February 19, 1942, Winnipeg Tribune
On February 19, 1942 at 6:00 a.m., air raid sirens sounded over Winnipeg. An hour later, aircraft swooped overhead while anti-aircraft guns fired back. Explosions and small arms fire could be heard around the city.
Soon, "Nazi" troops in convoys of armoured vehicles began to seize key points in the city. By 9:30 a.m., they had reached City Hall and arrested Mayor Queen and other city officials. Next, it was to the Legislature and the arrest of Premier Bracken and the Lieutenant Governor.
By lunchtime the city was under Nazi control.
Top: Nazi soldier arrests news agent (Source)
Middle: Charleswood bus stopped, searched (Source)
Bottom: Winnipeg Tribune, February 19, 1942
The "Nazis" set up roadblocks to stop buses and streetcars and demanded that passengers showed identification papers. The Carnegie Library on William Avenue was sacked and hundreds of books were burned on the front lawn. Churches were barricaded with notices on their doors that religious services were no longer allowed.
Even the Winnipeg Tribune was targeted. On the morning of February 19, 1942, a special German-language edition of the newspaper is distributed.
Just before sunset, the troops gathered on Portage Avenue and began making their way to the city limits. As quickly as it began, the Nazi invasion of Winnipeg was over.
German tanks on Portage Avenue (Source)
The "invasion" was called "If Day", as in what might happen IF the Nazis weren't stopped overseas. It was a publicity stunt involving thousands of volunteers and meant to raise funds for Manitoba's Victory Loan campaign.
The campaign was a huge success. In the 24 hour period after IF Day, the Manitoba Victory Loan campaign raised over $3 million, (that's almost $43m in 2011 dollars).
It also received worldwide media attention from outlets like British Pathé, the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor and LIFE Magazine, which gave it a three page photo spread.
Even the Winnipeg Tribune was targeted. On the morning of February 19, 1942, a special German-language edition of the newspaper is distributed.
Just before sunset, the troops gathered on Portage Avenue and began making their way to the city limits. As quickly as it began, the Nazi invasion of Winnipeg was over.
German tanks on Portage Avenue (Source)The "invasion" was called "If Day", as in what might happen IF the Nazis weren't stopped overseas. It was a publicity stunt involving thousands of volunteers and meant to raise funds for Manitoba's Victory Loan campaign.
The campaign was a huge success. In the 24 hour period after IF Day, the Manitoba Victory Loan campaign raised over $3 million, (that's almost $43m in 2011 dollars).
It also received worldwide media attention from outlets like British Pathé, the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor and LIFE Magazine, which gave it a three page photo spread.
Related:
When War Came To Winnipeg Free Press (Feb. 2017)
The Day the Nazis Took over Winnipeg Maclean's Magazine
If Day Manitoba Historical Society
Winnipeg is conquered LIFE Magazine
If Day Special (pg 3, 17, 27, photo page) Winnipeg Tribune
Nazi army's invasion of Winnipeg Leader Post (1984)
Video:
If Day: The Nazi Invasion of Winnipeg Documentary trailer
If Day in Winnipeg British Pathé newsreel
CBS Morning News (2011)
I was travelling in the deep south of the US when I saw that CBS Sunday Morning bit - that unexpected taste of home really caught me by surprise!
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