This book describes the organization, lists the units and illustrates the uniforms and equipment of the four Canadian divisions which earned an elite reputation on the Western Front in 1915-18. Canada's 600,000 troops - of whom more than 66,000 died and nearly 150,000 were wounded - represented an extraordinary contribution to the British Empire's struggle. On grim battlefields from the Ypres Salient to the Somme, and from their stunning victory at Vimy Ridge to the final triumphant 'Hundred Days' advance of autumn 1918, Canada's soldiers proved themselves to be a remarkable army in their own right, founding a national tradition.

· Introduction · Formation of Canadian Expeditionary Force · Canadians in the trenches: first gas attacks, April 1915 - formation of Canadian Corps - outstanding tactical skill of Gen Arthur Currie - growing combat experience - Vimy Ridge, 1917, and its great significance to Canadian nation - Canadian Corps spearhead victorious advance in Belgium, summer 1918 · Canadian naval and air force contributions · Uniforms & equipment

RENÉ CHARTRAND was born in Montreal and educated in Canada, the United States and the Bahamas. A senior curator with Canada's National Historic Sites for nearly three decades, he is now a freelance writer and historical consultant. He has written numerous articles and books including over 50 Osprey titles. He lives in Quebec, with his wife and two sons.