Great Read!

[R&R Rancher]

If you want to read two excellent books about the Canadian Infantry in the First World War, check out Tim Cook's two book set "At the Sharp End" and "Shock Troops".

 

[sunray]

Have you read Pierre Burton's, Vimy? And Canadian War Stories from Legion Magazine? There are hordes more too. Most of which will or should be in your public library.
I think I've read Cook's books, but I read so many, I tend to forget what I've read.
A must read for anybody interested in Canada in W.W. I is Sir Arthur Currie's biography. Forget who wrote it.

 

[smellie]

Burton does all of his reseach work using students. I have found some appalling mistakes in his books, especially as regards equipment..... and he repeats all the same old bee ess about the Ross jamming and all the rest. If he had talked to the men who were actully THERE instead of reading books and official reports, he would have had an entirely different slant on things. But he IS Canada's Liberal-Party-Appointed historian, after a long career in the CBC, so he must be good.

To the OP: thanks for the heads-up. Think I will look those out. I think time to buy my buddy Shelley a coffee (she's the librarian!).
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[HKMark23]

Burton does all of his reseach work using students. I have found some appalling mistakes in his books, ,,,,,,,,,, But he IS Canada's Liberal-Party-Appointed historian, after a long career in the CBC, so he must be good.
.

So, Pierre Burton seems to be to History what David Suzuki is to Science. I don't think Suzuki uses student researchers though. I think he uses either a chimpanzee or AL Gore, depending on which has the day off.

 

[halhunt]

I read Shock Troops a few months ago, interesting and detailed read especially the politics of the day, British vs. Cdn control over operations and desertions/executions.

 

[rdelliott]

Agreed. They should be mandatory reading in high school history classes.

 

[cyclone]

Put both of Cook's on hold.......holiday reading !

 

[bushwhacker]

Enjoyed a 3 book set by George Blackburn. "Where the Hell are the Guns", "The Guns of Normandy" and "The Guns of Victory". Written by a Forward Observer for the Cdn. Artillery who won the MC while surviving the war in one of the most dangerous specialties for an officer. The three books cover the organizing of the Cdn. artillery in WW2 through to VE day.

 

[QuincyXavier]

I'm currently on "At The Sharp End". I also highly recommend it. Also, for Canadian content on WWII, check out "A Perfect Hell" by John Nadler. I couldn't put down that book on the First Special Service Force (The Devil's Brigade).