casualties

4 articles

Sep10

1939What were the casualties of the Second World War?

Canada’s entry into the Second World War began on 10 September 1939, marking its commitment to the Allied cause. By 1945, more than 45,000 Canadians had made the ultimate sacrifice, part of an estimated 70 million lives lost worldwide during the conflict. The National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated on 29 May 2004 by President George W. Bush, stands as a testament to the 16 million Americans who served and the 400,000 who died. Built at a cost of $182 million nearly six decades after the war ended, it remains one of the most significant tributes to those who shaped history.

Aug13

1916What is the significance of Mouquet Farm, France to the Australian Imperial Forces in 1916?

Mouquet Farm, located just west of Pozières in France, became a crucial battleground for the Australian Imperial Forces during six weeks of intense fighting in 1916. The attempts to seize this German stronghold were seen as instrumental to the Allies' larger objective of capturing Thiepval, but despite mounting 19 separate attacks by three Australian divisions, the farm remained in German hands until later British advances. Over 50,000 Australians took part in the assaults, suffering more than 11,000 casualties specifically in the battles for Mouquet Farm. Now commemorated by a memorial plaque unveiled in 1997, the battlefield stands as a somber tribute to the extraordinary endurance and sacrifice of the Australian troops during the Somme offensive.

Jul1

1916What is the significance of the Battle of the Somme for the Newfoundland Regiment?

The Battle of the Somme holds deep significance for the Newfoundland Regiment, whose brave soldiers faced unimaginable loss at Beaumont-Hamel, France, on July 1, 1916. While most Canadians mark Canada Day, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians observe Memorial Day to honour the nearly 90% of their regiment who became casualties in a single morning. Of the 800 men who advanced, only about 68 answered roll call the next day, leaving an indelible mark on the province's history. Today, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial—a striking bronze caribou atop Newfoundland granite—stands as a testament to their sacrifice and resilience.

Aug4

1914What were the casualties of the Great War?

The Great War, declared on 4 August 1914, drew Canada, Newfoundland, and the entire British Empire into a global conflict that would leave a staggering toll. Over four years, the war resulted in more than 37 million casualties and forever scarred communities, including the loss of over 68,000 Canadians. At the Swanley War Memorial in Kent, England—unveiled in March 1922—Staff Paymaster Joseph T. Gedge is remembered as the first British officer to fall, after his ship was sunk by a mine just two days into the war, an incident that also claimed 149 lives. As we observe the 111th anniversary of Britain’s declaration of war on 4 August 2025, the legacy of those who served and sacrificed endures in memorials like Swanley.