Expert: Ron - 4/21/2004

Question
I was wonder what Canada's role in the Liberation of Europe was, mostly The liberation of Italy and the Netherlands.  Also what is the strategic importance of these Liberations.  If you know any websites that would help too! Thanks!

Answer
Here are some sites that might help"

http://connections.smsd.org/veterans/canada's_role_in_the_war.htm

http://collections.ic.gc.ca/courage/canadasroleinwwii.html

http://www.afno-is.eu.odedodea.edu/history10/wwii.htm

My perspective is that the Canadian role was critical to the success in Europe. In many cases, Canadian troops were used as shock troops ... 1st in. German troops were always very concerned when they knew they faced Canadian troops.

We had a reputation of never backing down. On D Day , Juno beach, Canada was the only Allied army that not only made it's objectives the 1st day, but exceeded them.

Our ability to clear out Holland and protect the allied Northern flank was of great stratigic importance to Mongomery .... allowing the push east into Germany on a much excelerated time scale. With the capture of Holland, Canadian Divisions were redeployed on the push into Germany which allowed the Allies to increase the pressure on the western front .... thereby preventing a complete capture of Germany by the Russians.

Hope this helps

Ron