The Cinderella Army: The Canadians in Northwest Europe 1944-1945

During World War II, the Canadian Armed Forces played a pivotal role in the liberation of Northwest Europe. Often overshadowed by larger Allied forces, the Canadians, affectionately known as the "Cinderella Army," proved their mettle through their determination, bravery, and resourcefulness. From the D-Day landings to the final push into Germany, the Canadians faced challenges head-on and left an indelible mark on history.

The Road to Northwest Europe

In 1939, Canada declared war on Germany and joined the Allied forces in their fight against the Axis powers. Over the next few years, the Canadian Army trained extensively to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. By 1944, they were ready to face their greatest test yet: the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe.

On June 6, 1944, the Canadian forces took part in the largest amphibious assault in history, known as D-Day. Alongside British and American troops, the Canadians landed on Juno Beach, facing fierce resistance from German soldiers. Despite the heavy German defenses, the Canadians managed to establish a beachhead and push inland.

Cinderella Army: The Canadians in Northwest Europe, 1944-1945

by Terry Copp(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3626 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	425 pages

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The Trials and Triumphs

After securing Juno Beach, the Canadians faced a multitude of challenges as they advanced through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. They encountered fierce German resistance, treacherous terrain, and harsh weather conditions. However, the Canadians persevered, earning a reputation for their professionalism and adaptability.

One of the notable battles was the Battle of the Scheldt. In October 1944, the Allies launched an offensive to open up the port of Antwerp, crucial for supplying their troops. The Canadian Army spearheaded the assault, facing heavily fortified German positions and flooded land. Through a combination of amphibious landings, relentless fighting, and innovative tactics, the Canadians emerged victorious, effectively clearing the Scheldt Estuary and securing the vital supply lines.

As the winter set in, the Canadian troops faced the bitter cold of the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. Surrounded by enemy forces, they endured frostbite, shortages of supplies, and relentless German attacks. Despite these hardships, the Canadians held their ground and played a significant role in repelling the German offensive, marking a turning point in the war.

Victory at Last

As the Allied forces pushed deeper into Germany, the Canadians continued their relentless advance. They played a critical role in the liberation of the Netherlands, where they were warmly welcomed by the Dutch population, forever ingraining themselves in their hearts.

The Canadians were also instrumental in the final push into Germany and the eventual defeat of the Nazi regime. They fought in major battles such as the Battle of the Rhineland and the Battle of the Reichswald, steadily liberating towns and cities until they reached the heart of the German defenses.

The Legacy of the Cinderella Army

The Canadians' contributions to the Allied victory in Northwest Europe cannot be overstated. They fought with distinction, capturing countless prisoners, and putting an end to Hitler's reign of terror. Their dedication and sacrifice leave a lasting legacy, reminding us of the bravery and resilience of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Beyond their military achievements, the Canadians forged deep bonds with the local populations they liberated. Their kindness, compassion, and assistance in rebuilding shattered communities earned them the enduring gratitude of the people they encountered.

The Canadians, labeled the Cinderella Army, defied their smaller size and proved to be a force to be reckoned with in Northwest Europe during 1944 and 1945. Their valor, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the cause exemplify the best of what it means to be a soldier. Their impact on the outcome of World War II cannot be understated, and their story deserves to be remembered and celebrated.

Cinderella Army: The Canadians in Northwest Europe, 1944-1945

by Terry Copp(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3626 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	425 pages

FREE

In his controversial and award-winning 2003 book Fields of Fire, Terry Copp offered a stunning reversal of accepted military history, challenging the conventional view that the Canadian contribution to the Battle of Normandy was a failure. Cinderella Army continues the story of the operations carried out by the First Canadian Army in the last nine months of the war, and extends the argument developed in Fields of Fire that "the achievement of the Allied and especially the Canadian armies... has been greatly underrated while the effectiveness of the German army has been greatly exaggerated." Copp supports this argument with research conducted on numerous trips to the battlefields of France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. His detailed knowledge of the battlefield terrain, along with contemporary maps and air photos, allows Copp to explore the defensive positions that Canadian soldiers were required to overcome, and to illustrate how impressive their achievements truly were.

Except for a brief period during the Rhineland battle, the First Canadian Army was the smallest to serve under Eisenhower's command. The Canadian component of that Army never totalled more that 185,000 of the four million Allied troops serving in Northwest Europe. It is, however, evident that the divisions of 2nd Canadian Corps played a role disproportionate to their numbers. Their contribution to operations designed to secure the Channel Ports and open the approaches to Antwerp together with the battles in the Rhineland place them among the most heavily committed and sorely tried divisions in the Allied armies. By the end of 1944 3rd Canadian Division had suffered the highest number of casualties in 21 Army Group with 2nd Canadian Division ranking a close second. Among armoured divisions, 4th Canadian was at the top of the list as was 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade among the independent tank brigades. Overall Canadian casualties were twenty percent higher than in comparable British formations. This was a direct result of the much greater number of days that Canadian units were involved in close combat.

As passionately written and compellingly argued as its precursor, Cinderella Army is both an important bookend to Copp's earlier work, and stands on its own as a significant contribution to Canadian military history.