Customer Reviews

The Canadian Army at War (Men at Arms Series, 164)

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A 1996 reprint of the 1985 volume, this book provides a complete overview of the Canadian Army from its involvement in the South African War in 1900 where they won 4 VC's, to the massive mobilisation for its committment to the battles of attrition of World War One at Ypres, the Somme and Passschendaele, and on into World War Two. Their campaigns in the Pacific, at Dieppe, the Mediterranean and North-West Europe are well covered, and also UN involvement post-war.

Another beautifully illustrated and well-researched book from Mike Chappell. It ranks equal with his other titles in the Osprey range on Battle Insignia, Battledress, and British Infantry Equipments.

A very good introduction to the Canadian Army in World War Two. Chappell's artwork stands the test of time; only big gaffe is the mis-spelling of "Winnipeg" on the RWR shoulder title in the colour plates!! Also the use of the Boot, High Top would have been more appropriate for a "D-Day" figure. Otherwise, these plates are actually, in my opinion, superior to more recent work by Chappell and absolutely on a par with Volstad.

Meat of the text is adequate; not much attention paid to post-1945 and very incomplete with regards to Unification and the new CF uniform - a complex subject in itself, just unravelling the Corporal/Master Corporal rank badges from the 1970 period will drive a serious researcher to drink! In fact, Post 1953 gets exactly one paragraph, and a closing sentence. If you are interested in post Korea, you won't find a single thing of use here - time for Osprey to put out a new title!

But as far as a sketch history of the Canadian Army in South Africa, World War One and World War Two, not a bad start at all. World War Two buffs are pointed to the other MAA title CANADIAN FORCES IN WORLD WAR TWO for a much better treatment. There is probably no better World War One primer. Equipment buffs are better off with several other titles including Tangled Web by Summers and '37 Web by Ed Storey.

No real sidebar articles to speak of, no description of rank insignia or command structures, no description of organization.

WW II uniform buffs are pointed to Bouchery, or my own books DRESSED TO KILL and CANUCK.