Thoughtful Reflections on Faith and Life
As important as Winston Churchill was to Britain, so was Franklin Delano Roosevelt to the United States. It was FDR who encouraged Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbour that “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Unfortunately, FDR didn’t live to see the victory over the Axis. He had suffered from poor health … Read More “The Death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt” »
I grew up watching war movies. I don’t want to date myself but our first TV was black and white and I didn’t know any war movies were in colour. I still have a soft spot for old black and white movies. Especially war movies. There are some great classics but I will say that … Read More “My Favourite War Movie” »
There has been a renewal of historical movies related to the Second World War with the success of Dunkirk. One of the recent offering is Darkest Hour, featuring the first part of Winston’s Churchill time as prime minister. Portraying Winston Churchill would be a challenge for any actor. I though John Lithgow did a great … Read More “Darkest Hour – Review” »
When it comes to history, context is everything. Thankfully, we are blessed with great historical resources, including the German background. In this episode, I talk to Travis Dow, the host of the History of Germany podcast (and many more). We discuss some of what was happening in Germany between the wars, including attitudes toward … Read More “SWWP 5 – Interview With Travis Dow On The German Context” »
It is difficult to understand the Second World War without some concept of the First World War. Many of the seeds of what happened in 1939-1945 were planted in 1914-1918. Even some of the battles were fought on the same land by the same countries led by leaders who were in both wars. You can … Read More “SWWP 4 – The War That Didn’t End All Wars” »
I have been interested in military history, especially that of the Second World War, for as long as I could remember. I would go through our family encyclopedia (this was long before the internet) and read every article I would on World War Two. My interest in this period of history has only grown with … Read More “The Second World War Podcast” »
Last time we looked at the countries that made up the Axis powers. This time we look at the Allies. The Allies are much more than just Britain, United States and the Soviet Union, even if they are considered “the Big Three.” Understanding the position these countries were in at the start of the war … Read More “SWWP 3 – Setting The Stage: The Allies” »
In this episode, we begin to set the stage by looking at the Axis powers. What was happening in German, Italy and Japan at the time and who were their leaders? You may be surprised by how much these nations had in common and yet were different. Did you know that these nations were not … Read More “SWWP 2 – Setting the Stage: The Axis Powers” »
In this first episode, I share a little about myself and the direction of this podcast. In the episode, I mention the podcast by Ray Harris, Jr. You can find the History of WWII Podcast HERE. You should really check it out, it is quite good. However, I intend for my podcast to be somewhat different, … Read More “SWWP 1 – Introduction to the Podcast” »
One of my biggest interests is that of military history. When I saw that they were making a movie of Dunkirk, I knew that I wanted to see it. The rescue of the soldiers at Dunkirk was one of the most dramatic events of the Second World War. Although I wanted to see the movie … Read More “Dunkirk – Review” »
I finally had the opportunity to watch a movie that I had long wanted to see: Hacksaw Ridge. I must confess that I’m generally a fan of war movies, especially those set during World War Two. However, it was difficult to “enjoy” this movie in that context. That is not to say that I didn’t … Read More “Hacksaw Ridge – Review” »
A number of years ago, I picked up Their Finest Hour, which was the second volume of Winston Churchill’s series on the Second World War. I read it and enjoyed it. More recently, I found copies of the rest of the series and just finished reading the first volume, The Gathering Storm. I enjoyed this … Read More “The Gathering Storm – Review” »
One of the common objections to Christianity is that religion is the source for most violence. Christians respond with example from the 20th century, where it looks as if non-religious regimes have been the most violent. Examples of communists such as Stalin and Mao are clear. But what about Hitler? Many atheists would say that Hitler … Read More “Was Hitler a Christian?” »
I am a proud member of the Canadian army reserves. My role is that of a chaplain but I wish that I had joined long before I became a pastor. I strongly believe in the importance of the reserves and I am thankful for the men and women who serve in this way. I find … Read More “Canada’s Reserve Soldiers” »
My favourite military historian is Mark Zuelke. It helps that he writes on Canadian military history and I am in the Canadian army. I recently had the chance to read his book, Tragedy at Dieppe: Operation Jubilee. The title gives away the direction that this important military operation went. The raid on Dieppe took … Read More “Tragedy at Dieppe” »
One of my main interests is the history of World War Two, especially the role played by the Canadians. It helps that I am in the Canadian army reserves. One of the events where the Canadians really proved themselves was at the Juno landing on D-Day. I am amazed at how often I hear about D-Day … Read More “Juno: Canadians at D-Day” »
I am a bit of an armchair historian when it comes to the Second World War. For as long as I can remember, I have read everything I could get my hands on that was related to the war. Some time back, I picked up a used copy (a first edition actually) of Winston Churchill’s … Read More “Their Finest Hour” »
D-Day was the invasion of Normandy by the American and British, right? Actually the Canadians were there as well, not just to reinforce the British but to land on their own beach. The landing at Juno Beach was one of the great battles of World War Two. It has always been one of my pet … Read More “Juno Beach – Review” »
Today is the 70th anniversary D-Day. It is difficult for us to imagine the importance of the Normandy invasion. This really was the turning point of the war. The planning that went into co-ordinatiing naval, air and land forces was tremendous. It was the greatest land invasion in military history. I should point out that … Read More “70th Anniversary of D-Day” »
I sometimes hear people say that Adolf Hitler was a Christian. Therefore, the atrocities of Nazi Germany are another example of the evils of Christianity. But is it true that Hitler and the rest of the Nazi leadership were Christians? Here are some things to think about: “It’s been our misfortune to have the wrong … Read More “Hitler and Christianity” »
