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On 6 June 1944, after almost a year of special assault and combined operations training, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division (Maj-Gen R.O.D. Keller) and the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade (Brig R.A. Wyman) were part of the Allied forces which attacked the Normandy coast of France in Operation Overlord. Landing on "Juno" Beach, between Vaux and St Aubin-sur-Mer, the Canadians penetrated about 9 km inland by the end of D-Day. Beating back enemy counterattacks during the next several days, the Canadians continued to thrust inland against growing opposition, aided by highly effective tactical air support. Supported by British formations on either flank, a lodgement area was gained and additional formations reinforced the assault forces. In the Canadian sector the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division (Major-General C. FOULKES) and 4th Canadian Armoured Division (Major-General G. Kitching) arrived to form the Second Canadian Corps under Lieutenant-General G.G. SIMONDS. With these and additional forces, the First Canadian Army (Lieutenant-General H.D.G. CRERAR) took over command of the eastern part of the Allied front.
During June and July the Canadians fought a number of battles to seize enemy positions. Carpiquet, Caën, Vaucelles, Bourguébus Ridge and Verrières Ridge were some of the major areas where heavy fighting took place. During late July and August while the Canadian and British forces held most of the German formations on the eastern sector, the American Army broke the German line at St-Lô. The possibility of a massive pincer movement to encircle the German armies in Normandy was presented to the Allied commanders. The Canadian Army was ordered to launch several massive armoured and infantry attacks towards Falaise. After a series of fierce battles, Falaise was seized on August 16, and in the final attack on Trun and Chambois, Canadians and Poles met with American forces to complete the pincer movement. This ended the Normandy Campaign. The pursuit of the enemy into Belgium and the Netherlands began. Canadian forces suffered 18,444 casualties during the Normandy fighting. The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, which fought under British command, lost over 300 officers and men in their operations. See also WORLD WAR II.
 Normandy Landing, Video(courtesy NFB)
 Normandy LandingTroops of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders going ashore from LCI 299 (left) at Bernières-sur-mer, Normandy, 6 June 1944 (photo by G. Milne, courtesy Library and Archives Canada).
 World War II, Map
Author
R.H. ROY
Links to Other Sites
The War Amps
The War Amps website commemorates Canada's proud military heritage and the sacrifices of Canadian war veterans. Check out the "Canada's Military Heritage" section for extensive documentation, photographs and veterans’ accounts of their wartime experiences. Features a special section devoted to the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.
Juno Beach Centre
This multimedia website for the Juno Beach Centre in France pays tribute to Canada’s valiant military and civilian effort in the Second World War.
Remembrances: Canada and the Second World War
A tribute to military and civilian service and sacrifice during World War II. From the The Royal Canadian Legion and the Virtual Museum of Canada.
D-Day: Canada's role
This multimedia CBC website features a minute by minute account of Canadian military action at Normandy on D-Day.
Juno Beach
Musician Johnny Lombardi plays "I'll Never Smile Again" for fellow Canadian soldiers near the Normandy beach in 1944. From “Historica Minutes.”
Canada at War
A very detailed information source about Canadian military action during World War I and World War II. Also features an extensive database of Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in WWI, WWII, and Korea.
Wartime Production
In honour of the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the Archives of Ontario presents this stirring retrospective of Ontario’s extraordinary Home Front contribution to the war effort. Check out the personal stories, photographs, posters, video clips and other multimedia.
Veterans Affairs Canada
The Veterans Affairs Canada website commemorates the service and sacrifice of Canada’s war veterans. Click on "Past Features" on left side of page for an extensive list of informative multimedia features about Canadian military history. This site also provides updates about programs for veterans and their families.
World War II and the NFB: On all fronts
Discover several of the National Film Board of Canada films related to World War II. Experienced by millions, both soldiers and civilians, this war was filmed from many angles at the time and has also been revisited by contemporary filmmakers.
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