New biography of Paul Triquet, VC

Bruce Deachman, over at The Ottawa Citizen, has published a piece on Paul Triquet, Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross for valour in Italy during the Second World War. In addition to detailing some of Triquet's story, Deachman's piece discusses John MacFarlane's new biography of Triquet, entitled Triquet's Cross: A Study of Military Heroism.

The book is a very interesting read and is certainly a different take on honours and awards and the life of a Canadian soldier.

(In the interests of full disclosure, John MacFarlane is a colleague of mine at the Directorate of History and Heritage, Department of National Defence).

New history of Canada's Navy

David Pugliese, defence reporter with The Ottawa Citizen, has posted a review of Richard Gimblett's (editor), The Naval Service of Canada, 1910-2010: The Centennial Story, on his "Defence Watch" blog. The review begins: "The Naval Service of Canada is a first-rate and heavily illustrated volume that will appeal to those currently serving or retired from the navy or anyone with a strong interest in Canada maritime matters."

Richard Gimblett is a retired Canadian naval officer and is currently the Heritage Officer with Maritime Command at National Defence Headquarters.

Veuillez prendre note que ce livre est disponible en français sous le titre : Le Service naval du Canada, 1910-2010 : Cent ans d'histoire.

Portrait of a Hero

Rob Filan has created a fantastic biography of Sergeant Hugh Cairns, VC, DCM over at Rosebud's Early Aeroplanes and Airships. I'm not sure who exactly it's on that particular website, but I'm glad it is. The article contains an in-depth narrative on Sergeant Cairns, photos of him, his medals, his memorials, etc., several maps and the citations of his awards.

(Many thanks to Babbling Brooks over the The Torch for posting this information first).