Canada's Military History 2.0

This image captures the moment when L/Cpl. William Alexander McLean (426144) of the 10th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, moved forward and received the Distinguished Conduct Medal from Lieutenant‑General Sir Edwin Alderson in early August 1916. The two men face one another in an open field near Locre, the soldier rigid with discipline, Alderson leaning in slightly as he fastens the ribbon to the soldier’s tunic. Both can be seen wearing the heavy, practical uniforms of 1916 — puttees wrapped tightly around their legs, tunics squared, steel helmets put aside for the ceremony — while the soldier’s expression, though somewhat obscured, did manage to exude a mixture of pride, exhaustion, and solemnity typical of those brave men decorated in wartime. Behind them, soldiers stand at attention, their formation creating a quiet frame of witness to the moment. The site chosen for the ceremony added depth to this momentous scene. Locre (Loker), a small Flemish village west of Kemmel Hill...

Sniping instruction. June, 1916. #CanadianSnipers https://amzn.to/4e47uhI

Image: Canadian soldiers carrying a wounded comrade on the Somme front. November, 1916. The Canadian Corps was engaged in holding and consolidating a long, battered section of the Somme front, recovering from the catastrophic fighting of September–October. The Canadian Corps was positioned on the Somme in France, specifically around Courcelette, Regina Trench, Desire Trench, Pys, and Grandcourt. This was the northern sector of the Somme battlefield, just north of the Albert–Bapaume road. By November 1916, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Canadian Divisions had been fighting almost continuously since September 15 (Battle of Courcelette). They had captured Courcelette, Regina Trench, and parts of Desire Trench. Casualties had been extremely high. The Canadian Corps was exhausted and largely static, holding trenches and conducting small raids, and preparing for winter. This was a period of static warfare, not major offensives. #SommeFront https://amzn.to/4nMnHvf    Your...

A Canadian soldier, too unwell to travel, is prepared for transportation to a hospital in England, from a staging area behind the lines. October, 1916. #WesternFront https://amzn.to/4fCa3Zt Your assistance helps us to grow bigger and better. We have plans for a long-form essay series, as well as a publishing program that will astound and teach those who appreciate Canada's Military History, and we can only achieve this with your support. We welcome you aboard!!! You may support us at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CanadasMilitaryHistory

A horse killed by a direct hit during the Battle of Courcellette. September 15-22, 1916 #BattleofCourcellette https://amzn.to/4e0HWBX    Your assistance helps us to grow bigger and better. We have plans for a long-form essay series, as well as a publishing program that will astound and teach those who appreciate Canada's Military History, and we can only achieve this with your support. We welcome you aboard!!! You may support us at:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CanadasMilitaryHistory

War battered heroes. These “walking wounded” Canadian soldiers from multiple battalions, are seen with some captured pieces of enemy equipment, while others have field medical cards attached to their uniforms. France, October 1916. #CanadianSoldiers https://amzn.to/42U8D55   If you enjoy my content, consider a donation at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CanadasMilitaryHistory

Capt. P.F. Fleming, of the 60th Battalion, is seen in an advanced post on Hill 60, in the Ypres Salient in August, 1916. #60thBattalionHill60 https://amzn.to/4faMirv

A scene from a front line Canadian trench on Hill 60 in the Ypres Salient in August 1916. We can see a Canadian soldier of the 60th Battalion, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. In the background is a Canadian soldier lying in a space dug into the trench wall. #60thBattalionHill60 https://amzn.to/4nJssFL Your financial support is essential to our continued ability to bring you engaging historical stories. You may support us at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CanadasMilitaryHistory