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The First Canadian Army was an army of some 170 000 men organized in 2 corps (5 divisions and 2 armoured brigades) formed overseas in 1942 under Lieutenant-General A.G.L. MCNAUGHTON. McNaughton's aim was to keep the Canadian Army together to lead the cross-channel assault on northwest Europe; instead, the Canadian government dispatched I Canadian Corps from McNaughton's command to serve in the Italian campaign in 1943 so that Canadian troops could see action. Because the existence of an identifiably Canadian army was important at home, Allied formations were added to the First Canadian Army to keep it up to strength.
Accordingly, when the First Canadian Army (now commanded by Lieutenant-General H.D.G. CRERAR) went into battle on the left flank in France, Belgium and Holland, clearing the Channel coast after the NORMANDY INVASION, it had more Allied than Canadian troops. The balance was redressed in March 1945 following the RHINELAND campaign, when the Canadians in Italy rejoined First Canadian Army for the LIBERATION OF HOLLAND. See also ORTONA, BATTLE OF; WORLD WAR II.
 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).
 Crerar, Henry Duncan GrahamCrerar was appointed to command of I Canadian Corps in the UK; he took that formation to Italy in November 1943 (courtesy DND/Library and Archives Canada/PA-166584).
Author
STEPHEN HARRIS
Links to Other Sites
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa is dedicated to the men and women who served with valour and distinction in Canada’s armed services. Their website features a virtual tour of the museum and multimedia online exhibits that depict how Canada met and overcame wartime challenges throughout its history.
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.
The Canadian Letters and Images Project
This extensive collection of letters and photographs brings to light personal stories about wartime life at home and on the battlefield. Produced by Malaspina University College in British Columbia.
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.
Library and Archives Canada: Military and Peacekeeping
Check out the online exhibits about the history of Canadian military and peacekeeping operations featured at the website for Library and Archives Canada. View paintings by Canada's great war artists, gripping photographs of war on the frontlines, war diaries and stories, multimedia, and much more.
Canadian Military History Gateway
Search this website for authoritative information about Canadian military history. Provides online access to Canadian museums, libraries, archives, and other heritage organizations. Also features an online glossary of military terminology, educational resources and much more. From the Department of National Defence.
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.
INDEPTH: CANADA'S MILITARY
Features stories about Canadian military operations, peacekeeping forces, and the status of major armament programs. From the CBC.
Canadian Military Journal
The online edition of the "Canadian Military Journal." Many articles about contemporary military issues, compelling history features, book reviews, and much more.
The Liberation of Holland
This collection of stories, maps, and posters rekindle memories of Canada's role in the liberation of Holland in World War II. A Virtual Museum website.
Canada & the liberation of the Netherlands
Information about events commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. From the Canadian Embassy in the Netherlands.
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Browse the rich visual resources of The Canadian Encyclopedia through thematic galleries of Canadian Art, History, Nature, People, and Science and Technology.
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