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St. John's and the Battle of the Atlantic
During World War II St. John’s, Newfoundland played a critical role in the fight against Nazi Germany.
Seamen from all over the world sailed to and from the old seaport, chosen for duty because it was closest to Europe and because its people knew both the peril and glory of the North Atlantic. In his introduction to this absorbing collection of stories, Bill Rompkey examines the city’s service to one of the most famous battles in military history and the effect it had on the people of St. John’s. The stories that follow provide an insider’s look at life in Newfoundland during this challenging time.
#4 on the Globe and Mail (Canadian Non-Fiction Military History) Bestseller List (June 26, 2010)
Seamen from all over the world sailed to and from the old seaport, chosen for duty because it was closest to Europe and because its people knew both the peril and glory of the North Atlantic. In his introduction to this absorbing collection of stories, Bill Rompkey examines the city’s service to one of the most famous battles in military history and the effect it had on the people of St. John’s. The stories that follow provide an insider’s look at life in Newfoundland during this challenging time.
#4 on the Globe and Mail (Canadian Non-Fiction Military History) Bestseller List (June 26, 2010)
266 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 17, 2018
My father spent time during WWII in Newfoundland. It's not easy to find information about US troops stationed up there in the early days of the war, and I found this book in a used bookstore in Nova Scotia. A book of essays (with some photographs), it does provide glimpses into what Newfoundland and its people were experiencing during these times. For those deeply interested in military history, this will not provide the depth of information that they wish although it does illuminate some of the more spectacular incidents. Very readable, this non-academic work is worth the read for anyone wanting an overview of life in Newfoundland during the early WWII years.
February 11, 2024
Great story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things during extraordinary times!
May 9, 2012
"The selections in this book are varied and all are interesting . . ." -- The Chronicle Herald
"[St. John's and the Battle of the Atlantic] is an enlightening, varied and thorough look at a brief period in the history of St. John's, a period that changed the fate of St. John's and of Newfoundland and Labrador forever." -- Newfoundland Quarterly
"Rompkey retells the well-known story, hitting the high spots in popular, readable style." -- The Compass
"A compelling read, and the 60 black & white archival photographs just add to the appeal . . ." -- Maritime Engineering Journal
"[St. John's and the Battle of the Atlantic] is an enlightening, varied and thorough look at a brief period in the history of St. John's, a period that changed the fate of St. John's and of Newfoundland and Labrador forever." -- Newfoundland Quarterly
"Rompkey retells the well-known story, hitting the high spots in popular, readable style." -- The Compass
"A compelling read, and the 60 black & white archival photographs just add to the appeal . . ." -- Maritime Engineering Journal
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews