Over one-million Canadians enlisted for military service during the Second World War. For those who returned home, housing shortages were widespread. Britain and France declared war against Germany two days later. It was not until Britain appealed to her colonies that Canada answered the call to join the fight. There were no planes or tanks and only a few military ships. The Second World War became the largest mobilization of people, industry, and business in Canadian history.
The Canadian military was ill-prepared for war overseas. The army was short of helmets and the militia of 50, was untrained and unarmed. To support their efforts overseas, the entire Canadian economy converted to war production. Despite its initial unpreparedness, Canada would become a critical player on the path to victory.
Their efforts included the liberation of the Netherlands and driving the Germans back across the Rhine River. Victory in Europe was declared on May 8, Victory in Japan was declared on August 15, Over 44, Canadians did not return and the Town of Waterloo lost 53 residents. For most of us, our understanding of war comes second-hand, through images seen in library books, the evening news or on a movie screen. Our closest connection to war may be the discovery of family wartime memorabilia, such as medals, photographs or badges tucked away in an attic or basement.
For those of us born during peacetime, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives. We often take for granted our political choices and constitutional privileges. However, the men and women of Waterloo who voluntarily went off to war in distant lands did so with the belief that these freedoms and rights were being threatened. For the first time in Canadian history, women were able to enlist in their own divisions of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Although Canadian women were not allowed into combat training during WWII, they did nearly everything else. By the end of the war, 45, Canadian women had enlisted with one-in-nine serving overseas. At home and abroad, women became welders, pilots, nurses, and clerks in Canadian factories and foundries.
