Until the end of the 19th century, ultimate command of the Canadian military remained with the British under the commander in chief for North America at Halifax. At this point the British commanding authority was known as the British Crown-in-Council but in 1906 command was finally handed over to the Canadians. By this time, the Canadian army had taken part in their first overseas campaign, helping the British in their drawn out struggle against Dutch settlers in the Boer War (1899 – 1902).
Canadians in the Boer War
The Royal Canadian Navy was formed in 1910 and the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1920, both branches coming under the command of the Department of National Defence which also oversaw the land army.
As a Commonwealth country, Canada was one of the first supporters of the British Empire when the First World War (1914 – 1918) broke out but conscription later in the war proved divisive for French speaking Canadians especially. Of 625,000 who served, 60,000 were killed and 173,000 wounded.
The Second World War (1939 – 1945) was Canada’s next big involvement and its first independent declaration of war (on Nazi Germany). Britain and France declared war on 3rd September 1939 and Canada on the 10th September. 1.1 million Canadians fought in this campaign resulting in 45,000 deaths and 54,000 wounded.
Canada was involved in the Korean War (1950 – 1953) but did not officially take part in the Vietnam War (1955 – 1975), although some units were used towards the end of the conflict to help enforce the Paris Peace Accords. Earlier, Canada had supplied the Americans with munitions and other supplies.
Canadians in Afghanistan
The most recent reorganisation of the Canadian armed forces occured in 1968 when the three branches wer merged into one centralised command structure. Canada is an active member of the United Nations and regularly contributes personnel when required around the world. Recent undertakings have included Afghanistan, Kosovo and Bosnia.
There are approximately 67,000 active personnel in the Canadian military with another 43,000 reservists available if required. Recent decreasing numbers of entrants have led to a government aim to increase the size of the army and reequip the navy and air force over the next decade.