Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting the Great War 1917-1918 Volume 2

by Tim Cook

Shock Troops follows the Canadian fighting forces during the titanic battles of Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele, and the Hundred Days campaign. Through the eyes of the soldiers who fought and died in the trenches on the Western Front, and based on newly uncovered Canadian, British, and German archival sources, Cook builds on Volume I of his national bestseller, At the Sharp End . The Canadian fighting forces never lost a battle during the final 2 years of the war, and although they paid a terrible price in the killing fields of the Great War, they were indeed, as British Prime Minister David Lloyd George exclaimed, the shock troops of the Empire.

Genres: History, Canada, Nonfiction, World War I, Military History, War, Military Fiction

727 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2008

About the author

Tim Cook (1971 in Kingston - October 26, 2025) was a Canadian military historian and author.
Dr. Tim Cook was the Chief Historian & Director of Research at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, and a part-time history professor at Carleton University. He has also published several books about the military history of Canada during World War I.

Dr. Cook is a member of the Order of Canada.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Cook...

Reviews

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exhaustive and impressive follow up to At the Sharp End, which typically covers seemingly every detail of the Canadian infantry experience on the Western Front from 1917 to Armistice in 1918 (as well as the depressing aftermath of the war, during which demobilized soldiers were repeatedly stabbed in the back by the staff, medical and pension boards, and successive waves of governments). Cook does a fine job of providing as many details as possible to frame in writing what it was like to be a human being at the centre of the anti-human atrocity of the Great War, and in doing so does a likewise fine job of convincing one how impossible it is for anyone who wasn't there to understand the human impact of one day in the trenches, let alone a year or more. He's also successful in not coming down with either the pro- or the anti-war factions and carefully outlines each's positions and its merits and failings without putting in his lot with either.

The only weak spot in the book is unfortunately a consistent one, and that's Cook's reliance on certain repeated figures of speech to describe battle. It's acceptable to hear harsh fighting described once or twice as "a storm of steel," where "little quarter was asked and little given," resulting in "the butcher's bill," but in a nearly 700-page book (and that's not even counting the notes, end-notes, acknowledgments, etc.) that chronicles so very many battles, repetition of these stock phrases in many battle descriptions becomes overwhelming. By the time you've come across the fifth or six battle in which "little quarter was asked and little given," the book has unfortunately started to parody itself. Which is a shame, because this book is so intensely researched and carefully designed to give a broad view of the infantry experience that it shouldn't be undermined by something as banal as a few clichés (repeated over and over).

That said, it's hard to write about war, particularly when war involves the same damned thing happening again and again and being impressive and depressing and horrifying every single time. I don't blame Cook for these repetitions, particularly because I've had the same trouble writing about war for my MA thesis, but it remains nonetheless troubling.

All in all, however, this is an impressive book.

[Margaret Virany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Canadian War Museum's WWI historian Tim Cook has written a 648-page account (plus notes) that gives facts and promotes pride in Canada's WWI fighting forces' indomitable character and outstanding success. It is a good read based on National Archives data previously locked up and pictures archived in the CMC. Short sentences and direct quotes interspersed with descriptions keep the narrative going at a fast pace. Without hyperbole or sentimentality, the author uses the victims' or witnesses' own words to convey the impact of horrific settings, killing and destruction. The reader is right at the front line as shock troops of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (part of the British Expeditionary Force) spearhead every winning battle on the Allied Western Front in the last two years of the war. The enactment of the strategies, tactics and performance of battalions, groups and individuals in each battle is recalled in amazing detail. This is a valuable document for anyone wishing to know exactly what his or her relative may have gone through. My advice to readers who might get bored by so many meticulous, comprehensive accounts of successive battles, or who don't identify excitedly with battle manouvers, is to skip ahead. I was particularly interested to find out about shell shock, executions, trench community life, morale, family contacts, illnesses, leave and many other broader topics, all excellently covered. The tone of the narrative is bittersweet wherever possible and consistently proud. References to events further from Cook's topic, such as the Brest-Titovsk Treaty between Germany and Russia, should be checked out with other sources. This is a very good, competent book and I recommend it to others. But be prepared. Often it will seem like you're right there, ready to do or die, and that's not easy!





























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[Caleb Emmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Tim Cook might be the greatest of all time

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as great as the previous book in this series, Cook follows the Canadian Corps through the terrible battles of 1917-18. Reading the achievements the Canadian boys made during this period, where they never lost a battle made me very proud to be Canadian. Cook did a great job also hammering home the loss this country suffered. So many young men were never to return home, and often for what seemed like nothing. A gripping book. 6/5.

[Brentman99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shock Troops, the second of a two book series by Tim Coo, is an in-depth examination of the Canadian Corps in World War I.

I have to say that this is one of the best researched books I have read in quite some time. But even more importantly, it seeks to combine a view of the strategic and operational levels with just enough of what the soldier on the ground was thinking to keep the narrative real.

I really gained a sense of what life was like, but also the depth of sacrifice that the members of the Canadian Corps made during the last 100 days campaign that saw the Germans seek an armistice. The Corps lost a huge number of men, but not because their commander, General Currie, was thoughtless and unwilling to learn better ways of warfare.

It is obvious that Cook thinks highly of General Currie. And based on the research, there is much to consider and respect. One thing I thought that the book covered well as the slow but steady evolution of warfare. In this, the Canadian Corps evolved at exactly the right time to be the lead for the rest of the BEF, if not the Allied counteroffensives of 1917 and 1918.

Overall, I thought the series was well done and really enjoyed reading them. With just over 700 pages, this book was not subway-friendly, which meant it had to wait for home time reading, which is not as frequent as I would like. But I did enjoy coming back to it when time permitted.

I think that this book was well worth the time spent reading and I think that it is a must for someone who wants to learn more about Canada's contribution to World War I. As the author says and Currie believed, Canada earned its name, and many argue its independence as a nation, at Vimy Ridge, but that important battle was really just the beginning and not the laurel upon which the Canadian Corps rested its great battle legacy.

[Maxwell Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book from a phenomenal series.

'Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting The Great War, 1917–1918' by Tim Cook is a well-written work on the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) in the latter half of World War I.

Like 'At the Sharp End', this book contains detailed histories of combat and personal aspects of war and life, such as evolution of tactics on the battlefield, a detailed history of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the situation in the German army, and much more. You could practically learn everything about Canadian soldiers in the war from these volumes. My only criticism would be minor, which is a lack of compasses on the maps shoeing the battles.

Among the many things this book covered, I have to say that learning about Canada and Canadians after the war stuck out. The difficulty of defining a 'casualty' during and after the war, historical revisionism, and different views of World War I were fascinating, as someone with an interest in historiography.

Tim Cook, you wrote a magnificent two-volume series on Canafians fighting in the Great War. As a holder of an HBA in History and Classics, historical reenactor, and history buff, you impressed me with this. Thank you so much for writing these books and for all of your contributions to Canadian military history.

I recommend this book to all Canadians interested in their country's general and military history, plus those interested in WW1.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete Tim Cook's account of the Canadian Corps in World War I (begun in At the Sharp End), Shock Troops looks at the years 1917-1918 when the Canadian Corps made it's reputation as the elite Shock Troops of the British Expeditionary Force. Picking up in 1917 Cook begins this account with an account of the men who made up the Canadian Corps and the culture they developed in the trenches including their religious beliefs and superstitions as well as folk tales and ghost stories (from the man whose dead brother saved him from an artillery barrage to an army of subhuman cannibals hiding in No Man's Land). Cook than follows the Corps into the preparations for war starting with the reputation making Battle of Vimy Ridge and following the men through the Battle of Hill 70, Passchendaele, the German Spring Offensive of 1918, the Battle of Ameins (the Black Day of the German Army), Arras, the Drocourt-Queant Line, Canal du Nord, Valenciennes and the rest of the Hundred Days to the Capture of Mons at the end of the war on November 11 1918. We then learn of the occupation of Germany (and liberation of French and Belgian territory oft overlooked in accounts of the war), the problems of demobilization and reintegration ending with a look at the Great War in Canadian memory from the 1920's to the Present.

A must read for all Canadians.

[Rebeccah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew, I thought I'd never make it through! This book was a lot to take in. I don't read much history, and when I do it is usually the quick and easy popular history, not the in-depth scholarly sort. This was still really accessible, but there were a lot of dates and names and battalions and troop movements and other info to absorb which made the going slow.

This was definitely emotionally draining, as expected, and brought tears on many occasions, but it was an incredibly worthwhile read and gave me tons of insight into a conflict I had only passing knowledge about. I appreciate Cook's use of primary sources and his balanced opinions on complex issues. He manages to highlight the important role the Canadian troops played, and does convey a sense of pride in their achievements, but he fortunately never gets too rah-rah-patriotic.

I think I will have to explore more military history, as the planning and execution that go into these battles was really fascinating. It was a bizarre contrast to read rational, clinical descriptions of supply lines being pushed through and methods of locating enemy artillery, followed by heart-wrenching diary excerpts of soldiers in the trenches witnessing their friends die all around them. It really was a roller-coaster of a read, but I am very glad I persisted through it!

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second volume of Canada's involvement in WWI starts in the aftermath of the Somme with everyone regrouping and trying to figure out where to go from there. We see the tactics of war start to evolve from the bloody slaughter of throwing men over the top of the trenches to actually planning using strategy and mock battlefields which will ultimately help win the war. This is helped by the firing of the batshit bonkers Sam Hughes who was completely off the rails by this time. We see the famous Canadian battles of Vimy, Passchendale and 100 days through the eyes of the men who fought on the ground and those who led them. A very readable account of the war, a war that changed so much, set in motion WWII, the cold war, led to the fall of dynasties and even for those that remain like the house of Windsor saw their Commonwealth countries growing more independent and confident as nations. Highly recommend both for anyone looking to learn more about Canada's involvement in WWI.

[Joel Kimmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in WW1 history. As someone who only knows some of the basics of the war and the famous battles, this book, and the previous one by Tim Cook, At the Sharp End, are excellent for any newbies like me (and anyone with extensive knowledge as well I'm sure).
What I really like is these books are not just X's and O's accounts of battles. You really get a feel for the soldiers and what they're experiencing, what they're eating and seeing, what they do on leave, how much leave they get, etc... I'm looking forward to reading Cook's book about life behind the lines, The Secret History of Soldiers (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...)

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a Tim Cook book planned at the beginning of the next 4 years of my reading list. This book cemented why I do.

Excellantly detailed, easy to read yet painful account and audit of 'The Great War'. Tim Cook is the only author you need to source for the Canadian WWI experience.

I read the first book of this series in 2008 or 09 overdue for this experience to be completed.

Nothing is beautiful, cool or awesome about warfare. Trench warfare is one of the most or the most brutal fighting I've ever read about. The artilary bombardment causing concussions?

I'm not sure I could endure what that generation of boys and young men did for their Country.

[Dave White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never disappoints.

[JD Mosteau · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, fully researched and comprehensive.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and the first book of this series. Tim is an excellent author and historian. It makes me happy that the brave men and women of WW1 are not forgotten.

[Phillip Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous look at how the Canadian Corps became the premier Allied shock troops of WW1 and the steep price they paid. A great history! Be sure to read this book!

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest privilege ever accorded an ordinary mortal like myself was that of serving with that devil-may-care crowd of lads who sang and chaffed and swore their way from exile in western Canada to their graves in France and Flanders.

Shock Troops is just as readable, informative and enjoyable as the previous volume, At the Sharp End. This volume seemed a bit more battle-heavy than the previous, with fewer chapters regarding life on the front. This is not a criticism, as this had been covered very well in the other book, just a note about its contents. As I've seen mentioned in other reviews, and I have to agree, the way Cook writes about battles sometimes gets to be repetitive when he over-uses certain phrases. However, his descriptions of these battles are always very clear, engaging and aided by maps.

I also liked that Cook gave credit where credit was due. Although he focuses on Canadian battles, Cook never fails to mention when the Canadians were assisted by Australian troops, or British troops, artillery and logistics. And even though I can understand it from their point of view, it was a bit disappointing to read that many front line troops did not seem to like Arthur Currie and saw him as one of those generals safe behind the lines that in many cases needlessly sent men to theirs deaths. While definitely not a perfect human being, Currie seemed to genuinely care for his men and frequently argued with his superiors and fellow officers about delaying attacks, getting more guns, and keeping the Canadians together - all for the benefit of his soldiers. He also seemed like quite a competent general.

I was incredibly impressed with both volumes. Everything was covered thoroughly without being dry, which made for very enjoyable reading the whole way through, even though the two together are over 1000 pages. It was quite amazing to read about how well Canada performed during the First World War and about the individual lives of some of these soldiers. Both volumes go highly recommended.

[Marc Leroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone interested in the Canadian involvement in the first world war. This explore the period where Canada (militarily) came of age, and led the breakthroughs of 1917 and 1918. This book explores the period where the Canadians, under the leadership of Sir Julian Byng, perfected artillery tactics that knocked out over 90% of the German heavy guns, and instituted a detailed training program that permitted the Canadian troops to take Vimy Ridge. It follows through the period where the 4 Canadian divisions were commanded by Sir Arthur Currie, the first time that Canadians were commanded by a Canadian, through the battles of Hill 70, Passchendaele (where Currie told the British command that he could take the objective, but he would incur about 16,000 casualties, a number that proved frighteningly accurate. It then takes the reader through the events leading up to the last 100 days of the war, and how the Canadians broke through the German lines at Amiens and started the rout that ended with the Canadians advancing into Mons, Belgium on the day the armistice was signed. The Canadians incurred heavy casualties through this period, but shortened the war by a year.
Tim Cook has carefully researched the content, and has written it in an easy to read fashion. A good read, that explores not just the big picture of the battles, but also the background and the lives of the individual soldiers.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book. Like volume one, it effectively mixes military history with social history to create a fascinating story. Tim Cook's writing style is also outstanding. It is a very long book, but I really didn't want it to end. Before reading this book, I admired Canada's record in WWI; after reading this book, I am left even more impressed with what Canada's soldiers accomplished in the war. Cook managed to convey the absolute horror of battle in the WWI, and what our soldiers did in that environment was nothing short of incredible. Even the non-Canadian sources from the war that Cook uses, confirm that the Canadian Corps was the finest fighting force on the Western Front. This book is a must read for Canadians.

[Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of a two book series. Book 1 is "At The Sharp End Canadians in the Great War, 1914-1916; Book 2 is Shock Troops Canadians fighting 1917-1918. This is not a novel, but true actual events, told by Tim Cook, the curator of the First World War Museum in Ottawa. That being said, it actually reads like a novel. Very well put together, blending personal events and historical catastrophes. If you are a war buff, or just interested in the facts about the first world war, this is an excellent book.
I really did enjoy reading these two books.

[Marc Colombina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive feat. An impeccably researched and well-constructed study. Like many studies that aim to tell all of a war experience, this is a hybrid of military and social history. Individually, both historical approaches are well done but as a cohesive whole it suffers from this wide focus; moving from the spiritualism of men in the trenches to the daily objectives obtained by various battalions is often quite jarring to read. Fantastic for a historical overview but this book should be approached with caution by the average reader.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd of Tim Cook's 2 volume account of the Canadian experience in World War One. Together they provide an excellent view of the war and Canada's place in it. Mr. Cook provides a n outstanding history that covers the individual soldiers exoerience as well as the greater view if the war. This is a must read for anyone looking to learn about Canada's contribution to the war.

[Michael Rymek · Rating 4 out of 5]

If World War I had ended last November 11, Canada would have suffered 250,000 dead and 550,000 injuried, many of whom struggling with some form of physical disabilitiy, let alone post-traumatic stress symdrome. As Canadians we really have no idea what war does to a country and society and how long it takes for that society to heal. Sadly, we would be at war again in a less than three years.

[Don Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol 11 of Tim's history of the Canadian Corps in WW1. This continues where Vol 1 left off and covers more on Vimy Ridge, Passchendale and the final push. We see the effect of battle on the troops. The evolution of the army and men. The letters and thoughts of the average soldier and how the generals and politicians saw the war.
These are great books.

[Caer Glas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 2 of Cook's general history of Canadian Troops. Excellent, scholarly, and very readable. Suffers from the same fault as the original, in that it sometimes treads the same ground for those that have read extensively on the subject.

Still, if you can read only these two books on the Canadians in the Great War, these are the ones to read.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't contribute a review here, although the book is excellent and well worth the time commitment. I would rather wish the author the speediest of recoveries as he undergoes cancer treatment. Best wishes Tim!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding conclusion to the superb two-volume history of the Canadian infantry in WWI. Required reading for anyone interested in Canadian history.

[Shannon Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing - well done - you should read both of these books to understand what our Canadian boys went through

[Matthew Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb academic text.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining book that brings the moving history to life.

[Steve Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 2 of Mr.Cook's award winning volumes on WW I. Invaluable.