On June 6th, 1944 – 21,400 Canadian troops stormed Juno Beach as part of World War II’s allied invasion of Normandy. 1,200 Canadians lost their lives during this critical battle as they faced down fierce resistance from the German Wehrmacht.
Significant contributions made by Canadian troops on D-Day at Juno Beach include:
- Securing the beachhead which was crucial for the success of the subsequent phases of the D-Day invasion.
- Advancing further inland than any other Allied force on D-Day – nearly 10 miles in distance. This penetration disrupted German defensive lines and prevented an effective counterattack.
- Capturing several strategic points that provided critical footholds and facilitated further movement of troops and supplies.
- Working effectively with naval and air support vital for minimizing casualties and overcoming German defenses.
The bravery of Canadian troops on D-Day played a key role in the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation. On this day, we honour these brave Canadians who risked their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.