Canada officially stayed out of the Vietnam War, but that didn’t stop 30,000 to 40,000 Canadians from fighting in it. In this episode of Rum Ration, we uncover the stories of these forgotten fighters—some seeking adventure, others drafted while living in the U.S., and many serving in combat roles, from infantry to elite units like the Green Berets.

We highlight Peter C. Lemon, a Toronto-born Medal of Honor recipient who fought off hundreds of enemy soldiers despite being wounded. We also explore the unrecognized service of men like Daniel Cunningham, who enlisted in the U.S. Marines but returned home to no recognition.

Despite Canada’s neutrality, it supplied the U.S. with war materials while welcoming draft dodgers—playing both sides of history. With no official acknowledgment for these veterans, their stories remain largely untold. Join us as we raise a glass to their courage and sacrifice.

If you’re looking for more in-depth information, here are links to two excellent articles that will provide additional insight and perspective:

• Lost to history: the Canadians who fought in Vietnam, written by Chris Corday · CBC News
• The Canadian Way: The Case of Canadian Vietnam War Veterans, written by Ryan Goldsworthy in Canadian Military Journal, Issue 15, No

📬 Have Questions or Suggestions? Send us a message at [email protected].

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Cheers to history! 🥂

Did you know Canada once had a plan to invade the United States? On this episode of Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin dig into Defence Scheme No. 1, a bold (and slightly absurd) military strategy from the 1920s.

Designed as a hit-and-run attack, the plan involved Canadian troops storming into U.S. cities—Seattle, Portland, Fargo, and even Albany—before sabotaging key infrastructure and retreating north.

Of course, America had its own War Plan Red in the 1930s, outlining a takeover of Canada’s major cities to preempt British intervention. While neither plan saw action, they highlight the "what ifs" of military history.

Pour a drink, tune in, and learn about the time Canada almost made Seattle an 11th province. Listen now!

📽️ Watch Now (YouTube):

📬 Have Questions or Suggestions? Send us a message at [email protected].

Support the Podcast - If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. And as always...

Cheers to history! 🥂

In Episode 5 of Rum Ration, hosts Rejoy and Colin dive into the fascinating history and enduring myths of bayonet fighting. From its 17th-century origins in France to its evolution as a tool of warfare and propaganda, the bayonet has left a lasting mark on military history.

The hosts explore its practical use in battles like those fought by the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I, where bayonets became both a necessity in trench raids and a symbol of grit. They highlight the challenges of wielding these weapons in tight, muddy trenches and dispel popular misconceptions, revealing that fewer than 1% of WWI injuries were caused by bayonets.

The bayonet's psychological and symbolic impact proved significant, featuring prominently in propaganda and it is still used today in modern conflicts like Iraq, where British soldiers like Sergeant Brian Wood of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment led a bayonet charge during the Battle of Danny Boy, earning the Military Cross for his actions.

Tune in for sharp insights, historical anecdotes, and the bayonet's dual legacy as a weapon and an icon.

Watch on YouTube:

📬 Have Questions or Suggestions? Send us a message at [email protected].

Support the Podcast - If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. And as always...

Cheers to history! 🥂

Welcome to The Rum Ration, where history isn’t just dates and facts—it’s traditions, toasts, and the occasional tipple.

Welcome to The Rum Ration, where history isn’t just dates and facts—it’s traditions, toasts, and the occasional tipple.

In this episode, Rejoy and Colin delve into the rich history of the New Year’s Levée, a distinctly Canadian celebration that blends royal pomp, military protocol, and community camaraderie.

Highlights from the Episode:

Want to Join a Levée?

Levées are open to all citizens, offering a chance to toast the new year with your local Reserve regiment, meet community leaders, and enjoy festive cheer. Find a Levée near you by searching “Levée 2024” online!

In 1914, during World War I, something incredible happened—soldiers on opposite sides stopped fighting to celebrate Christmas. They sang songs, shared gifts, and even played soccer in no man’s land. In this episode, we explore how this truce happened, what it was like, and why it didn’t last. It’s a story of hope and humanity during one of the darkest times in history.

Cheers to history

In the first episode of The Rum Ration, we take you on a journey through the origins and legacy of the naval tradition that inspired our podcast’s name. As retired Army Reserve officers, we’ve always been fascinated by how a simple daily "tot" of rum brought warmth, camaraderie, and even a sense of safety to sailors starting in 1655.

We also explore how this tradition extended to the British and Canadian Armies during World War I. From freezing trenches to moments of respite amidst chaos, the rum ration wasn’t just a drink—it was a lifeline. Sharing those stories reminds us how soldiers, like sailors before them, found resilience and connection through small comforts.

Join us as we relive the logistics, rituals, and iconic moments, like “Black Tot Day,” while reflecting on why these traditions mattered. Together, let’s raise a cup to history, camaraderie, and the human side of military life.