Over the Canadian Battlefields

Over the Canadian Battlefields is a historical and journalistic account by John Wesley Dafoe a prominent Canadian journalist chronicling Canada's involvement in World War I. The book provides a detailed look at the Canadian military’s experiences on the battlefields of Europe particularly focusing on the critical roles played by Canadian troops during major battles such as those at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Dafoe’s narrative captures the courage sacrifice and determination of Canadian soldiers often highlighting their contributions as a distinct and growing national force within the British Empire. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the battlefields the intense fighting and the profound impact the war had on both soldiers and civilians back home. Dafoe also reflects on the evolving identity of Canada as a nation noting how the war catalyzed a sense of Canadian pride and unity particularly with the recognition of Canadian troops' bravery and achievements on the world stage.