We Stand On Guard: An Illustrated History of the Canadian Army

Sidney Allinson is the editor at the Royal Canadian Military Institute
and author of The Bantams: The Untold Story of World War I.

This lavishly illustrated book is the most impressive single-volume
history of the Canadian army yet published. The depth of knowledge it
presents through words and pictures is simply superb.

The book marches off from earliest origins, detailing Canada’s
militia roots during the French and Indian wars in the 17th century.
From then on, every page displays wondrous images of Canadians at war
across the years since (the lengthy catalogue of combat may surprise
anyone who cherishes the odd myth that we have never been a military
nation). This comprehensive account depicts domestic armed struggles to
save the nation when young; portrays our men off in foreign campaigns;
details Canada’s important role in two world wars; then shows how this
hard-won tradition of battle experience now serves Canadian troops so
well as peacekeepers.

Popular history at its best, the book offers clear, concise narratives
of oft-forgotten conflicts, supported every step of the way by hundreds
of paintings and photographs, which make this also an unusually fine
collection of war art. Maps and drawings clarify campaign actions, while
colorful illustrations show details of badges, medals, uniforms, and
equipment. A selected bibliography offers guidance to further research,
despite the unfortunate error of listing World War I book titles under
the heading of “Boer War.”

The authors state that their work is intended to help make Canadians
more aware of the many contributions to the nation by the men and women
who served in our land forces. They have certainly succeeded. For any
library, school, or military buff wishing to have on hand one definitive
reference book about the history of Canada’s Army, We Stand On Guard
is it.