Dictionary of Canadian Military History

For all but a few specialists, Canada's military history has been a largely unexplored terrain. Most Canadians have heard of the victory at Vimy Ridge in 1917, they may know about the Royal Canadian Air Force's role in Woarld War II, and they will recollect that Canada has troops scattered around the world on United Nations peacekeeping operations. But until now there was no single volume where a reader could find the essential information on all of Canada's battles and campaigns from the French-Iroquois wars of the 17th century to the UN peacekeeping operation in Croatia and Yugoslavia. Who fought and why? What were the main weapons involved?This book, written by two of Canada's leading historians, provides the answers in succinct, clear form. Here are sketches of the military leaders, the Chiefs of Naval, Air, and General Staff; here are all of the key politicians who have been involved in Canadian military matters, the prime ministers, defence ministers, and veterans affairs ministers; here are the winners of the Victoria Cross (and an explanation of that great mark of courage and the other decorations Canadians have won); and here are the forts, bases, regiments, aircraft, and ships that have made their mark on Canada and Canadians. With over 1,500 entries, the Dictionary of Canadian Military History is the essential, thorough, and easy-to-use guide to Canada's military past and present.