parliament meets, seek its authority for effective co-operation by Canada at the side of Britain.

In what manner and to what extent Canada may most effectively be able to co-operate in the common cause is, as I have stated, something which parliament itself will have to decide. All I need to add to the moment is that Canada, as a free nation of the British Commonwealth, is bringing her co-operation voluntarily. Our effort will be voluntary.

The people of Canada will, I know, face the days of stress and strain which lies ahead with calm resolute and courage. There is no home in Canada, no family, and no individual whose fortunes and freedom are not bound up in the present struggle. I appeal to my fellow Canadians to unite in a national effort to save from destruction all that makes live itself worth living, and to preserve for future generations those liberties and institutions which others have bequeathed to us.

After Prime Minister McKenzie made his Declaration of War, thousands of Canadian men flooded the recruiting offices to enlist. Some of those men were members of my family. They felt it their duty to fight for their country.

Canadian soldiers were first sent into battle in 1941. As tension grew in the Pacific, the vulnerability of Hong Kong became apparent. The battalions that represented Canada in Hong Kong were The Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers. They sailed from Vancouver on October 27, 1941 aboard the Awatea, escorted by the HMSC Prince Robert. The embarkation strength of the force was 96 officers and 1.877 other ranks. Two hundred twelve vehicles assigned to the force left a few days later on the Don Jose. These vehicles never reached Hong Kong. By the time the Don Jose reached Manila, the war with Japan had begun. The United States Forces were given permission to use the Canadian equipment to defend the Philippines.

On November 16, the Awatea reached Hong Kong. The Canadian units were not fully trained for the Front. Since war with Japan was not imminent, they believed they were going to Hong Kong for garrison duty. They felt there would be ample opportunity for more extensive training. Three weeks later, they were the first Canadian soldiers to fight as a unit in WWII.

At an almost simultaneous time, battles were underway at Pearl Harbor, northern Manila, the Philippines, Guam and Wake Island. Japan had brought war to the Pacific.

This first major contact with the enemy ended in disaster. The next major contact would be at Dieppe…but that is another story.

This article is dedicated to veterans everywhere. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that future generations would live in freedom. May we never forget them or the sacrifice they paid.