For King and Empire

When England declared war on Germany in August 1914, Canada immediately pledged 20,000 troops. Army enrollments were high and the troops set off after basic training acting like they were going on holiday. Immediately on arrival, the troops were sent to hold the line at Ypres and came under heavy German artillery fire. The Germans were also to introduce their latest weapon - chlorine gas. The men were unprepared for this type of weapon - they had no gas masks - and may took to urinating in a handkerchief and placing it over their nose and mouth. In 4 days, there were over 2000 casualties. In the end, the German's were stopped but at a great price.

In July 1916, British commander in chief General Sir Douglas Haig launched a major offensive along the Western Front. On July 1, after an 8 day artillery barrage, 120,000 men launched the attack and the Battle of the Somme began. The barrage had little effect and British troops were slaughtered. Among those killed included 700 Newfoundlanders who died less than 100 meters front their trench. In total, there were 60,000 casualties the first day but the battle would continue for another 5 months with more than 100,000 casualties in total. Canada's three divisions - 60,000 men - were redeployed from Ypres to the Somme. Ordered to capture the village of Courcelette the Canadians were successful but at a high cost in lives and the complete destruction of the village. Their next objective was Regina Trench and several attempts were made to take it. On October 21 the fourth attempt proved more successful. In total 25,000 Canadians died or were wounded. In total, they gained 4 kilometers.

In 1917, Vimy was a barren fortress of the German army. Many thought it would never be taken and the Germans never dislodged. All 4 Canadian divisions arrived in late 1916 after the bloodbath they faced at the Somme. In holding the ridge, it is estimated that the Germans suffered 140,000 casualties. Fighting was not expected until the spring but the men knew what was to come. The opposing forces were no more than 100 yards apart and the attack is planned for Easter 1917. Following a two week artillery barrage 300,000 attacked. Canadian troops numbered 8,000 in that initial attack and the entire action proved to be quite successful. In all, 21,000 Canadians fell on Vimy Ridge.

In the summer of 1917 Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, the British Commander, planned to launch his greatest offensive yet with the goal of liberating northern Belgium. Attacking from the city of Ypres, the battle began with a 10 day artillery bombardment but amid the pouring rain, the attack founders in a sea of mud. By October, the British have lost nearly a quarter of a million soldiers and the key objective, Passchendaele Ridge, has not been reached. The Canadian Corps is given the task of taking that position. In the attack, the Canadians lost one man for every meter gained - with over 2000 meters to go. Passchendaele was taken on schedule. In total, there were 16,000 Canadian casualties.

The victory over Russia in the East now allows the Germans to transfer thousands of troops to the Western Front. By the early summer of 1918, the Germans have made significant advances and are approaching victory. In advancing, the Germans have avoided the Canadian Corps, viewed as perhaps the deadliest force on the Front. The Canadian commander, Arthur Currie, moves his 100,000 troops in secrecy to Amiens, where the Allies will stage their counteroffensive. They secure major victories in battles on the 8th and 9th of August, going on for the next 10 days. The Germans retreat to the Hindenburg Line and prepare to hold their ground. At the town of Arras, the Canadians prepare for the last push eventually leading to their last great battle near Mons on November 10, 1918. The armistice took effect the next day.