History Browser

They called it "The Great War" and "The War to End All Wars" – though of course it didn't. When hostilities erupted in Europe in 1914, Canadians rushed to Britain's side. But the cost was terrible: more than 60,000 were killed, 172,000 wounded. There are no more Canadian combat veterans alive to recall the horrors of the First World War, but their voices and memories live on in the archives of the CBC. Lest we forget, here are some of their stories.

Japanese-Canadian names are added to a Second World War memorial, thus helping to lesson the painful memories of internment, relocation, and prejudice against this minority during the war.

Reporter Marion Angus describes the work of female ADC plane-spotters in this 1943 radio broadcast. These homefront volunteers sight, recognize (ie. identify) and report aircraft flying overhead.

As war breaks out, Queen Elizabeth, consort of King George VI, speaks to Canadian women in this 1939 Armistice Day broadcast about the roles they must play.

Medal awards ceremony and requiem mass for fallen soldiers interrupts fighting in Italy during World War II for the Van Doos.

The Canadian government reacts cautiously to reports that Harry Truman has mentioned using the atomic bomb against communist forces in Korea.

Composer introduces musical piece about the horrors of nuclear fears.

Muriel Kitagawa and Hide Shimizu recount their personal experiences in the years of resettlement during the Second World War.

In this 1942 radio broadcast on National Girl Guide Day, three members of the Canadian Armed Forces Women's Auxiliary Services, themselves former Girl Guides, discuss how the discipline and training acquired in Guides can be useful experience in preparation for military service. They also describe the work being done by Girl Guides on the homefront in wartime.

Major Georges P. Vanier explains how he led the Van Doos in an assault from Arras through German trenches and fortifications.