Nazis take Winnipeg

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With soldiers’ hands held high in the Nazi salute, what appears to be an invading German force rolls through the streets of downtown Winnipeg on February 19, 1942.

The military-style parade — which actually involved local volunteers dressed as Nazis — was held on If Day, a one-day simulated invasion and occupation of the Manitoba capital.

If Day was a fundraiser for Canada’s Second World War efforts. Its organizers believed that the fear created by the mock invasion would help to increase wartime donations.

The event also included a staged firefight, the mock arrest of prominent politicians, and a German takeover of a local newspaper.

The scare tactics seem to have worked — If Day inspired donations of around $3 million for the war effort.

This article originally appeared in June-July issue of Canada’s History.