Canada's Military History 2.0

    John Shiwak: A Hero's Journey from Labrador to the Battlefields of World War I Canada's Military History 2.0 February 6, 2026 ∙   Image: Lance Corporal John Shiwak during the First World War.   John Shiwak was born in 1889 in Cul-de-Sac, a small settlement near Rigolet, Labrador. Growing up in the harsh northern wilderness, Shiwak learned to hunt, fish, and trap from a young age. His skills as a hunter and trapper would later serve him well on the battlefields of Europe. Shiwak's life took a dramatic turn when he joined the Royal Newfoundland Regiment on July 24, 1915, driven to see the world and serve his country. At the time, he stood only five feet, five inches tall and weighed 132 pounds. William Lacey Amy, a writer and journalist, played a significant part in documenting and shaping the public's understanding of John Shiwak's life. Amy first met Shiwak in 1911 during a trip from St. John's to Rigolet, Labrador. The two became fast friends, and Shiwak...

A view of Miramichi, a French settlement in the Gulf of St. Laurence, which was destroyed by order of Brigadier James Murray in 1760 during the latter part of the French & Indian War. Murray, who at this time was commanding at Quebec after General Wolfe’s death, had ordered a detachment of troops to destroy French posts along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, including Miramichi. This artwork, a line engraving and etching on laid paper, was created in 1768 by Hervey Smyth, 1734-1811, and engraved in London, England, by Paul Sandby, 1731-1809. The Image was "retouched" by P. Benazech. #DestructionofMiramichi https://amzn.to/3MoqtIR Your financial support is essential to our continued ability to bring you engaging historical stories. You may support us at this address: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CanadasMilitaryHistory #FrenchandIndianWar; #DestructionofMiramichi1760; #BrigadierJamesMurray; #War; #EighteenthCenturyWarfare; #Acadia; #Acadians; #Britishsoldiers