Tales my grandfather told me: Memories of memories of the Somme
Story by Stephen J. Thorne
It’s been more than a century and still the words ‘The Somme’ resonate with Canadians who grew up with a grumpy old granddad or family lore surrounding a strapping young man who fought in one of history’s most notorious conflicts.
About 100,000 Canadians did battle at the Somme—four divisions’ worth, plus a regiment from the Dominion of Newfoundland. For many a KIA or wizened old war veteran, it was their last, if not only, fight of the First World War.
In May 2007, on the green and peaceful banks of the Una River in Bihac, Bosnia-Herzegovina, a memorial was dedicated to members of the Canadian Armed Forces who served and died in the wars that followed the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia in 1991.
“The men and women of the Canadian Forces have left a very positive impression of Canada upon the people of Bihac,” said Mayor Hamdija Lipovača. “It is fitting then that this park dedication serves as a lasting memory of Canada’s devotion to helping the people of Bihac return to a peaceful way of life,” he added.
The Battle of the Atlantic was Canada’s longest campaign of the Second World War from September 3, 1939 to May 8, 1945. Legion Magazine and Canada’s Ultimate Story present Military Moments | Battle of the Atlantic. Narrated by Canadian musician and artist Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea, the video takes us back hours after Britain declared war on Germany on Sept. 3, 1939, when the German submarine U-30 sank the ocean liner SS Athenia.
The Battle of the Atlantic raged for 68 months. Germany’s objective was to starve Britain into submission by cutting shipping supply lines. The Allies responded with escorted oceanic convoys and the Royal Canadian Navy played a critical role, protecting convoys from the Caribbean to the United Kingdom. By 1944, Canada had proven itself as one of the world’s best U-boat hunters.
Narrated by Alan Doyle
Directed & Edited by Adam Tindal
Written by Don Gillmor
Graphics & Animation by Julia Paddick, Sophie Jalbert
Produced by Jason Duprau, Jennifer McGill, Eric Harris
Executive Producer Jennifer Morse
Music from Pond5
“Nearer my god to thee”Composed by Norm Hastings
“Song of the sea / Ethereal Eb Drone“ Composed by Raw Materials
“Epic Drums” Composed by Steve Raphael
Recorded by Skinners Hill Music Ltd. St. John’s, NL
*Special thanks to Louis Thomas
It seems like yesterday when the Canadian military last unveiled a new camouflage pattern uniform. Their pixelated look, known as the Canadian Disruptive Pattern, or CADPAT, was computer-designed to reduce the likelihood of detection by night-vision equipment as well as the naked eye.
On April 28, 1891, Canadian Pacific’s Royal Mail Ship Empress of India completed its maiden voyage. It had sailed from Liverpool, across the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal, across the Indian and Pacific oceans, and arrived in Vancouver.
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Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 