SECOND FRONT

SECOND FRONT 
by Marc Milner. 


It is fair to say that the important role that Canada played in the second world war has mostly been played down and often erased in post war official histories, books, the media and film. Wartime reports that described either 'Allied' and/or 'British forces' revealed no clear mention of any Canadian involvement.
Meanwhile America's own contribution to the war has been greatly overplayed at times, even going back to the first world war. 
In his new book, Canadian historian, Marc Milner, explains the reasons behind this, whilst  also putting a fascinating case forward in setting the record straight.

Starting back as early as the first world war, he takes an extensive look at how each Allied country used politics, the media and propaganda differently and mostly for their own means. This was often at the cost of an ally.
The result, according to the author, has wrongly set the post-war narrative for many of the key events before and during the war.

On another subject, of which there are too many covered in the book to share, Milner also looks at the contribution of vital food supplies, arms, aircraft and shipping by both Canada and the US to Britain. Canada's great contribution alone, again ignored for far too long, built-up such debt it would take over sixty years for Britain to pay it back. The amount of debt owed to the US was even greater.

The title of the book is not about opening a 'second front' in Europe, which was so often talked about. This is about a campaign that seemingly took place out of the public eye. Involving the leading political figures of nations and their armed forces commanding officers.
A battle to take control and to achieve power and influence over others. So whilst they appeared to be allies on the battlefield, new evidence is starting to reveal that these relationships were far more divisive than we had ever previously thought. 

This is a large tome, yet such an absorbing read that the chapters just flew by. It is also a thought provoking read in which the author backs up his statements with facts. For those interested in the second world war it really should be considered a must read.

The hardback book will be published in the UK by Yale University Press on 22 April.
I thank Yale U.P. London for this review copy.



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