Abstract
This thesis examines the Canadian military presence in Aldershot during the Second World War, revealing how this unique overseas deployment influenced both Canadian and British societies. Through an analysis of personal accounts, government documents, and cultural artifacts, the research explores the multifaceted experiences of Canadian soldiers stationed in Britain and investigates the lasting impact of these experiences on Canadian identity and post-war Anglo-Canadian relations.
The study opens with a review of British wartime scholarship, identifying a historiographical gap around Canada’s contributions to the British home front. Following this, the thesis examines the growth of Aldershot and Canada from the late 19th century to the onset of the Second World War. It situates Anglo-Canadian relations within a military framework, exploring how the British Empire's evolving dynamics shaped Aldershot as the symbolic “Home of the British Army” and moulded Canada’s burgeoning sense of autonomy. When considering the Canadians in Aldershot during the Second World War, themes such as morale, nationalism, gender relations, and crime reflect the social dynamics at play, including the integration struggles and evolving national identity among Canadian soldiers. Additionally, the experiences of these soldiers, from friendships and marriages with locals to tensions over perceived British condescension, illustrate the complex socio-cultural interactions that occurred during the war years.
The final chapters evaluate the legacy of Canada’s wartime presence in Britain and the challenges faced by Canadian veterans upon their return home. Many veterans struggled to reconcile their wartime experiences with civilian life in Canada, prompting them to engage actively in Canadian civic and political life, thereby shaping Canada’s post-war identity. This study contributes to the academic understanding of wartime cultural exchange, suggesting that Canada’s wartime experiences in Britain catalysed a shift towards Canadian nationalism while challenging previously accepted narratives about Commonwealth unity. Through its focus on the often-overlooked Canadian contribution to Britain’s war effort, this thesis underscores the broader implications of transnational military history, revealing the intertwined fates of two nations grappling with their post-imperial futures.
| Date of Award | 29 Jan 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Robert James (Supervisor), Matthew Heaslip (Supervisor) & Maria Cannon (Supervisor) |