Artifact 2 Success of Canadian Troops

When soldiers completed a dangerous task that put their lives on the line to save others or completed an object by doing something heroic, like taking a complex object, they were often promoted or given medals. Promotions and medals were a way for the military to appreciate and distinguish soldiers.  Canadian soldiers would receive British medals since Canada was a Commonwealth nation with a newly formed army.  In the later parts of the Great War, Canadian soldiers began to receive vast amounts of medals due to their success on the battlefield. Key victories such as Vimy Ridge showed that Canadian soldiers were among the most effective. This reputation led them to be selected to take part in brutal key battles such as the Battle of Passchendaele. Even German soldiers began to respect the Canadian soldiers, giving them the nickname “Storm Troopers”. “Like a storm that could not be stopped, the Canadians assaulted the enemy lines with uncommon skill, tenacity, and ferocity.” With a reputation like this, it's hard not to imagine why Canadian soldiers earned so many medals and were so effective with their contributions during the Great War.  

Bibliography:

Leach, Norman. Passchendaele: Canada's Triumph and Tragedy on the Fields of Flanders: an Illustrated History. Coteau Books, 2008, pg 4.

https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=qOviwm2n-OEC&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=canadians+passchendaele&ots=m4wJBXVPPp&sig=EepLuN08XP5Ae-uaKEuTxEqN2EM#v=onepage&q=canadians%20passchendaele&f=false