History Browser

During the early phase of the war, the Pacific coast was defended by three divisions, later reduced to the 6th Division in order to provide conscripts for Europe. Elements of the division participated in the liberation of the Aleutian islands of Kiska and Attu in 1943.

Earlier reports dealt with the preliminaries of the DIEPPE operation of August 19, 1942, and with the execution of the operation; this report deals with the results of the raid. It discusses what was learned from a tactical standpoint and looks back on military movements that could have been performed differently during the raid.

In June 1942, some 8,500 Japanese personnel, supported by naval forces, occupied the islands of Attu and Kiska, American parts of Alaska at the western end of the Aleutian island chain. Their aim, which was successful, was to distract the Allies and cause them to take resources away from more significant areas in the central Pacific. When the landings finally went ashore, the troops found that the Japanese soldiers had slipped away. Newspaper articles of the day discussed the battles of the far north.

This ship was part of the force escorting Canadian troops to the D-Day landings in Normandy, 6 June 1944. (Canadian Department of National Defence, ZK-1084)

In the face of repeated German victories the Allied situation in the spring of 1942 was grim. Since the time was not yet ripe for the full-scale invasion of Western Europe, it was decided to mount a major raid on the French port of Dieppe. Canadians would provide the main force to spearhead that fateful raid.

During World War Two the Japanese invaded Alaskan waters with a large amphibious task force. How Canadian and American forces dealt with this occupation is the subject of this report.

Earlier reports have dealt with the organization of the Dieppe operation of August 19, 1942 and with events in the flank sectors. This report deals with the main attack, delivered on the beaches of Dieppe itself. Some general aspects of the operation, including the return to England and the handling of casualties there, are also mentioned.

Canadian reinforcements landing in Normandy, June 1944. (Canadian Department of National Defence, ZK-1083)

Synopsis of television episode on the D-Day invasion force on June 6, 1944, which has been called the beginning of the end of the Second World War. Describes events leading to the Battle of Normandy. This episode is part of the "Canada: A People's History" series. Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

Matthew Halton reports from England, 2 days after the D-day invasion of Normandy beaches. He recounts the events leading up to and during that fateful day.