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In Germany I fed on grass and rats. I would prefer going back to eating grass than give up the freedom for which I fought so hard and suffered so much.” This outburst, voiced by a First World War veteran in Western... -
Meticulously colourized images kindle a renewed appreciation of the burdens carried by homecoming soldiers Winning wars lets countries tidy up some national stories, but losing wars often worsens domestic divisions. Winning certainly makes history appear neater: in the First World War, Canadians fought against tyranny... -
Fort McMurray rebuilds after a devastating forest fire that caused the largest evacuation in Alberta history Two years after the devastating wildfire that forced 88,000 residents of Fort McMurray, Alta., to flee their homes, the city has made great progress in its recovery. Along... -
As Canada rushed to find instructors and aircrew for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, many Americans flocked north. It was 1941 and Britain and the Allies were losing the war. German Panzers were sweeping across Russia and there seemed to be little to... -
What was it like to be conscripted during the First World War? In 1910, William Joseph Rowntree dropped out of school to work full time on his father’s mixed farm near Weston, Ont. So when Ottawa issued its Proclamation Calling Out Class 1 on Oct. 12,... -
Fifty years ago, the Ottawa River claimed the lives of seven paratroopers on a routine jump Every May, retired paratroopers, family and friends gather for a small ceremony in Petawawa, Ont., to remember those who died in the worst parachute accident in the history of...
They were prepared
The mottos of all factions of the Boy Scout and Girl Guide movements include pledges to help others. Wartime records show that contributions of the young members more than lived up to their mottos “Lend a Hand,” “Do a Good Turn Daily” and “Be Prepared.” In September 1943, 11-year-old Donald Penrose, a Wolf Cub...
