5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, 1941-1945

The 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division proceeded overseas in one main convoy, arriving in the United Kingdom at the end of November 1941.

The 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division spent two years of the war uneventfully in the United Kingdom, before finally transferring to the Mediterranean theatre in November 1943 to join the 1st Canadian Infantry Division as part of I Canadian Corps, under command of the British Eighth Army. The division moved without its tanks and vehicles, inheriting heavily used equipment as a legacy from the veteran British 7th Armoured Division ("The Desert Rats") who they relieved on the Italian Front. The majority of the vehicles were completely worn out, having first been issued in North Africa or were two-wheel drive–useless in Italy. It took several months for the division to be fully equipped with new vehicles, including Sherman III and V tanks. Only the 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade was committed prior to 31 January 1944.

The 5th Armoured took part in the Italian Campaign until the end of 1944, seeing notable action on the Hitler Line after the Allied breakthrough at Cassino in May 1944 and also during Operation Olive on the Gothic Line in August 1944. During the latter battle its single infantry brigade was augmented by a second, which was raised using reinforcements and units serving in other roles. Among them was the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards–1st Canadian Division's armoured reconnaissance regiment. As with other Allied armoured divisions in the Mediterranean, local resources were used to establish an additional infantry brigade, the 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Based on the colour of its shoulder patch, the division became known as the "Mighty Maroon Machine".

In January 1945, the division, together with the 1st Canadian Infantry Division, as part of Operation Goldflake, moved by truck, train, and naval transport to Belgium via Livorno and Marseille. After arriving on the Western Front, it disbanded the 12th Brigade, and re-equipped to join the First Canadian Army in time to participate in the final advance into Germany.

In April 1945, the Irish Regiment of Canada was assigned to Operation Cleanser in the Netherlands. They had to liberate the route from Arnhem to Harderwijk. This unexpectedly resulted in a fierce fight at the Battle of Otterlo. (Wikipedia)

Commanding Officers

Jun 1941 to Jan 1943 Major-General Ernest William Sansom

Jan 1943 to Oct 1943 Major-General Charles Ramsay Stirling Stein

Oct 1943 to Jan 1944 Major-General Guy Simonds

Jan 1944 to Mar 1944 Major-General E. L. M. Burns

Mar 1944 to Jun 1945 Major-General Bert Hoffmeister

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Organization until July 1944 and after March 1945

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5th Canadian Armoured Division

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5th Armoured Brigade

2nd Armoured Regiment (Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians))

5th Armoured Regiment (8th Princess Louise's (New Brunswick) Hussars)

9th Armoured Regiment (The British Columbia Dragoons)

1st Battalion, The Westminster Regiment (Motor)

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11th Canadian Infantry Brigade

11th Independent Machine Gun Company (The Princess Louise Fusiliers)

1st Battalion, The Perth Regiment

1st Battalion, The Cape Breton Highlanders

1st Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada

3rd Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (The Governor General's Horse Guards)

11th Infantry Brigade Ground Defence Platoon (Lorne Scots)

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Other Units

17th Field Regiment, RCA

8th Field Regiment (Self-Propelled), RCA

4th Anti-tank Regiment, RCA

5th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA

"G" Squadron, 25th Armoured Delivery Regiment (The Elgin Regiment)

5th Canadian Armoured Division Engineers

1st Field Squadron, RCE

10th Field Squadron, RCE

4th Field Park Squadron, RCE

5th Canadian Armoured Division Bridge Troop, RCE

5th Canadian Armoured Divisional Signals, RCCS

No. 5 Provost Company, Canadian Provost Corps

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Organization from July 1944 until March 1945

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5th Canadian Armoured Brigade

2nd Armoured Regiment (Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians))

5th Armoured Regiment (8th Princess Louise's (New Brunswick) Hussars)

9th Armoured Regiment (The British Columbia Dragoons)

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11th Canadian Infantry Brigade

11th Independent Machine Gun Company (The Princess Louise Fusiliers)

1st Battalion, The Perth Regiment

1st Battalion, The Cape Breton Highlanders

1st Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada

11th Infantry Brigade Ground Defence Platoon (Lorne Scots)

12th Infantry Brigade Ground Defence Platoon (raised in August 1944)

12th Independent Machine Gun Company (The Princess Louise Fusiliers)

1st Battalion, The Westminster Regiment (Motor)

4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards (from 1st Canadian Infantry Division)

The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment (from Corps anti-aircraft assets)

3rd Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (The Governor General's Horse Guards)

12th Infantry Brigade Ground Defence Platoon (Lorne Scots) Other Units

17th Field Artillery Regiment

8th Field Artillery Regiment (Self-Propelled)

4th Anti-tank Regiment

5th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment

"G" Squadron, 25th Armoured Delivery Regiment (The Elgin Regiment), Royal Canadian Armoured Corps

5th Canadian Armoured Division Engineers

1st Field Squadron, RCE

10th Field Squadron, RCE

4th Field Park Squadron, RCE

5th Canadian Armoured Division Bridge Troop, RCE

5th Canadian Armoured Divisional Signals, RCSigs

No. 5 Provost Company, Canadian Provost Corps

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5th Canadian Armoured Division

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3226727)

Sherman tanks prepare to move into action in Normandy, 9 July 1944.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3524760)

Inspection of the 5 Canadian Armoured Division by General Crerar, GOC in C, 1st Canadian Army, Eelde airport, Netherlands, 23 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3603411)

Major-General B.M. Hoffmeister and with another officer sitting on a Dutch Canal boat, 16 May 1945.

(Stuart Phillips Photo)

2nd Armoured Regiment (Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians))

The regiment embarked for Britain on 13 November 1941 and landed in Italy on 8 November 1943, where it fought as part of the 5th Armoured Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division. On 16 February 1945 the regiment moved with the I Canadian Corps to North-West Europe as part ofOperation Goldflake, where it fought until the end of the war. The overseas regiment was disbanded on 1 March 1946.

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(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3661956)
Dutch women and children seated on a VC Firefly Sherman tank of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Regiment, 19 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3200390)

Civilians turn out to greet the 5th Canadian Division Perth Regiment and Lord Strathcona Horse tanks as they reach the Zuider Zee, 19 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3202553)

Dutch children riding on a Sherman tank of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), Harderwijk, Netherlands, 19 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3228598)

Troopers of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) on horseback, Harderwijk, Netherlands, 19 April 1945.

(Stuart Phillips Photo)

5th Armoured Regiment (8th Princess Louise’s (New Brunswick) Hussars))

The regiment landed in Italy on 19 December 1943 at Naples and saw action soon and frequently thereafter. The regiment fought in the Liri Valley, the Melfa Crossing, Ceprano, The Gothic Line, Missano Ridge, Coriano, the Crossing, and Coventello where it distinguished itself.

It moved to North-West Europe on 17 February 1945 as part of Operation Goldflake. The Hussars sailed from Italy to Southern France, and then moved by rail to Northwest Europe. After refitting the tanks, the regiment went into action in the Netherlands, breaking through to Putten in mid-April. The regiment then moved north for the final actions of the war at the Delfzijl Pocket where 3,000 German soldiers surrendered to the regiment. It was renamed as the "5th Armoured Regiment (8th Princess Louise's (New Brunswick) Hussars, RCAC, CASF", on 2 August 1945. On 26 January 1946, the regiment arrived in Halifax and the next day reached Sussex, New Brunswick where it was demobilized. The overseas regiment disbanded on 15 February 1946.

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(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3396461a)

A Sherman V tank of the 8th Princess Louise's (New Brunswick) Hussars en route to the Zuider Zee passing through Putten, Netherlands, 18 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3396461b)

Sherman Firefly 1c with 17-pounder Gun, 5th Canadian Armoured Division, 8th Princess Louise (New Brunswick) Hussars, en route to the Zuider Zee passing through Putten, Holland, 18 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3524758)

Troopers of the 8th Princess Louise's (New Brunswick) Hussars presenting arms upon the arrival of Lieutenant-General G.G. Simonds, Groningen, Netherlands, 12 November 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203849)

German soldiers entering a concentration area to be disarmed by soldiers of the 1st Canadian Corps, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 9 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203850)

Entrance to the German garrison base, where German soldier and Canadian troops check and accept soldiers wishing to surrender, 11May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203851)

Privates W.R. Hill and M.A. Gammon of 1st Canadian Corps on guard duty with a German soldier, also on guard duty, at the German garrison, Ijmuiden, Netherlands, 11 May 1945.

9th Armoured Regiment (The British Columbia Dragoons)

The 9th Armoured Regiment (BCD), deployed to Italy as part of the 5th Armoured Brigade, 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division. The regiment saw heavy action in the Liri Valley, were the first unit to break through the Gustav Line in Italy, 1944, and helped smash the Gothic Line, holding Point 204 right in the centre of the line. Part of the "D-Day Dodgers", a term used by soldiers fighting in Italy after D-Day, they continued to fight until orders were given to move the regiment to the northwest Europe area. They served with distinction until the end of the war, at which point the regiment was demobilized and returned to Militia service.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3223023)

Tank crews of The British Columbia Dragoons lined up in front of their Sherman tanks during a review by General H.D.G. Crerar followed by a mounted marchpast, Eelde, Netherlands, 23 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3223025)

General H.D.G. Crerar taking the salute during a mounted marchpast of The British Columbia Dragoons, Eelde, Netherlands, 23 May 1945.

The Westminster Regiment (Motor)

After fighting in Italy, the Westminsters were dispatched to Livorno on February 21, 1945, and from there embarked on United States Navy shipping and conveyed to Marseilles, France. The unit mounted its own transport and drove through the Rhone Valley to Belgium, where they leaguered at Deinze.

The regiment was deployed to Meulebeke in Belgium as part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, now part of the I Canadian Corps, First Canadian Army. Most of the unit was sent on leave when the order came on 17 March 1945, to prepare to move into battle again. The first area of operations was in neighbouring Netherlands, on the Meuse (Maas) and Waal river lines near Nijmegen, where the Westminsters relieved the 12th Manitoba Dragoons and commenced active patrolling and used the battalion mortars against the German positions across the Waal in Tiel.

On 5 April 1945, the regiment was deployed to an area between the Waal and the Neder Rijn in conjunction with two companies of the 2nd Belgian Fusiliers. This was in preparation for a major offensive, which commenced on 12 April, with a move to Doesburg, just west of Arnhem. The division was given the task of exploiting the breakthrough created by the British 49th West Riding Division and driving to the Zuider Zee. At this point the unit's anti-tank platoon was issued Stuart tanks, unusual for an infantry regiment. The unit carried out a night attack across the IJssel River on the night of 12/13 April 1945 and passed through Arnhem. Pressing the attack, the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, in concert with the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. During the attack Lt Oldfield won the Military Cross for the action of his "A" Company Scout Platoon in clearing a German position and taking 40 prisoners.

The regiment attacked in concert with the Strathconas and the British Columbia Dragoons, capturing Deelen Airfield. The armoured drive continued against intense German opposition in fluid mobile operations, by-passing points of resistance to clean them up later. The unit advanced through Voorhuizen and Barneveld. German defences were in chaos and many prisoners were taken in the drive to Putten. When the operation had ended on 18 April 1945, the unit had covered 33 miles (53 km) and participated in cutting off thousands of German troops in the Amsterdam area.

The unit commenced coast watching and patrolling near Groningen to prevent the escape or infiltration of German forces still holding the islands off shore.

The unit's final action was the capture of the German anti-aircraft battery at Termunterzijl. The battery's 128-mm guns controlled the whole area and the operation was hampered by the lack of artillery and air support. The action was hard-fought against stiff German defences built in great depth to protect the battery. Relentless pressure form the Westminsters forced the abandonment of the battery and the withdrawal of the remaining German forces.

Hostilities ended in Europe on 7 May 1945. The unit was repatriated after a long wait for sea transport and passed through New York City, Toronto and finally to Vancouver by train. They marched up New Westminster's Columbia Street to Queen's Park where the final dismissal was given on 19 January 1946.

During the Second World War 4,236 men passed through The Westminster Regiment (Motor). Of these 134 were killed in action.

Awards conferred on members of the 1st Battalion of The Westminster Regiment (Motor) British Commonwealth were: 1 Victoria Cross, 3 Distinguished Service Order, 6 Military Cross, 1 Order of the British Empire, 1 Member of the Order of the British Empire, 18 Military Medal & 24 Mention In Dispatches. The Regiment was also awarded medals for courage by the Dutch Government.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203475)

The Westminster Regiment passes the saluting base during Gen. H.D.G. Crerar's review at Eelde airport, 23 May 1945.

11th Canadian Infantry Brigade

11th Independent Machine Gun Company (The Princess Louise Fusiliers)

11th Independent Machine Gun Company (The Princess Louise Fusiliers), CASF was formed on 1 July 1944. The machine gun company landed in Italy on 10 November 1943, as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division.

On 13 July 1944, the 12th Independent Machine Gun Company (The Princess Louise Fusiliers), CIC, CASF was organized in Italy to serve with the newly formed 12th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division. In February 1945, both companies moved with the 1st Canadian Corps to North West Europe.  where the 12th Independent Machine Gun Company was disbanded on 15 March 1945, and the 11th Independent Machine Gun Company fought until the end of the war.  The overseas company was disbanded on 15 February 1946.

The regiment fielded two machine gun companies, the 11th Independent MG Coy. in support of the 11th Infantry Brigade, and the 12th Independent MG Coy. in support of the 12th Infantry Brigade. In British and Commonwealth armoured divisions of that period, independent MG coys consisted of a HQ platoon, plus one platoon operating and a second platoon operating they were heavy direct-fire support units.

In February 1945 the 5th Armoured was transferred from Italy to Belgium, and these two companies participated in the liberation of the  from late March to the German surrender. During the conflict, the regiment received nine more battle honours, bringing their total count to 16.Followinnverted back to a light infantry unit.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3329799)
Personnel of the 11th Independent Machine Gun Company (Princess Louise’s Fusiliers) passing out biscuits to Dutch children in Putten, Netherlands, 18 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3524766)

General Crerar, GOC in C, 1st Canadian Corps, taking the salute from the Princess Louise Fusiliers, at the review and marchpast. Eelde airport, Netherlands, 23 May 1945.

(Stuart Phillips Photo)

The Perth Regiment

The regiment landed in Italy on 8 November 1943, as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Division. The 1st Battalion transferred with I Canadian Corps to North-West Europe in March 1945, where it fought until the end of the war. It returned home under command of a Perth militia officer, Lt Col M.W. Andrew and was disbanded on 31 January 1946.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3209465)

Soldiers of Perth Regiment on the march near Arnhem, Netherlands, 15 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3240708)

Infantrymen of the Perth Regiment advancing through Arnhem, Netherlands, 15 April 1945.

The Cape Breton Highlanders

The CBH landed in Italy on 10 November 1943 as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division. The battalion moved to North-West Europe from 20 to 26 February 1945 as part of Operation Goldflake, where it continued to fight until the end of the war. The overseas battalion was disbanded on 15 February 1946.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 524428)

Lieutenant-Colonel R.B. Somerville of The Cape Breton Highlanders presenting the first prize to Captain J.M. Lockington, winner of the running broad jump event, Track and Field Day, Sneek, Netherlands, 3 July 1945.

The Irish Regiment of Canada

The regiment landed in mainland Italy on 10 November 1943, as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division. Between 20 and 27 February 1945, the battalion moved with I Canadian Corps to North-West Europe as part of Operation Goldflake, where it fought until the end of the war. The overseas battalion disbanded on 31 January 1946.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3194346)

Personnel of the Irish Regiment of Canada standing in front of a German roadblock and anti-tank ditch, near Otterloo, Netherlands, 16 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3191618)

The Irish Regiment of Canada passes the saluting base during Gen. H.D.G. Crerar's review at Eelde airport, 23 May 1945.

3rd Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (The Governor General’s Horse Guards)

The 3rd Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (The Governor General's Horse Guards), RCAC, CASF embarked for Britain on 9 October 1941 and landed in Italy on 19 December 1943 as part of the 5th Armoured Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division. On 20 February 1945 the regiment moved with the I Canadian Corps to North-West Europe as part of Operation Goldflake, where it continued to fight until the end of the war. The overseas regiment disbanded on 31 January 1946. The Regiment lost 71 Killed and 210 wounded in the war.

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(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3191784)

Sherman tanks of the Governor General's Horse Guards, 9 March 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3220432)

Sergeant H.K. Robertson briefing personnel of The Governor General's Horse Guards, Arnhem, Netherlands, 15 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3220432)

Personnel of First Troop, "C" Squadron, Governor General's Horse Guards, with their Stuart recce tank, Cervia, Italy, 19 January 1945.

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