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?