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A Nation Forged in Fire : Canadians and the Second World War 1939-1945
In words and pictures, an examination and description of Canada's role in World War Two.
- GenresNonfictionWar
287 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 1989
About the author
J.L. Granatstein
77 books19 followersJack Lawrence Granatstein is a Canadian historian who specializes in Canadian political and military history. Granatstein received a graduation diploma from Royal Military College Saint-Jean in 1959, his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1961, his Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 1962, and his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Duke University in 1966.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 16, 2025
Concise and comprehensive.
J.L Granatstein and Desmond Morton—two reputable Canadian military historians—sure know how to write about Canada's military, as seen in their work 'A Nation Forged in Fire: Canadians and the Second World War, 1939–1945.'
Using largely unseen photography for the time, quotes from individuals, and analysis of specific maneuvers of Allied and Axis units, the two authors wrote a detailed history of Canada in the bloodiest war in human history. If I had two criticisms, it would be choice of words (using the phrase 'Nazi lines' instead of 'German lines' simply) and a little too much rhetoric on the war at times.
In conclusion, a solid book on the topic. I recommend it to everyone interested in WWII and Canada in the conflict.
J.L Granatstein and Desmond Morton—two reputable Canadian military historians—sure know how to write about Canada's military, as seen in their work 'A Nation Forged in Fire: Canadians and the Second World War, 1939–1945.'
Using largely unseen photography for the time, quotes from individuals, and analysis of specific maneuvers of Allied and Axis units, the two authors wrote a detailed history of Canada in the bloodiest war in human history. If I had two criticisms, it would be choice of words (using the phrase 'Nazi lines' instead of 'German lines' simply) and a little too much rhetoric on the war at times.
In conclusion, a solid book on the topic. I recommend it to everyone interested in WWII and Canada in the conflict.
December 9, 2024
This book was written in 1989 as the second of a two-book series covering Canada in the two World Wars, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. I have not yet read the first. Granatstein was a professor of history and wrote several books on the same topics. Morton was a college principal who also wrote books on Canadian history in the same era. I read the book in 2024.
Being only 268 pages this book covers the material at a relatively high level. This is true especially with the non-battle topics. These topics were covered in enough detail to be understood, while explaining the necessity, challenge, or political cost. This material is often bypassed or covered in paragraphs instead of pages. Canada’s relationship with its two most important allies, the United Kingdom and United States were handled with the care they deserved. Canada became much more important to Britain than ever before, providing food, trained airmen, arms and ammunition, troops and money. Also, the United States became far more important to Canada. The US provided shared strategic defense agreements, specifically shared submarine defense, sold certain military equipment, and built the Alaska highway.
Granatstein, and Desmond also discussed certain specific military actions at the tactical level. Hong Kong and Dieppe were the earliest battles discussed. The British certainly had a role. persuading Canada to send troops to Hong Kong. The British either believed that Hong Kong was defendable, or their senior commanders were not up to the task. Dieppe might have been well planned; however, the crucial need to capture a German naval Enigma and improve convoy defenses was the real objective. Enigma knowledge remained secret when this book was published. Enigma information did not become available before 2001. Tactical information on the defense of the convoys, the bomber war, and Battle of Britain is included.
Tactical information covered Sicily and Italy, including Ortona. It also provided information on how the senior generals and politicians made important decisions. North-west Europe battles were described including D-Day, Falaise Gap, Battle of the Scheldt and into Germany. By this time, the 1st Canadian Army included five Divisions and two Battalions in two Corps; the most powerful ever fielded by Canada. That Army also included Poland, French British and occasionally US units, all with the usual Army and Corps support troops.
This book was a pleasure to read. It provided a good balance of strategic and tactical material with very little military lexicon; the text was very straight forward. There were well printed maps and battle diagrams adding to the clarity. Obviously, it will be of more interest to Canadians and readers interested in Canada’s participation in the war. It could also be of interest for readers looking for information on how United Kingdom or United States units worked with Canada on their own major or minor battles. Four 1/2 Stars
Being only 268 pages this book covers the material at a relatively high level. This is true especially with the non-battle topics. These topics were covered in enough detail to be understood, while explaining the necessity, challenge, or political cost. This material is often bypassed or covered in paragraphs instead of pages. Canada’s relationship with its two most important allies, the United Kingdom and United States were handled with the care they deserved. Canada became much more important to Britain than ever before, providing food, trained airmen, arms and ammunition, troops and money. Also, the United States became far more important to Canada. The US provided shared strategic defense agreements, specifically shared submarine defense, sold certain military equipment, and built the Alaska highway.
Granatstein, and Desmond also discussed certain specific military actions at the tactical level. Hong Kong and Dieppe were the earliest battles discussed. The British certainly had a role. persuading Canada to send troops to Hong Kong. The British either believed that Hong Kong was defendable, or their senior commanders were not up to the task. Dieppe might have been well planned; however, the crucial need to capture a German naval Enigma and improve convoy defenses was the real objective. Enigma knowledge remained secret when this book was published. Enigma information did not become available before 2001. Tactical information on the defense of the convoys, the bomber war, and Battle of Britain is included.
Tactical information covered Sicily and Italy, including Ortona. It also provided information on how the senior generals and politicians made important decisions. North-west Europe battles were described including D-Day, Falaise Gap, Battle of the Scheldt and into Germany. By this time, the 1st Canadian Army included five Divisions and two Battalions in two Corps; the most powerful ever fielded by Canada. That Army also included Poland, French British and occasionally US units, all with the usual Army and Corps support troops.
This book was a pleasure to read. It provided a good balance of strategic and tactical material with very little military lexicon; the text was very straight forward. There were well printed maps and battle diagrams adding to the clarity. Obviously, it will be of more interest to Canadians and readers interested in Canada’s participation in the war. It could also be of interest for readers looking for information on how United Kingdom or United States units worked with Canada on their own major or minor battles. Four 1/2 Stars
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews