The British were also in the war way before Americans. The British got involved in September 1939, basically, quite early in the war. They absolutely were not there for Americans.
I find it absolutely astonishing that the American government doesn't like to recognize what Canada did to help out on D-Day. I find it absolutely disrespectful. If it wasn't for Canada D-Day would have not been as successful as it was..... It might have not even been successful at all and I think that Americans should start teaching that fact to their people to show respect for the Canadians who died for them. .... Anyone else agree?
As a Canadian patriot, I say ……meh. Lots of brave men took part. Canadians were among them. Let us remember them all in our own way. You think the Canadian government is teaching this in schools? Nope !
Canadians didn't die for Americans The British didn't die for Americans. No, these brave soldiers died for freedom, for democracy, for the men, women and children living under Nazi occupation throughout Europe. They died fighting fascism, anti-semitism and bigotry in many forms. 😢
Canadian war efforts are often not talked about, and as a Canadian I want to say THANK YOU!!!! For showing respect for the men who risked it all for freedom, the heroes who gave their lives for liberty. I’m proud of the accomplishments of our military, especially considering our military has always been smaller than most. If you haven’t watched it yet, I suggest watching The Forgotten Battle.
Tyler, you are not just an 'average' American, by even being interested in another country's history makes you above average for sure. Thank you for consistently being interested in Canadian history.
Canadian soldiers reached their D Day objectives. I am proud of our Canadians soldiers. Canadians may be few in number, but we are a formidable force in battle. We want to be a force for peace in the world, but we know how to fight when it is necessary. From an online overview of D Day:" The battle to secure Juno Beach took several days and involved defeating strong German armored counterattacks. The Canadians were the only units to reach their D-Day objectives, advancing further inland than any other Allied army"
My Dad was a WW2 RCAF veteran, born in 1923. He didn’t talk about the war much. He was proud to serve but it did wound him, physically and mentally. He passed in 2007 and I miss him every day. Proud of you, Dad.
Nicely done, Tyler. Yes, that is actually film footage of the Canadian landings on Juno Beach. Today, in my local veterans' club and Royal Canadian Legion branch, we have a 102 year-old D-Day veteran. Also, Star Trek's "Scotty," Canadian actor James Doohan was a Juno Beach D-Day veteran, having been a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Artillery. Yes, it is the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, which is an infantry regiment that today in garrisoned in Toronto. The Royal Regina Rifles is an infantry regiment garrisoned in Regina, Saskatchewan. During my 43 years serving in the Canadian Army, I led many tours of the D-Day beaches teaching senior officer students who were studying these events. Lest We Forget, John
@@Buzzkill-wn7tf That's because Reynolds is Canadian. But the fact is that reh-Geena IS the correct way to say it, if you're speaking Latin. We just don't speak Latin here. So it's Reh JIE nah.
@@alisoncircus Quebec here. Re-Geena is the French pronounciation. In English however, it's reh-jie-nah. I don't think any town in Canada has a Latin name LOL That being said - I always think of it as reh-jie-nah, despite being francophone.
Not during the great cough of 2019 😮. People went cray cray here. My family will never feel safe in this country ever again. I'm Still proud and always will be a proud Canadian but it hurts my soul how weak our country has become. Bless my brothers and sisters who I stood with in Ottawa. I love this amazing country, I just want my kids to be safe.
@ you’re children are as safe in Canada as anywhere else in the world , you talk nonsense . We are not weak people and as our national anthem says we are strong and free . It’s too bad if you’re letting political beliefs colour your perception of our peace and civility as weak .
@@carpentryfirst3048 pull up your socks and pull it together. Canada isn’t going anywhere.. we’re going to recover from this crappy government we’ve had for the last nine years. He tried to destroy our country and he failed.
CANADA's population in 1939 was 16,000,000. By the end of the war in 1945, Canada had over 1,000,000 people in uniform, without a draft. It also had built the worlds 3rd largest navy by the end of the war.
@@RobertCToewsIf you were already in the military, perhaps. The Liberal Party at the time was trying their hardest not to enact conscription, despite Britain's demands for more troops. I think the Conservative Party implements conscription for a bit, but the French burnt down Montreal in protest so they rescinded that idea lol
@@RobertCToews Yes but until 1944 only for defense inside Canada, it was not until post D-Day any were sent overseas. Some 13,000 NRMA men eventually left Canada, but only 2,463 reached units in the field before the end of the fighting. 69 died in battle. According to the Canada War Museum. And Quebec was the province most opposed. And on another note we were the 3rd largest army in the west.
If you think we were badass in world war II you should have seen the Canadians in world war I. The Germans were totally afraid to come up against Canadian troops in world war I and our reputation preceded Us in world war II
Tyler, i hope you get to read this specific recommendation: IF you are actually looking to see the entire second world war from Canada's perspective, look for a "series" by the National Film Board of Canada called "Canada At War" (should be available in full on UA-cam and if not well hopefully people in America can watch it without any blocking). It starts from the outbreak to the very end and is entirely from Canada's perspective. I watched it several times as i loved how descriptive it was and how in detail it explained just how much Canada actually contributed to the war effort. Guys, if you want Tyler to watch a series of very well done episodes regarding the whole thing help me let him see this recommendation! It's a MUST watch! :)
The only film of all the beaches that survived, was the footage on the Canadian beach. Used in British and American documentaries with out acknowledging them for the sixty years I’ve been alive. My grandfather would get pissed every time, and scream those are Canadians you Yankee bastards. I fondly remember those outbursts. I too am a veteran, served over twenty years.
that's incorrect there is a lot of film of American and British landings I believe there was a academy award winning film right after the war with newsreel. In fact the Americans sent historic Hollywood directors, journalists, and Camera men far more then any other nation. If what you claim Americans using Canadian footage would have been called out by American Vet's
Hey Wocookie! What regiment was you're grandpa and You? Me, My Unclle was Perth Regiment, Grandpa and other Uncle were 6 Group, and I was a Hasty Pee before seeing the light and going MARS!
The other heartbreaking thing, is many of our Volunteers were not even 19. Many of us were farm boys who lied about our age to volunteer for the War Effort. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for recognizing what so many have ignored or buried for 75+ years.
You are correct. Many mothers lost their little ones. My uncle wanted to go but he was too young. He watched hi 2 older brothers go. My father was being trained and never had to go.
No wonder theirs 9000+ ww2 vets still alive in Canada, they were just kids who lied about age to fight! Kids Turned into Brave men, sacrificing their lives! Lest we forget!
A folksinger, I think it was Wally McCally, wrote a song called “ There’s Money in War”. It is about people signing up because their families were so poor, they knew that paycheque would feed their families.
Canadians weren’t used to organizing battalions at this scale so most groups of soldiers were fathers, brothers, uncles, neighbours and community members fighting next to each other. It’s said that this led to our veterans showing unbelievable strength and bravery because they were protecting each other, people they cared about, at the same time as trying to take out the enemy. When their literal family members fell around them, they entered an altered state of mind where they’d do anything to prevent the war from reaching the shores of our home. Anything to protect the family they had left at home. Nothing but respect for those young boys and men. ❤
My dad was one of soldiers who landed on Juno beach so I have heard firsthand account of that day . Dad was a gunner in the Fort Garry Horse . Their boat had trouble getting in close enough to beach to unload so the captain took the boat back out into ,ran it up to full speed and jumped the sand bars to get them in. Once unloaded he was able to get back out. The Sherman tanks had a canvas protector on the front to prevent water from entering the front. From a distance they looked like the infantry landing boats so they didn’t fire on them until they dropped the canvas on the beach. Then they proceeded down the beach knocking out pill box after pill box. Dad was a crack shot and it didn’t matter whether it was a rifle or a tank gun. Dad rarely talked about that day as it was very emotional to lose so many buddies but I am glad he shared some memories.
@tciron Yes, but it was either volunteer for the Armed Forces or be told where you were going to work and what you were going to do as a civilian. You could be assigned to lumber camps, or farming or steel production, or road construction, and you would not have an option to quit until the war was over.
WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, etc etc. Long before the USA got involved. We always laugh at the US Bravado of 'we won the war'. FYI - Juno beach was the ONLY FORCE to meet D-day objectives - in fact had to be told to wait! and hold up until the others caught up. Talk to Belgium and the Netherlands - who liberated them? CANADA. 1/10 the troops the US had. Half the hardware, half the weapons, but TWICE the fortitude. American Generals have been quoted (off the record) that if they had more Canadians, the war would have been over much sooner. Likewise, in Northern Africa, with our Commomwealth compratiots from Australia were the same. Himler and Rommel were terrified of running into Australian units - considered them bufoons until the bullets flew. Then avoided them ON PURPOSE. Not because of weapons - because of sheer guts, and determination to put Fascism in its place. And how does the USA remember WW2? Hey - lets duplicate the Hitler thing!
@@Lawrence-lj5jz that's not true at all actually. They were free to join or not join and it did not impact their lives negatively. If anything most Canadians were happy to be working more and took it on with pride but they were not given a "no choice" scenario in which it was forced labor or volunteer that never happened it defeats the purpose of the voluntary part in volunteering.
I lived most of my life in Steyning in England. Canada, with echoes of the war, was all around me: Wiston House, on the western edge of the village, was the HQ for Canadian forces in the area; the road over the South Downs from Steyning to Lancing was built by Canadians to enable troop and equipment resupply to the coast in the event of invasion, and it still has a valley known as Canada Bottom on the southern side; I worked with BAe for a couple of years at Dunsfold Airfield - built by Canadians. We remember their help in defending our country and in being a strong partner on D-Day and what followed. Now I am a Canadian, and proud to be so.
When I was a Canadian exchange student studying in England a lot of kids had no idea about Canada and when I visited London a father was letting his kid climb all over the Canadian war monument near Buckingham palace. That was 2008. So I appreciate your comments but I also think some of your countrymen need a refresher. Of course, so do ours.
My Grandfather was in the second wave on Juno beach. He was a photographer, many of the photographs from Juno beach are his. God bless all our veterans. Lest we forget. 🇨🇦🫡🇺🇸🇬🇧
I’m an American living in Canada many years now.. I’m so glad you’re learning this,, as I remember too only learning a few stories,, only from American point of view in school. As if it was all won because of the US effort.. of course the US was huge in helping,, but the sacrifices from of other countries.. well it took the group effort.. so important for you to understand this real history. It will help you see the rising darkness these days in a clearer light. Also,, read the Book John Adams by David McCullough and learn revolutionary war history you’ve never heard before as well.. learn,, pass it on ,, know what freedom has cost and how precious and fragile it is..
The false quote from rommel explanse what the canadians though of americans, Give me British Officers, Americans Supplies and Canadian Soldiers and I can conquer the world
The erasure of Russian sacrifice is the worst part of it all. To the point we applauded a Ukraine soldier for fighting the Russians in world war 2.... Yeah that's a nazi
The US contributed a lot more to D-Day than the Canadians did. Without the US D-Day almost certainly would not have been possible. The American Omaha Beach was far more dangerous than the Canadian Juno Beach which was a relatively easy fight in comparison.
Over a million Canadians served in WW2. Over 44,000 died, everywhere from the Battle of Britain, Hong Kong, the Battle of the Atlantic through to Italy and Western Europe and many more. I was in Italy just a few months ago and the rows of Canadian graves at the Commonwealth cemetery outside Cassino was especially poignant. So many young men.
Canadians weren't there fighting for Americans, they were fighting for King and Country. Some were there because it seemed like an exciting thing to do. They were fighting alongside the British, French and Americans. Canadians entered both World Wars long before the Americans ever did because we were a Dominion of the British Empire. World history should be taught as a mandatory course. It would perhaps prevent our stupid politicians from some of the asinine decisions they make.
Don’t forget the Aussies: (Wiki) Australian contribution to the Battle of Normandy The Australian contribution to the Battle of Normandy involved more than 3,000 military personnel serving under British command. The majority of these personnel were members of the Royal Australian Air Force, though smaller numbers of Australians serving with the Royal Navy and British Army also participated in the fighting prior to and after the Allied landings on 6 June 1944
@@simonrancourt7834 thank you for that! I had never thought about it that way before. It is said that the King was worried about offending Quebec by asking Canadians to defend King and Country, but if he had asked them to help liberate France they might have responded positively.
@@KlkKI10oOok0oPs00OeST Australian and NZ were less involved here because many of the ANZACS were by then fighting against the Japanese in New Guinea and the Pacific. There were also squadrons in many places throughout Europe. From a population of over 7 million people, over 700,000 Australians enlisted during WW2 - around 10% if the population
My uncle who was on the opposite side in the German 736 regiment near or at Juno Beach said the Canadians where taking absolute hellish fire from them , kept coming with what he said was unbridled determination and courage that was unbelievable. He said they just kept coming at us. They did not break under relentless concentrated fire which impressed him and scared him at the same time , He had heard stories from his father about Mad Dog Canadians from WW1 . He was literally blown out of position he was defending with what he thinks was a round from a tank and woke up with a broken arm and leg, cuts and bruises and part of his uniform missing, no helmet , no weapon and one boot. As he was trying to regain his senses he looked up to see what he thought was a British soldier with a gun pointed at him. He raised his one good hand and as he spoke some English said, and I quote " My war is over , I do not believe I can give you any trouble" The soldier lowered his weapon , stared at him with some astonishment and called over a Sgt. At that time he then saw Canada on the upper arm of the uniform , the soldier said " We got a live one" Another soldier came over who appeared to be a medic looked at him checked his arm and looked at his crooked leg and said , He is out of the fight, when there is room and our guys are looked at we can move him. The Sgt said , "Hey there Gerry ( nick name for Germans) this man is going to give you something for the pain, stay put if you move or do anything you die , and you will be moved when and if we can. He got what he thinks was morphine, which knocked him out. Hours later he woke up on a stretcher then transported to a holding area where he drifted in and out consciousness . The next time he woke up he was in England as a POW.
Thank you for that story of humanity. I'm sure there were many similar stories. For the most part during WWI and WWII the men, rather boys, on the ground fighting these wars on both sides were young and would all rather be home doing the things all young men do no matter the era. Some were die hard Nazi's, indoctrinated in the Nazi youth, but many were not. What a waste, what a horrible waste of youth because of dictatorial leaders.
Impressive when canada has been EXTREMELY criticized for our almost near refusal to take Prisoner or share rations. Hell the Year after the famous Christmas day truce the Germans shouted over to us that they wanted to do that again and when they stood up with wine and cheese we stood up with machine guns. The joke is that canada is responsible for 2/3 of the Geneva conventions 😂
My great uncle was on the german side of this beach as well and refused to give his troops the fire command. He lamented often what a horrible slaughter it was and he could not take part in that.
November 11th is referred to as Remembrance Day here in Canada, and even though it was just a few weeks ago, I will never forget. I live free because of the sacrifices made by my ancestors and their friends. To the many, many troops that fell, from all involved nations, I salute you.
Wow! That vet who named off all those soldiers names that never made it out of the water , you can see that day has burned memories into his life forever😢 Respect to all those who have and will serve 🫡
@@bobmcrae5751 I also know, and that's why I responded ...I was a city firefighter for 30 years...and I will never forget those I had the privilege to work with...they are my second family 👍😉
The same thing happened to my Grandfather at the Rhine. There were only two from his group that survived. My Grandfather never talked about the war. I was told by a relative that he felt he had a responsibility to live his best life because his buddies didn’t get to live theirs.
The biggest cultural difference between the United States and Canada is that Canadians have always favoured enlistment. Only near the end of both world wars after casualties had decimated the military was conscription enacted in Canada and it nearly brought down the government in both cases. Conscripts (a.k.a. zombies) rarely served overseas. Every Canadian at Vimy Ridge and at Juno Beach had voluntarily enlisted - they were there by choice, not by government order. Conversely, 90% of the American Expeditionary Force in WW1 and 60% of the US military in WW2 were drafted. For Canadians, military service is a civic duty based on voluntary choice - not a job or obligation forced by a draft letter.
I think you mean governmental difference. I don't imagine there's a too many countries out there where the citizens prefer a conscription over enlistment. But you have a lot of likes for your comment so maybe I'm missing something.
If you are interested in a darker Canadian WW2 Story, consider Force 136. During the time, racism was alive and well, and Chinese Canadians were no exception. At first, they were turned away because, as lesser citizens, they could not vote, practice professions such as law, medicine or engineering or even use public swimming pools. In 1944, they decided they needed to infiltrate the Pacific theatre so they turned to the Chinese. When the bombs were dropped and the war ended, they were abandoned and they had to find their own way home! One such veteran returned home with malaria but was dismissed because he wasn't at liberty to explain how he contracted it. Despite this, two years after the war, Chinese Canadians were granted the right to vote.
Thank you Tyler. Most Americans think the USA won the war, think the British were twits and do not even know that Canada fought oin D Day or anything else. You should read the book, A Man Called Intrepid. Essentially it was Canadians who taught the Ameircans about epionage. Canadian technology was instumental in Midway but Americans do not want to admit it. It has been erased from history.
The walkie-talkie was invented in Canada. The US government bought the rights to the technology and started making the manpack radios that US infantry and other army units used throughout the war. Canadian technology, carried on the backs of American soldiers.
@@user-sandralynn And don't forget the Movie Argo. It was a Canadian diplomat who devised that plan to sneek out, escape, 27 American diplomats out of Iran. Ps. Not sure it was 27 tho.
The CBC TV show "X Company" was a terrific series, well researched, about the spies and saboteurs trained at Camp X in Ontario. It was where Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, learned to be a spy. This series is not for the faint-hearted! Seriously nerve-wracking.
Actually, it would have been "The King's Own" back then. Elizabeth didn't become queen until 1952 -- but by the 80's it had been "The Queen's Own" for most of the life of the people doing the documentary.
Thank you Tyler, for finding this incredible video and commenting, because I was born in ‘49 and😢 this is the first time I’ve seen this incredible footage. However, as a young child, I vividly remember, respectfully drawing pictures of crosses and poppies, and the whole student body going outside for the service,and proudly belting out ♥️❤️🔥🕊❤️🔥❤️🔥🕊❤️🔥❤️🔥🕊❤️🔥 🌺🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 “In Flanders fields🥲where poppies grow,🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺 Between the crosses row on row…etc.”🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 I’m 75 now, and always look forward to going out on Remembrance Day where I live and wave to the planes as they fly right over me and the hundreds of crosses below, along Memorial Drive. It still thrills and fills my heart with gratitude. Many many blessing!!!John 3:16 🌺🍁🇨🇦🌺🍁🇨🇦🇺🇸🇮🇱🇨🇦🌺♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
In 2014 I visited the grave of my grandfather Gunner Joseph Alphonse Rouville Gravel who is buried in The Netherlands at Holten Canadian War Cemetery. He landed in Normandy on D-Day and died a year later in Holland. The people of Holland maintain that Canadians are the ones who saved them. They take great care of the cemetary.
My uncle landed at Juno helped liberate Holland. Came home with a Dutch bride, my aunt Mary. My uncle Raymond passed away a few years back and Mary went back to Holland.
You might already be aware - In Holten, the Dutch children light a candle on every one of the 1400 graves each year on Christmas Eve. This way of honouring your grandfather and the other soldiers is so incredibly beautiful to see! 💖✨
Both my parents were in ww2. My mother a nurse on the front lines in France , Belgium and Holland. My father was also in Europe as a member of the Canadian Scottish soldiers. The Canadian Scottish were known for their ferocity. They have both passed now making it into their 90’s. I sure miss them ❤️
My husband says we're proud of you for doing the show in general, this episode was particularly interesting to watch. As a Canadian senior, I'd like to apologize for the rude and condensending comments that some have made . Keep up the great work and well keep watching, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
These sentiments are echoed -- I appreciate Tyler for wanting to learn about our country, and I appreciate the appreciation for the sacrifice so many Canadian soldiers made to help protect the world from an evil tyrant. There are many things to learn in the video he watched, one that many aren't clear about (and neither was I until I started taking first aid courses) is that "casualty" does not equate to "fatality" (not to lessen the price paid by so many), but it also includes the wounded...Tyler and others likely learned that that's the case later in the video. Je me souviens/Lest we forget.
I think it was his comment "they died for Americans"... which is insensitive, insulting, wrong, egotistical and yup, condescending. It's the Canadian thing to do to apologize unnecessarily, but with the T guy back doing the insulting, we'll maybe learn.
Thank you Tyler. As a Canadian I am so touched that you are taking the time to learn about your neighbours/cousins to the north. We grow up learning our history, geology, science etc as well as the world and the USA. I hope more Americans take the time to learn as you are.
Yes, kudos to you Tyler for your reaction. It is apparent you learned and understood the perspective of the events. It is exactly what these documentary creators were hoping to achieve. As an older Canadian, I was aware of much of the information presented. But your realization, and corresponding language in response, was impressive when you described it was a group effort from many nations and particularly often forgotten ones. That does not diminish the courage and selflessness of all the people involved including Americans. I often think of the smaller Commonwealth nations that sent a corresponding percentage of their population to this endeavour. They were all equally deserving of respect for what they gave us.
Thank you Tyler for presenting your heartfelt perspective. I am Canadian. Five of my Uncles served in the 2nd world war, one of them, Uncle George was killed short weeks after June 6th, near Caen at Normandy on Aug. 8th, 1944. Thanks to the many American soldiers who also gave their lives on the beaches in support of the allies!
All the allies landing had war photographers and correspondents in the landings. However the very first film and photos to reach back to England and then everywhere was Canadian. That house you saw shot to hell on the beach is still today owned by our Queens Own Rifles. They lost over 100 men right there. The Canadians advanced further inland than anyone on D Day.
Thank you, very well done and totally interesting. A Canadian walking through Holland, wearing a Canadian maple leaf raincoat was applauded by young Dutch people. They never forgot.
We were always treated well in Holland and Belgium when they knew we were Canadian! ... In Flanders' Fields the poppies blow , between the crosses, row on row ...
@@libbyl2194please don’t tell Americans this, they already love to cosplay as Canadian when they’re abroad and I’ve literally had locals make fun of my maple leaf because it’s more likely to be an American who doesn’t want people to know they’re from “the best country in the world” 🙄
@@libbyl2194 i absolutely love that belgium children commemorate the fallen canadian soldiers every year by cleaning the gravesites and decorating them with tokens of gratitude. i wish to travel to belgium one year to see it and to also offer my own gratitude to them for living the motto of lest we forget.
Hey I’m Canadian and Americans get a bad rap. They’re the best people. Brothers and sisters to us. Without the Americans we’d all be speaking German today.
18? My grandfather on my mothers side faked his birth certificate and joined at 16. A different generation. They earned the moniker “the greatest generation “.
That video of Canadians disembarking and landing on Juno Beach is one of the most iconic Canadian newsreels of D-Day. What is often also overlooked is that Hitler always thought that Normandy was a diversion and that the real invasion would be at Pas de Calais (where most of the German armor was concentrated). However, once the Germans realized that Normandy was the real invasion, that armor was sent to Normandy, which arrived from the northeast...right on top of the British and Canadian divisions. If it wasn't for the British-adapted Sherman Tank (The Firefly) the carnage would have been unbearable (only the British and Canadians used Firefly tanks, which proved to be very effective against the superior German tanks): ua-cam.com/video/Y904u_rjGtA/v-deo.html
The Americans were offered fireflies but decided not to take them. Later, when they got their 76.2mm counterpart to the British 17 pounder, it was not all it was hyped up to be. Sure, it was more powerful than their 75mm guns, but only by 100-200 meters per second, in terms of pennetration, it still had trouble taking anything newer than the panzer 4 reliably from the front. The British 17 pounder had its flaws, but was as devastating to the Germans armor as the German 88 was to the Allies.
@@pacalvotan3380 was about to say, that was common knowledge... up until that part about the repositioned defenses only being on the canadian and british fronts.
@@jackn2236 confused why the americans would be offered fireflies if they were already an adapted sherman? meaning...they already had the whole blueprint/original
@RafaelLopeztattoos The firefly was equipped with the "British ordinance QF 17 pounder," the US didn't have that, they had the 75mm and the 76.2mm in "Development," the 76.2mm was only slightly better than the 75mm, the British 17 pounder was comparable to the German .88mm, you're looking at a muzzle velocity of around 700 for the Americans 76.2mm vs over 1000 meters per second for the British 17 pounder.
@@RafaelLopeztattoos Because prior to the Americans joining the war, American companies were selling machine tools (Helps them create their weapons) to the Nazi's and weapons to the allies i.e. profiteering you don't hear it, well never, but if the Nazi's had some how found out about their new Tanks from former " sales men" it wouldn't be as effective.
I would like to thank you for covering this topic. As a Canadian veteran, it sometimes saddens me that we know so much about the American contributions during WWII, but not so much about the Canadian contributions. You may want to cover the Battle of Vimy Ridge during WWI, a very significant battle for Canadians, and I believe there is film footage from that as well.
@@DarenDubh You are absolutely right. This aspect of Canadian history , our military history ,should be mandatory in ALL classrooms. How many Canadians know why HMCS HAIDA is preserved? Very few. And know nothing about the Canadian LORD NELSON, Captain Harold DeWolf , who commanded her in WW 2
Or the Canadian Princess Patrica Light Infantry regiment who stopped , held off , and blocked 4-5 Chinese divisions , near Souel Korea , so the rest of the allied forces could re-group behind , and dig in. Or the Australian artillery unit, whose commander dis-obeyed orders to retreat ,so his guns could provide supporting cover fire for the Canadian unit that was told basically to stand and die. Only the Chinese stopped and died instead.
And the World War I Battle of Beaumont Hamel where the Newfoundland Regiment was pretty much wiped out by German machine gun fire. They fought so bravely they were the only regiment to be given the title Royal during a war. Now the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. It was also the only regiment from North America to fight at Gallipoli.
@ Yes . And they all died needlessly because some British superior officer asshole in a chateau well behind the lines somewhere thought it was a great strategic idea to have everyone charge over open ground into a mass of machine guns. There apparently were other units that refused to do so, and disobeyed orders to take part in the second wave, after seeing what happened to the first wave, but these men did not. God Bless Them All.
@ And Gallipoli, another superior officer disaster that cost lives. When you land on a narrow undefended beach, unopposed, thats surrounded by high cliffs, you get you sorry butt off the beach and up the draws and valleys onto the plains above, en masse, and in force ASAP. Instead, the British and French superior officers had a cocktail party on the beach to celebrate their “ success “, And sat on the narrow beach do absolutely nothing for days. Unfortunately, they were opposed by the only Turkish officer who knew what he was doing, and was banished to Gallipoli for insubordination for suggesting officers actually have some military training and proven expertise, rather then bribery, upper class status, and knowing the Sultan personally. He blocked the ravines and gullies leading off the beaches with his minuscule amount of men, that he just had time to organize and get there. And the ensuing slaughter is history
Americans came two years late to the party ( Just like they did in 1916 when the war was two years old ), and only because of Pearl Harbour. Before that, the American government had said that "Mister Hitler" could do what he wanted in Europe, they didn't care. Only the American Teamster Union saw the future. ( Frightening how the lastest Nazi-loving incoming American president is basically saying the same thing about Putin. ) Canada liberated the Netherlands. The Battle of Britain was over before the Americans showed up. Hollywood, as it usually does, discounts the allies and fluffs up the American image. No doubt, the Yanks were instrumental but, Britain, Canada, France, Poland, and many others always get the short end of the Hollywood version of History.
I wonder what these guys would think of the complaining going on today. We think we have it tough, what a joke. The people of this time had it rough. What they did for us is beyond most peoples comprehension.
@@wombatwilly1002 Yah, they'd wonder what's wrong with you and your bigotry and hate. They fought for freedom for everyone. You're the disappointment.
alot of them lived extreamly simple and easy lives. alot of them were prarrie farmers that lever left home. other then these few years of their lives, their home lives were so much easier and better then ours forthe most part. turn off your phone and youll hear ALOT less complaining
@BarkerVancity unfortunately I hear a lot of complaining off of my phone. People like to blame others and specifically the government for their hardships
Talk to an Afghan or Cold War or Korean War Vet. They did the same while the rest just went on shopping at Wal-Mart. It's beyoond the comprehensiion of anyone who hasn't ducked rounds.
As a Canadian thank you for acknowledging our contribution. I am proud to consider our American neighbours as our brothers ans sisters. God bless America.
Tyler I’m shocked you’ve never seen footage of D-Day. We saw so many of these videos starting in grade 9 history classes plus the CBC does wonderful documentaries all around Rememberance Day. I’m glad you finally had a chance to see footage of D-Day.
The Canadian Broadcasting Company or CBC is a superstar of Canadian television. Most Canadians cut their teeth with their children’s programming and their infomercials were and are impeccable, true north strong and free. We have to reinforce our appreciation for and of this institution ❤❤❤❤❤
hes never seen footage of canadaian dday. everyone has seen dday footage, just the americans lost almost all of their footage so what they have left is crap quality and after they all landed already, after the battle. they wont use candaian footage because they like to pretend they were the only ones in ww2. some guy dropped the sack of film in the ocean as he was climbing the ladder onto a ship.
I am a veteran, lost family in WWII, I think it’s comical to praise the CBC so much. Their lack of respect for veterans and the CAF is overwhelmingly obvious to anyone who has served and their coverage of Remembrance Day is amateurish, and occasionally insulting to veterans. You have no idea what you are talking about!
@ I am not a veteran. I am just a regular Canadian who believes that CBC is not intending to disrespect veterans. The channel does try to jab at political parties in an attempt to create humour from terrible circumstances.
When the war broke out, the main federal political parties agreed there would be no conscription for overseas service. Following the defeat of France in June 1940, Parliament passed the National Resources Mobilization Act, which introduced conscription for service in Canada only.
Your understanding of recent history is poor. Trudeau had Canada backdown and cower behind our allies in the war against ISIS. Just as all our allies were gearing up for a major counter offensive against ISIS in 2016 Trudeau very stupidly ended our combat mission. Up until Trudeau was elected Canada never backed down, now Canada is spineless cowardly country that refuses to uphold its obligations to our allies who fight for us. And btw Canada introduced conscription during both world wars and deployed them to combat operations near the end of both wars.
My father landed at Juno Beach as part of an advance group with the Brits. He was part of the Liberation of Holland. He is long gone now but his courage will never be forgotten. ❤️🇨🇦
My dad grew up in the Netherlands before immigrating to Canada. He was 6 at the start of the war, and remembered the first German plane he saw and an older man running down the street screaming “they’re coming! The world is ending!”
There is video from WWI as well. The US and UK also have video from all wars. Canadians are taught about all countries involved in any conflict, not just the Canadian point of view.
no we are not... i can guarantee you %110 that is not true. we learn about maybe the main 4-5 nations. we dont learn nothing about the Suez cannels or itally and the alps or tunasia, or australia, maybe lawrence of arabia, if that. we dont learn about the russian civil war that brought them in, we hardly learn about the battles americans are in that we are not, ardene forrest and such. we basically only learn about flanders field, vimmi ridge, and passiondale. nothing about the chinese- japanese front, how about Romanian battles? absolutely nothing was taught to use about the fall of the ottoman empire, and we just group austrai-hungry in with the germans. we literally only learn about the ppl we shared a trench with, some of the things the british did and basically only western fronts in europe. where was it was all over the world. europe, africa, middle east, asia north, asia east. what grade was the the Bolshevik Revolution taught in, where over 100MILLION people lost their lives? it wasnt. thats ww1 too. we were also there 3 years longer then them and waay more battle, accross the globe, they only faught in europe for 1 year
@@BarkerVancity You have to understand that high school level history classes cannot delve into the nitty gritty details like that, because the first history you need to learn is your own country's. The level you're describing here is university, for historians, history teachers, and history buffs.
There are so many amazing things these Canadian men and women did , it’s sad that all we ever hear is how America won the war. Even in high school we were taught more about American history than Canadian history. The war was won by the allies and Canada contributed huge. Born and raised Canadian 🇨🇦🇨🇦 and very proud of this. Our military deserves better support, more than ever before.
My grandfather passed away in October, and he was a very proud Canadian Air Force veteran. His funeral was today and the military base in our hometown raised the Canadian flag in honour of him this morning. Thank you for recognizing the brave Canadian men and women, and their incredible contributions to their country, and the allied forces.
My Uncle George landed on Juno Beach at Normandy on D-Day with Winnipeg Rifles. Luckily he survived. But the death and destruction around him, around all of them was incredible. He told me he tried to watch the Steven Spielberg film, Saving Private Ryan, but it was too realistic, and he could only watch for about 10 seconds. How did they have the guts to leave those landing craft? Uncle George told me his best friend was blown apart into pieces within a minute of them running across the beach. We owe everything we have to that generation. None of us would be here without them.
I can relate to your Uncle George regarding Saving Private Ryan. I started experiencing anxiety with the beginning scenes I almost stopped the movie. Then I realized the soldiers could not. I do not know how they did it! Thanks to your Uncle and all the others like him we are free❤
My grandfather was an officer in the RCN and also a photographer and was there taking pictures on the Juno Sector. He lived to tell the tale and some of his photos are in the Canadian War Museum. RIP Lt. Richard G. Arless
You should look up the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. I'm from Newfoundland and we always treated it as a big deal, because there out of the 801 Newfoundlanders who fought that day, only 68 survived, which was a huge deal due to the size of our province at the time
The destruction of the Newfoundland Regiment was the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, which was part of the larger Somme offensive. Vimy was not part of The Somme.
The only Hollywood movies that really gave justice to Canada's contribution in WW2 are The Devil's Brigade and The Battle Of Britain. In most other movies there's barely even a mention we were ever there. Same with the British sadly. In most other movies it's almost like the US were the only ones fighting the war. Very few Pacific War movies even mention the British and Australian forces. For example, at the end of the war Canada had the 4th largest navy (5th some would say because of the Soviet Union small units) and was instrumental in winning the Battle of the Atlantic.
My grandfather was a stretcher bearer with the Queen's Own Rifles. Miraculously, he survived and lived until the age of 94. He passed away the day after the 75th anniversary of D-Day ❤ he was quoted in the book Breakout from Juno "Parts of that day are a blank, and yet even now the occasional flashback will pop up. I know when the ramp dropped about a dozen of our people were hit one after the other so I just hopped out over the side. It was only up to chest level, and swimming was never any problem for me anyway. The bullets hit the water ‘zip, zip, zip’ but I made it. When Major Dalton was hit I bandaged him up. It was a sniper whose shot to the head glanced a bit; another half inch and he’d have been killed.”
It was a bloody battle and you are correct Canada and Us and other countries were allies so we all fought for each other and most of the time people forget this. I wish the younger generation would remember this war and realize how big it was and how important it was that those people lost their lives for us, for them. Please young people, learn about this war❤
Yes, "Learn about the war" and why it was fought. Learn that Freedom and democracy are worth fighting for and dying for. Learn that dictators and fascists threaten freedom and our way of life and for the generations that follow.
The biggest thing I was taught in school about the significance of Canada in WWII is that it was the first war that Canada fought as an "Independent country" in control of its own foreign policy. Like Canada fought in WWI as a part of the British Empire, and our marching orders came from England, but the Statute of Westminster happened in between.
They say that the battle for Vimy Ridge was when Canada became independent from Britian. Vimy Ridge was planned and executed by the Canadian Military and was a victory for the Allies.
we did so good in ww1, and the bristish were so weak/broke after, they had no choice but to accept we earned independence. they needed us to stay in the commonwealth. we earned ours, americans mutinied for theirs
That is not quite true, the Dominions were self governing by the time of the first world war. Although the empire was in control of foreign policy and defence, participation in the war was subject to conditions imposed by the governments of the Dominions at the time. London could not impose conscription or raise taxes for example, only the local Dominion government could do that.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (The CBC) and the National Film Board of Canada sent film crews with the troops to film the assault. Their footage remains the most dramatic war footage of WW2. British documentaries often use this footage, claiming it is British soldiers. But the Canadians were their own command, their own expeditionary force, and under their own generals. So our footage gets used a lot by others.
My father was in the first wave of the D-day assault. We used to watch war documentaries together when I was a kid, but I could never get him to talk much about what it was really like. One day he told me it was like "being at a deafening fireworks show while your friends around you were dropping dead". I stopped asking after that.
James Doohan, who played Scotty on the original Star Trek, was in the second wave of Canadians to hit Juno Beach. He was shot 6 times by friendly fire as he was coming back after doing deep recon, 4 in the leg, 1 in his hand that amputated his right middle finger, 1 shot to the chest, it was stopped by a silver cigarette case, given to him by his brother. The Canadian soldiers have never had much recognition, during WW 1 they were so brave that they were eventually labelled by the Germans, by a term which became part of militaries everywhere as "Storm Troopers" During WW 2, the Germans came to know Canadian soldiers as being brutal and unforgiving, second only to Soviet troops. The Germans greatly feared fighting or being captured by Canadians.
The German's called us storm troopers in ww1 and they called us that from the get go when we hit them again in ww2, they knew they messed up when they saw our men
Thank you for remembering the Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom Tyler. Canada, The UK, and USA are special friends that will always aid each other. We are like life long friends. No matter the politics, when the chips are down we come to one another’s aid. That is special! Thank you British, American and Canadian veterans for my freedom!
Tyler that number of 9200 included the Korean war. When that veteran listed names of people who did not get out of the water, it hits you harder when you hear their names.
I'm Canadian and couldn't be more appreciative of our contribution to the war. So proud and thankful for all the brave men that went across the ocean to help. Thanks for the acknowledgement
On the front at the tip of the spear of the Canadians were First Nations soldiers who for their service were disenfranchised “lost their Naive Status”. There’s a Native Soldier who sang “The War Song” as they stormed the beach.
@@hopeforabetterfuture123 Indigenous people who graduated university or became professionals lost their Indian Status, too. Indian Status wasn’t thought of as a benefit in those days, it was something to be escaped from in the view of government. If you graduated university you “earned” the loss of that marker. But at the same time, when it was convenient or cheaper the same people were denied the same veterans benefits as “regular Canadians” because they weren’t considered Canadian. There is still a disconnect to this day…FN people often protest that they are “still held down by the Indian Act” while at the same time speak of losing Indian Status as a bad thing. They’re two sides of the same coin. The Indian Act is what creates Indian Status. You can’t have one without the other.
@ I agree unfortunately there’s no simple answer. I think it’s only right to be given fair credit and compensation. Also they were fighting for freedom too. They fought even when they weren’t welcome. That’s how important it was to them. I’m grateful for both my late Father in law and late Grandfather’s sacrifice. My father in law was only acknowledged in the 2000’s. My Grandfather whose of European descent was acknowledged immediately.
My father was at Juno Beach, later received the Canadian Military Medal of Valour, the Croix de Guerre of bravery from France, and was part of the liberation of Holland from which he was awarded another medal. I am so proud of all our Canadian troops and my Dad, Gunner Salvatore Val Femia 1923-1994.
I travelled to Juno Beach in September, seeing it in person was amazing. Driving through small towns and coming onto memorials dedicated to the Canadian, British and American soldiers was humbling. The French continue to honour these heroes and the fact that we learn so little about the world wars in our schools is shameful. Thank you to all veterans everywhere.
We did a tour of Juno beach. Our guide, who was a Canadian university student 24 yrs of age, pointed out that on D-Day he would have been one of the older guys.
The USA entered the European theatre in WW II only after Germany declared war on them. It was only then that the US forces were authorized to take both defensive and offensive action against the German armed forces.
@TheVinc123 Only in WW1 Canada was involved as soon as Britain declared war on the Triple Alliance when they invaded Belgium. Canada was still a Commonwealth country under the British Empire. Canada gained a bit of independence from Britain when WW2 started. Also, the majority of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WW1 were volunteers.
@@jordanluyendyk1281 You mean they were authorized by themselves? What a circuitous way of agreeing that Americans were very very late to help the allies lol
I have been told on reasonable authority that the movie “Saving Private Ryan” is an accurate portrayal of the D Day landing beaches even if it is from the American pov. The first 20 minutes is almost impossible to watch.
Both of my grandfathers were in the first wave of Canadian soldiers, both lived through the ww2. My grandfather on my moms side was not injured but my grandfather on my dads side was injured with shrapnel from a mortar or an artillery shell toke 2 fingers and part of his thumb off on his right hand and shrapnel in his legs. He had to learn to walk again.
We have to remember that these soldiers were mostly kids. My dad joined at 17 yrs of age, spent 5 years in Europe, and arrived back home in Canada just in time for his 23rd birthday. No one recognized him.
We were fighting for freedom, NOT the US. The US wouldn't join the war, originally, said it was not their problem. Glad you are learning, please keep going ! The best ever recreation of WW2 landing would have to be Saving Private Ryan. Veterans that were there have said it was the best.
My grandfather, SGT Major C.J. Scott was a member of the Canadian 1st Airborne Batallion and jumped on D-Day. He was wounded and recovered at a field hospital in Belgium. A few months later he returned to active duty and took part in a daring night raid behind enemy lines, known as The Battle of the Bulge. He was in the only Canadian unit that fought there. He survived the war, and continued to serve the Canadian Armed Forces his entire career. He served in Korea and many other conflicts, as well had the honor of commanding Trooping The Color on Parliament Hill for the Queen's visit in 1959. He would always say that he was proud to serve, not that he was proud of himself. After retiring from the military he went on to train Canadian forces for several years. He passed peacefully in 2016 after a difficult battle with Parkinson's. Respect and gratitude to all those who previously and currently serve. Thank you for your service.
Mark Felton has a great UA-cam video titled: "Canadian Paratroopers Save Denmark! Operation Eclipse 1945" . It's about how Canadian troops were sent behind German lines Wismar to head off the Russian Army before the Russians could occupy Denmark. You'll love it!
I am a Canadian with an American education. The things that are not taught in American history are actually really sad . It closes the view completely of what everyone else in the world did for freedom , "peace," and ways of life !
Canadians learn all perspectives. The war began in 1939. The allies were fighting for two years before the Americans joined in 1941 . It took Pearl Harbour for them to realize this was a World War.
Has anybody ever recommend you check out what happened to the Canadian forces that went to Dieppe? It's a must. It was a WWII practice raid on a French coastal city to prepare for D-Day. It was organized by the Brits, Lord Mountbatten to be exact, and he botched the entire thing, leaving the Canadian soldiers to pay the price.
It has since been disclosed that there was a secret mission within the mission, which was to capture plans from a German HQ, in which they were successful.
@@Sid-gu5qk No, that is incorrect. There was a secret purpose to the Dieppe raid, which was to capture one of the new Nazi 4 rotor Enigma machines and their code books but that did not succeed. Neither were we able to get near the Kriegsmarine naval HQs in Dieppe nor grab any of the machines from ships in the harbour or their code books. David O'Keefe has written a book about this called "One Day in August" and it is the definitive work on the subject.
@@ToddSauveThe irony of Dieppe is that it failed because the ships carrying the soldiers sailed into a German navy patrol loosing the element of surprise. This happened largely because the Canadian generals planning the raid were not privy to British Navy intelligence that knew the timing of the German patrols despite the purpose of the raid being to capture German crypto systems, which the Canadians did not know about. Only LCdr Ian Fleming (yes the author of James Bond) his superiors in Naval Intelligence and the RM Commando officer leading the 12 men tasked with capturing the crypto equipment knew the true purpose of the Dieppe raid. The larger Dieppe raid was simply a diversion for the 12 man team to capture the navy Enigma machine and codes. It was conceived by Ian Fleming but the planning and timing of the main raid was done by the Canadian Army staff, with Fleming secretly inserting his team into the larger raid, all so no one would know on either side that Royal Navy Intelligence had captured an Enigma.
To this day the people in the Netherlands celebrate the Canadians liberating their country. I am so proud set our Legacy lives on in the hearts of people in Europe Even if our current government doesn't feel the need for us to have a strong military To once again step up and save the world when needed
21:40 What can you say... i stopped you at. I can say: when i went to holland in 1988, for the twinning games, because ottawa and the hague are twinning cities, i never in my life felt so much reception and love from another country!!! These foreign people were so emotional. My father, military man, said it may be so. My experience was so humblng. I went with my team to a bar... nobody there. Maybe 16 people. Within an hour of a vet. Calling his buddies, there were 120. I have never been so proud of Canada... these dutch were amazing. Lest we forget. Nevermind the gracious billets we, athletes lived with, by sponsorship. Truly lovely folk. Many questions about how i live today... many discussions about our mindset. Lovely and intuitive! May we all learn!!! I did!!!
My parents were both teenagers in occupied Holland. My mother experienced the "Hunger Winter" when part of the country was still occupied but the German occupiers were cut off from Germany; they took everything there was to eat from the Dutch civilians, and 30,000 Dutch people starved. My mother fell over in a bread lineup one day. She said the only reason they survived was the Swedish Red Cross was air dropping food to the Dutch. There was a situation when the Canadians discovered what was going on, when a Canadian unit let the Germans know they were going to drive supply trucks through the German lines for the Dutch civilians. They apparently told the Germans "You can shoot at us, but we'll shoot back." Such bravery! The German occupiers just watched them drive past, and never fired a shot. Yet another good reason Canadian vets are revered in the Netherlands!
Thank you for this, Tyler. As a Canadian, my dad enlisted in the British Navy in 1942 when he was 17. He did not take part in the D-Day landing, but served on one of the ships that protected the convoys bringing weapons and supplies into Murmansk and Arkhangelsk in Russia. Of course, Russia was our ally at that time. Losses were heavy in the waters of the North Atlantic, patrolled regularly by German U-boats. My dad talked about seeing other boats hit during the night, and the bodies of men flying through the air, backlit by the blast. We can only imagine how that experience affects a person's life. Remembering their sacrifice is the least we can do.
I was born in 1965, 20 years after the fact, but we watched these videos in school and learned the history. And learned what Rememberance Day was about and WHY it was such a big deal. It really pisses me off that this WORLD history isn't taught in school any more. This history is just forgotten, it's not even known by kids in the last few decades. Which is a terrifying thought, because those that forget history, are fated to repeat it. So sad.
I served with the Queens Own Rifles of Canada which is still in active service today located at Toronto, Onatrio, Canada. I served from 1971-1979 in the Army Reserves. The unit continues its mandate as a reserve regiment and is para qualified. A great regiment with many battle honours to their name such as Vimy Ridge and D-Day. Many of the WW2 Veterans of the regiment told us stories of their invasion on D-Day.. breathe taking and almost unbelievable heroism.
For what it's worth, I was once a reservist and a member of the First Hussars from 1979 to 1981. I remember once, when participating in a weekend exercise, a bunch of Hussars veterans came up to see us at the base where our exercise was being held. Man, the stories they told us. The First Hussars were the first and only Allied tank regiment to reach their D-Day objective on the first day of operations. They went so far inland, that they had to be pulled back so other Canadian units could catch up. Their victory came at a cost - the complete loss of 'B' Squadron during the first two hours of the landing.
@@stevestruthers6180 It's mindboggling when I hear another person mention that they had to stop them from advancing ahead...Had an Uncle tell me this many many years ago...they were getting pissed off and wanted to keep momentum going, didn't wanna stop...crazy
@@stevestruthers6180 My father was in the 8th NBH which later was renamed the 8th CH. I also served in the regt from 1970 to 1981 so greetings to a 1st Hussar from an 8th. Coincidently I have since moved to London and really should get a chance to visit your Regt Museum sometime.
My dad was on one of the boats. He said that the landing craft was so full that they were packed like sardines . One of the soldiers had a grenade dislodged from his belt, but as nobody could actually reach it to get rid of it. All they could do was count the seconds. Thank God it didn't go off!
Yes indeedy, it was the "Queen's Own" regiment. The UK sovereign is our symbolic head of state to this day. Back then it was Queen Elizabeth. A regiment today would be the "King's Own", representing King Charles.
My father was a D Day dodger as they were called . He was was involved in the invasion of north Africa . Then on to the invasion of Sicily and then to Italy, were he was involved in the attack on monta casino. And to finish off he helped with the liberation of Holland . I also served in our military . The courage these ypung men had is incredible. LEST WE FORGET . 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇺🇸🇲🇫
That was the same as my Father. North Africa, Sicily and then Italy. That's all I knew until a few years ago when my Mother gave me some of my Fathers possessions. For the first time I saw his cap badges, uniform patches, post war awards and that he went up the Atlantic Wall to Liberate Holland. Another thing I realized, for the first time, was that he was in a Sherman. Oh, and yes, I also served, boot camp in the summer of '76 in Nova Scotia.
My Grandfather was a D-day Dodger as well. He landed on The Anzio Beach Head, He participated in The Battle of Monte La Difensa,The Gustav Line,The Mussolini Canal & The Liberation of Rome. He was a Canadian Member of The U.S./Canada First Special Service Force (The Black Devil's/ The Devil's Brigade). Thanks for your father's service & sharing his story. 🇨🇦 🙏
Taught my Gr 10 students their history on Nov 11: Lest we forget! We’re the D-Day Dodgers out in Italy! Always on the vino, always on the spree. Eighth Army skivers and the Yanks, We lived in Rome and stopped the tanks. For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy. We landed at Salerno, a holiday with pay; Jerry brought a band out to cheer us on our way, Showed us the sights and gave us tea, We all sang songs, the beer was free, For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy. Naples and Cassino were taken in our stride, We didn’t get to fight them, we just went for the ride. Anzio and Sangrio were a blast! We did F**k-all, sat on our a**. For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy! On the way to Florence, we had a lovely time. We ran a bus to Rimini right through the Gothic Line. Then to Bologna, we did go, When Gerry F**ked-off, beyond the Po. For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy! Once we had a fright lads, that we were going home! Back to dear old Blighty, Never more to roam. Then someone whispered, “In France you’ll fight, We said “F**k-that…we’ll just sit tight!” For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy! Now Lady Astor, get a load of this. Don’t stand up on a platform and talk a load of piss. You’re the nation’s sweetheart, the nation’s pride But your bloody big mouth is far too wide. For we are the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy. If you look ’round the mountains, in the mud and rain, You’ll find the scattered crosses, some which bear no name. Heartbreak, and toil and suffering gone The lads beneath them slumber on. They were the D-Day Dodgers, who’ll stay in Italy.
There's a stone in Cesena with my Uncle's name on it. Stupid bastard was a FOO and went too far forward to direct the Brigade arty suppressing the German MGs as the Canadians crossed a river. Was killed by an 88. Lest we forget.
And the Canadian women were at home working in factories, making the bombs and artillery to send to the men doing everything they could to do their part. Taking care of farms, making the bombs, becoming mechanics, woman would get notified their husband is MIA or KIA and they still kept going. A strong amazing generation!
@@ralphvelthuis2359 Of the 14000 about 10% were built in Canada by Canadian Car And Foundry some of them shipped without engines. Easy to google so you get the complete numbers if you want. Still nothing to take lightly given we also built Lancasters, Catalina's or as we called them Canso's and much much more. Also produced in Canada was almost half a million 2.5 ton four wheel drive trucks many of which were sent to the USSR as aid. Many Sherman tank chassis were built in Canada and shipped to the UK where guns were fitted later. Canada also built many ships for both the USN and RN as well as our own RCN. Canada punched way above its weight class during both world wars.
Bomb Girls was a terrific show about their work in munitions factories. might be streaming somewhere - if we all search for it, the algorithms will notice perhaps and bring it forward
My grandmother had a neutralized cannon round as a door stop... I grew up playing with it. Taking it apart and learning what it was spent hours just knowing it's true cost.
On d day canada had the least amount of soldier of all 5 beach, got the second most difficult beach and had the second most casuality of all the beach. Despite that we completed our objective first and got further in than anybody else. All of those proud soul were volunteer.
In so many movies, Canada gets shafted for their war efforts. The Great Escape should have featured far more Canadian boys, including the lead digger, Wally Floody. Ask the Dutch and the French about Canadian soldiers. Sadly, American viewers are not interested in any story not involving them. Steve Mc Queens character was completely made with a motorcycle scene to soothe his ego in the Great Escape. D - Day was monumental as Juno was captured more quickly than the other locations as it was the second most fortified of the 5 targets. I remember some idiot American historian claiming barely a shot was fired at Juno. Too bad he wasn't there!! Winston Churchill claimed he could any war with American technology, British officers and CANADIAN soldiers. Hitler himself said he would rather face American soldiers than Canadian soldiers even if there was far more Americans in their regiment. God bless ALL those true heroes!
From west to east, the D-Day "line-up": Germans - Americans - Americans - Brits - Canadians - Brits - Germans The Canadians had only one beach. They were flanked by allies, not enemies.
@@JoannDavi We’re a Commonwealth we all swear ALLEGIANCE to the monarch of the United Kingdom so when you say Brits as in Britain flying the United Kingdom flag 🇬🇧 , yeah we’re technically a member of it’s Commonwealth. Hence, Queen’s Own Rifles (Queen-that would be a monarch of the United Kingdom) was a regiment featured on the D-Day reels.Which also explains why we have a Prime Minister and a Governor General who is the state representative of the Monarch of the United Kingdom in Canada. Here’s another clue of 🇨🇦allegiance to the United Kingdom we also celebrate Queen Victoria‘s birthday (yeah Prince Albert’s wife) it’s a provincial, statutory holiday in May ….hope that helps.
@@JoannDavi Omaha was flanked by allies but was the deadliest of all. Also Canada had one beach but look at the population of those countries in 1944: US= 138 millions, Brit= 38 millions and Canada= 12 millions. If you look at the numbers of soldiers for each beach: Utah= 23,250, Omaha= 34,250, Gold= 24,970, Juno= 21,400 and Sword= 28,845. So maybe we were flanked by allies and had "only" one beach but we gave as much as other if it's not more because the rapid breakthrough of the canadians destabilize the defense of the other beaches by cutting their supplies route.
"Hollywood never lets facts get in the way of a good story". The majority of the key players identified in the movie were Canadians, (the diggers, scroungers, forgers and stooges). Read "The Great Espcape" -- A Canadian Story, by Ted Barris.
Americans are rarely taught about world, wars, or conflicts from anybody else’s perspective except the US. Canada had been in the war long before the US joined it as part of the British Commonwealth. I had the privilege of meeting a paratrooper who is a survivor of the D-Day landing. He lost half his arm. My grandfather lived in Nova Scotia and during the war, helped build wooden boats that were used as minesweepers.
BUT, the Americans played THE KEY role. 12+ million donned the uniform. They gave stuff to all the allies. 6 of every 7 barrels of oil used by the allies -- American.
Well you can go back in history and see what more the Canadians did Wikipedia tells a lot. The Americans didn't join the war until 3 years later until December 1941. Canadians had been in it since 1939. Canadians defended Hong Kong against the Japanese. Canadians freed the Netherlands and maybe you can read about how they allowed the Dutch princess to be born in Canada and still be a a citizen of the Netherlands. So many battles and there were times when they joined forces with the us to fight a certain area. It wasn't just about how many barrels. It would appear that you need to do a deeper dive. It's not a pissing contest! they were all working together. We were allies. @@JoannDavi
On d-day, the Canadian troops were the only ones hitting all their designated objectives on time, and we were basically told to hold position so Germans couldn’t slip in behind us to flank the British or the Americans
Love our Veterans. Considering my Grandfather was a Veteran of WWII & My Great Grandfather served in WWI. A Grateful Canadian to the Veterans who landed on Juno Beach & all The Vets who served.
I still have this seared into my mind: mid 1980’s, when I was 13-14, I visited Normandy/Juno Beach. I didn’t “get” it until an hour later that day. A young French man heard about me (a Canadian kid on an English student exchange program) that came up to me with an older gentleman (they worked at keepers of the grounds at the Canadian gravesites). The younger translated; the man was a kid when the Canadians hit Juno and was pretty much freed from occupation that day. Didn’t matter that I had nothing to do with that event but to that man it meant the world. Will never forget it. Vimy Ridge is still on my bucket list.
You should definitely visit Vimy. I was supposed to go on a day tour but it got cancelled so I hired a taxi to take me to the site. I wasn't there as long as I would have liked but I'm glad I made the effort. Maybe I'll find my way there again one day.
Thanks so much for this one, Tyler. My grandfather (Canadian) and many great uncles were in the war....my grandmother, from Manchester, worked in a munissions factory. Your respectful honour of our brave Canadian servicemen brought tears to my eyes, and a lump in my throat. Thank you
All of this footage is originally film footage, later transferred to video. Now just imagine, a camera crew, (one or two men at best,) filming, having to reload film while making sure the exposed film doesn't become over exposed, keeping dust and dirt from getting into the camera...all while avoiding being shot.
3:45 Technically, their D-Day map is inaccurate. Canada was still fighting under our Dominion Flag during WWII. The Maple Leaf didn't become a thing until 1965.
Canadians were at war two years before the Americans. They weren’t at Juno for Americans but for freedom.
Most Americans don't know we were in the war before them.
the americans were not even there for themselves
@@rosered103 for either or the wars
Americans probably don't realize that USA didn't want to get involved in either world War. Japan forced them into WW2
The British were also in the war way before Americans. The British got involved in September 1939, basically, quite early in the war. They absolutely were not there for Americans.
I find it absolutely astonishing that the American government doesn't like to recognize what Canada did to help out on D-Day. I find it absolutely disrespectful. If it wasn't for Canada D-Day would have not been as successful as it was..... It might have not even been successful at all and I think that Americans should start teaching that fact to their people to show respect for the Canadians who died for them. .... Anyone else agree?
As a Canadian patriot, I say ……meh.
Lots of brave men took part. Canadians were among them.
Let us remember them all in our own way.
You think the Canadian government is teaching this in schools?
Nope !
@@falconeaterf15I took D Day in high school history class. So it was being taught. Now history is sanitized to protect those poor “innocent “ minds.
I learned this in Junior High but I am probably older than you. I also learned of Russia’s contribution as an Allie in WW2.
Canadians didn't die for Americans The British didn't die for Americans. No, these brave soldiers died for freedom, for democracy, for the men, women and children living under Nazi occupation throughout Europe. They died fighting fascism, anti-semitism and bigotry in many forms. 😢
We didn't "help out". In both wars, Canada taught the USA how to war.
Canadian war efforts are often not talked about, and as a Canadian I want to say THANK YOU!!!!
For showing respect for the men who risked it all for freedom, the heroes who gave their lives for liberty.
I’m proud of the accomplishments of our military, especially considering our military has always been smaller than most.
If you haven’t watched it yet, I suggest watching The Forgotten Battle.
Tyler, you are not just an 'average' American, by even being interested in another country's history makes you above average for sure.
Thank you for consistently being interested in Canadian history.
Canadian soldiers reached their D Day objectives. I am proud of our Canadians soldiers. Canadians may be few in number, but we are a formidable force in battle. We want to be a force for peace in the world, but we know how to fight when it is necessary.
From an online overview of D Day:" The battle to secure Juno Beach took several days and involved defeating strong German armored counterattacks. The Canadians were the only units to reach their D-Day objectives, advancing further inland than any other Allied army"
Don't forget the canadians landed not far from the German HQ.
So proud of our Canadian soldiers in all theatres of war. They make us proud.
small in nation, but our military wasnt smaller then others back then.
This is correct.
Back when the government supported country pride
My Dad was a WW2 RCAF veteran, born in 1923. He didn’t talk about the war much. He was proud to serve but it did wound him, physically and mentally. He passed in 2007 and I miss him every day. Proud of you, Dad.
Nicely done, Tyler. Yes, that is actually film footage of the Canadian landings on Juno Beach. Today, in my local veterans' club and Royal Canadian Legion branch, we have a 102 year-old D-Day veteran. Also, Star Trek's "Scotty," Canadian actor James Doohan was a Juno Beach D-Day veteran, having been a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Artillery. Yes, it is the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, which is an infantry regiment that today in garrisoned in Toronto. The Royal Regina Rifles is an infantry regiment garrisoned in Regina, Saskatchewan. During my 43 years serving in the Canadian Army, I led many tours of the D-Day beaches teaching senior officer students who were studying these events. Lest We Forget, John
Reh-Jie-nah. Sorta. Not reh-Geena. Watch Deadpool--he got it right.
@@Buzzkill-wn7tf That's because Reynolds is Canadian. But the fact is that reh-Geena IS the correct way to say it, if you're speaking Latin. We just don't speak Latin here. So it's Reh JIE nah.
Own
pretty much what I was trying to say without being pedantic. and where, exactly, is Latin spoken these days? Latvia? Lol. Deadpool got it right.
@@alisoncircus Quebec here. Re-Geena is the French pronounciation. In English however, it's reh-jie-nah. I don't think any town in Canada has a Latin name LOL
That being said - I always think of it as reh-jie-nah, despite being francophone.
Canadians are balls to the wall when they’re needed . 🇨🇦 very proud .
to what nationality is your reaction?
Not during the great cough of 2019 😮. People went cray cray here. My family will never feel safe in this country ever again. I'm Still proud and always will be a proud Canadian but it hurts my soul how weak our country has become. Bless my brothers and sisters who I stood with in Ottawa. I love this amazing country, I just want my kids to be safe.
@ you’re children are as safe in Canada as anywhere else in the world , you talk nonsense . We are not weak people and as our national anthem says we are strong and free . It’s too bad if you’re letting political beliefs colour your perception of our peace and civility as weak .
@@carpentryfirst3048 Yeah, bullshit.
@@carpentryfirst3048 pull up your socks and pull it together. Canada isn’t going anywhere.. we’re going to recover from this crappy government we’ve had for the last nine years. He tried to destroy our country and he failed.
Iam Canadian living in USA I cant get over how much Americans dont know about ww2
It was a culture shock for a Dane to move to Canada on that score too, tbh. But I grant you the US is worse.
CANADA's population in 1939 was 16,000,000. By the end of the war in 1945, Canada had over 1,000,000 people in uniform, without a draft. It also had built the worlds 3rd largest navy by the end of the war.
It was called mandatory service. Failure to report was a crime.
@@RobertCToewsIf you were already in the military, perhaps. The Liberal Party at the time was trying their hardest not to enact conscription, despite Britain's demands for more troops.
I think the Conservative Party implements conscription for a bit, but the French burnt down Montreal in protest so they rescinded that idea lol
@@RobertCToews Yes but until 1944 only for defense inside Canada, it was not until post D-Day any were sent overseas. Some 13,000 NRMA men eventually left Canada, but only 2,463 reached units in the field before the end of the fighting. 69 died in battle. According to the Canada War Museum. And Quebec was the province most opposed.
And on another note we were the 3rd largest army in the west.
@@Aughtel French put up more of a fight to stay out of a war than when they're actually participating in one 😭
ww1 had worse stats too. less ppl, more deaths. whole towns where wiped out of men after.
We Canadians might have a reputation for being polite, but piss us off, and we can be very fierce.
Canadians are most dangerous when you give them a rifle or a hockey stick...
That is why we are so polite; we know our mood can change quickly.
that's why they disarmed us LOL
If you think we were badass in world war II you should have seen the Canadians in world war I.
The Germans were totally afraid to come up against Canadian troops in world war I and our reputation preceded Us in world war II
@@RyanGroth-j7s #FAFO
Tyler, i hope you get to read this specific recommendation: IF you are actually looking to see the entire second world war from Canada's perspective, look for a "series" by the National Film Board of Canada called "Canada At War" (should be available in full on UA-cam and if not well hopefully people in America can watch it without any blocking). It starts from the outbreak to the very end and is entirely from Canada's perspective. I watched it several times as i loved how descriptive it was and how in detail it explained just how much Canada actually contributed to the war effort.
Guys, if you want Tyler to watch a series of very well done episodes regarding the whole thing help me let him see this recommendation! It's a MUST watch! :)
The only film of all the beaches that survived, was the footage on the Canadian beach. Used in British and American documentaries with out acknowledging them for the sixty years I’ve been alive. My grandfather would get pissed every time, and scream those are Canadians you Yankee bastards. I fondly remember those outbursts. I too am a veteran, served over twenty years.
that's incorrect there is a lot of film of American and British landings I believe there was a academy award winning film right after the war with newsreel. In fact the Americans sent historic Hollywood directors, journalists, and Camera men far more then any other nation.
If what you claim Americans using Canadian footage would have been called out by American Vet's
Incorrect. There’s footage of the other beaches too.
Hey Wocookie! What regiment was you're grandpa and You? Me, My Unclle was Perth Regiment, Grandpa and other Uncle were 6 Group, and I was a Hasty Pee before seeing the light and going MARS!
❤
@@rob-roymacnaughton You aren't related to General Andy are you?
The other heartbreaking thing, is many of our Volunteers were not even 19. Many of us were farm boys who lied about our age to volunteer for the War Effort.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for recognizing what so many have ignored or buried for 75+ years.
You are correct. Many mothers lost their little ones. My uncle wanted to go but he was too young. He watched hi 2 older brothers go. My father was being trained and never had to go.
No wonder theirs 9000+ ww2 vets still alive in Canada, they were just kids who lied about age to fight! Kids Turned into Brave men, sacrificing their lives! Lest we forget!
My Great uncles went.
A folksinger, I think it was Wally McCally, wrote a song called “ There’s Money in War”. It is about people signing up because their families were so poor, they knew that paycheque would feed their families.
Canadians weren’t used to organizing battalions at this scale so most groups of soldiers were fathers, brothers, uncles, neighbours and community members fighting next to each other. It’s said that this led to our veterans showing unbelievable strength and bravery because they were protecting each other, people they cared about, at the same time as trying to take out the enemy. When their literal family members fell around them, they entered an altered state of mind where they’d do anything to prevent the war from reaching the shores of our home. Anything to protect the family they had left at home. Nothing but respect for those young boys and men. ❤
My dad was one of soldiers who landed on Juno beach so I have heard firsthand account of that day . Dad was a gunner in the Fort Garry Horse . Their boat had trouble getting in close enough to beach to unload so the captain took the boat back out into ,ran it up to full speed and jumped the sand bars to get them in. Once unloaded he was able to get back out. The Sherman tanks had a canvas protector on the front to prevent water from entering the front. From a distance they looked like the infantry landing boats so they didn’t fire on them until they dropped the canvas on the beach. Then they proceeded down the beach knocking out pill box after pill box. Dad was a crack shot and it didn’t matter whether it was a rifle or a tank gun. Dad rarely talked about that day as it was very emotional to lose so many buddies but I am glad he shared some memories.
Do you realize Tyler that the Canadians that served in WW2 all volunteered. They weren't forced to be there.
@tciron Yes, but it was either volunteer for the Armed Forces or be told where you were going to work and what you were going to do as a civilian. You could be assigned to lumber camps, or farming or steel production, or road construction, and you would not have an option to quit until the war was over.
WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, etc etc. Long before the USA got involved. We always laugh at the US Bravado of 'we won the war'. FYI - Juno beach was the ONLY FORCE to meet D-day objectives - in fact had to be told to wait! and hold up until the others caught up. Talk to Belgium and the Netherlands - who liberated them? CANADA. 1/10 the troops the US had. Half the hardware, half the weapons, but TWICE the fortitude. American Generals have been quoted (off the record) that if they had more Canadians, the war would have been over much sooner. Likewise, in Northern Africa, with our Commomwealth compratiots from Australia were the same. Himler and Rommel were terrified of running into Australian units - considered them bufoons until the bullets flew. Then avoided them ON PURPOSE. Not because of weapons - because of sheer guts, and determination to put Fascism in its place. And how does the USA remember WW2? Hey - lets duplicate the Hitler thing!
This isn't entirely true
@@Lawrence-lj5jz that's not true at all actually. They were free to join or not join and it did not impact their lives negatively. If anything most Canadians were happy to be working more and took it on with pride but they were not given a "no choice" scenario in which it was forced labor or volunteer that never happened it defeats the purpose of the voluntary part in volunteering.
That's actually wrong. There was a draft in both of the world war. 1 of my grandfather's brothers did everything he could to avoid it.
I lived most of my life in Steyning in England. Canada, with echoes of the war, was all around me: Wiston House, on the western edge of the village, was the HQ for Canadian forces in the area; the road over the South Downs from Steyning to Lancing was built by Canadians to enable troop and equipment resupply to the coast in the event of invasion, and it still has a valley known as Canada Bottom on the southern side; I worked with BAe for a couple of years at Dunsfold Airfield - built by Canadians. We remember their help in defending our country and in being a strong partner on D-Day and what followed. Now I am a Canadian, and proud to be so.
Great story mate.
Welcome! We love our immigrants in Canada.
My grandfather worked at the air base at Mablethorpe the family came to Canada in the 50’s.
Thank you
When I was a Canadian exchange student studying in England a lot of kids had no idea about Canada and when I visited London a father was letting his kid climb all over the Canadian war monument near Buckingham palace. That was 2008. So I appreciate your comments but I also think some of your countrymen need a refresher. Of course, so do ours.
My Grandfather was in the second wave on Juno beach. He was a photographer, many of the photographs from Juno beach are his. God bless all our veterans. Lest we forget. 🇨🇦🫡🇺🇸🇬🇧
As a Canadian i salute our men and women past present and future
I’m an American living in Canada many years now.. I’m so glad you’re learning this,, as I remember too only learning a few stories,, only from American point of view in school. As if it was all won because of the US effort.. of course the US was huge in helping,, but the sacrifices from of other countries.. well it took the group effort.. so important for you to understand this real history. It will help you see the rising darkness these days in a clearer light. Also,, read the Book John Adams by David McCullough and learn revolutionary war history you’ve never heard before as well.. learn,, pass it on ,, know what freedom has cost and how precious and fragile it is..
Sincere respect for your entire comment; especially and indeed "the rising darkness".
Well said. Thank you for acknowledging the importance of the combined effort.
The false quote from rommel explanse what the canadians though of americans, Give me British Officers, Americans Supplies and Canadian Soldiers and I can conquer the world
The erasure of Russian sacrifice is the worst part of it all. To the point we applauded a Ukraine soldier for fighting the Russians in world war 2.... Yeah that's a nazi
The US contributed a lot more to D-Day than the Canadians did. Without the US D-Day almost certainly would not have been possible. The American Omaha Beach was far more dangerous than the Canadian Juno Beach which was a relatively easy fight in comparison.
Over a million Canadians served in WW2. Over 44,000 died, everywhere from the Battle of Britain, Hong Kong, the Battle of the Atlantic through to Italy and Western Europe and many more. I was in Italy just a few months ago and the rows of Canadian graves at the Commonwealth cemetery outside Cassino was especially poignant. So many young men.
Canadians weren't there fighting for Americans, they were fighting for King and Country. Some were there because it seemed like an exciting thing to do. They were fighting alongside the British, French and Americans. Canadians entered both World Wars long before the Americans ever did because we were a Dominion of the British Empire. World history should be taught as a mandatory course. It would perhaps prevent our stupid politicians from some of the asinine decisions they make.
French Canadian where liberating their ancestral land.
Don’t forget the Aussies:
(Wiki)
Australian contribution to the Battle of Normandy
The Australian contribution to the Battle of Normandy involved more than 3,000 military personnel serving under British command. The majority of these personnel were members of the Royal Australian Air Force, though smaller numbers of Australians serving with the Royal Navy and British Army also participated in the fighting prior to and after the Allied landings on 6 June 1944
@@simonrancourt7834 thank you for that! I had never thought about it that way before. It is said that the King was worried about offending Quebec by asking Canadians to defend King and Country, but if he had asked them to help liberate France they might have responded positively.
@@KlkKI10oOok0oPs00OeST Australian and NZ were less involved here because many of the ANZACS were by then fighting against the Japanese in New Guinea and the Pacific. There were also squadrons in many places throughout Europe. From a population of over 7 million people, over 700,000 Australians enlisted during WW2 - around 10% if the population
Canadians fought for their country...not the king or queen of a foreign land.
My uncle who was on the opposite side in the German 736 regiment near or at Juno Beach said the Canadians where taking absolute hellish fire from them , kept coming with what he said was unbridled determination and courage that was unbelievable. He said they just kept coming at us. They did not break under relentless concentrated fire which impressed him and scared him at the same time , He had heard stories from his father about Mad Dog Canadians from WW1 . He was literally blown out of position he was defending with what he thinks was a round from a tank and woke up with a broken arm and leg, cuts and bruises and part of his uniform missing, no helmet , no weapon and one boot. As he was trying to regain his senses he looked up to see what he thought was a British soldier with a gun pointed at him. He raised his one good hand and as he spoke some English said, and I quote " My war is over , I do not believe I can give you any trouble" The soldier lowered his weapon , stared at him with some astonishment and called over a Sgt. At that time he then saw Canada on the upper arm of the uniform , the soldier said " We got a live one" Another soldier came over who appeared to be a medic looked at him checked his arm and looked at his crooked leg and said , He is out of the fight, when there is room and our guys are looked at we can move him. The Sgt said , "Hey there Gerry ( nick name for Germans) this man is going to give you something for the pain, stay put if you move or do anything you die , and you will be moved when and if we can. He got what he thinks was morphine, which knocked him out. Hours later he woke up on a stretcher then transported to a holding area where he drifted in and out consciousness . The next time he woke up he was in England as a POW.
Thank you for that story of humanity. I'm sure there were many similar stories. For the most part during WWI and WWII the men, rather boys, on the ground fighting these wars on both sides were young and would all rather be home doing the things all young men do no matter the era. Some were die hard Nazi's, indoctrinated in the Nazi youth, but many were not. What a waste, what a horrible waste of youth because of dictatorial leaders.
Impressive when canada has been EXTREMELY criticized for our almost near refusal to take Prisoner or share rations. Hell the Year after the famous Christmas day truce the Germans shouted over to us that they wanted to do that again and when they stood up with wine and cheese we stood up with machine guns. The joke is that canada is responsible for 2/3 of the Geneva conventions 😂
My great uncle was on the german side of this beach as well and refused to give his troops the fire command. He lamented often what a horrible slaughter it was and he could not take part in that.
@@ethelr1903 is that what he told the courts in Nuremburg? lol
Never hear a lot of stories from the German side, thank you for sharing.
November 11th is referred to as Remembrance Day here in Canada, and even though it was just a few weeks ago, I will never forget. I live free because of the sacrifices made by my ancestors and their friends. To the many, many troops that fell, from all involved nations, I salute you.
Wow! That vet who named off all those soldiers names that never made it out of the water , you can see that day has burned memories into his life forever😢 Respect to all those who have and will serve 🫡
When you live and train with the same section (ten men) for more than 3 years, you become like a family and you never forget.
@@bobmcrae5751 I also know, and that's why I responded ...I was a city firefighter for 30 years...and I will never forget those I had the privilege to work with...they are my second family 👍😉
The same thing happened to my Grandfather at the Rhine. There were only two from his group that survived. My Grandfather never talked about the war. I was told by a relative that he felt he had a responsibility to live his best life because his buddies didn’t get to live theirs.
The biggest cultural difference between the United States and Canada is that Canadians have always favoured enlistment. Only near the end of both world wars after casualties had decimated the military was conscription enacted in Canada and it nearly brought down the government in both cases. Conscripts (a.k.a. zombies) rarely served overseas. Every Canadian at Vimy Ridge and at Juno Beach had voluntarily enlisted - they were there by choice, not by government order. Conversely, 90% of the American Expeditionary Force in WW1 and 60% of the US military in WW2 were drafted. For Canadians, military service is a civic duty based on voluntary choice - not a job or obligation forced by a draft letter.
I think you mean governmental difference. I don't imagine there's a too many countries out there where the citizens prefer a conscription over enlistment.
But you have a lot of likes for your comment so maybe I'm missing something.
If you are interested in a darker Canadian WW2 Story, consider Force 136. During the time, racism was alive and well, and Chinese Canadians were no exception. At first, they were turned away because, as lesser citizens, they could not vote, practice professions such as law, medicine or engineering or even use public swimming pools. In 1944, they decided they needed to infiltrate the Pacific theatre so they turned to the Chinese. When the bombs were dropped and the war ended, they were abandoned and they had to find their own way home! One such veteran returned home with malaria but was dismissed because he wasn't at liberty to explain how he contracted it. Despite this, two years after the war, Chinese Canadians were granted the right to vote.
Thank you Tyler. Most Americans think the USA won the war, think the British were twits and do not even know that Canada fought oin D Day or anything else. You should read the book, A Man Called Intrepid. Essentially it was Canadians who taught the Ameircans about epionage. Canadian technology was instumental in Midway but Americans do not want to admit it. It has been erased from history.
CampX is where they trained in espionage, it’s a beautiful park now, a site for Remembrance Day celebrations.
The walkie-talkie was invented in Canada. The US government bought the rights to the technology and started making the manpack radios that US infantry and other army units used throughout the war. Canadian technology, carried on the backs of American soldiers.
I loved the book about A Man called Interpid. It came out once the 30 year closure was over.
@@user-sandralynn And don't forget the Movie Argo. It was a Canadian diplomat who devised that plan to sneek out, escape, 27 American diplomats out of Iran. Ps. Not sure it was 27 tho.
The CBC TV show "X Company" was a terrific series, well researched, about the spies and saboteurs trained at Camp X in Ontario. It was where Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, learned to be a spy. This series is not for the faint-hearted! Seriously nerve-wracking.
Tyler, he's saying "The Queen's Own," as in The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada; one of our regiments.
Also, Regina isn't pronounced Regeena. Regina rhymes with vagina.
@johnt8636 you can time stamp it with using a @ symbol and no space the time 12:14 to be @12:14
@@feelingaLittleRandy___Gregg
😲Really!?
That’s right did you forget that Canada at that time was part of the Commonwealth? The Royal Family come to Ottawa all the time.
Actually, it would have been "The King's Own" back then. Elizabeth didn't become queen until 1952 -- but by the 80's it had been "The Queen's Own" for most of the life of the people doing the documentary.
Thank you Tyler, for finding this incredible video and commenting, because I was born in ‘49 and😢 this is the first time I’ve seen this incredible footage.
However, as a young child, I vividly remember, respectfully drawing pictures of crosses and poppies, and the whole student body going outside for the service,and proudly belting out
♥️❤️🔥🕊❤️🔥❤️🔥🕊❤️🔥❤️🔥🕊❤️🔥
🌺🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
“In Flanders fields🥲where poppies grow,🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
Between the crosses row on row…etc.”🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
I’m 75 now, and always look forward to going out on Remembrance Day
where I live and wave to the planes as they fly right over me and the hundreds of crosses below, along Memorial Drive.
It still thrills and fills my heart with gratitude.
Many many blessing!!!John 3:16
🌺🍁🇨🇦🌺🍁🇨🇦🇺🇸🇮🇱🇨🇦🌺♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
In 2014 I visited the grave of my grandfather Gunner Joseph Alphonse Rouville Gravel who is buried in The Netherlands at Holten Canadian War Cemetery. He landed in Normandy on D-Day and died a year later in Holland. The people of Holland maintain that Canadians are the ones who saved them. They take great care of the cemetary.
My uncle landed at Juno helped liberate Holland. Came home with a Dutch bride, my aunt Mary. My uncle Raymond passed away a few years back and Mary went back to Holland.
You might already be aware - In Holten, the Dutch children light a candle on every one of the 1400 graves each year on Christmas Eve. This way of honouring your grandfather and the other soldiers is so incredibly beautiful to see! 💖✨
Holland also sends hundreds of tulip bulbs each year in remembrance. They are planted in Ottawa.
My husband's uncle was one of the soldiers who liberated Holland, married a Holland gal. He drove the judges around for the Nuremberg trials.
Thank you for his sacrifice, proud Canadian to another!
They earned the moniker "The Greatest Generation".
Both my parents were in ww2. My mother a nurse on the front lines in France , Belgium and Holland. My father was also in Europe as a member of the Canadian Scottish soldiers. The Canadian Scottish were known for their ferocity.
They have both passed now making it into their 90’s. I sure miss them ❤️
My husband says we're proud of you for doing the show in general, this episode was particularly interesting to watch. As a Canadian senior, I'd like to apologize for the rude and condensending comments that some have made . Keep up the great work and well keep watching, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
also a Montrealer, I second your comment :-)
Thank you for showing the younger generation how to be what a Canadian should be.
These sentiments are echoed -- I appreciate Tyler for wanting to learn about our country, and I appreciate the appreciation for the sacrifice so many Canadian soldiers made to help protect the world from an evil tyrant.
There are many things to learn in the video he watched, one that many aren't clear about (and neither was I until I started taking first aid courses) is that "casualty" does not equate to "fatality" (not to lessen the price paid by so many), but it also includes the wounded...Tyler and others likely learned that that's the case later in the video.
Je me souviens/Lest we forget.
I am a Canadian with uncles who served. They nor I would condemn the Americans. They also had weeping mothers.
I think it was his comment "they died for Americans"... which is insensitive, insulting, wrong, egotistical and yup, condescending. It's the Canadian thing to do to apologize unnecessarily, but with the T guy back doing the insulting, we'll maybe learn.
Thank you Tyler. As a Canadian I am so touched that you are taking the time to learn about your neighbours/cousins to the north. We grow up learning our history, geology, science etc as well as the world and the USA. I hope more Americans take the time to learn as you are.
Yes, kudos to you Tyler for your reaction. It is apparent you learned and understood the perspective of the events. It is exactly what these documentary creators were hoping to achieve. As an older Canadian, I was aware of much of the information presented. But your realization, and corresponding language in response, was impressive when you described it was a group effort from many nations and particularly often forgotten ones. That does not diminish the courage and selflessness of all the people involved including Americans. I often think of the smaller Commonwealth nations that sent a corresponding percentage of their population to this endeavour. They were all equally deserving of respect for what they gave us.
Thank you Tyler for presenting your heartfelt perspective. I am Canadian. Five of my Uncles served in the 2nd world war, one of them, Uncle George was killed short weeks after June 6th, near Caen at Normandy on Aug. 8th, 1944. Thanks to the many American soldiers who also gave their lives on the beaches in support of the allies!
All the allies landing had war photographers and correspondents in the landings. However the very first film and photos to reach back to England and then everywhere was Canadian. That house you saw shot to hell on the beach is still today owned by our Queens Own Rifles. They lost over 100 men right there. The Canadians advanced further inland than anyone on D Day.
Yes they did.
Thank you, very well done and totally interesting. A Canadian walking through Holland, wearing a Canadian maple leaf raincoat was applauded by young Dutch people. They never forgot.
We were always treated well in Holland and Belgium when they knew we were Canadian! ... In Flanders' Fields the poppies blow , between the crosses, row on row ...
Every year Dutch children are taught and lay flowers for Canada's war dead, for Liberation, for their freedom.
@@libbyl2194please don’t tell Americans this, they already love to cosplay as Canadian when they’re abroad and I’ve literally had locals make fun of my maple leaf because it’s more likely to be an American who doesn’t want people to know they’re from “the best country in the world” 🙄
@@libbyl2194 i absolutely love that belgium children commemorate the fallen canadian soldiers every year by cleaning the gravesites and decorating them with tokens of gratitude. i wish to travel to belgium one year to see it and to also offer my own gratitude to them for living the motto of lest we forget.
Hey I’m Canadian and Americans get a bad rap. They’re the best people. Brothers and sisters to us. Without the Americans we’d all be speaking German today.
18? My grandfather on my mothers side faked his birth certificate and joined at 16. A different generation. They earned the moniker “the greatest generation “.
That video of Canadians disembarking and landing on Juno Beach is one of the most iconic Canadian newsreels of D-Day. What is often also overlooked is that Hitler always thought that Normandy was a diversion and that the real invasion would be at Pas de Calais (where most of the German armor was concentrated). However, once the Germans realized that Normandy was the real invasion, that armor was sent to Normandy, which arrived from the northeast...right on top of the British and Canadian divisions. If it wasn't for the British-adapted Sherman Tank (The Firefly) the carnage would have been unbearable (only the British and Canadians used Firefly tanks, which proved to be very effective against the superior German tanks):
ua-cam.com/video/Y904u_rjGtA/v-deo.html
The Americans were offered fireflies but decided not to take them. Later, when they got their 76.2mm counterpart to the British 17 pounder, it was not all it was hyped up to be. Sure, it was more powerful than their 75mm guns, but only by 100-200 meters per second, in terms of pennetration, it still had trouble taking anything newer than the panzer 4 reliably from the front. The British 17 pounder had its flaws, but was as devastating to the Germans armor as the German 88 was to the Allies.
@@pacalvotan3380 was about to say, that was common knowledge... up until that part about the repositioned defenses only being on the canadian and british fronts.
@@jackn2236 confused why the americans would be offered fireflies if they were already an adapted sherman? meaning...they already had the whole blueprint/original
@RafaelLopeztattoos The firefly was equipped with the "British ordinance QF 17 pounder," the US didn't have that, they had the 75mm and the 76.2mm in "Development," the 76.2mm was only slightly better than the 75mm, the British 17 pounder was comparable to the German .88mm, you're looking at a muzzle velocity of around 700 for the Americans 76.2mm vs over 1000 meters per second for the British 17 pounder.
@@RafaelLopeztattoos Because prior to the Americans joining the war, American companies were selling machine tools (Helps them create their weapons) to the Nazi's and weapons to the allies i.e. profiteering you don't hear it, well never, but if the Nazi's had some how found out about their new Tanks from former " sales men" it wouldn't be as effective.
I would like to thank you for covering this topic. As a Canadian veteran, it sometimes saddens me that we know so much about the American contributions during WWII, but not so much about the Canadian contributions. You may want to cover the Battle of Vimy Ridge during WWI, a very significant battle for Canadians, and I believe there is film footage from that as well.
@@DarenDubh You are absolutely right. This aspect of Canadian history , our military history ,should be mandatory in ALL classrooms. How many Canadians know why HMCS HAIDA is preserved? Very few. And know nothing about the Canadian LORD NELSON, Captain Harold DeWolf , who commanded her in WW 2
Or the Canadian Princess Patrica Light Infantry regiment who stopped , held off , and blocked 4-5 Chinese divisions , near Souel Korea , so the rest of the allied forces could re-group behind , and dig in. Or the Australian artillery unit, whose commander dis-obeyed orders to retreat ,so his guns could provide supporting cover fire for the Canadian unit that was told basically to stand and die. Only the Chinese stopped and died instead.
And the World War I Battle of Beaumont Hamel where the Newfoundland Regiment was pretty much wiped out by German machine gun fire. They fought so bravely they were the only regiment to be given the title Royal during a war. Now the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. It was also the only regiment from North America to fight at Gallipoli.
@ Yes . And they all died needlessly because some British superior officer asshole in a chateau well behind the lines somewhere thought it was a great strategic idea to have everyone charge over open ground into a mass of machine guns. There apparently were other units that refused to do so, and disobeyed orders to take part in the second wave, after seeing what happened to the first wave, but these men did not. God Bless Them All.
@ And Gallipoli, another superior officer disaster that cost lives. When you land on a narrow undefended beach, unopposed, thats surrounded by high cliffs, you get you sorry butt off the beach and up the draws and valleys onto the plains above, en masse, and in force ASAP. Instead, the British and French superior officers had a cocktail party on the beach to celebrate their “ success “,
And sat on the narrow beach do absolutely nothing for days. Unfortunately, they were opposed by the only Turkish officer who knew what he was doing, and was banished to Gallipoli for insubordination for suggesting officers actually have some military training and proven expertise, rather then bribery, upper class status, and knowing the Sultan personally. He blocked the ravines and gullies leading off the beaches with his minuscule amount of men, that he just had time to organize and get there. And the ensuing slaughter is history
Americans came two years late to the party ( Just like they did in 1916 when the war was two years old ), and only because of Pearl Harbour. Before that, the American government had said that "Mister Hitler" could do what he wanted in Europe, they didn't care. Only the American Teamster Union saw the future. ( Frightening how the lastest Nazi-loving incoming American president is basically saying the same thing about Putin. ) Canada liberated the Netherlands. The Battle of Britain was over before the Americans showed up. Hollywood, as it usually does, discounts the allies and fluffs up the American image. No doubt, the Yanks were instrumental but, Britain, Canada, France, Poland, and many others always get the short end of the Hollywood version of History.
I wonder what these guys would think of the complaining going on today. We think we have it tough, what a joke. The people of this time had it rough. What they did for us is beyond most peoples comprehension.
@@montrose699 Can you imagine what they'd think of Justin handing out Pride berets to the soldiers and putting tampons in men's bathrooms?
@@wombatwilly1002 Yah, they'd wonder what's wrong with you and your bigotry and hate. They fought for freedom for everyone. You're the disappointment.
alot of them lived extreamly simple and easy lives. alot of them were prarrie farmers that lever left home. other then these few years of their lives, their home lives were so much easier and better then ours forthe most part. turn off your phone and youll hear ALOT less complaining
@BarkerVancity unfortunately I hear a lot of complaining off of my phone. People like to blame others and specifically the government for their hardships
Talk to an Afghan or Cold War or Korean War Vet. They did the same while the rest just went on shopping at Wal-Mart. It's beyoond the comprehensiion of anyone who hasn't ducked rounds.
Well done, Tyler! So respectfully narrated. Thank you, from a Canadian viewer. PS: Queen's Own Rifles is the name of that particular regiment.
As a Canadian thank you for acknowledging our contribution. I am proud to consider our American neighbours as our brothers ans sisters. God bless America.
Tyler I’m shocked you’ve never seen footage of D-Day. We saw so many of these videos starting in grade 9 history classes plus the CBC does wonderful documentaries all around Rememberance Day. I’m glad you finally had a chance to see footage of D-Day.
The Canadian Broadcasting Company or CBC is a superstar of Canadian television. Most Canadians cut their teeth with their children’s programming and their infomercials were and are impeccable, true north strong and free. We have to reinforce our appreciation for and of this institution ❤❤❤❤❤
All the d day footage you've ever seen, is Canadian footage. Even if it was used in British and American documentaries.
hes never seen footage of canadaian dday. everyone has seen dday footage, just the americans lost almost all of their footage so what they have left is crap quality and after they all landed already, after the battle. they wont use candaian footage because they like to pretend they were the only ones in ww2. some guy dropped the sack of film in the ocean as he was climbing the ladder onto a ship.
I am a veteran, lost family in WWII, I think it’s comical to praise the CBC so much. Their lack of respect for veterans and the CAF is overwhelmingly obvious to anyone who has served and their coverage of Remembrance Day is amateurish, and occasionally insulting to veterans. You have no idea what you are talking about!
@ I am not a veteran. I am just a regular Canadian who believes that CBC is not intending to disrespect veterans. The channel does try to jab at political parties in an attempt to create humour from terrible circumstances.
Yes Dear, real videos. Canada never backed down from a challenge. Aswell, Canada didn't have a draft, this was of free will.
When the war broke out, the main federal political parties agreed there would be no conscription for overseas service. Following the defeat of France in June 1940, Parliament passed the National Resources Mobilization Act, which introduced conscription for service in Canada only.
@patriciamoore348; There was NO SUCH THING as video at the time of D--Day, Everything on this video was from newsreel film.
MacKenzie King said “conscription if necessary, but not necessarily conscription!”
@@andynieuwenhuis7833 sorry! Film
Your understanding of recent history is poor. Trudeau had Canada backdown and cower behind our allies in the war against ISIS. Just as all our allies were gearing up for a major counter offensive against ISIS in 2016 Trudeau very stupidly ended our combat mission. Up until Trudeau was elected Canada never backed down, now Canada is spineless cowardly country that refuses to uphold its obligations to our allies who fight for us. And btw Canada introduced conscription during both world wars and deployed them to combat operations near the end of both wars.
My father landed at Juno Beach as part of an advance group with the Brits. He was part of the Liberation of Holland. He is long gone now but his courage will never be forgotten. ❤️🇨🇦
My grandfather also was there for the liberation of Holland.
@@stephaniec9539 I had 2 uncles that were as well
@snowdoo His name was John (Johnny) and he was from Cape Breton
My uncles Bill and Herb from Saskatchewan & Uk @@stephaniec9539
My dad grew up in the Netherlands before immigrating to Canada. He was 6 at the start of the war, and remembered the first German plane he saw and an older man running down the street screaming “they’re coming! The world is ending!”
There is video from WWI as well. The US and UK also have video from all wars. Canadians are taught about all countries involved in any conflict, not just the Canadian point of view.
Yes it is very true.
no we are not... i can guarantee you %110 that is not true. we learn about maybe the main 4-5 nations. we dont learn nothing about the Suez cannels or itally and the alps or tunasia, or australia, maybe lawrence of arabia, if that. we dont learn about the russian civil war that brought them in, we hardly learn about the battles americans are in that we are not, ardene forrest and such. we basically only learn about flanders field, vimmi ridge, and passiondale. nothing about the chinese- japanese front, how about Romanian battles? absolutely nothing was taught to use about the fall of the ottoman empire, and we just group austrai-hungry in with the germans.
we literally only learn about the ppl we shared a trench with, some of the things the british did and basically only western fronts in europe. where was it was all over the world. europe, africa, middle east, asia north, asia east. what grade was the the Bolshevik Revolution taught in, where over 100MILLION people lost their lives? it wasnt. thats ww1 too. we were also there 3 years longer then them and waay more battle, accross the globe, they only faught in europe for 1 year
@@BarkerVancity You have to understand that high school level history classes cannot delve into the nitty gritty details like that, because the first history you need to learn is your own country's.
The level you're describing here is university, for historians, history teachers, and history buffs.
Not video, they are on film.
@ Semantics… they have probably moved from “film” to some digital format as well.
There are so many amazing things these Canadian men and women did , it’s sad that all we ever hear is how America won the war. Even in high school we were taught more about American history than Canadian history. The war was won by the allies and Canada contributed huge. Born and raised Canadian 🇨🇦🇨🇦 and very proud of this. Our military deserves better support, more than ever before.
My grandfather passed away in October, and he was a very proud Canadian Air Force veteran. His funeral was today and the military base in our hometown raised the Canadian flag in honour of him this morning. Thank you for recognizing the brave Canadian men and women, and their incredible contributions to their country, and the allied forces.
Many thanks and may he Rest in Peace. ✌️🇨🇦
@abigailmacdonald6858 RIp . I can only imagine how brave those men and women were. That was for the world. We don't have that anymore.
My Uncle George landed on Juno Beach at Normandy on D-Day with Winnipeg Rifles. Luckily he survived.
But the death and destruction around him, around all of them was incredible.
He told me he tried to watch the Steven Spielberg film, Saving Private Ryan, but it was too realistic, and he could only watch for about 10 seconds.
How did they have the guts to leave those landing craft? Uncle George told me his best friend was blown apart into pieces within a minute of them running across the beach.
We owe everything we have to that generation.
None of us would be here without them.
Your uncle probably knew my grandfather then, he was an artillery gunner that was attached to the Winnipeg rifles for the Juno landing
My Grandpa was there as well ❤
I can relate to your Uncle George regarding Saving Private Ryan. I started experiencing anxiety with the beginning scenes I almost stopped the movie. Then I realized the soldiers could not. I do not know how they did it! Thanks to your Uncle and all the others like him we are free❤
My great uncle William landed with the Winnipeg Riles on D-day. Unfortunately he was one of the many who did not survive.
My grandfather was with the Winnipegs. He said in his platoon there were Eleven of them left.
My grandfather was an officer in the RCN and also a photographer and was there taking pictures on the Juno Sector. He lived to tell the tale and some of his photos are in the Canadian War Museum. RIP Lt. Richard G. Arless
You should look up the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. I'm from Newfoundland and we always treated it as a big deal, because there out of the 801 Newfoundlanders who fought that day, only 68 survived, which was a huge deal due to the size of our province at the time
You weren't a Canadian Province either, you stood on your own. Heartfelt thanks from Ontario❤
the Canadians took Vimy in ww1 when none of our allies could
The destruction of the Newfoundland Regiment was the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, which was part of the larger Somme offensive. Vimy was not part of The Somme.
@@alexkilgour1328 you're right, I fixed my mistake
How about staying the fuck on topic buddy.
This is why we call them the Greatest Generation.
Unfortunately that is what Hitler said of the Germans
The only Hollywood movies that really gave justice to Canada's contribution in WW2 are The Devil's Brigade and The Battle Of Britain. In most other movies there's barely even a mention we were ever there. Same with the British sadly. In most other movies it's almost like the US were the only ones fighting the war. Very few Pacific War movies even mention the British and Australian forces. For example, at the end of the war Canada had the 4th largest navy (5th some would say because of the Soviet Union small units) and was instrumental in winning the Battle of the Atlantic.
My grandfather was a stretcher bearer with the Queen's Own Rifles. Miraculously, he survived and lived until the age of 94. He passed away the day after the 75th anniversary of D-Day ❤ he was quoted in the book Breakout from Juno "Parts of that day are a blank, and yet even now the occasional flashback will pop up. I know when the ramp dropped about a dozen of our people were hit one after the other so I just hopped out over the side. It was only up to chest level, and swimming was never any problem for me anyway. The bullets hit the water ‘zip, zip, zip’ but I made it. When Major Dalton was hit I bandaged him up. It was a sniper whose shot to the head glanced a bit; another half inch and he’d have been killed.”
Thank you for that extra bit of information. I really enjoy these fascinating tidbits.
It was a bloody battle and you are correct Canada and Us and other countries were allies so we all fought for each other and most of the time people forget this. I wish the younger generation would remember this war and realize how big it was and how important it was that those people lost their lives for us, for them. Please young people, learn about this war❤
Yes, "Learn about the war" and why it was fought. Learn that Freedom and democracy are worth fighting for and dying for. Learn that dictators and fascists threaten freedom and our way of life and for the generations that follow.
@@chrisgraham2904 YES
At 21:25 I love the inset clip from CBC News: The National | Trump threatens 25% tariff on Canadian goods. My, how the world has turned.
The biggest thing I was taught in school about the significance of Canada in WWII is that it was the first war that Canada fought as an "Independent country" in control of its own foreign policy. Like Canada fought in WWI as a part of the British Empire, and our marching orders came from England, but the Statute of Westminster happened in between.
They say that the battle for Vimy Ridge was when Canada became independent from Britian. Vimy Ridge was planned and executed by the Canadian Military and was a victory for the Allies.
Although in practise the UK could only use Canadian troops if its government agreed.
@@Kathy91468 Pierre Burton wrote a book about it, simply called Vimy. Canadian troops took that ridge after it had been stalemated for months.
we did so good in ww1, and the bristish were so weak/broke after, they had no choice but to accept we earned independence. they needed us to stay in the commonwealth. we earned ours, americans mutinied for theirs
That is not quite true, the Dominions were self governing by the time of the first world war. Although the empire was in control of foreign policy and defence, participation in the war was subject to conditions imposed by the governments of the Dominions at the time. London could not impose conscription or raise taxes for example, only the local Dominion government could do that.
Being a very proud Canadian I am forever grateful for those brave men.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (The CBC) and the National Film Board of Canada sent film crews with the troops to film the assault. Their footage remains the most dramatic war footage of WW2. British documentaries often use this footage, claiming it is British soldiers. But the Canadians were their own command, their own expeditionary force, and under their own generals. So our footage gets used a lot by others.
My father was in the first wave of the D-day assault. We used to watch war documentaries together when I was a kid, but I could never get him to talk much about what it was really like. One day he told me it was like "being at a deafening fireworks show while your friends around you were dropping dead". I stopped asking after that.
So much respect for your father. I can’t imagine the horrors he had to live with.
James Doohan, who played Scotty on the original Star Trek, was in the second wave of Canadians to hit Juno Beach. He was shot 6 times by friendly fire as he was coming back after doing deep recon, 4 in the leg, 1 in his hand that amputated his right middle finger, 1 shot to the chest, it was stopped by a silver cigarette case, given to him by his brother.
The Canadian soldiers have never had much recognition, during WW 1 they were so brave that they were eventually labelled by the Germans, by a term which became part of militaries everywhere as "Storm Troopers"
During WW 2, the Germans came to know Canadian soldiers as being brutal and unforgiving, second only to Soviet troops. The Germans greatly feared fighting or being captured by Canadians.
The German's called us storm troopers in ww1 and they called us that from the get go when we hit them again in ww2, they knew they messed up when they saw our men
Some Canadian regiments that had kilts as part of their uniforms were nicknamed the Ladies From Hell by the Germans in the 1st world war.
Thank you for remembering the Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom Tyler. Canada, The UK, and USA are special friends that will always aid each other. We are like life long friends. No matter the politics, when the chips are down we come to one another’s aid. That is special! Thank you British, American and Canadian veterans for my freedom!
Tyler that number of 9200 included the Korean war.
When that veteran listed names of people who did not get out of the water, it hits you harder when you hear their names.
He doesn't listen to the narrator
Especially when you see how old he is in the interview. All those years later, and he never forgot their names.
My father had a medical emergency while training for D Day. He fortunately wasn't able to go, but no one from his platoon came back.
Same with my husband's uncle. He wasn't sent with his unit to D day for some reason, but ended up in North Africa.
I'm Canadian and couldn't be more appreciative of our contribution to the war. So proud and thankful for all the brave men that went across the ocean to help. Thanks for the acknowledgement
On the front at the tip of the spear of the Canadians were First Nations soldiers who for their service were disenfranchised “lost their Naive Status”. There’s a Native Soldier who sang “The War Song” as they stormed the beach.
Fear of the unknown made people have crazy prejudices. How sad
That's so interesting. Tell us more, please? They lost their status too? Ridiculous!! So sorry for the meanness.
I don't know anything about their story. I would love to know more about the First Nations who served.
@@hopeforabetterfuture123 Indigenous people who graduated university or became professionals lost their Indian Status, too. Indian Status wasn’t thought of as a benefit in those days, it was something to be escaped from in the view of government. If you graduated university you “earned” the loss of that marker. But at the same time, when it was convenient or cheaper the same people were denied the same veterans benefits as “regular Canadians” because they weren’t considered Canadian. There is still a disconnect to this day…FN people often protest that they are “still held down by the Indian Act” while at the same time speak of losing Indian Status as a bad thing. They’re two sides of the same coin. The Indian Act is what creates Indian Status. You can’t have one without the other.
@ I agree unfortunately there’s no simple answer. I think it’s only right to be given fair credit and compensation. Also they were fighting for freedom too. They fought even when they weren’t welcome. That’s how important it was to them. I’m grateful for both my late Father in law and late Grandfather’s sacrifice. My father in law was only acknowledged in the 2000’s. My Grandfather whose of European descent was acknowledged immediately.
My father was at Juno Beach, later received the Canadian Military Medal of Valour, the Croix de Guerre of bravery from France, and was part of the liberation of Holland from which he was awarded another medal. I am so proud of all our Canadian troops and my Dad, Gunner Salvatore Val Femia 1923-1994.
My father landed at Juno Beach on D-Day, he was with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.
I travelled to Juno Beach in September, seeing it in person was amazing. Driving through small towns and coming onto memorials dedicated to the Canadian, British and American soldiers was humbling. The French continue to honour these heroes and the fact that we learn so little about the world wars in our schools is shameful.
Thank you to all veterans everywhere.
We did a tour of Juno beach. Our guide, who was a Canadian university student 24 yrs of age, pointed out that on D-Day he would have been one of the older guys.
🇨🇦Canada joined both World Wars before the US. Keep up the good work! Never miss an episode ❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦
Only beceause the british made us
The USA entered the European theatre in WW II only after Germany declared war on them. It was only then that the US forces were authorized to take both defensive and offensive action against the German armed forces.
@@TheVinc123 that may be true for WW1, but WW2 Canada didn't declare war until a week after UK did.
@TheVinc123 Only in WW1 Canada was involved as soon as Britain declared war on the Triple Alliance when they invaded Belgium. Canada was still a Commonwealth country under the British Empire. Canada gained a bit of independence from Britain when WW2 started. Also, the majority of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WW1 were volunteers.
@@jordanluyendyk1281 You mean they were authorized by themselves? What a circuitous way of agreeing that Americans were very very late to help the allies lol
I have been told on reasonable authority that the movie “Saving Private Ryan” is an accurate portrayal of the D Day landing beaches even if it is from the American pov. The first 20 minutes is almost impossible to watch.
Both of my grandfathers were in the first wave of Canadian soldiers, both lived through the ww2. My grandfather on my moms side was not injured but my grandfather on my dads side was injured with shrapnel from a mortar or an artillery shell toke 2 fingers and part of his thumb off on his right hand and shrapnel in his legs. He had to learn to walk again.
6:20 as a Canadian, not ONCE ever have I heard someone say “aboot” or “aboat” every single time, I’ve heard them say “about”
Oh dude I hear it all the time here in the Maritimes
lol yes maritimer as well. That’s all we say 😂
As a fellow Cannuck, I concur!!
I never heard it until I came across the videos of J.J. McCullough and he is the first Canadian I've ever heard say 'aboot', and still the only one.
Depends where you live in Canada. I don't hear it in Southern Ontario but the further North or North East you go the thicker the accent gets, lol.
We have to remember that these soldiers were mostly kids. My dad joined at 17 yrs of age, spent 5 years in Europe, and arrived back home in Canada just in time for his 23rd birthday. No one recognized him.
We were fighting for freedom, NOT the US. The US wouldn't join the war, originally, said it was not their problem. Glad you are learning, please keep going ! The best ever recreation of WW2 landing would have to be Saving Private Ryan. Veterans that were there have said it was the best.
My grandfather, SGT Major C.J. Scott was a member of the Canadian 1st Airborne Batallion and jumped on D-Day. He was wounded and recovered at a field hospital in Belgium. A few months later he returned to active duty and took part in a daring night raid behind enemy lines, known as The Battle of the Bulge. He was in the only Canadian unit that fought there. He survived the war, and continued to serve the Canadian Armed Forces his entire career. He served in Korea and many other conflicts, as well had the honor of commanding Trooping The Color on Parliament Hill for the Queen's visit in 1959. He would always say that he was proud to serve, not that he was proud of himself. After retiring from the military he went on to train Canadian forces for several years. He passed peacefully in 2016 after a difficult battle with Parkinson's.
Respect and gratitude to all those who previously and currently serve.
Thank you for your service.
Mark Felton has a great UA-cam video titled: "Canadian Paratroopers Save Denmark! Operation Eclipse 1945" .
It's about how Canadian troops were sent behind German lines Wismar to head off the Russian Army before the Russians could occupy Denmark. You'll love it!
I am a Canadian with an American education.
The things that are not taught in American history are actually really sad . It closes the view completely of what everyone else in the world did for freedom , "peace," and ways of life !
Canadians learn all perspectives. The war began in 1939. The allies were fighting for two years before the Americans joined in 1941 . It took Pearl Harbour for them to realize this was a World War.
Almost 3 years because it was December 1941
@@personincognito3989 - Yes, and they couldn't mobilise over night even after Pearl Harbour. Some Americans did volunteer in the Canadian services.
Americans took even longer to enter WW1
@@bobbyj5375 Yeah, they didn't arrive until the last few months.....but hey, the Yanks WON WW1, all by themselves.....just ask them.🤔
And Germany declared war on America shortly after Pearl Harbour.
Has anybody ever recommend you check out what happened to the Canadian forces that went to Dieppe? It's a must. It was a WWII practice raid on a French coastal city to prepare for D-Day. It was organized by the Brits, Lord Mountbatten to be exact, and he botched the entire thing, leaving the Canadian soldiers to pay the price.
It has since been disclosed that there was a secret mission within the mission, which was to capture plans from a German HQ, in which they were successful.
@@Sid-gu5qk No, that is incorrect. There was a secret purpose to the Dieppe raid, which was to capture one of the new Nazi 4 rotor Enigma machines and their code books but that did not succeed. Neither were we able to get near the Kriegsmarine naval HQs in Dieppe nor grab any of the machines from ships in the harbour or their code books. David O'Keefe has written a book about this called "One Day in August" and it is the definitive work on the subject.
My great grandfather was a survivor of Dieppe. He passed away when my dad was still young, but Dad says he refused to talk about it.
@@ToddSauveThe irony of Dieppe is that it failed because the ships carrying the soldiers sailed into a German navy patrol loosing the element of surprise. This happened largely because the Canadian generals planning the raid were not privy to British Navy intelligence that knew the timing of the German patrols despite the purpose of the raid being to capture German crypto systems, which the Canadians did not know about. Only LCdr Ian Fleming (yes the author of James Bond) his superiors in Naval Intelligence and the RM Commando officer leading the 12 men tasked with capturing the crypto equipment knew the true purpose of the Dieppe raid. The larger Dieppe raid was simply a diversion for the 12 man team to capture the navy Enigma machine and codes. It was conceived by Ian Fleming but the planning and timing of the main raid was done by the Canadian Army staff, with Fleming secretly inserting his team into the larger raid, all so no one would know on either side that Royal Navy Intelligence had captured an Enigma.
To this day the people in the Netherlands celebrate the Canadians liberating their country.
I am so proud set our Legacy lives on in the hearts of people in Europe
Even if our current government doesn't feel the need for us to have a strong military
To once again step up and save the world when needed
21:40
What can you say... i stopped you at. I can say: when i went to holland in 1988, for the twinning games, because ottawa and the hague are twinning cities, i never in my life felt so much reception and love from another country!!! These foreign people were so emotional. My father, military man, said it may be so. My experience was so humblng. I went with my team to a bar... nobody there. Maybe 16 people. Within an hour of a vet. Calling his buddies, there were 120. I have never been so proud of Canada... these dutch were amazing. Lest we forget.
Nevermind the gracious billets we, athletes lived with, by sponsorship. Truly lovely folk. Many questions about how i live today... many discussions about our mindset. Lovely and intuitive! May we all learn!!! I did!!!
My parents were both teenagers in occupied Holland. My mother experienced the "Hunger Winter" when part of the country was still occupied but the German occupiers were cut off from Germany; they took everything there was to eat from the Dutch civilians, and 30,000 Dutch people starved. My mother fell over in a bread lineup one day. She said the only reason they survived was the Swedish Red Cross was air dropping food to the Dutch.
There was a situation when the Canadians discovered what was going on, when a Canadian unit let the Germans know they were going to drive supply trucks through the German lines for the Dutch civilians. They apparently told the Germans "You can shoot at us, but we'll shoot back." Such bravery! The German occupiers just watched them drive past, and never fired a shot. Yet another good reason Canadian vets are revered in the Netherlands!
Thank you for this, Tyler. As a Canadian, my dad enlisted in the British Navy in 1942 when he was 17. He did not take part in the D-Day landing, but served on one of the ships that protected the convoys bringing weapons and supplies into Murmansk and Arkhangelsk in Russia. Of course, Russia was our ally at that time. Losses were heavy in the waters of the North Atlantic, patrolled regularly by German U-boats. My dad talked about seeing other boats hit during the night, and the bodies of men flying through the air, backlit by the blast. We can only imagine how that experience affects a person's life. Remembering their sacrifice is the least we can do.
I was born in 1965, 20 years after the fact, but we watched these videos in school and learned the history. And learned what Rememberance Day was about and WHY it was such a big deal. It really pisses me off that this WORLD history isn't taught in school any more. This history is just forgotten, it's not even known by kids in the last few decades. Which is a terrifying thought, because those that forget history, are fated to repeat it. So sad.
I served with the Queens Own Rifles of Canada which is still in active service today located at Toronto, Onatrio, Canada. I served from 1971-1979 in the Army Reserves. The unit continues its mandate as a reserve regiment and is para qualified. A great regiment with many battle honours to their name such as Vimy Ridge and D-Day. Many of the WW2 Veterans of the regiment told us stories of their invasion on D-Day.. breathe taking and almost unbelievable heroism.
For what it's worth, I was once a reservist and a member of the First Hussars from 1979 to 1981. I remember once, when participating in a weekend exercise, a bunch of Hussars veterans came up to see us at the base where our exercise was being held. Man, the stories they told us. The First Hussars were the first and only Allied tank regiment to reach their D-Day objective on the first day of operations. They went so far inland, that they had to be pulled back so other Canadian units could catch up.
Their victory came at a cost - the complete loss of 'B' Squadron during the first two hours of the landing.
@@stevestruthers6180 It's mindboggling when I hear another person mention that they had to stop them from advancing ahead...Had an Uncle tell me this many many years ago...they were getting pissed off and wanted to keep momentum going, didn't wanna stop...crazy
@@stevestruthers6180 My father was in the 8th NBH which later was renamed the 8th CH. I also served in the regt from 1970 to 1981 so greetings to a 1st Hussar from an 8th. Coincidently I have since moved to London and really should get a chance to visit your Regt Museum sometime.
My Dad was a Queen' Own Rifle for 25 years until he retired about 1975.
My dad was on one of the boats. He said that the landing craft was so full that they were packed like sardines . One of the soldiers had a grenade dislodged from his belt, but as nobody could actually reach it to get rid of it. All they could do was count the seconds. Thank God it didn't go off!
Yes indeedy, it was the "Queen's Own" regiment. The UK sovereign is our symbolic head of state to this day. Back then it was Queen Elizabeth. A regiment today would be the "King's Own", representing King Charles.
My father was a D Day dodger as they were called . He was was involved in the invasion of north Africa . Then on to the invasion of Sicily and then to Italy, were he was involved in the attack on monta casino. And to finish off he helped with the liberation of Holland . I also served in our military . The courage these ypung men had is incredible. LEST WE FORGET . 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇺🇸🇲🇫
That was the same as my Father. North Africa, Sicily and then Italy. That's all I knew until a few years ago when my Mother gave me some of my Fathers possessions. For the first time I saw his cap badges, uniform patches, post war awards and that he went up the Atlantic Wall to Liberate Holland. Another thing I realized, for the first time, was that he was in a Sherman. Oh, and yes, I also served, boot camp in the summer of '76 in Nova Scotia.
My Grandfather was a D-day Dodger as well. He landed on The Anzio Beach Head, He participated in The Battle of Monte La Difensa,The Gustav Line,The Mussolini Canal & The Liberation of Rome. He was a Canadian Member of The U.S./Canada First Special Service Force (The Black Devil's/ The Devil's Brigade). Thanks for your father's service & sharing his story. 🇨🇦 🙏
Taught my Gr 10 students their history on Nov 11:
Lest we forget!
We’re the D-Day Dodgers out in Italy!
Always on the vino, always on the spree.
Eighth Army skivers and the Yanks,
We lived in Rome and stopped the tanks.
For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy.
We landed at Salerno, a holiday with pay;
Jerry brought a band out to cheer us on our way,
Showed us the sights and gave us tea,
We all sang songs, the beer was free,
For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy.
Naples and Cassino were taken in our stride,
We didn’t get to fight them, we just went for the ride.
Anzio and Sangrio were a blast!
We did F**k-all, sat on our a**.
For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy!
On the way to Florence, we had a lovely time.
We ran a bus to Rimini right through the Gothic Line.
Then to Bologna, we did go,
When Gerry F**ked-off, beyond the Po.
For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy!
Once we had a fright lads, that we were going home!
Back to dear old Blighty, Never more to roam.
Then someone whispered, “In France you’ll fight,
We said “F**k-that…we’ll just sit tight!”
For we’re the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy!
Now Lady Astor, get a load of this.
Don’t stand up on a platform and talk a load of piss.
You’re the nation’s sweetheart, the nation’s pride
But your bloody big mouth is far too wide.
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy.
If you look ’round the mountains, in the mud and rain,
You’ll find the scattered crosses, some which bear no name.
Heartbreak, and toil and suffering gone
The lads beneath them slumber on.
They were the D-Day Dodgers, who’ll stay in Italy.
There's a stone in Cesena with my Uncle's name on it. Stupid bastard was a FOO and went too far forward to direct the Brigade arty suppressing the German MGs as the Canadians crossed a river. Was killed by an 88.
Lest we forget.
My father also referred to himself as a D-Day Dodger. He was a Cpl. in the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards.
And the Canadian women were at home working in factories, making the bombs and artillery to send to the men doing everything they could to do their part. Taking care of farms, making the bombs, becoming mechanics, woman would get notified their husband is MIA or KIA and they still kept going. A strong amazing generation!
Most of the Hurricanes built for the war effort were built in Canada.
@@ralphvelthuis2359 Of the 14000 about 10% were built in Canada by Canadian Car And Foundry some of them shipped without engines. Easy to google so you get the complete numbers if you want. Still nothing to take lightly given we also built Lancasters, Catalina's or as we called them Canso's and much much more. Also produced in Canada was almost half a million 2.5 ton four wheel drive trucks many of which were sent to the USSR as aid. Many Sherman tank chassis were built in Canada and shipped to the UK where guns were fitted later. Canada also built many ships for both the USN and RN as well as our own RCN. Canada punched way above its weight class during both world wars.
The women at home did everything they could to help. I knew a woman that knitted hundreds of pairs of socks to send to the troops. 🇨🇦❤
Bomb Girls was a terrific show about their work in munitions factories. might be streaming somewhere - if we all search for it, the algorithms will notice perhaps and bring it forward
My grandmother had a neutralized cannon round as a door stop... I grew up playing with it. Taking it apart and learning what it was spent hours just knowing it's true cost.
On d day canada had the least amount of soldier of all 5 beach, got the second most difficult beach and had the second most casuality of all the beach. Despite that we completed our objective first and got further in than anybody else. All of those proud soul were volunteer.
In so many movies, Canada gets shafted for their war efforts. The Great Escape should have featured far more Canadian boys, including the lead digger, Wally Floody.
Ask the Dutch and the French about Canadian soldiers.
Sadly, American viewers are not interested in any story not involving them. Steve Mc Queens character was completely made with a motorcycle scene to soothe his ego in the Great Escape.
D - Day was monumental as Juno was captured more quickly than the other locations as it was the second most fortified of the 5 targets.
I remember some idiot American historian claiming barely a shot was fired at Juno. Too bad he wasn't there!!
Winston Churchill claimed he could any war with American technology, British officers and CANADIAN soldiers. Hitler himself said he would rather face American soldiers than Canadian soldiers even if there was far more Americans in their regiment.
God bless ALL those true heroes!
From west to east, the D-Day "line-up":
Germans - Americans - Americans - Brits - Canadians - Brits - Germans
The Canadians had only one beach. They were flanked by allies, not enemies.
@@JoannDavi We’re a Commonwealth we all swear ALLEGIANCE to the monarch of the United Kingdom so when you say Brits as in Britain flying the United Kingdom flag 🇬🇧 , yeah we’re technically a member of it’s Commonwealth. Hence, Queen’s Own Rifles (Queen-that would be a monarch of the United Kingdom) was a regiment featured on the D-Day reels.Which also explains why we have a Prime Minister and a Governor General who is the state representative of the Monarch of the United Kingdom in Canada. Here’s another clue of 🇨🇦allegiance to the United Kingdom we also celebrate Queen Victoria‘s birthday (yeah Prince Albert’s wife) it’s a provincial, statutory holiday in May ….hope that helps.
@@JoannDavi Omaha was flanked by allies but was the deadliest of all. Also Canada had one beach but look at the population of those countries in 1944: US= 138 millions, Brit= 38 millions and Canada= 12 millions.
If you look at the numbers of soldiers for each beach: Utah= 23,250, Omaha= 34,250, Gold= 24,970, Juno= 21,400 and Sword= 28,845. So maybe we were flanked by allies and had "only" one beach but we gave as much as other if it's not more because the rapid breakthrough of the canadians destabilize the defense of the other beaches by cutting their supplies route.
@@JoannDavi Yes, One beach for the Canadians was pretty impressive from a country that only had less than 12 million people in 1944.
"Hollywood never lets facts get in the way of a good story". The majority of the key players identified in the movie were Canadians,
(the diggers, scroungers, forgers and stooges). Read "The Great Espcape" -- A Canadian Story, by Ted Barris.
Americans are rarely taught about world, wars, or conflicts from anybody else’s perspective except the US. Canada had been in the war long before the US joined it as part of the British Commonwealth.
I had the privilege of meeting a paratrooper who is a survivor of the D-Day landing. He lost half his arm. My grandfather lived in Nova Scotia and during the war, helped build wooden boats that were used as minesweepers.
BUT, the Americans played THE KEY role. 12+ million donned the uniform. They gave stuff to all the allies. 6 of every 7 barrels of oil used by the allies -- American.
@@JoannDavi Go learn about the war of 1812 and humble yourself.
Well you can go back in history and see what more the Canadians did Wikipedia tells a lot. The Americans didn't join the war until 3 years later until December 1941. Canadians had been in it since 1939. Canadians defended Hong Kong against the Japanese. Canadians freed the Netherlands and maybe you can read about how they allowed the Dutch princess to be born in Canada and still be a a citizen of the Netherlands. So many battles and there were times when they joined forces with the us to fight a certain area. It wasn't just about how many barrels. It would appear that you need to do a deeper dive. It's not a pissing contest! they were all working together. We were allies. @@JoannDavi
@JoannDav thats not the point i
@@JoannDavi If you want to be picky, you'd better thank the Soviet Union as well. We were all allies.
On d-day, the Canadian troops were the only ones hitting all their designated objectives on time, and we were basically told to hold position so Germans couldn’t slip in behind us to flank the British or the Americans
Love our Veterans. Considering my Grandfather was a Veteran of WWII & My Great Grandfather served in WWI. A Grateful Canadian to the Veterans who landed on Juno Beach & all The Vets who served.
I still have this seared into my mind: mid 1980’s, when I was 13-14, I visited Normandy/Juno Beach. I didn’t “get” it until an hour later that day. A young French man heard about me (a Canadian kid on an English student exchange program) that came up to me with an older gentleman (they worked at keepers of the grounds at the Canadian gravesites). The younger translated; the man was a kid when the Canadians hit Juno and was pretty much freed from occupation that day. Didn’t matter that I had nothing to do with that event but to that man it meant the world. Will never forget it.
Vimy Ridge is still on my bucket list.
Vimy and paschendale and others are worth the pilgrimage
Vimy is worth visiting . That brooding sorrowing Angel at Vimy is very effecting.
There's a replica of the statue in the memorial park in Langford, BC (Victoria). It is made from the same stone as that in Vimy ❤
You should definitely visit Vimy. I was supposed to go on a day tour but it got cancelled so I hired a taxi to take me to the site. I wasn't there as long as I would have liked but I'm glad I made the effort. Maybe I'll find my way there again one day.
Don’t omit that the first airborne soldiers to land in France were Canadians, acting as recce for the main force.
Thanks so much for this one, Tyler. My grandfather (Canadian) and many great uncles were in the war....my grandmother, from Manchester, worked in a munissions factory. Your respectful honour of our brave Canadian servicemen brought tears to my eyes, and a lump in my throat. Thank you
All of this footage is originally film footage, later transferred to video. Now just imagine, a camera crew, (one or two men at best,) filming, having to reload film while making sure the exposed film doesn't become over exposed, keeping dust and dirt from getting into the camera...all while avoiding being shot.
They knew that whether the invasion was successful or not, this was a day that would make history and had to be recorded.
3:45 Technically, their D-Day map is inaccurate. Canada was still fighting under our Dominion Flag during WWII. The Maple Leaf didn't become a thing until 1965.