First published in 1995 as Maple Leaf Against the Axis, Our Finest Hour has been completely revised and updated, with new chapters that reflect the latest research about Canada's home front in the war and the formulation and execution of Canadian war strategy at the highest levels. Although Canada was not ready for war in 1939, the people of Canada and their armed forces eventually overcame major challenges—from the building of tanks, planes, ships and trucks and the production of huge amounts of grain, meat and vegetables to the creation of the only full Canadian field army in history and a navy and air force crucial to Allied victory. From Hong Kong to the Rhine River Crossing, Our Finest Hour delves incisively into the pivotal battles of the Second World War and the roles of the Canadian army, navy and air force. Bestselling author David Bercuson probes the war on the ground, on the seas and in the air—from the bomber offensive over Germany to the Typhoon fighter squadrons with the Second Tactical Air Force in Europe. With an unfliching eye, he provides insight into the successes and failures, triumphs and shortcomings of the Canadian military.

Our Finest Hour is at once a masterpiece of historical narrative and a celebration of a growing country's contribution during the Second World War.

David J. Bercuson is the director of the University of Calgary's Centre for Military and Strategic Studies. A celebrated military historian, he has published on a wide range of topics including modern Canadian politics, Canadian defense and foreign policy, and military history. He has written, co-authored, or edited over thirty books, including The Fighting Canadians: Canada's Regimental History from New France to Afghanistan; The Patricias: The Proud History of a Fighting Regiment; and Blood on the Hills: The Canadian Army in the Korean War. In 1997 Dr. Bercuson was appointed Special Advisor to the Minister of National Defence on the Future of the Canadian Forces. A member of the Minister of National Defence's Monitoring Committee from 1997 to 2003, he also served on the Advisory Council on National Security from 2005 to 2008. Until 2010 Bercuson was an Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 41 Combat Engineer Regiment, a Land Force Reserve military engineer unit of the Canadian Forces. He is a member of the Royal Society of Canada, which awarded him the J.B. Tyrrell Historical Medal in 2002, and serves on the board of the Royal Military College. In 2003 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

David J. Bercuson's profile page

PRAISE FOR MAPLE LEAF AGAINST THE AXIS

“A compelling epic.” —MACLEAN'S

“A concise account of Canadian army, navy and air force operations in the Second World War, told with verve and skill.” —THE GLOBE AND MAIL

PRAISE FOR THE FIGHTING CANADIANS

“An eye-opening and constantly informative martial history of Canada. . . . With this history, Bercuson has done us all a service, and for that we should salute him.” —THE GLOBE AND MAIL

“[A] delightful read, thanks to Bercuson's abilities as military historian, storyteller and academic. He is rigorous in his research and compelling in his arguments supporting the Canadian military. He is a fierce defender of Canada's military traditions and makes his case for the success of the regimental system as a cohesive fighting force.” —CALGARY HERALD

“A regiment and its traditions and obligations will get soldiers to the battleground but it's their comrades who convince them to stay. Without the regiment, there would be no loyalty. The Fighting Canadians is a brilliant explanation of such regimental loyalty.” —LEWIS W. MACKENZIE, CM, OONT, MSC AND BAR, CD. MAJOR-GENERAL (RET’D)

“Good history and a good argument. A well-written and hard-headed defence of the Canadian army’s regimental system by one of Canada’s leading historians.” —J.L. GRANATSTEIN, AUTHOR OF CANADA'S ARMY: WAGING WAR AND KEEPING THE PEACE

“The heart and soul of the Canadian Army is anchored in the regimental system. This thoughtful, well-researched, and well-written account highlights the proud lineage upon which the regimental heritage is based and also raises concerns about the future of this vital institution.” —MARK ZUEHLKE, AUTHOR OF TERRIBLE VICTORY: FIRST CANADIAN ARMY AND THE SCHELDT ESTUARY CAMPAIGN: SEPTEMBER 13–NOVEMBER 6, 1944

“Anyone who has walked the battlefields and war cemeteries of Western Europe knows well the successes, setbacks and sacrifice of Canada's fighting forces in the twentieth century, but few of us realize the critical role 'regiments' played in these storied parts of our military history. David Bercuson does, and now through his remarkable new book The Fighting Canadians, a rare spotlight is shone on the relationship between those who have done the fighting for this country, and the colours under which they have fought.” —PETER MANSBRIDGE

PRAISE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BISMARCK

“Offer[s] fresh insight . . . the dynamics of the chase and the intensity and devotion of the principal players are fresh and vigorous.” —THE GLOBE AND MAIL

“Compelling reading.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

PRAISE FOR DEADLY SEAS (WITH HOLGER H. HERWIG)

“Enthralling . . . masterly . . . stunningly authentic.” —TORONTO STAR

“A readable, fast-paced naval thriller.” —THE GLOBE AND MAIL

“Convincingly captures the frustrations, horrors—and rare pleasures—of Atlantic warfare.” —MACLEAN'S

“Deftly blends serious history with exciting prose. . . . A genuine contribution to our understanding of the Battle of the Atlantic and an exciting read—a model popular history, sound, scholarly, and serious in aim.” —J.L. GRANATSTEIN, QUILL & QUIRE

“Factually solid, humanly powerful, and grippingly written, this is a strong and valuable addition to the many volumes on Second World War naval history.” —THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR

PRAISE FOR SIGNIFICANT INCIDENT

“An intelligent and important book.” —PETER C. NEWMAN, MACLEAN'S

“The best-crafted analysis to date. . . . Important and necessary.” —THE GLOBE AND MAIL