second world war

17 articles

Oct21

2017What is Canada's first veterans' monument dedicated to those suffering from PTSD and homelessness?

Canada’s first veterans' monument specifically dedicated to those suffering from PTSD and homelessness stands along the Trans-Canada Highway in Kirkland, on Montréal’s West Island. Unveiled on October 21, 2017, the "Trans Canada Respect Monument" features a bronze sculpture titled "The Return," marking key anniversaries including Canada’s 150th and the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Designed by Colonel (Retired) André D. Gauthier, the statue poignantly depicts a Second World War veteran offering a peace sign, reminding viewers that not all who return from service find peace. Seen by over 100,000 people daily, this monument remains a powerful symbol of respect and a witness to the ongoing struggles faced by Canadian veterans.

Aug15

2009What is the only known memorial that includes the specific name of an animal alongside names of the fallen and those who have served in a battle?

On the banks of the Rideau River in Ottawa, Ontario, stands the Defence of Hong Kong memorial wall—an enduring tribute to the Canadians who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong during the Second World War. Unique among war memorials worldwide, it lists not only the names of all fallen and surviving members of 'C' Force, but also that of their beloved Newfoundland dog, Gander, who served bravely alongside them as their mascot. Gander's name appears in granite at the insistence of surviving veterans, commemorating his heroism during the fierce 18-day battle in December 1941. His actions were so extraordinary that he became the first animal in 50 years to receive the Dickin Medal, often called the animals' Victoria Cross.

Mar27

2000What is the significance of the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial?

The Hall of Memory sits at the heart of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, serving as a powerful tribute to more than 100,000 Australians who lost their lives in wartime. Designed as a quiet sanctuary for reflection, the Hall combines stunning mosaics, soaring stained glass windows, and symbolic architecture to honor the qualities and sacrifices of those who served. One of its most poignant features is the tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, interred beneath the dome on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1993, after being repatriated from France. The Hall’s unique design—featuring four pillars for the elements and a dazzling mosaic dome—creates a space that both commemorates loss and inspires awe.

Nov9

1989Where in Canada are pieces of the Berlin Wall?

Pieces of the historic Berlin Wall, which once separated East and West Berlin from 1961 until its fall in 1989, can be found at six locations across Canada, serving as powerful reminders of the country’s divided past and the widespread desire for freedom. These concrete segments, distributed to institutions and cities worldwide after the Wall’s dramatic demolition in 1989-1991, now stand as memorials at places like the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Montréal's Centre de Commerce Mondial, and Nova Scotia’s Lunenburg foundry. One particularly notable section arrived in Lunenburg thanks to the efforts of Lieutenant Governor J. James Kinley, who secured the artifact as a testament to the town’s German heritage after its UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1995. Today, more than 240 fragments of the Wall endure in over 140 countries, providing tangible links to a defining moment in 20th-century history.

Feb15

1965When do Canadians observe the National Flag of Canada Day?

Canadians observe National Flag of Canada Day every year on February 15th, marking the date in 1965 when the Maple Leaf Flag was first raised and the Canadian Red Ensign was officially retired. This day not only commemorates the adoption of a now-iconic national symbol but also highlights Canada's commitment to unity and remembrance, with ceremonies held from Charlottetown to Ottawa and beyond. One particularly poignant celebration occurs at the war memorial in Chester, Nova Scotia, where the Canadian flag flies beside a statue of a Nova Scotia Highlander sculpted by J. Massey Rhind and unveiled in 1922. In 2026, the country will mark both the 61st anniversary of the first flag raising and the 30th anniversary of National Flag of Canada Day, underscoring the enduring significance of the Maple Leaf in Canadian identity and memory.

Sep21

1945What is the significance of the Battle of Britain to Canada?

The Battle of Britain Monument on the Victoria Embankment in London stands as a powerful tribute to the airmen who defended Britain during the pivotal air campaign of 1940, including more than one hundred Canadians. Canada's participation marked its first deployment of an expeditionary air force in coalition combat, with No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron playing a vital role in the Allied defense. Of the Canadian airmen who fought, 23 lost their lives, and three were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for their bravery. The monument’s plaques not only inscribe the names of 112 Canadians but also highlight the multinational solidarity that made victory possible, a legacy commemorated each September since its unveiling on the 65th anniversary in 2005.

Feb26

1945Which Canadian Second World War hero from Latchford, Ontario was awarded the Victoria Cross postumously in 1945?

Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, originally from Latchford, Ontario, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross in 1945 for his exceptional bravery during a pivotal assault at Mooshof, Germany. His heroism on the night of February 25–26, 1945, where he assumed command under fire and led his platoon to capture crucial enemy positions, was vital to the Allied advance. At just 24 years old, Cosens became one of only 16 Canadians to receive the Victoria Cross in the Second World War, and his legacy is honoured both locally—such as through the Sgt. Aubrey Cosens VC Memorial Bridge—and internationally, with his grave at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands visited by military delegations during commemorative marches.

Jan12

1944What were the Battles of Monte Cassino during the Second World War?

The Battles of Monte Cassino took place in central Italy, where Allied forces fought to break through the German Gustav Line and capture Rome during the Second World War. These brutal battles were pivotal in the Italian Campaign, with Monte Cassino’s ancient Benedictine monastery becoming the focus of intense and costly fighting. Beginning on 12 January 1944, it took four major assaults and resulted in more than 50,000 Allied casualties before victory was achieved. Today, the Cassino War Cemetery holds over 4,200 Commonwealth graves—among them, 855 Canadians—and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who fell in one of the war’s bloodiest chapters.

Aug15

1942What is the significance of the Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia to the Australians and British?

Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia stands on the site where over 2,700 Australian and British prisoners of war were held by Japanese forces during World War II. The park marks the site of the infamous Sandakan Death Marches, in which almost all of the POWs died from starvation, disease, or execution during forced treks through the jungle in 1945. Of the thousands brought to Sandakan, only six survived these brutal marches, a fact that underscores the scale of suffering commemorated by the memorial established in 2011. Today, visitors can pause for reflection in the peaceful park, where the black commemorative stele stands as a solemn reminder of these atrocities and the enduring bond between nations forged in sacrifice.

Dec19

1941Who was the first Canadian soldier to have earned the Victoria Cross during the Second World War?

Company Sergeant-Major John Osborn of the Winnipeg Grenadiers became the first Canadian soldier awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War for his extraordinary bravery in Hong Kong on 19 December 1941. Facing overwhelming odds, Osborn led a bayonet charge to capture and hold a key hill, ultimately sacrificing his own life by throwing himself on a grenade to save his comrades. His heroism was not fully recognized until after the war, and in 1946 he received the Victoria Cross posthumously. On 19 December 1991, a memorial was dedicated to Osborn at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, ensuring his legacy lives on 84 years after his courageous actions.

Jun18

1940During the Second World War, which French leader appealed to its people to rally in support of the Resistance?

At the French military school of Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan in Brittany, a striking monument commemorates the call to resistance issued by General Charles de Gaulle on 18 June 1940. De Gaulle's BBC-broadcasted speech became a rallying point for the Free French, challenging the armistice announced by Marshal Pétain and inspiring new waves of resistance both inside and outside France. The monument, designed by Pierre-André Dufetel and unveiled in 1995, features a flame-shaped sword and the Lorraine Cross, symbolizing the enduring spirit of defiance ignited by de Gaulle’s words. On the 85th anniversary in 2025, visitors reflect on how a single wartime broadcast reshaped French history and forged a legacy honored by generations of cadets and citizens alike.

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.

Oct30

1919What is claimed to be the first Great War memorial erected within Canada?

The Monument aux braves de Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, located in the Montréal borough of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, holds the distinction of being claimed as the first public memorial erected in Canada to commemorate the Great War. Following the 1918 cease-fire, the community rallied to fund and complete this cenotaph in time for an unveiling by Edward, Prince of Wales, during his official visit in 1919. The monument’s striking features include a four-metre-high grey-granite column and a bronze bas-relief depicting soldiers marching past a cemetery, crafted by Swedish-American sculptor Peter David Estrom. Its unveiling on 30 October 1919 was witnessed by a large crowd, including blind veterans and children from the local school for the disabled, making the event especially poignant.

Oct25

1915Who is considered one of Canada's most decorated Indigenous war veterans who served during the Second World War and the Korean War?

Sergeant Thomas George Prince, M.M., born in Petersfield, Manitoba, is widely recognized as one of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous war veterans, having served with distinction during both the Second World War and the Korean War. A descendent of Chief Peguis of the Saulteaux, Prince earned international acclaim for his daring actions as part of the elite First Special Service Force, famously earning both the Military Medal and the U.S. Silver Star for bravery. In one mission near L’Escarène, France, Prince trekked 70 kilometres over rugged terrain without food or sleep for 72 hours to deliver vital intelligence, leading to the capture of more than 1,000 enemy soldiers. As we mark the 110th anniversary of his birth in 2025, Prince’s legacy endures, celebrated in numerous memorials and especially at the Sergeant Tommy Prince School in his hometown of Scanterbury.

Apr10

1915Who was the first Canadian woman to be decorated for gallantry during the Second World War and was the first living Canadian to have a ship named after her?

Lieutenant Commander Margaret Martha Brooke, born in Ardath, Saskatchewan, became the first Canadian woman to be decorated for gallantry during the Second World War. Her courageous attempt to save a fellow Nursing Sister after the sinking of the SS Caribou off the coast of Newfoundland in 1942 earned her the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire. In a historic tribute, HMCS Margaret Brooke was launched in 2019, making her the first living Canadian to have a naval ship named in her honour. Brooke’s legacy combines both extraordinary wartime heroism and remarkable academic achievement, as she also received a Ph.D. in biostratigraphy following her naval service.

Sep12

1914Which Second World War fighter pilot successfully completed the flight testing of Canada's first supersonic aircraft in 1958?

Janusz Zurakowski, a legendary Polish-Canadian test pilot based in Malton, Ontario, was the first to successfully flight test Canada’s pioneering supersonic aircraft, the CF-105 Avro Arrow, in 1958. Renowned for his skill and courage, Zurakowski helped propel Canadian aviation onto the world stage at a crucial moment in Cold War history. On March 25, 1958, he piloted the Arrow RL 25201 prototype beyond 1,600 kilometers per hour, proving the viability of the country’s most advanced jet. Today, his legacy endures in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, where a statue and park honor his singular contributions to aeronautical innovation.

Apr4

1791What is the significance of the Panthéon on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris?

The Panthéon on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris stands as a neoclassical masterpiece designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, originally built between 1764 and 1790 to honor Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Its transformation from church to national mausoleum during the French Revolution marked a dramatic shift in its significance, housing the remains of France’s most celebrated thinkers, leaders, and heroes. The Panthéon’s first interment occurred on 4 April 1791 with the revolutionary orator Mirabeau—only for his body to be removed amid scandal three years later, illustrating the memorial's turbulent history. Today, seventy men and five women are entombed within its crypt, embodying the ideals and diversity of the French Republic.