“In the Access to History series I’ve found battles and their consequences presented in brief, crisp narratives, supplemented by readable maps and apt quotes of participants, better than I once thought possible.”                                 Doug Fisher, Legion Magazine

The Access to Canadian History Series is a unique series of booklets, profusely illustrated with color reproductions of war art, specially designed maps, and drawings, Each volume focuses on a specific battle, which allows the reader to see the action through the eyes of the men who were there. They are concise and effective in their use of quotations, maps and ephemera. Each volume is written by a leading authority on his subject. Nine volumes are currently available; four of the First World War and five on the Second World War.

NO.2: FUTILITY & SACRIFICE: THE CANADIANS ON THE SOMME
by Norm Christie

This volume tells the story of the participation of the Canadians in one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War, The Somme. In August 1916 the Canadians, now 60,000 strong were ordered to take their part in the Somme Offensive. Losses in the Battle had already exceeded 150,000 and more men were needed to feed the guns, now it was the Canadians turn. In a series of brutal assaults, in September-October 1916 they slowly pushed their line forward against uncut wire, massive gunfire and a tenacious German defense. In the end 25,000 Canadians were killed or wounded. It was a sobering experience that brought the Canadians an opportunity to evaluate the failings of the Campaign, and put the Lessons Learned in practice in the next big fight, Vimy Ridge. Asides include: The Odds, Execution by Firing Squad and The Make-Up of an Army.