The Calm before the StormTHE “PHONY” WAR AND THE CHANGING CANADIAN MILITARY
“Phony” War (a.k.a. Sitzkrieg) From September 1939-April 1940, not
much happened Most German forces went to Poland, some
left to defend French border French invested in Maginot Line,
were content to wait behind it Defensive position across France
built after WWI French/British hesitation during this time
likely cost them in the long run Canadian troops were sent to
Scotland, but not sent into mainland Europe
Meanwhile, in the Pacific… Japan sought expansion of its
Empire in Pacific Conquest of China began in 1932 Rape, torture, and murder of 200,000
Nanking citizens
Japan completes the “Axis” Allies with Germany in 1936 Axis now consists of Germany,
Italy, and Japan
United States began preparing for war with Japan
Germany’s Quick Turnaround
Used French/British hesitance to go from Poland back to France, Belgium, other European countries
Easily broke through Maginot Line, sent French/British troops into retreat
Allies completely unprepared for Blitzkrieg tactics, were driven back to coast of France
Germans captured Paris on June 22nd, 1940 Day armistice was signed between France and
Germany
Miracle at Dunkirk Huge turning point for Allies German forces completely surrounded
Allies, forced them back to town of Dunkirk
British government called for any civilian boats to help evacuate the troops stuck on beach Luftwaffe (German Air Force) continually
bombing beach and British Channel
Only 10,000 were expected to make it back to England
Thanks to hundreds of civilian boats, 340,000 soldiers were evacuated back to safety in England
Canada’s Changing Military
Quite different than the military make-up in WWI Canadian military in WWI had segregated units,
denied certain minorities enlisting
Inclusion of Minorities in Armed Forces No segregated units, minorities were dispersed
throughout Army Army recruitment parties actively campaigned in
Native Reserves Still experienced prejudice and racism within
their units
Canadian Women in the Military Expanded role of Women in military roles
WWI: Primarily nurses WWII: Nurses, truck drivers, mechanics, welders, radio
operators, and more No actual combat roles however
Numerous military groups devoted to female involvement were created CATS: Canadian Auxiliary Territorial Service CWAAF: Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Air Force CWAC: Canadian Women’s Army Corps WRNS (a.k.a. “Wrens”): Women’s Royal Canadian Naval
Service
Canada’s Role in the Air RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) often
flew with RAF (Britain’s Air Force) throughout the war
Involved in Battle of Britain, Night-raids & bombings against Germany, general air support across Europe
BCATP: British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Canada’s largest contribution to war
effort Training program set up in Prairies to
train pilots before they went to Europe Will explore more in-depth later…
Group Questions/Discussion Group 1: Why did the French defensive
military strategy fail against Germany? Group 2: Should Canada have reacted
more aggressively to Japan’s actions in China?
Group 3: Between Germany and Japan, which was the bigger threat to Canada, and why?
Group 4: Why was Canada particularly worried about England being defeated by Germany?
Group 5: Aboriginal enlistment was quite high at the start of the war. Why do you think this was the case?