Beyond the ordered preparations of tactics and logistics, The Oxford Book of Canadian Military Anecdotes presents the realities of war the Canadians have experienced: the emotion and warmth of battle-formed friendships, the sudden anguish of loss, the disorder and staggering wastefulness of heavy-weapon action, even the comic-opera confusion that accompanies war both on the battlefield and on the home front. The subjects range from the early explorers of New France to the Loyalists who fought in the American Revolution; from the war of 1812 to the rebellions of 1837 and 1838 to the opening of the Canadian West and the Northwest Rebellion of 1885; and outside Canada, from the Boer War through the First and Second World Wars to peace-keeping efforts with the United Nations. A markedly unmilitaristic people with a highly respected military reputation, Canadians have taken up arms only to put an end to war, and having matched and beaten their enemies, have quietly put away their weapons to get on with the nations life. This powerful and moving collection will affirm Canadians pride in the human beings their country has produced.
Beyond the ordered preparations of tactics and logistics, The Oxford Book of Canadian Military Anecdotes presents the realities of war the Canadians have experienced: the emotion and warmth of battle-formed friendships, the sudden anguish of loss, the disorder and staggering wastefulness of heavy-weapon action, even the comic-opera confusion that accompanies war both on the battlefield and on the home front. The subjects range from the early explorers of New France to the Loyalists who fought in the American Revolution; from the war of 1812 to the rebellions of 1837 and 1838 to the opening of the Canadian West and the Northwest Rebellion of 1885; and outside Canada, from the Boer War through the First and Second World Wars to peace-keeping efforts with the United Nations. A markedly unmilitaristic people with a highly respected military reputation, Canadians have taken up arms only to put an end to war, and having matched and beaten their enemies, have quietly put away their weapons to get on with the nations life. This powerful and moving collection will affirm Canadians pride in the human beings their country has produced.