History Browser

By 1942, fearing an Allied invasion in the west while embroiled in war with the Soviet Union in the east, Hitler endeavoured to create the "Atlantic Wall", or "Fortress Europe", by encrusting the Atlantic seacoast with concrete and steel defences. This article describes these German fortifications and how the First Canadian Army participated in capturing these defensive positions. Includes reading list.

The tank was a technical marvel of war and an antidote to the rule of the machine gun. The tank was able to penetrate any defensive position and was employed in ever increasing numbers.

These Canadian APCs seen at the Sarajevo airport are serving with the United Nations in Bosnia during the 1993 siege of the city. (Canadian Department of National Defence, 93-5381)

This anti-aircraft gun is set up above Juno Beach, Normandy, in June 1944. The star was used to mark Allied equipment, particularly for recognition from the air. (Canadian Department of National Defence, ZK-1082)

One of a series of reports dealing with the operations of the First Canadian Army in North-West Europe. It describes the part played by the Canadians in the assault across the Rhine.

A detailed account of the operations of 1 Cdn Inf Div and 1 Cdn Army Tk Bde (later 1 Cdn Armd Bde) in Southern Italy during 1943.

A description of the operations of the First Canadian Army in Belguim, under the command of Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds, as it attempted to break German control over the sea approaches to Antwerp and the long winding estuary of the West Scheldt.

The attack at Amiens succeeded beyond all expectations and shattered the reputation of the German Army. A combined arms assault by infantry, tanks, motorized machine-guns and mortars, and effective artillery coordination with air superiority, destroyed over seven German divisions in a single day. Thereafter, the Germans referred to August 8th as the Black Day.

A description of the operations of the First Canadian Army during September and October 1944, as they pushed eastward through France to Belgium and on to the Netherlands.

An electronic reproduction of the watercolour on paper artwork, "Panzerturm on the Hitler Line," created by Charles Fraser Comfort.