In honour of the brave men and women that serve and have served in the Canadian Armed Forces, and to honour the many who have given the ultimate sacrifice; we will be promoting books each day this week that shed light on what it is like to serve.
Today we look at those who fought and died 100 years ago, and contributed to the birth of a nation.
World War I saw some of Canada’s most tragic and triumphant military campaigns. Almost 61,000 Canadians were killed, and approximately 172,000 wounded. We hope that today’s selection of World War I books help tell the stories of those who served.
Dancing in the Sky: The Royal Flying Corps in Canada
Dancing in the Sky is the first complete telling of the First World War fighter pilot training initiative established by the British in response to the terrible losses occurring in the skies over Europe in 1916. The results enabled the Allies to regain control of the skies and eventually win the war, but at a terrible price. This is the story of the talented and courageous men and women who made the training program a success, complete with the romance, tragedy, humour, and pathos that accompany an account of such heroic proportions. A valuable addition to Canada’s military history, this book will appeal to all who enjoy an exceptional adventure story embedded in Canada’s past.
Cavalry of the Air: An Illustrated Introduction to the Aircraft and Aces of the First World War
Many of the airmen of the First Word War who challenged both the enemy and death did not survive. From Great Britain to Canada to Australia and New Zealand, new heroes took the honour and dash of the cavalry to the air in flying machines — which would change the face of war forever. These are their stories.
The Battle of the Somme was one of the bloodiest fought in military history. 24,000 Canadians were either killed, wounded or listed as missing. This battle was also to mark a turning point in the war and to witness new methods of warfare, such as all-arms integrated attacks, with infantry units and the new Tank Corps fighting alongside each other. Complete with detailed maps and photographs, as well as fascinating facts and profiles of the leaders, this is the best introduction to this legendary battle.
Victory at Vimy: Canada Comes of Age, April 9-12, 1917
On Easter Monday, 1917, sixteen battalions of the Canadian Corps rose along a six-kilometre line of trenches in northern France against the occupying Germans. By nightfall, The Ridge, which other Allied troops had assaulted previously and failed to take, was firmly in Canadian hands. Of the 40,000 Canadians who fought at Vimy, nearly 10,000 became casualties. It was the first time Canadians had fought as a distinct national army, and in many ways, it was a coming of age for the nation. Based on first-hand accounts, including archival photographs and maps, it is the voices of the soldiers who experienced the battle that comprise the thrust of the book.
We hope you are able to take time this week and reflect on the men and women that have served, and continue to serve our great nation.
Please check back with our site each day this week as we highlight some of our favourite books about the Canadian Armed Forces.
If you would like to read more about our Canadian Armed forces, past and present, please check out our Canadian Armed Forces section.
We’re always trying to add more new and out-of-print titles to our website. If you don’t see something you’re looking for email us at info@transportbooks.com, phone us at 416-744-7675, or drop by our store at 16 Elrose Avenue in Toronto.
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