The war for Canada started on September 10, 1939 when Canada declared war on Germany. For personal reasons I'd like to start our journey with Canada's army reserve units, "The West Nova Scotia Regiment" and "Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal" during WWII. My wife's Uncle, William Burbridge served with the "West Nova Scotia Regiment" until his death, August 31, 1944 near Montecchio, Italy. My mother-in-laws uncle, Arthur Duguay served with Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal in the European theatre until his death April 16, 1945 in Gronigen, Netherlands.
The West Nova Scotia Regiment is one of the oldest regiments in the Canadian Military, and was formed from the 69th Annapolis Regiment, and the 75th Lunenburg Regiment. The Canadians were at first entrusted with the defense of England, and eventually were drawn into the bigger conflict soon after their arrival.
The West Nova Scotia Regiment (WNSR) Entered the war in Sicily on 10 July 1943 and fought it's way northward with the British VIII Army and the 1st Canadian Division. The battle for Sicily lasted for almost a month with 2,310 Canadian casualties, including 562 dead. On September 3rd the British Eighth Army and First Canadian Corps landed in Italy. The Canadian Army units are assigned the eastern side of Italy's boot and proceed to drive north in concert with the British, American and Allied forces. December 1st, 1943 the 1st Canadian Infantry begins the assault on the bridgehead on the Sangro River, Italy. December 4, 1944 the Canadian 1st Infantry reaches the Moro River. On 23 May 1944 the Canadian forces launch an attack on the Hitler Line 120 km south of Rome. By September 22nd, 1944 the Canadian First Corps captures the Gothic Line and sustains dead and wounded of 2,511. On May 2nd 1945 German troops surrender in Italy, and the remaining Canadian Corps troops are reunited with troops in Europe. The WNSR were called the D-Day dodgers. Everyone was under the impression that the war in Italy was more of a vacation spot than the hell it actually was. The thought was that the members sent to Italy were in effect dodging the coming battle in Normandy. In actuality, the war in Italy dragged on for over a year and cost the Canadians a horrific number of casualties (approximately 6,000 dead) for the ratio of men they brought to the battle.
The Germans after a few battles with the men with the red patch on their sleeves began calling them the "Red Devils". The conditions in which they fought were hellish, from freezing mud to scorching dust. Mountains, valleys, and river crossings were thrown in just to add to the misery. The WNSR never saw the end to the battle for the Italian peninsula, just prior to the end of hostilities they were reunited with their brethren in the Netherlands.
The West Nova Scotia Regiment is one of the oldest regiments in the Canadian Military, and was formed from the 69th Annapolis Regiment, and the 75th Lunenburg Regiment. The Canadians were at first entrusted with the defense of England, and eventually were drawn into the bigger conflict soon after their arrival.
The West Nova Scotia Regiment (WNSR) Entered the war in Sicily on 10 July 1943 and fought it's way northward with the British VIII Army and the 1st Canadian Division. The battle for Sicily lasted for almost a month with 2,310 Canadian casualties, including 562 dead. On September 3rd the British Eighth Army and First Canadian Corps landed in Italy. The Canadian Army units are assigned the eastern side of Italy's boot and proceed to drive north in concert with the British, American and Allied forces. December 1st, 1943 the 1st Canadian Infantry begins the assault on the bridgehead on the Sangro River, Italy. December 4, 1944 the Canadian 1st Infantry reaches the Moro River. On 23 May 1944 the Canadian forces launch an attack on the Hitler Line 120 km south of Rome. By September 22nd, 1944 the Canadian First Corps captures the Gothic Line and sustains dead and wounded of 2,511. On May 2nd 1945 German troops surrender in Italy, and the remaining Canadian Corps troops are reunited with troops in Europe. The WNSR were called the D-Day dodgers. Everyone was under the impression that the war in Italy was more of a vacation spot than the hell it actually was. The thought was that the members sent to Italy were in effect dodging the coming battle in Normandy. In actuality, the war in Italy dragged on for over a year and cost the Canadians a horrific number of casualties (approximately 6,000 dead) for the ratio of men they brought to the battle.
The Germans after a few battles with the men with the red patch on their sleeves began calling them the "Red Devils". The conditions in which they fought were hellish, from freezing mud to scorching dust. Mountains, valleys, and river crossings were thrown in just to add to the misery. The WNSR never saw the end to the battle for the Italian peninsula, just prior to the end of hostilities they were reunited with their brethren in the Netherlands.
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