Courage, Sacrifice and BetrayalCourage, Sacrifice and Betrayal
the Story of the Victoria Rifles of Canada, 60th Battalion, in the First World War
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Book, 2018
Current format, Book, 2018, , Available .Book, 2018
Current format, Book, 2018, , Available . Offered in 0 more formats"Courage, Sacrifice and Betrayal provides a detailed account of the day-to-day operations of the 60th Battalion and the lives of its many soldiers. The 60th is one of only 50 battalions to actually fought as a unit in as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I. Although originally raised in Montreal, through reinforcement drafts from over thirty different battalions, both Ontario and the Atlantic provinces had significant representation in the 60th Battalion's composition. Engagements of the battalion include the Ypres Salient at Sanctuary Wood and Hill 60 and in the Somme at the Zollern Graben, and Regina trenches. The battalion also fought at Thelus and La Chaudiere and at Vimy Ridge. It was the 60th Battalion which captured, on day two of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the villages of Vimy and Petit Vimy. These actions are set against the backdrop of the broader Canadian, British, and French combat operations against the Germans and their allies. The author skillfully brings readers into "the moment of war" through the many long forgotten personal accounts and letters included in the book. Betrayal also looms large in the story of the 60th Battalion. In attempts to prevent the dismantling of his battalion after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrick Arthur de Long Gascoigne met with Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden, 1st Viscount Walter Long Secretary of State for the Colonies and Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng Commanding Officer of the Canadian Corps. Despite his efforts, the 60th Battalion was eventually divided and sent as reinforcements to four other battalions. The Commanding Officer's anger, frustration and disenchantment with the politicians resonate through his personal accounts and letters. The author's grandfather, Sergeant Edward Lewis Pyves (Military Medal), and great uncle, Lance Corporal Stanley Pyves, served with the 60th Battalion along with Private A.Y. Jackson, the future Group of Seven artist. Rich in historical fact, Courage, Sacrifice and Betrayal provides an intimate portrayal of life in the trenches and the destructive emotional impact of war from a soldier's viewpoint and personal accounts."--
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- Toronto : ECW Press, [2018], ©2018
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