WORLD WAR I
Canada joined Britain in the war against Germany
in 1914 as German armies entered Belgium. What became the 1st Canadian Division
completed its training at Salisbury Plain before moving to France in February of 1915.
Three further divisions were subsequently mobilized throughout France. These divisions
stormed Vimy Ridge, a highly fortified position, in 1917, overwhelming the enemy in
a day. The Canadians also fought under adverse conditions in Flanders and were
instrumental in the British counter-offensive in 1918. Though approximately one out
of ten Canadian soldiers lost their lives in this war, the Canadian military had
established itself as a formidable fighting force for its size.
Canadian service dress was generally similar to that of the British. At one
point, in France, the British jacket replaced its tighter-fitting Canadian counterpart due
to the discomfort it caused to soldiers. In 1916, the British Lee-Enfield rifle replaced
the Canadian Ross rifle. The Canadian Nursing Sisters wore a uniform that was very
Victorian in appearance and of a navy blue colour.
Below are the uniforms currently available for the First World War. Please make your selection via
either the thumbnails or links provided.
[ Infantryman ]
[ Nursing Sister ]
©1996, Musée canadien des civilisations / Canadian Museum of Civilization
