On February 19, 1942, the city of Winnipeg experienced an event that was equal parts theatrical spectacle and patriotic fundraiser: a faux invasion by German troops.
Of course, the invading soldiers were not the enemy—they were Canadian volunteers dressed in German uniforms—but the staged occupation was designed to give citizens a visceral sense of life under Nazi rule. The event, organized by the Greater Winnipeg Victory Loan Committee and led by prominent businessman J.D. Perrin, raised over $3 million in a single day, marking a major milestone in Canada’s war bond efforts.
“If Day” was part of a larger provincial campaign running from February 16 to March 9, 1942. Organizers divided Manitoba into 45 sectors on a large map displayed at Winnipeg’s central intersection of Portage and Main, with each sector representing $1 million of the fundraising goal. As donations from Victory Bond sales came in, sections of the province were “reclaimed” from the imaginary invaders—a highly visual and motivating way to track progress.
The city’s residents were primed for the event, though the spectacle still caught some by surprise. The day before, February 18, RCAF aircraft—painted to resemble German fighter planes—flew over the city, and the town of Selkirk held its own mock blackout and bombing drill. Precautions were taken to notify neighbors in Minnesota, who could receive Winnipeg radio broadcasts.
The main event on February 19 featured a simulated firefight between “invading” and defending forces. Some 3,500 Canadian troops, commanded by Colonels E.A. Pridham and D.S. McKay, participated. Units included the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Winnipeg Grenadiers, Winnipeg Light Infantry, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, and the Veterans Guard of Canada (including over 300 World War I veterans). Support came from the 18th (Manitoba) Armoured Car Regiment, No. 10 District Engineers and Signals, as well as various civilian and reserve groups.
The invasion began with a mock bombing of the city, after which the German forces—volunteers from the Young Men’s Board of Trade wearing Hollywood-rented uniforms—advanced. Surrounding towns such as Neepawa, Virden, and Brandon were also “attacked” as part of the campaign. By 9:30 a.m., Canadian troops surrendered, and the “occupying” forces marched into Winnipeg, taking over key locations and creating a dramatic tableau of Nazi control.
The simulation went beyond military maneuvers to portray civilian life under occupation. Local officials were “imprisoned,” newspapers and radio stations were seized, schools and churches came under enemy influence, and pre-selected library books were ceremonially burned. Through these vivid enactments, the public experienced a sobering reminder of what was at stake in the global conflict, driving home the importance of supporting the war effort.
At 5:30 p.m., “If Day” concluded with a ceremonial release of prisoners, a parade, and speeches from city dignitaries. The entire production cost just $3,000, yet it raised over $3 million in Winnipeg alone and more than $60 million in Victory Bonds across Manitoba during the campaign—an extraordinary achievement that blended spectacle with civic duty.
“If Day” remains a unique and imaginative chapter in Canada’s home-front history, demonstrating how creativity, patriotism, and community spirit came together to bolster the war effort.
johnmilner.ca 