World War Two Battles

World War Two BattlesCanadian History

AttackNazis invaded Poland on

September 1, 1939.

The Polish armed forces collapsed in less than a month from the quick and powerful German attack!

Germany used tanks, dive-bombers and soldiers.

Blitzkrieg

Definition: Lightning Warfare.

Hitler showed the world a new kind of war. This was not like the trenches, but instead a mobilized attack. He invaded quickly and countries didn’t have a chance! War was not longer only at the front, but in the streets.

Hitler Ruled Europe

Country Defeat Timeline

Denmark 1 Day

Norway 2 Days

Netherlands 5 Days

Belgium 18 Days

France 6 weeks

SitzkriegAfter the defeat of Poland, Germany slowed down

their advance.

European countries called it the “phony war” or “Sitzkrieg”.

The Allies scrambled to organize themselves and Germany used this time to carefully plan their next invasion and mobilize their armies.

Germany stuck again in the spring of 1940 when

they invaded France and began bombing Britain.

Battle of Britain

The British navy and air force controlled the English Channel – 50km of water separating Britain and Europe.

By now, Germany had successfully invaded France and needed control of the English Channel in order plan their attack on Britain.

The Battle Begins

The German air force is called the Luftwaffe.

They began their attack on July 10, 1940.

They planned to destroy the Royal Air Force (RAF) and over the next 2 weeks bombed radar stations, airfields and factories.

In August 1940, Britain attacked back and bombed Berlin!

The Nazis responded by “blitzing” the cities of Britain. He wanted to hit civilians and terrify the country.

It didn’t work....

Britain’s Reaction

British citizens hid in subways and air raid shelters when the bombing began

They grew stronger as a country – not weaker. They united together to rebuild homes, businesses and carried as with their lives.

New pilots joined the RAF and 500 planes were being built each month to defend themselves

against the Nazis

September 15, 1940

German Luftwaffe took over the skies over the English Channel, but Britain was ready!

The RAF won and Hitler called off the attack after 2 days.

Battle of Britain was won by a few hundred pilots – 80 Canadians who shot down 100 Nazis!

The Luftwaffe lost 1722 planes and the RAF only lost 915.

Canadians in Hong Kong

September 1941: Britain realized Japan was about to join the Axis powers.

Churchill asked PM Mackenzie King to send Canadian troops to protect Hong Kong (Then a British colony).

1975 Canadian troops were sent to defend from Japanese threat.

Japan Attack

December 7, 1941 Japan attacks Pearl Harbour – America declares WAR.

The next day, 14, 000 Canadian, Indian and British troops faced

50, 000 Japanese troops.

The allies held out until December 25 and surrendered only because they ran out of supplies and ammunition

Nearly 500 Canadians were wounded, 290 were killed and any survivors spent the rest of the war in POW camps. 260 died in the camps.

DieppeCanadians to the Slaughter

Eastern AttackGermany has invaded

the Soviet Union (Russia) and violated the Non-Aggression

Pact.

Stalin needed an allied attack on

France to give the Soviet Union a

break.

Why Raid on Dieppe?

Germany has invaded the Soviet Union (Russia) and violated the Non-Aggression Pact.

Stalin needed an allied attack on France to give the Soviet Union a break.

Wanted to test German coastal defences.

If they controlled a port they could bring in supplies quickly. Also, help plan larger future invasion

American and Canadian soldiers were anxious to fight. Training for months and ready for action!

Japan had invaded Hong Kong, a British colony, and British were outraged. Wanted revenge on the enemy.

August 19, 1942, 5000 Canadian soldiers landed on beaches of Dieppe,

France

Planned a surprise attack. Seize the town, control ports, destroy airports and return to

England.

Germans were ready and waiting. Canadians faced open beaches, barbed

wire, landmines and cannons.

900 were killed, 500 wounded and 2000 were

taken prisoner. One regiment had a 96%

casualty rate. Only a few reached the town.

Why did the Attack Fail?

Poor military planning by the British and Canadian forces.

Attacked a fortified beach in broad daylight and German forces were ready and waiting.

What did they Learn?

Stronger military force and strategy was required to break through the German coastal defences.

The French invasion was postponed until 1944. Next time allied forces landed in France would be June 6, 1944.

The sacrifices made by the Canadian soldiers helped to reduce future casualties

Battle of the Atlantic

Longest and most significant battle of WW2.

U-boats hunted convoys – their goal was to stop supplies going to Britain.

Canadian navy escorted these convoys halfway across and Britain would take over.

By 1943, Allies were winning the battle. Better ships helped more convoys arrive safely, which meant more supplies reaching allies. More u-boats were destroyed.

Canadian navy played a significant role in the victory over Germany!

Beginning WW2: 13 ships and 3000 sailors End WW2: 370 ships and 10, 000 sailors

Exit Questions

1. What was the German air force called?

2. What was the significance of the Battle of Britain?

3. Where did Canadians first see action?

4. Where were the Canadians slaughtered in France?

5. How did their experiences teach the Allies a valuable lesson?