The First World War

Canada and the First World War

An assassination in Sarajevo in June 1914 went almost unnoticed in Canada. Few Canadians expected that it would lead to war; fewer still anticipated the sacrifices Canada would be called to make.

Canada in the First World War and the Road to Vimy

The name Vimy Ridge is part of the very fabric of Canadian nationhood, for, at Vimy, our soldiers brought both pride and unity to the Canada of their day.

Canadian Veterans Interviews

With its focus on excerpts from interviews with First World War veterans you will learn about the war from those who actually fought it. These veterans endured many hardships to ensure our freedom. By listening to their recollections and personal experiences, we can gain a unique perspective on the realities of war.

Diaries and Letters

Read actual excerpts from wartime diaries and letters, and experience first-hand, the day-to-day struggles of young Canadians.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

"In Flanders Fields" was first published in Englands "Punch" magazine in December, 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries.