04/16/1945
While conducting an anti-submarine sweep, the Canadian minesweeper Esquimalt is torpedoed and sunk by U-190 off Halifax. After the impact of the German acoustic torpedo, Esquimalt sinks before it can send a distress signal. Forty-four Canadian sailors die, many from exposure while awaiting rescue.
04/17/1982
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms comes into effect, guaranteeing all Canadians fundamental rights, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, equality rights and linguistic rights.
04/18/2002
An American F-16 fighter drops a 250-kilogram bomb on Canadian troops of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Afghanistan. The soldiers had been conducting a nighttime firing exercise which had been mistaken by the American pilot as hostile anti-aircraft fire. Four Canadians are killed and eight wounded.
04/19/1916
The Germans force the Canadians out of Craters Six and Seven at St-Eloi in Belgium.
04/20/1953
Operation Little Switch begins with the intention of exchanging wounded and sick prisoners between United Nations forces and Communist forces of North Korea and China. Only two Canadians are returned between Canadian and Chinese lines. However, Little Switch opens the door for an armistice between the two sides.
04/21/1918
Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron, is killed after being pursued by Canadian pilot Roy Brown. Credit for the kill goes to Australian anti-aircraft machine-gunners.
04/21/1997
The Canadian Forces launches Operation Assistance in response to the flooding of the Red River in Manitoba. The CF would send 8,500 regular and militia troops to the region along with 135 military vehicles. Participating units include the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and 1st Bn. Royal Canadian Regiment. The operation continues until May 19.
04/22/1944
Two frigates, His Majesty’s Canadian ships Swansea and Matane, destroy U-311 while on convoy duty in the North Atlantic.
