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Canada calls for volunteer soldiers
Broadcast Date: July 27, 1999
Canada's involvement in the war takes a dramatic turn when Prime Minister Louis St-Laurent announces his government's decision to raise a volunteer army for service with United Nations forces in Korea. In a public address, St-Laurent encourages volunteers to join Canada's newly created Special Force. Separate from Canada's regular army, whose sole purpose is now national defense, the Special Force is intended primarily for service abroad with the UN and NATO.Canada calls for volunteer soldiers
• The Royal Canadian Air Force also made a significant contribution to the Korean War. The North Star transport planes of the RCAF's No. 426 Squadron flew 599 missions from July 25, 1950 to June 9, 1954, clocking 34,000 flying hours. Though no RCAF fighter squadrons took part in the war, 23 Canadian pilots flew with the United States Air Force and Navy. These pilots shot down nine Mig-15s. The only Canadian fighter pilot lost, Squadron Leader Andy Mackenzie, was shot down Dec. 5, 1952 by his American wingman. Seven Canadian pilots were awarded the United States Distinguished Flying Cross.Canada calls for volunteer soldiers
Medium: Television
Program: The National Magazine
Broadcast Date: July 27, 1999
Guest(s): Louis St-Laurent
Reporter: Dan Bjarnason
Duration: 0:35
Last updated:
Sept. 5, 2008
Radio
3:29
The Canadian government announces its decision to contribute to the UN's military intervention in the Korean War.
Radio
7:20
Canada sends three destroyers to Korea as fears of a global war escalate.
Forgotten Heroes: Canada and the Korean War
Special Force recruits outline their reasons for enlisting- Canada reacts to talk of using the atomic bomb in Korea
A veteran recalls the Battle of Kap'yong- War becomes routine for Canadian troops
- A veteran remembers Canada's Forgotten War
- Prime Minister Louis St-Laurent appeals for volunteer soldiers
- Lieutenant Colonel Jim Stone talks about Canada's first battles
Canada calls for volunteer soldiers.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Sept. 5, 2008.
[Page consulted on Feb. 13, 2012.]