LEICA CAMERA AG

The Leica Freedom Train

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

Adolf Hitler had no sooner come to power in 1933—appointed after a series of Nazi Party electoral victories, no less—than Ernst Leitz II acted.

The German industrialist, whose father revolutionized photography with his iconic 35mm Leica rangefinder camera, and daughter Elsie Kuehn-Leitz started covertly “transferring” the firm’s Jewish workers to far-flung Leitz company offices in France, Britain, Hong Kong, the United States—anywhere but Germany, where hostility and persecution of Jews had been simmering for more than a decade.

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Korea: The war without end

Explore the Unforgettable: Canada’s Role in the Korean War In this video narrated by Chris Jericho, we delve into the remarkable story of how Canada answered the call for peace and played a pivotal role in the Korean War. Discover the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of Canadian soldiers as they joined the international effort to defend democracy and uphold global stability. Join us as we honor the valiant contributions of Canadian forces and commemorate their legacy that continues to inspire generations.

MASTER CORPORAL PHIL TOBICOE/PPCLI ARCHIVES/20.39.06

Fighting Medak monsters

STORY BY PAIGE JASMINE GILMAR

Something seemed off about the Croatians biding for more time. Bombs bursting behind them, the Croats claimed their forces were exploding old mines.

But as the sounds of rifle fire mixed with the rising smoke from the villages beyond the roadblock, the Canadians imagined what this meant: the Croats were killing Serbs in the communities.

It was Sept. 16, 1993, and the hot midday sun beat down on Sergeant Sjirk Ruurds (Rudy) Bajema’s 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI). During the Yugoslav Wars, a 1991-2001 conflict between the six former republics of Yugoslavia, the battalion had been tasked with securing Medak Pocket, a farming region off the Adriatic coast. Later known as Operation Medak Pocket, the mission was the most-significant combat Canadian forces had participated in since the Korean War. Its importance remains 30 years later.

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