Little Black Devil

Well, firstly, the Americans had the hardest beach, but not the hardest beaches. "Bloody Omaha" earned its name as the Americans sustained about 2,000 casualties there - higher than any other beach. Utah, compareably was a walk in the park. I casualties are a guide, then to put it into perspective, casualties at Utah were numbered at about 197, where as casualties at Gold were about 413, Sword with 630 and Juno with 1,204. That obviously places Juno just behind Omaha in terms of casualties and "hardship" on the beach. As was mentioned by Duruti, a great deal of what simplified (In British and Canadian cases) or complicated (In American cases) the success on the beaches was the availability and use of specialiized armor (Funnies). As one who reads everything he can get his hands on about the Canadians in Normandy, I've come accross a large amount of material concerning the topic, written by Canadians. Yes, I too have seen periodic traces of "doctored" history concerning the Canadians. My own Regiment is guilty in its Official History of doing this in referrance to the Battle of Putot en Besin and the unfounded claim that enemy Armor was invloved in the catastrophe at Putot. However, as one with a degree in history and who has written on the subject of Canadians in Normandy and the Second World War a number of times I can also tell you that from my own experience what your reading about the Canadians in Normandy - is indeed for the most part, accurate. There is no question, as is the case in all countries that there have been accounts, books, journal entries etc. made which do not reflect the truth for whatever reason or motivation. It can also be attributed to perspective or bias. One simply has to take this into account when reading primary sources, and if you come accross something which really seems fishy, cross referrance it with a list of others sources, obviously by different authors who can coroborate these facts. Or, alternately, talk to a vet while there still are some. Never a more sobering if not educating experience - well, with the exception of rememberance day perhaps. Overall, while it is prevelent in small quantities, I think for the most part you will find little evidence for large scale propoganda insofar as Canadian contributions to operations in Northwest Europe during the Second World War. At least that has been my experience. In response to your original post there have been a number of well read, well founded and well articulated responses. I think to sum up my own opinion covers some of what has already been said which is to say that the Canadian soldier and his ability on the battlefield was probably no more questioned than the ability of our Allied counterparts. Leadership however, is a different story. As a former member of the CF I'm sure you can relate to leadership problems prevelant in todays Army, which you might also see through accounts of our Army's performance in 1944-45. Likewise, Im equaly as sure that you can also see where our Army's leadership has evolved. Right now I'm half way through the book "Steel Inferno" by Michael Reynolds (also mentioned by Henri and Jeff Heidman) which seems well researched and unbiased insofar as its approach to the battles in Normandy. By that, I mean that it seems to approach the battles themselves and discuss the history, as opposed to getting wrapped up in the glorification of any one nations accomplishments. I personally, find this a fresh and informative approach to Second World War history. Hopefully this was helpfull. ------------------ COMBAT MISSION CANADIAN HQ cmhq.tzo.com/canada "Hosti Acie Nominati"

Visit Combat Mission Canadian HQ and have a look at what Jason has put together for us. For all of us who play regularly as the Canadians or against them, I'm sure these stats will prove to be informative and usefull. Just as a reminder, CMCHQ is still looking for new Canadian scenarios whether they be historical or fictional. See ya out there, Brian ------------------ COMBAT MISSION CANADIAN HQ cmhq.tzo.com/canada "Hosti Acie Nominati" [This message has been edited by Little Black Devil (edited 08-15-2000).]

Hey Guys, I realize your busy and all, but I figure what I had to address was important enough to ensure that it didn't get lost or overlooked. I sent an email to the feedback address on July 21/2,000. This is essentially what it contained; Hi,"Little Black Devil" here. I have had my copy of Combat Mission for a few weeks now. In that time I have been helping out Morjit with the up and coming Canadian site/annex for Combat Mission ( http://cmhq.tzo.com/canada/ ) annexed from/to the infamous Fionn Kelly and Madmatt site( http://combathq.thegamers.net/ ). The reason I'm writing you is because I have noticed a few things which you may be interested in taking a look at. First, I think I may have found a "bug". I've been able to recreate this apparent "bug" at will and albeit its not that big of a deal, but here goes; In the Editor, when you are selecting forces, you may notice that the unit which you purchased first for which ever side you are playing, is the one that determines what "flag" is represented on the battefield. So, to give an example, as I have difficulty explaing this through text, Lets say for arguments sake that you wanted to make your own scenario as the Poles vs the SS. The first unit you buy for the Allies, which will reside at the absolute top of your list was an American Artillery Observer, say 155mm. Then, you proceded to "purchase" the rest of your force, which consisted of a Battalion of Polish Infantry and an accompanying Squadron of Polish Tanks. I think its safe to say, that this is a Polish outfit/unit. However, this will not be reflected on the battlefield, even though the two American Arty observers will be massivley outnumbered by the Poles. When on the Battlefield, because the American units are at the top of the list in the Editor, theirs (The Stars and Stripes) is the flag which will be represented, regardless of the fact that this is a "Polish" force. This is easily seen as the Allies, but obviously, since the Germans all use the same flag, it makes no difference to them. I sincerely hope that this has not been mentioned before so I have not been wasting your time. Anyhow, on to my next points. I have noticed, that when playing the Canadians, regardless of the time frame given, Canadian Anti-Aircraft units are unavailable as are Canadian 105mm M7-Priests. I mention this as I'am curious as to whether or not their inclusion at a future date might be possible. First, I will deal with the Canadian AAA. The 4th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery was part of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, which landed at Juno Beach on D-Day, and followed the 3rd Cdn Inf Div onwards. That is referranced by; Stacey, C.P. The Official History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War, Volume III The Victory Campaign: The Operations in Northwest Europe 1944-1945 Ottawa:Queens Printer and Controller of Stationary, 1966:80, 534,658 and Morton, Desmond A Nation Forged in Fire Totonto:Lester and Orpen Dennys Publishers, 1989:269-270 Similarly, the 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment is also referranced as well but it belonged to the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, which didn't arive in Normandy until after D-Day, but contained the same weapons/equipment/numbers/formation strengths. Light Anti-Aircraft Regiments in the Royal Canadian Artillery are identified as "Three Batteries, each with six troops of six-40mm [bofors] guns, for a total of 54 guns." by; Copp, Terry A Canadians Guide to the Battlefields of Normandy Toronto:Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies, 1994:169 Next is the issue of the M7-Priests. They were actually "lent" to the Canadians from the Americans. However, for Operational purposes, they belonged to the Canadians, and landed with the 3rd Cdn Inf Div at Juno Beach on D-Day, issued to all of the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 19th Field Regiments. That is referranced by; Stacey, Official History of the Candian Army. supra nt.1:37, 80, 98-99, 136 These Regiments were made up of three Batteries, each with two troops, of four self-prpelled 105mm guns ("Priests") according to Copp, A Canadians Guide to the Battlefields of Normandy. supra nt.1:169 In addition, since currently there exists no Canadian 105mms, there are also obviously no Canadian 105mm Arty spotters. If Canadian Priests are added in the future, perhaps adding Canadian spotters would make sense too. On an interesting side note, many of the M-7 Priests from these particular Field Regiments (12th, 13th, 14th and 19th), were, with permission of the Americans, converted into APCs (Kangaroos) for "Operation Totalize" Aug.7-10 1944. Anyhow, Thanks for your time and consideration, Little Black Devil ------------------ COMBAT MISSION CANADIAN HQcmhq.tzo.com/canada "Hosti Acie Nominati"

I'm working on a diorama displaying a small portion of the Battle of Putot en Besin, along the Caen-Bayeaux Highway June 8th 1944. For those that are interested, the scenario soon to follow. Keep your eyes open at CMCHQ. ------------------ COMBAT MISSION CANADIAN HQcmhq.tzo.com/canada "Hosti Acie Nominati"

Regardless of what part of the country we come from or what our specific heritage, I'm sure that the ability to refight pivotal Canadian Battles, fought by a very long list of distinguished regiments has an appeal to all of us. I think part of the reason CMCHQ exists is to give us Canadians a chance to express our exploits during the war, through representative scenarios and articles. So, if you've got a good scenario or article send it on in! ------------------ COMBAT MISSION CANADIAN HQcmhq.tzo.com/canada "Hosti Acie Nominati"

Well guys, I can't comment on whether or not there will ever be a distinct french portion to the site. I for one regret that my french is nowhere near good enough to undertake such a task and I can't speak for Jason. However, all is not lost. I think it would be great if any of you guys wanted to do an article highlighting French Canadian or Acadian contributions to the war, be it through a commentary on battles fought by Regiments such as the Fusiliers Mont-Royal or the North Nova Scotia Highlanders to name but a few. Alternately, scenarios enabling others to refight some of these Regiments most famous battles might be another avenue to pursue. Later, Brian ------------------ COMBAT MISSION CANADIAN HQcmhq.tzo.com/canada "Hosti Acie Nominati"

Hello CM gamers and fellow countrymen. Our deliverance has come!!! After many weeks of toiling, a site catering to the Canadians in Combat Mission has finally come! So, no longer will we fill the BTS forum with our postal system woes....HELL NO!!!! Now we've got a site specifically geared for the Canadian CM gamer!! Those of you who are familliar with some of the names that have passed through the forum may have come accross us. Morjit (Jason - he runs the show, does all the real work and in general, is the reason I no longer sleep )....and I (Brian - try and write some meangfull and usefull stuff for the Canadian CM gamer, either points of interest or usefull tips....and I'm pretty good at babbling too!). Of course...then again you may not have heard of us...... and you might not really care Sorry, no autographed glossys for you people. Anyhow, even if you have not, its worth your while to stop by and visit the Canadian Affiliate of Fionn Kelly and Madmatt's CMHQ site at; http://cmhq.tzo.com/canada At Combat Mission Canadian HQ, we intend to offer a wide assortment of Canadian scenarios as well as tidbits on Canadian tactics, history and weapons/equipment. Your support and feedback are most welcome!! See you soon! Brian ------------------ cmhq.tzo.com/canada "Hosti Acie Nominati" [This message has been edited by Little Black Devil (edited 07-22-2000).] [This message has been edited by Little Black Devil (edited 07-22-2000).]

Congrats Boris!! You can kiss all your free time goodbye now ------------------ "Hosti Acie Nominati"

Well Jeff I'm afraid I'd have to disagree too. Tankers did infact target specific parts of their targets at range. If you take the Canadian Sherbrooke Fusiliers for instance, they and many other allied WWII tankers, used to aim at the lower portion of a Panther A's gun mantlet so as to purposely deflect the round into the thinner armour over the driver and co-driver at at range of 500m with a standard 75mm gun. This was regular practice and usually only ever took anywhere from between 1-3 rounds. The lower portion of a Panther A's gun mantlet is certainly no bigger than the Gun port, and these guys regularly scored hits and kills doing it. ------------------ "Hosti Acie Nominati"

In addition to reducing glare, netting and the things you could attatch to it (like scrim) also distorted the silouette of ones mellon. Thus the Gerries had a harder time spotting you when you stuck your ugly mug up for a peek. For those that don't know, scrim is the stuff, like strips of cloth, grass, twigs etc. that goes into the helmet netting. A good scrim job makes you look like Bob Marley (with todays Kevlar Fritz tyle helmets anyway), a bad scrim job lets you see theres a helmet with some crap on it. Fixing helmet netting with scrim was a very common practice for most British and Canadian units, some even made it a unit SOP. For WWII helmet netting however, the most important function was that it provided a handy place for you to keep your smokes. ------------------ "Hosti Acie Nominati"

Hey Boris, if it means anything, it took 14 days for it to reach me in Winnipeg, and that includes the long weekend. It was postmarked the 21st of June and I got it on July 4th. Enjoy your free time now...once you get CM you won't have any ...and whats more is you won't even care! ------------------ "Hosti Acie Nominati"

Hey Thanks Hakko Ichiu. I guess I'll have to look into other means of "acquiring" the show. Good to know its still on and making people laugh though. ------------------ "Hosti Acie Nominati"

Aye, that was a good show, always had me in stitches. Always got a chuckle listening to Capt.Bertareli - "Heya Colonelo, howz ita getting on eh?" Does anyone know if its currently on the air anywhere? ------------------ "Hosti Acie Nominati"

No fees here. Just like the other guys, mine was only priced at $5. (Thanks BTS) ------------------ "Hosti Acie Nominati"

My fellow Canadians... I FINALLY got it, I can't believe this!!!! I went out to check the mail, and low and behold, I met up with the mailman. I guess I must have given him a look as he quickly decided not to take home my copy of CM for himself and subsequently handed it over with a great sense of urgency!! ..ahem..okay, I've composed myself again. If Winnipeg has got it then it can't be long for the rest of us. I suspect that most of us, and I would hope all of us who pre-ordered should have it sometime today considering Canada Post had the whole long weekend to get it to the major distribution centres. Good Luck Lads! ------------------ "Hosti Acie Nominati"