After Paul Gross directed Passchendaele in 2008 this documentary and its companions, as well s "Sam's Army" were re-packaged in a DVD boxed set as "Far From Home - Canada and the Great War" (available from Norflicks productions).
Consists of four feature length documentaries about World War I and Canada's role in that war.
First episode tells the story of Defense Minister Sam Hughes' work in building up Canada's standing peace time army of 1910 (consisting of under ten thousand soldiers) to a professional army ready to contribute hugely to the allied success against Germany in France and Belgium.
Episodes two and three are a detailed re-telling of the battle of Vimy ridge. Vimy is quite justly known as the Greatest feat of arms in Canadian military history. (invading the US and burning down Washington doesn't even come close!) Episode four ("The Last 100 Days") might not go down so well with American military history buffs as the film makers take a little too much relish in belittling the American contribution to the war and pointing out the arrogance and incompetence of general Pershing.
Be that as it may, the documentary is worth a look.
Consists of four feature length documentaries about World War I and Canada's role in that war.
First episode tells the story of Defense Minister Sam Hughes' work in building up Canada's standing peace time army of 1910 (consisting of under ten thousand soldiers) to a professional army ready to contribute hugely to the allied success against Germany in France and Belgium.
Episodes two and three are a detailed re-telling of the battle of Vimy ridge. Vimy is quite justly known as the Greatest feat of arms in Canadian military history. (invading the US and burning down Washington doesn't even come close!) Episode four ("The Last 100 Days") might not go down so well with American military history buffs as the film makers take a little too much relish in belittling the American contribution to the war and pointing out the arrogance and incompetence of general Pershing.
Be that as it may, the documentary is worth a look.
