3 August 2006
In Afghanistan, Sgt. William Kenneth MacDonald ensures his men hold their ground until reinforcements arrive, repeatedly exposing himself to fire to assist wounded comrades. He is awarded the Star of Military Valour.
Credit: William Kenneth MacDonald
4 August 1914
Britain declares war on Germany. The next day, Germany invades Belgium at the Battle of Liège.
7 August 1950
The federal government approves the Canadian Army Special Force to raise troops for the Korean War.
Credit: Ted Zuber/CWM/19890328-008
8 August 1918
The Canadian Corps is assigned to spearhead an attack near Amiens, France, to start what will become known as the Hundred Days Offensive.
Credit: DND/LAC/PA-002888
11 August 1917
The Victoria Cross is awarded to Capt. William (Billy) Bishop following a June attack on a German aerodrome.
Credit: Sharif Tarabay
14 August 1945
With Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allies, the Second World War unofficially ends. Japan signs formal surrender documents on Sept. 2.
15-18 August 1917
Canadians capture Hill 70 at a cost of 9,000 casualties.
18 August 1914
Thousands of recruits begin arriving at Valcartier near Quebec City for training.
19 August 1942
A force of more than 6,000 Allied troops, including almost 5,000 Canadians, raid the port of Dieppe, France (also see “Just a slaughter,” page 46). The Germans are prepared for the attack, and the raid results in 1,946 Canadians taken prisoner and 916 killed.
Credit: DND/LAC//PA-171080
21-22 August 1944
Canadian corvette Alberni is destroyed by a German U-boat in the English Channel, killing 59 crew.
22-23 August 2007
WO Tod Hopkin commands the lead vehicle of a combat team through sustained enemy attacks, exposing himself to great risk to help capture a vital position in Afghanistan. He is awarded the Medal of Military Valour.
24 August 1926
The Nursing Sisters’ Memorial is unveiled in Parliament’s Hall of Honour.
26 August 1918
The Canadian Corps launches a major offensive to break through the Drocourt-Quéant Line in France.
27 August 1953
Nos. 414, 422 and 444 squadrons leave Canada to join the RCAF Air Division at Canadian Forces Base Baden-Soellingen in Germany.
29 August 1911
Canada’s naval service becomes the “Royal” Canadian Navy, by decree of King George V.
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