Canadian War History Tours

15/07/2025

"...the city of Denain (FR) contained 28,000 inhabitants who welcomed the Canadians with wild enthusiasm and gratitude on being liberated after four years in the hands of the Bosche. The troops were crowned with flowers and refreshments forced upon them by citizens already feeling the pangs of hunger."

"A service of Thanksgiving was held in the cathedral at which as many as could get inside were present. High mass was celebrated, and after that the chief ecclesiastical dignitary delivered an address in which Providence was thanked for Britain's help, and the Canadian Corps was hailed as the Lord's special instrument for their liberation."
- Major General Sir Edward Morrison in his memoir: Morrison: "The Long-Lost Memoir of Canada's Artillery Commander in the Great War."

First photo is unedited from Major General Sir David Watson's personal photo album in front of the church in Denain, France on October 23rd, 1918. Left to right: Lieutenant General Arthur Currie GOC Canadian Corps, the Prince of Wales, Major General Edward Morrison GOC Canadian Artillery, Major General David Watson commanding the Canadian 4th Division.

The second photo is of myself in Denain, France in 2017. I always find it such a thrill to walk, or stand in the footsteps of history.

13/07/2025

"Dominion Day was celebrated in France (1918) by the holding of sports and competitions at which over forty thousand troops , representing nearly all the British armies, were present. It was one of the largest events of its kind ever held." - Major General Sir Edward Morrison from the book "Morrison: The Long-Lost Memoir of Canada's Artillery Commander in the Great War."

On July 1, 1918, here is Morrison centre row right with arms folded, watching the events. I don't know who the man in the fedora is, but the man to the left with his cap cocked is Major General David Watson.

The second photo is Lt.Gen Arthur Currie getting a medal from a Belgian General, possibly the Belgian Croix de Guerre awarded him on March 11, 1918. Notice Morrison at the far right of the men standing. His ADC, Herbert Fripp is second from left of the men standing. It was from one of Fripp's grandsons that I got hold of the manuscript. While we were having lunch at their home in Ottawa, Shaun Fripp nonchalantly said, "Oh, I have a typewritten memoir of Morrison's in a box in the closet. Would you like to see it?" Would I what?!!

12/07/2025

I'm reading my own book right now as I research a new book I'm working on, and I have to say, It's really good! Ha ha I didn't write it, but I edited it and got it published. I did have to retype the author's 300 page typewritten-on-velum, memoir, which, for a non-typist was a serious grind. So, I've read bits of it. Also it's hard to read something while you're typing it. Anyway...what a great read it is. I should say it also has many excellent reviews.

Major-General Sir Edward Morrison was in the Great War from the absolute beginning at Valcartier, Quebec, through every battle the Canadians were in, until demobilisation and occupation. He commanded Artillery starting with the 1st Canadian Field Artillery Brigade in the Battle of 2nd Ypres, (with his 2IC Major John McCrae,) until mid December 1916 when he became the General Officer Commanding all the Canadian Artillery until the end of the war.

The book is detailed, fascinating and funny. Throughout, Morrison expresses the upmost appreciation and respect for all troops from the Pioneers, the Engineers, the Infantry, to the Stretcher Bearers, and of course the Gunners. He had a special attachment to the Ypres Salient.

"In the years to come, when the last of the veterans are telling tales of the things that happened in the Great World War, the three battles of Wipers will be most vivid in their memory."

On preparations for the 3rd Ypres or the Battle of Passchendaele: "Our front was about 3000 yards, extending from the Ypres-Roulers Railway on the south, to Wallemolen on the north." Interesting to see many of these place names. If any of you have stayed at Varlet Farm B & B near Poelcapelle - I've been staying there since 2006, it is IN the little village of Wallemolen.

"Let no secrets be kept. The Canadians took Passchendaele but Canada's sons paid for every inch of ground gained, a price more terrible than the human tongue can tell."

At the end of the Battle of Hill 70 August 15 - 25, 1917, Morrison was reprimanded for the amount of shells he'd gone through. A British staff officer turned up at his HQ and said, "General Morrison, do you know that the Army Commander is appalled at the amount of ammunition you have used today?" Morrison famously replied, "So are the Germans."

Victorious, Lt.General Currie riding "Brock" and MGen Morrison ride their horses over the Rhine, Morrison at right on his horse, King. Both of these men brought their horses home to Canada.

This is my own copy so it's a bit beat up.

04/07/2025

Any of you who stayed at Toc H might remember the special Talbot House Ambassador, Benja the Cat. Sadly Benja has passed away. We will miss him. ❤️

𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒂
Sadly our beloved Talbot House Cat Benja has passed away last night. He had a great day yesterday. He played with Warden Liam and had a nap at the front desk. In the evening, lots of the old friends gathered here for a drink with warden Gerald. They found Benja in the Upper Room for a final chat with Tubby. He joined the party for cuddles, watched coronation street with Liam and walked off into the night...

The passing of a legend. Benja was 13 years old and didn't like the heat earlier this week. He was buried this morning in his playground, the garden. Some of the team and volunteers had a moment together to say goodbye. We'll miss him dearly. We hope to put up a memorial stone later this year.

Thank you Benja for brightening up our days.

03/07/2025

Very special place and event. Just a spectacular, and beloved monument. Almost 6000 Canadian names of those with no known graves are named and honoured here. We Remember them. 🍁🌺🍁

Tonight, the Last Post Ieper has been going for 97 years. We take our hats of to our dear friends from the LPA for their dedication, steadfastness and commitment to the missing Talbotousians in the Ypres Salient today.

Did you know there are close ties between our two organisations?
✅Tubby Clayton blessed the Menin Gate at its unveiling
✅Two of our board members are founding members of the LPA
✅Monthly, in the inter-war years, a Toc H Lamp was lit during the Ceremony
✅All of the LPA volunteers have been offered free membership to the Talbotousians in recognition of their efforts.
✅In our photo exhibition ' ', you get a fantastic overview of the ceremony throughout the years.

Well done friends, tonight we toast you.
May you continue for evermore.

photo by Eric Compernolle BEM

01/07/2025

July 1, 1915
"Dom day (Dominion Day) in which we had sports and the beach: cricket, football, tennis and a swim. The beach is beautifully smooth and 5 miles long."
- Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Canadian "In Flanders Fields" poet/soldier/physician somewhere in France on this day, 110 years ago.

There's no doubt he was still recovering on this day from two battles: the 2nd Battle of Ypres and Festubert/Givenchy.

06/06/2025

On this day in 1944 at Bernieres-sur- Mer. . Remember them.

Filmed from a fixed camera on an assault landing craft (LCA), this footage shows men from A Company, the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, landing on NAN...

17/05/2025

❤️

“The last crew member”...
A powerful picture ❤️
RAF WW2 Avro Lancaster and crew...

12/05/2025

Wow, ten years ago! A few days earlier than now. We were over in 2015 for the 100th of 2nd Ypres and the writing of poem, In Flanders Fields. Someone had discovered this monster in Sanctuary Wood and placed it here for the DOVO, (Belgium bomb disposal unit) to pick up. This was just before the cemetery on the road to the Canadian Hill 62 Memorial.

24/04/2025

Militaria people, please watch out for these and call police! Please SHARE!

10/04/2025

How cool is this??

Dutch team SC Cambuur presented their new shirt, honouring the Royal Canadian Dragoons, who liberated Leeuwarden 80 years ago.

07/03/2025

An extra - if you take one of my tours you can opt for a detailed photojournal after. In this case a 46 page photojournal of the tour, three great uncles who fell in the Great War, where they went and what happened to them. I tell their stories with maps, archival records and photos, and photos of the tour itself. It's a precious keepsake.