Maple Leaf Against the Axis: Canada's Second World War [Hardcover]

David J. Bercuson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1995

Maple Leaf Against the Axis is a compelling recounting of the Second World War and the Canadians who fought it. Here, in all its passion and drama, is the story of how the Canadian army, navy and air force fought in battles ranging from Hong Kong to the Rhine River crossing. David Bercuson, one of Canada's preeminent military historians, covers the war on the ground, the naval war in the North Atlantic and elsewhere, and the air war-both the bomber offensive and the story of those Canadians who flew everything from Canso reconnaissance aircraft in the Indian Ocean to Typhoon fighter bombers with the Second Tactical Air Force in Europe. And he does it through recounting the stories of the men and women who were there and played a significant role in the Allied victory.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 316 pages
• Publisher: Stoddart; First Edition edition (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773728619
• ISBN-13: 978-0773728615
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,924,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a comprehensive look at Canada's role in WW II, September 2, 1998

By 

Greg Patenaude ([e-mail]) (British Colombia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maple Leaf Against the Axis: Canada's Second World War (Hardcover)

For anyone who ever wondered what role Canadians had in WW II, Maple Leaf against the Axis is a comprehensive and enjoyable read. Although Bercuson doesn't go into great detail describing key battles he gives you an overview of the Canadian contributions in WW II. He describes the mental and military conditions of the Canadian Army before and during the war. It is an easy and unbiased read; Bercuson is not shy to point out the inadequacies and problems with the Canadian army. In conclusion, Bercuson is able to describe what the allies truly accomplished..."the sheer determination of mortal men who pitted flesh against steel and concrete, and finally prevailed"

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good survey of Canada's contribution, June 5, 2000

By 

Craig MACKINNON (Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maple Leaf Against the Axis (Paperback)

Canada's contribution to the Allied war effort in WWII is often overlooked, especially when considering army and air campaigns. Indeed, a good many Canadians served in the British military instead of the Canadian (especially the RAF), and they get lost in the shuffle. Contrasted against that, however, is the fact that the Canadian army had a D-Day beach to itself (Juno), and this army played a major role in the continental campaign that followed (just ask the Dutch and Belgians), not to mention the previous battles in Italy. This book helps to fill the gap in nicely, if in less detail than I would have liked. It is obvious that Bercusen has studied his material. The addition of some photos was a nice touch. Recommended for anyone with an interest in Canada's contribution in the "last great war." I look forward to reading his offering on Canada's effort in the Korean War (Blood on the Hills).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Patriotic yet pragmatic, April 24, 2006

By 

I. C. Rogers (P.R. China) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maple Leaf Against the Axis (Paperback)

Bercuson draws a fine line between being overly patriotic about the actions of Canadian forces during the Second World War and giving a realistic and factual overview of the actions of the Army, Navy, Air Force and political forces behind them. Bercuson certainly has a way with words; as a former student of his to this I can attest. Although not a piece to be looked upon for research material in an upper level history course, it offers young history students and anyone interested in the topic a detailed, provocative perspective of the somewhat forgotten history of Canada during WW2.

<Although take note that Canada didn't actually use the Maple Leaf as a flag during this time - Canadians were sailing under the Union Jack - the title can be construed as a misnomer.>