Retired colonel John Boileau served in the Canadian Army for thirty-seven years, including command of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), and went on to be appointed Honorary Colonel of the Halifax Rifles (RCAC) for ten years. He is an author and media commentator who specializes in military history and has written fifteen books and more that 650 magazine and newspaper articles. Two of his books, Fastest in the World and Halifax and the Royal Canadian Navy were shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award for Non-Fiction. John was founding chair of the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society and chair of the National Council of Honorary Colonels. He is a recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal (NS), a Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia Vice-Regal Commendation and a Commander Canadian Army Commendation. He and his wife, Miriam, live in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

John Boileau's profile page

"...captures the atmosphere of the veld and battlefield with the skill of a novelist."

Cape TImes (South Africa)

In the latest title from James Lorimer and Company's Amazing Stories series, local author John Boileau recounts the lead up to, and some of the stories from, Canada's first overseas combat.

The Chronicle Herald

"...this is a fine book for someone wanting a quick introduction to the martial history of Canada and its unique role as recognized by senior members of the British military."

Canadian Naval Review

"...Boileau looks at everything from the national fervour that led to Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier's decision to send troops in the first place (initially on a converted cattle boat) to individual battles. Boileau also writes about the bravery of individual members of the force that brought Canada its first foreign battle honours and its first Victoria Cross..."

The Nova Scotian