Foreword

The design of the new Canadian War Museum used the theme, “ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary things.” Pat MacAdam tells us about certain of them in this book and, thereby, complements that same theme. Furthermore his work is indeed timely as a fresh awareness of our military heritage has blossomed across the country with Canadian Forces engaged in combat in Afghanistan. It is important that we recall the valiant deeds of those who have gone before.

The author is no dry historian but rather an accomplished raconteur who has been personally acquainted with some of his subjects such as the indomitable “Smokey” Smith, VC, whom he chaperoned on a special occasion in London, England. He is also the son of a First World War Royal Canadian Artillery hero. He grew up with a personal example of valour in his home.

With the exception of “Smokey” Smith, VC, who was with us long after the end of the Second World War and was present at the entombment of our Unknown Soldier just some nine years past, most of the people he writes about here have largely been forgotten. Pat MacAdam’s work ensures that they will be given their rightful place in our military heritage by all who read his accounts of their heroism and, subsequently, by academic historians who will have his work as reference.

In addition to individuals, this book chronicles historical events relevant to our history. One such is the tragedy of the sinking, by German submarine U-69, of the S.S Caribou on its ferry run from North Sydney to Port aux Basques, in October 1942, with the loss of 136 lives. As a young Cape Breton boy Pat MacAdam was a live witness to this calamity and in the cases of other events he writes about here he often has some personal knowledge.

I commend my longstanding friend’s book to all who wish a most readable and accurate narrative of significant vignettes of our heritage.

Ramsey Withers

General (Retired)