Simulation Explanation

The intent of this simulation series is to have students experience many of the real situations, challenges, and decisions Canadian soldiers, sailors, and airmen faced in World War II. We hope that by “walking in their shoes”, at least as far as possible with a computer program, students will gain a better appreciation of what these men, and their families, sacrificed for us.

Each simulation presents events as they would have been seen at that time, with no hints as to what will happen next. In order to give students a sense of the extent and range of the Canadian war experience we have created composite scenarios, combining events from all major Canadian theatres in the war. No one Canadian soldier, sailor, or airman would have experienced all the situations presented in the simulation though.

In each simulation students receive regular updates on major war events, headlines, and detailed “dossiers” on Canadian fighting. As well, students will be faced with a series of challenges to test knowledge, good judgement, or reactions to life-and-death situations. Sometimes in war there is no warning that death is imminent, and in these scenarios a player can be ambushed without warning. Other times, poor choices will lead to capture or death.

Almost all of the images are authentic. As well as the headlines and battle dossiers. The day-to-day experiences are based on actual stories we have researched, or from conversations with veterans. All of the letters home, diary entries and memoirs are authentic.

If you wish to read aditional World War II letters please visit http://www.canadianletters.ca/collections/469/. This is a major collection of Canadian war letters at Vancouver Island University. Also visit the Dominion Institute’s "Memory Project" website at www.thememoryproject.com.