One of the first tasks given to the Canadian engineers after the declaration of World War I was the construction of the Valcartier training site in Quebec.

These troops were responsible for the construction of defences, sanitation systems, water supplies, bridging, and assisting with trench raids.

Sappers of the 2nd Canadian Division led the beach assault supporting the Dieppe Raid and took the second highest number of casualties after the infantry.

They were fully engaged in the Sicilian and Italian Campaigns, the Normandy Landings and the liberation of France, Belgium and Holland.

The majority of their work consisted of constructing bailey bridges, clearing mines and booby traps and building communication networks and field defences.