The Necessary War is my seventh book, with the second volume to follow in 2015. While each book is special and brings its own challenges and complexities, these two books are different. I wrote them while fighting cancer. I had been thinking of how to approach the books for some time and had been gathering evidence for years, but I wrote them while facing my own personal health challenge that involved several regimes of chemo and radiation therapy. I was told by many concerned friends to down tools and focus on my health, which I did, but I also clung to these books as anchors in the storm. Every two weeks I was bedridden for days on end; when I was feeling marginally better, I often worked curled up on the floor; all the while, I worried that my chemo brain fog would never lift. Throughout the process, I drew considerable strength from reading the letters, diaries, and memoirs of Canadians and from how they coped with and endured their own struggles. They had their battles, which I sought to chronicle, and I had mine. I remain awed by those young Canadians more than seventy years ago who faced death and destruction at almost every turn and, most often, found ways to keep going forward. They are an inspiration to me.
So are the friends and colleagues who agreed to read all or parts of the manuscript—many of whom are leaders in the study of the Second World War—and whose work I have used as the foundation for my own books. My colleague, Dr. Peter Macleod, read this manuscript, as he has done for all the previous ones, and he offered excellent comments. Dr. William Stewart shared his expertise freely and suggested several interesting links between the First and Second World Wars. My friend Eric Brown, a volunteer at the Canadian War Museum and a co-author of several articles with me, thoroughly edited the text and provided his own thoughts on many sections, especially those about the naval and air war. Military historian Nathan Greenfield commented expertly on the Hong Kong chapter. Dr. Alec Douglas, one of the doyens of Canadian military history, read the manuscript and pointed out sections, especially on the naval war, that might be augmented or modified. Dr. Roger Sarty, a former boss of mine from the Canadian War Museum, and a mentor, unleashed his formidable knowledge on several key chapters and saved me embarrassment by rectifying minor details. Dr. Jack Granatstein, author of over seventy books, has always been very generous towards me and he read the entire manuscript, pointing out errors of omission and commission. Professor Terry Copp provided important comments in several key areas, especially the sections on Dieppe and Italy. Dr. Steve Harris of the Directorate of History, my Ph.D. supervisor and an expert on all aspects of the war, read the manuscript and pushed me to enlarge my scope of inquiry in a number of sections. And finally, my friend and former colleague from the CWM and now professor at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Serge Duflinger, offered wide-ranging commentary on every aspect of the war. He shared his deep knowledge of the Canadian and international war effort and saved me time and time again. To the many readers who improved the manuscript, I thank you all.
I would like to thank Matthew Walthert and Sarah Cook for researching into the Canadian Images and Letters Project and the Dominion Institute Memory Project. In reading through hundreds of letters and interview transcripts, they found some gems. My agent and friend Rick Broadhead always had time to ring me and raise my spirits. Jonathan Webb, an editor and author, provided an exceptional edit and helped me shape the book, clarify the arguments, and sharpen the writing. Editorial director Diane Turbide has stood behind me from the beginning, and I’m grateful for her energy and backing. Tara Tovell provided her usual skill and patience in her line and copy editing, with this being our fifth book together. Our ongoing collaboration is a delight. It was a pleasure to work with the thorough and conscientious Mary Ann Blair in the production stages of the book. I am grateful to all, and to the many others at Penguin Canada who have worked hard on my behalf.
I am blessed with a wide circle of friends. Throughout my illness, I received encouraging words of strength from colleagues and friends at the CWM, at Carleton University, throughout Ottawa, across the country, and around the world. At the CWM, Director General James Whitham offered unflinching support. Two friends, Serge Durflinger and Norman Hillmer, provided steadfast cheer and sensible ways to think about my illness. Our neighbours in Manor Park took our girls on playdates and tried to keep life as normal as possible. At every turn, there was kindness and generosity.
During this time of worry, my parents, Sharon and Terry, and my brother, Graham, bore a heavy burden. They never wavered. I drew strength from them. My own family stood beside me daily in the battle for my health. Sarah, my partner and love, has been a rock for our three girls, Paige, Emma, and Chloe; together and individually they brought joy and instilled courage to keep me in the fight. I could not have done it without them. I share this book with my girls.