Maple Leaf Against the Axis: Canada's Second World War

by David J. Bercuson

Maple Leaf Against the Axis is a compelling recounting of the Second World War and the Canadians who fought it. Here, in all its passion and drama, is the story of how the Canadian army, navy and air force fought in battles ranging from Hong Kong to the Rhine River crossing. David Bercuson, one of Canada's preeminent military historians, covers the war on the ground, the naval war in the North Atlantic and elsewhere, and the air war-both the bomber offensive and the story of those Canadians who flew everything from Canso reconnaissance aircraft in the Indian Ocean to Typhoon fighter bombers with the Second Tactical Air Force in Europe. And he does it through recounting the stories of the men and women who were there and played a significant role in the Allied victory.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction, Military Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Craig MacKinnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canada's contribution to the Allied war effort in WWII is often overlooked, especially when considering army and air campaigns. Indeed, a good many Canadians served in the British military instead of the Canadian (especially the RAF), and they get lost in the shuffle. Contrasted against that, however, is the fact that the Canadian army had a D-Day beach to itself (Juno), and this army played a major role in the continental campaign that followed (just ask the Dutch and Belgians), not to mention the previous battles in Italy. This book helps to fill the gap in nicely, if in less detail than I would have liked. It is obvious that Bercusen has studied his material. The addition of some photos was a nice touch. Recommended for anyone with an interest in Canada's contribution in the "last great war."

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chronological history of Canada’s role in WWII, Bercuson breaks down his chapters into year by year accounts of the three main arms of service. Few people know the extent to which Canada contributed to the war effort and this excellent text dispels a number of myths. Well organized and easy to read, it is a very useful overview.

[rope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn't read as well as other contemporary Canadian military historians'.