The RCR Museum
The Second World War 1939-1945
It had been hoped that the Great War, or First World War, should be "the war to end all wars". Unfortunately, this was not the case. In 1939, the Second World War began with the German invasion of Poland.
Canada declared war soon after. The RCR mobilized as part of the 1st Canadian Division and was sent to the UK in December 1939. The regiment remained there for three years undergoing training and growing impatient for battle. In July 1943 the wish was granted, when the 1st Canadian Division became part of Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily.
The assault landing at Pachino, in Sicily, was the Regiment's first and only amphibious operation in wartime. The RCR fought through Sicily and up the Italian "boot" between July 1943 and the end of 1944 as part of the famous British 8th Army. The RCR, along with the rest of the Canadian Corps in Italy, joined the 1st Canadian Army in early 1945 in North West Europe.
The RCR earned 19 of its 54 Battle Honours and suffered over 80% of its Second World War casualties in Italy.
The Liberation - May 1945
The RCR concluded its wartime service in the liberation of the Netherlands. The liberation of Holland by the Allies remains a moment of monumental significance in history, so much so that the Dutch people still honour many countries. Canada receives hundreds of tulip bulbs from the Dutch government annually as a sign of its unfailing gratitude.
General Charles Foulkes, an officer of The RCR and Commander 1st Canadian Corps, is pictured accepting the surrender of Colonel-General Johannes Blaskowitz on the 5 May, 1945. Upon his return to Canada, General Foulkes was appointed Chief of the General Staff.
- Regimental History - The Second World War
- Regimental Silver Memorial - The Second World War
- Roll of Honour - The Second World War
Pro Patria