Although the Allies, including Canada, encountered German defences bristling with artillery, machine guns, mines, and booby-traps, the invasion was a success
REPRINTED FROM THE CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM : Canada declared war on Germany in September 1939. Britain’s declaration of war did not automatically commit Canada, as had been the case in 1914. But there was never serious doubt about Canada’s response: the government and people were united in support of Britain and France. After Parliament debated the matter, Canada declared war on Germany on 10 September. Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King promised that only volunteers would serve overseas. Canada was unprepared for war. The regular army of 4500 men, augmented by 51,000 partly-trained reservists, possessed virtually no modern equipment. The air force had fewer than 20 modern combat aircraft while the navy’s combat potential consisted of only six destroyers, the smallest class of ocean-going warships. It was a modest beginning. Canada was a full partner in the success of the Allied landings in Normandy (‘D- Day’). ...