This volume tells the story of the participation of the Canadians in one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War, The Somme. In August 1916 the Canadians, now 60,000 strong were ordered to take their part in the Somme Offensive. Losses in the Battle had already exceeded 150,000 and more men were needed to feed the guns, now it was the Canadians turn. In a series of brutal assaults, in September-October 1916 they slowly pushed their line forward against uncut wire, massive gunfire and a tenacious German defense. In the end 25,000 Canadians were killed or wounded. It was a sobering experience that brought the Canadians an opportunity to evaluate the failings of the Campaign, and put the Lessons Learned in practice in the next big fight, Vimy Ridge. Asides include: The Odds, Execution by Firing Squad and The Make-Up of an Army.

by Norm Christie