2 January 1940
PO Selby R. Henderson and Wing Cmdr. John F. Griffiths are awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, becoming the first Canadians decorated during the Second World War.
3-4 January 1951
In Korea, United Nations forces evacuate Seoul after it’s captured for the second time by North Korea.
5 January 1971
Bernard Lortie, brothers Paul and Jacques Rose, and Francis Simard are charged in the kidnapping and murder of Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte during the 1970 October Crisis.
Credit: Bettmann/Getty
8 January 1916
Allies complete their withdrawal from the Gallipoli peninsula.
9 January 1941
The Avro Lancaster prototype is flown for the first time at RAF Ringway in Cheshire, England. It would become the most successful Allied bomber of the Second World War.
10 January 1920
The Treaty of Versailles takes effect, formally ending the First World War and establishing the League of Nations, with Canada as a founding member.
Credit: Wikimedia
12 January 2010
A massive earthquake devastates Haiti, particularly its capital of Port-au-Prince, killing about 220,000 people and leaving more than one million homeless. Canada sends troops to deliver humanitarian aid.
Credit: Logan Abassi/ UN
16 January 1991
The Persian Gulf War begins with an American-led coalition offensive against Iraq. It was the first conflict in which women in the Canadian Armed Forces could serve in combat roles.
19 January 1943
Taking refuge in Canada, Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands gives birth to Princess Margriet in Ottawa. Following the liberation of the Netherlands in 1945, Princess Juliana sent Canada 100,000 tulip bulbs in gratitude, inspiring the annual Canadian Tulip Festival.
Credit: Wikimedia
21 January 1944
The Royal Canadian Navy commissions River-class frigate New Waterford. It is assigned to Escort Group 6, and sails to Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in June.
28 January 1916
Manitoba becomes the first province to give some women the right to vote and run for office.
Credit: Wikimedia
29 January 1856
The Victoria Cross is instituted by Queen Victoria to acknowledge the bravery displayed by soldiers and sailors of all ranks during the Crimean War.
30 January 1933
Hitler becomes Germany’s chancellor, marking the start of the Nazis’ reign.
31 January 2006
Canada signs a five-year international commitment to support security, governance and development in Afghanistan.
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