History of Sorts

On February 19, 1942, Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba, Canada, was “invaded” by Nazi troops. By 5:30 a.m., Nazi broadcasts were being transmitted from a local radio station that had been seized.

At 7:00 a.m., air raid sirens sounded, and a citywide blackout was ordered. By 9:30 a.m., the defenders of Winnipeg had “surrendered” to the German troops. Shortly thereafter, German armored vehicles rolled into the city.

The Occupation Begins

The Germans wasted no time imposing their rules on the city.

Ankündigung (Proclamation)

IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED THAT:

1. This territory is now part of the Greater Reich and falls under the jurisdiction of Colonel Erich Von Neuremburg, Gauleiter of the Führer.
2. No civilians are permitted on the streets between 9:30 p.m. and daybreak.
3. All public spaces are off-limits to civilians, and gatherings of more than eight people are prohibited.
4. Every household must provide billeting for five soldiers.
5. All military, semi-military, or fraternal organizations are disbanded and banned. Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and similar youth organizations will continue but under the control of the Gauleiter and Storm Troops.
6. All owners of motor vehicles must register them at Occupation Headquarters, where they will be seized by the Army of Occupation.
7. Farmers must report all grain and livestock holdings immediately. No farm produce may be sold except through the Kommandant of Supplies in Winnipeg. Farmers may not keep any for personal use and must buy it back through the Central Authority.
8. All national emblems, except the Swastika, must be destroyed immediately.
9. Each citizen will receive a ration card, which must be presented to obtain food and clothing.
10. The following offenses are punishable by death without trial:
    a) Attempting to organize resistance against the Army of Occupation.
    b) Entering or leaving the province without permission.
    c) Failing to report personal goods when ordered.
    d) Possession of firearms.

NO ONE MAY ACT, SPEAK, OR THINK CONTRARY TO OUR DECREES.

Published and enforced by the authority of (signed) Erich Von Neuremburg.

The Nazi Regime in Winnipeg

Reichsmarks were issued as currency, replacing the Canadian dollar. Nazi soldiers stormed the cafeteria at Great-West Life, expelling employees and imprisoning some while confiscating all available food.

In a further display of power, the Germans burned a large pile of books in front of the Winnipeg Public Library’s main branch. Even the city’s newspapers fell under strict German control. The swiftness of the occupation was staggering.

Winnipeg Under Siege

The city had endured a Blitzkrieg-style assault, and the German army had launched its invasion of Canada.

Except it hadn’t.

No German army had actually invaded Winnipeg.

The entire event was a simulation orchestrated by the Greater Winnipeg Victory Loan organization under the leadership of businessman J.D. Perrin. The operation called “If Day,” was the largest military exercise in Winnipeg’s history, aimed at encouraging citizens to purchase Victory Bonds.

The Purpose Behind “If Day”

Manitoba’s fundraising goal was $45 million, with $24.5 million expected from Winnipeg alone. The simulation involved 3,500 Canadian Army members, including 300 First World War veterans, reservists, and civilian groups.

The dramatic day concluded at 5:30 p.m. with a ceremonial release of “prisoners,” a parade, and speeches by freed dignitaries in front of the Manitoba Legislature. Business leaders and organizing committee members marched down Portage Avenue carrying banners that read: “It MUST Not Happen Here!” and “Buy Victory Bonds!”

The “If Day” campaign was a resounding success. Not only did it surpass Winnipeg’s Victory Bond sales target, but it also drew widespread attention across North America. Life Magazine even featured a pictorial spread showcasing the event’s impact in Winnipeg and other Manitoba communities.

Through this bold initiative, Winnipeg delivered a powerful message: supporting the war effort was not just a duty but a necessity to prevent a grim future from becoming a reality.

Sources

https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/military-war/nazis-take-winnipeg

https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/mb_history/13/ifday.shtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_Day

https://www.bankofcanadamuseum.ca/2022/11/the-day-winnipeg-was-invaded/#:~:text=Winnipeg%20occupied,Winnipeg%20was%20being%20invaded!