To the Last Canadian?: Casualties in the 21st Army Group

Authors

Terry Copp, Wilfrid Laurier UniversityFollow

Abstract

In Normandy, Canadian infantry divisions suffered a higher rate of casualties than British divisions engaged in similar operations. These figures have been used by some historians to prove Canadian failure on the battlefield. However, by using statistics gathered by operational research scientists during the war, this article shows that the “considerably heavier casualties” suffered by the Canadians in Normandy and beyond were the product of a greater number of days in close combat with the enemy, not evidence of operational inexperience or tactical failure.

Recommended Citation

Copp, Terry "To the Last Canadian?: Casualties in the 21st Army Group." Canadian Military History 18, 1 (2009)