3 July 1931
The first vessels specifically built for the Royal Canadian Navy, HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena, complete their maiden voyages to Halifax. Both were commissioned at Portsmouth, England.
Credit: LAC/PA-194187
4 July 1944
Canadian forces advance under heavy fire toward Carpiquet airport on the outskirts of Caen, France.
5 July 1900
For actions during the Boer War, Sergeant Arthur Richardson of Strathcona’s Horse earns the Victoria Cross. It’s the first VC awarded to a member of a Canadian unit.
Credit: Wikimedia
7 July 1942
Operation Rutter, the original plan for the Dieppe Raid, is cancelled for numerous reasons, including reports of bad weather.
10 July 1943
Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, begins. 1st Canadian Infantry Division’s participation represents the country’s first sustained commitment to the ground war against Germany.
Credit: LAC/PA-141664
11 July 1990
The Sûreté du Québec tries to dismantle a Mohawk blockade near Oka, Que. One officer is shot and killed, marking the start of the Kanesatake Resistance, also known as the Oka Crisis.
Credit: The Gazette
13 July 1906
Charles K. Hamilton completes first powered and directed flight in Canada at Montreal flying a dirigible.
14 July 1976
Canada formally abolishes the death penalty.
July 16 1945
An atomic bomb is tested in New Mexico.
17 July 1812
British forces capture U.S. Fort Mackinac, which was unaware war had been declared.
20 July 1871
B.C. joins Confederation on the promise of a rail link and representation in Parliament.
24 July 1927
The Menin Gate memorial to the missing in Ypres, Belgium, is unveiled.
Credit: CWM/ 199220044-995
25 July 1937
Two RCAF aircraft from 7 Squadron begin a month-long tour of the Arctic with Governor General Lord Tweedsmuir.
27 July 1953
An armistice ends three years of fighting in the Korean War. Some 26,000 Canadians served; 516 died and more than 1,200 were wounded.
28 July 1884
The Settlers’ Union issues a manifesto of grievances contributing to tensions that ultimately lead to the 1885 North-West Resistance.
29 July 1982
The CF-18 Hornet reaches Mach 1.6 on its first test flight in St. Louis.
30 July 1960
Prime Minister John Diefenbaker announces Canada will make a substantial contribution to a United Nations intervention in Congo.
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