In a time of conflict, turmoil and terrorism around the globe, the Year of the Veteran struck a chord with Canadians. It resounded across the land in 2005, evoking an appreciation of Canada’s […]
Articles by Author
Memoirs & Pilgrimages
With The Greatest Gratitude
Did you see the coverage on CBC television on May 8, 2005? Did you watch the National Liberation Parade in Apeldoorn with about 250,000 Dutch citizens lining the parade route in pouring rain? Did you see the smiles and radiant faces of our returning veterans on parade? It was a reception quite unlike anything the veterans have received at home and it was obvious they revelled in the affection.
My visit to the Netherlands for 10 days of events marking the 60th anniversary […]
July 1, 2005, by Mac Johnston
Memoirs & Pilgrimages
Study Time In Italy
photos by Mac Johnston
It is a world far removed in time and place from the Canadian consciousness. The setting is both medieval and Mediterranean. Though hilltop towns have dominated the landscape for centuries, newer construction blends […]
September 1, 2003, by Mac Johnston
Uncategorized
Pilgrimage To The Pyrénées
In an isolated spot high in the French Pyrénées, a group of 30-odd pilgrims from Chatham, Ont., gathered in July to honour one of their own lost in WW II.
To pull back the shroud of time that has enveloped Pilot Officer Leslie Arthur Peers, J85070, Royal Canadian Air Force, we begin by examining excerpts from the 1944 operations log of 624 Squadron, Royal Air Force, in which he flew Halifax bombers from Blida, Algeria:
“5/6 June, Duty Proust (France); Up 2225, Down 0529; Not successful–no visibility, 10/10th cloud over target.”
“7/8 June, Duty Nickels (France); Up 2200, Down 0505; Nickels dropped on […]
November 1, 1999, by Mac Johnston
Uncategorized
Shrines Of Remembrance
Vimy Ridge. Beaumont Hamel.
For the two dominions of Canada and Newfoundland, these were the two most significant battles and battle sites of WW I. Since the joining of the two dominions under the banner of Canada in 1949, Vimy and Beaumont Hamel have remained prominent among the 13 battlefield memorials in France and Belgium commemorating the exploits of Canadians and Newfoundlanders in WW I.
In April 1997, Canada gave equal and unique distinction to Vimy and Beaumont Hamel with the announcement that the two sites in northern France had been designated national historic sites, the first such sites outside the country […]
January 1, 1998, by Mac Johnston
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Books And Publications
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Military Memorabilia
WANTED: POCKET & WRIST WATCHES— Any condition: Military, Rolex, Railroad, Omega, Patek any old watches. Call or email Kevin. Toll-free 1-877-765-3999 or kevin@harmonyjewellers.ca.
MASYA HOLDINGS – CANADA’S CHOICE FOR MILITARY HISTORY DVDs— Specializing in military history DVDs, we carry a large inventory of titles in stock. View our catalogue on-line, www.masya.ca.
Miscellaneous
ATTENTION: ALBERTANS ACROSS THE COUNTRY— Do you have any old military books laying around the house? Why not think of donating them to The Military Museums. Located in Calgary, The Military Museums is Canada's second largest tri-service military museum. The Military Museums Library and Archives has recently expanded its facility and is building up its military book collection for use by present and future generations. If you or your loved ones have military books please consider donating them to the Museum. The Archives are also interested in preserving personal histories of Canadians. We would greatly welcome diaries, letters, photographs, scrapbooks, as well as personal remembrances in non-paper form -- such as tapes, home-videos, films and negatives, or digital media -- in order that following generations may learn what Canadians experienced. If you would like to contribute, please contact John Wright at The Military Museums Library and Archives, 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2T 5J4, 403-974-2831, jpwright@ucalgary.ca.
Travel
CANADIANS AT WAR–WW I & WW II BATTLE TOUR— May 28 – June 10, 2009. Hosted by The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association. Relive the triumphs and tragedies of our brave Canadian soldiers during the great wars of the 20th century. Visit Ypres, Passchendaele, Beaumont Hamel, site of Battle of the Somme and Vimy Ridge, the scene of Canada’s greatest victory. Tour the beaches at Dieppe and Juno, finishing with a visit to Paris. Contact Ellison Tours 1-800-265-7022, vacations@ettravel.com.
