Battlefields Dispatches

Save Canadian history, buy a book — Great DVD deals too

REMEMBER ANZAC DAY!

THE COMMISSION HEADSTONE (CH); BROAD CROSS OR LATIN CROSS?

There are two basic layouts for the CH in Europe. Most CH are quarried Portland or Hopton Wood stone. There is the Broad Cross layout on which the Cross is the length of the stone with room for Names, Regimental, Date of Death details at the top and a PI at the bottom (except for New Zealanders). The Cap Badge is engraved at the Crux. The Broad Cross layout was an aesthetic choice, but could not be used for Special CH layouts. The Latin Cross layout has the Badge at the top followed by Casualty details, then a small Latin Cross and then the PI. All special layouts only work with the Latin Cross layout. The Cross is removed and is replaced by a Star of David or other Religious emblem, or no cross if requested, or for the VC or GC in WWII or if multiole burials are commemorated on one stone. All Unknowns have Latin Cross layouts. On yes, the Cross varies in size. Check out in my Sacred Places books, the section called the Science of the Cemeteries. Very complex! Exceptions will be dealt with next month.

Never seen this before Vandalism at St Laurent-Blangy German Cemetery. Large Bronze Plaques bearing the Names of those buried in the Mass Grave were stolen by vandals. Really sick. Also Canadian Peacekeeper graves were also dug up in Gaza by IDF soldiers.

See some of our rare books here: McEwan Books

Last Chance: End of the line; many titles and DVDs in our store are down to only a few copies, and once gone we will not be reprinting. If you are short of a few guide books or classic memoirs, you need to order ASAP!

Battlefields / CEF Books, TV Shows and Documentaries

Norm Christie is the author of the For King & Empire book series and host of History Television’s critically acclaimed six part series, For King and Empire, For King And Country, and Battlefield Mysteries, including a two-hour History Television special on Canada’s Lost Battlefields, and another on the Secret Liberators, and the newly released Great War Tour.

First / Second World War TV Series DVDs

Order exclusive Norm Christie DVDs, including the television series Battlefield Mysteries, For King And Empire, and For King And Country

First and Second World War Books

Wide selection of Norm Christie titles, memoires and first-hand accounts of First and Second World War experiences by the people who were there.

First and Second World War Tours

Find out about opportunities available to you to tour the First and Second World War battlefields and other significant locations with Norm Christie

“In the Access to History series I’ve found battles and their consequences presented in brief, crisp narratives, supplemented by readable maps and apt quotes of participants, better than I once thought possible.”

 

Doug Fisher, Legion Magazine
Return to the Canadian battlefields of the First and Second World Wars, either in person or through the many DVDs and books, with renowned military historian Norm Christie as he travels to battlefields, monuments and cemeteries throughout Europe.

Interviews

Included in all of Norm Christie’s DVDs are interviews and personal accounts as seen by the Canadians who were there, and who remembered and documented their experiences.

Jim Moffet

427 Lancaster Bomber Squadron

Timmins, Ontario

Striking Back

Al Sirois

SOE Agent

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Secret Liberators
Have a history question? Send it to Norm!

Norm Christie

Military Historian

Norm spent six years with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in England (1990-1993) and in France (1993-1996), including three years as Chief Records Officer.

A metallurgical engineer by trade, Christie has combined his varied background and 20 years of research to produce a unique view into the First World War. Since 1996 he has written 17 books on the Canadian Military History experience in two World Wars.

Norm Christie will be attending or speaking at a number of events throughout the year and is always happy to answer questions on the history of Canadians in the two World Wars, and will also have a full range of books and DVDS available. Check to see if there are any military shows or events scheduled.

Read more about this campaign in media;

CBC
National Post
Calgary Sun
Leader Post

Other interesting news;
Solving the mystery of Rudyard Kipling’s son

The Great War Tour documentary trailer

1992 Jack Kipling Identification

The Jack Kipling identification has been getting a lot of coverage lately. It appears that after only 24 years, the doubters have conceded that the original report from 1992 was, in fact, correct. For those who don’t know, I wrote that report when Record Officer of the CWGC in Maidenhead, England. For YOUR EYES ONLY the report is in this email. It’s odd but I am not mentioned in any of these articles, and no one bothered to contact me (very odd). My feelings are very hurt. If you have any questions please contact me.

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Battlefield News