What about the Canadians?

The Eastern Front has fallen so all eyes are on the Western Front. The Germans are pushing hard to break through the lines and the Canadians are resting and raiding.

This episode we’re talking about the wonderful, brave, good boys and girls that went to war without a choice. No not conscripts but animals!

With the war raging on in Europe, a national crisis was brewing on the Homefront. The call for conscription was not a mere question of duty, but a direct challenge to the Quebecois and their values. Meanwhile, the women of Canada are facing their own challenges to a changing way of life.

The mud had taken it's toll but the men could finally call Passchendaele a success, or at least they could call it finished

The opening battle begins at Pilckem Ridge, with the British II and V Army, and the French First Army charge to capture the dreaded Ypres Salient. Pocked with craters and shell holes, no-man's land on the Salient had become a graveyard of all that had been lost. Despite receiving warnings, Haig pushed for an assault in the midst of rainy season, hoping to push through to Passchendaele before the plains egin to flood.

Meanwhile the CEF launch a diversionary assault on Hill 70 under the new leadership of Currie. Can Currie capture another victory? Or is he just a one hit wonder?

An update on the world activities that affect our Canadians was very necessary so we'll talk about the Russian Revolution, a bit about Marxism and the French. Our old frenemy Sam Hughes is back and our boys get started at Passchendaele in 1917.

In part two of our podcast covering the Battle of Vimy Ridge, we explore the new technologies and strategies employed by the Canadians in their preparation for battle. Then given a tight deadline to achieve their objectives, the Canadians emerge from tunnels and go over the top. Are the Canadians doomed to repeat the same mistakes, or does shedding the weight of British influence finally lead the Canadians to an unmitigated victory?