If Day

Imagine a Day Like No Other: Winnipeg’s Simulated Nazi Invasion

Imagine, if you will, a day in February 1942 that felt like the end of the world. But it wasn’t the real one; this was If Day, a chilling simulation organized to raise funds for war bonds during World War II. How could such a thing happen? And why would anyone willingly participate?

The Setup: A Mock Invasion

On that fateful day, Winnipeg, Manitoba, became the stage for a meticulously planned reenactment of a Nazi German invasion and occupation. The Greater Winnipeg Victory Loan organization, led by J.D. Perrin, orchestrated this event as part of their war bond promotion campaign. But what exactly did they hope to achieve?

The Staged Firefight: A Mock Battle

At 5:30 am, radio broadcasts began, and patrols started moving through the city. By 7 am, a simulated aerial blitzkrieg was underway. The defenders quickly formed a perimeter around the city, engaging in a firefight that included tank movements and mock casualties. This intense reenactment lasted for three hours before the defenders finally surrendered to the ‘Nazi’ troops.

The Occupation: A Day of Fear

Once the ‘Nazi’ troops had taken control, the city was renamed ‘Himmlerstadt,’ and the Union Flag was replaced with a swastika. No civilians were allowed on the streets between 9:30 pm and daybreak. Public places were off-limits to civilians, and gatherings of more than eight people were forbidden.

Every householder had to provide billeting for five soldiers. Girl Guide and Boy Scout organizations were banned, except under Gauleiter’s direction. Motor vehicles needed to be registered at Occupation Headquarters and taken over by the Army. Farmers were required to report all grain and livestock stocks and purchase supplies through the Kommandant office.

National emblems, excluding the Swastika, had to be destroyed. Ration cards would be issued for food and clothing purchases. Any attempts to organize resistance or leave without permission faced severe consequences—death was a real possibility. Offenders could face trial or imprisonment.

The Impact: A City in Turmoil

Notices were posted on churches, priests arrested, buses searched by armed troops, and newspapers censored. Books were burned, soldiers stole lunches, buffalo coats were seized, and schools were replaced with Nazi educators. Stores and homes were looted by fake troops, and Canadian currency was replaced with German Reichsmarks.

The Aftermath: A Day of Remembrance

Despite the chaos, the day ended with a ceremonial release of prisoners, a parade, and speeches at 5:30 pm. Members of the organizing committee and local businesspeople marched down Portage Avenue with banners reading ‘It MUST Not Happen Here!’ and ‘Buy Victory Bonds.’ A banquet was held at the Hudson’s Bay Company building, where Ambassador de Morgenstierne spoke about If Day in Norway.

The event had a profound impact on surrounding towns like Neepawa and Virden. Mock attacks were planned for strategic targets in Brandon. Overall, If Day raised $3.2 million for the Victory Loan campaign, exceeding Greater Winnipeg’s goal of $45 million. It brought attention to the tactic of selling Victory Bonds nationwide and worldwide, with an estimated 40 million people seeing coverage.

The event also contributed to the provincial total of $60 million and approximately $2 billion nationwide for the war effort. It was a stark reminder of the horrors that could befall any city if left unguarded, but it also served as a powerful tool in the fight against fascism.