OTTAWA, ON, April 18, 2002 - "It was a shocking surprise to learn that, with the latest air to ground technology, Canadian soldiers could be killed and wounded by so-called ‘friendly fire' from American aircraft." 

This statement was made today by Cliff Chadderton, Chief Executive Officer of The War Amps of Canada and Chairman of the 40-member National Council of Veteran Associations.

He recalled that on Tuesday, August the 8th, 1944 in the battle from Caen southward to Falaise the Polish and Canadian troops were bombed by two groups from the United States Air Force. General Rod Keller, who was commanding the 3rd Division, was badly wounded. The total Canadian casualties included 100 members of the North Shore Regiment of the 3rd Division, which suffered 315 casualties in all, including 65 killed. It was estimated that the 1st Polish Armoured Division suffered approximately 150 casualties, of whom 38 were killed.

Chadderton was a company commander with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles of the Canadian 3rd Division. He and his troops were caught on what he termed "the fringes" of the first bombing, but escaped injury.

A second incident by our own aircraft took place on August the 14th of 1944 when squadrons of the RAF (including some Royal Canadian Air Force) bombed Canadians in Hautmesnil quarry. The heaviest casualties were suffered by the 2nd Division's Royal Regiment of Canada from Toronto.

The Poles suffered 397 casualties, of which, at least 150 were killed.

In the infantry and tank assault by the Allies to close the Falaise pocket, the only method of attempting to avoid bombing by our own aircraft was through the use of smoke grenades. It was later determined, however, that in the smoke and dust of the battle, the planes of the British and Canadian Forces could not see the smoke signals.

The bombers were releasing their bombs on what was known as a "timed schedule," which was acceptable in the Second World War combat fighting. Chadderton suggested, however, that with the so-called "smart bombs," laser guided aiming devices and the use of global positioning systems, it is difficult to understand how a large body of Canadian troops could be targeted by our own aircraft.

"Hopefully, the investigation will lead to some improvement to avoid unnecessary casualties of this nature," Chadderton concluded.