1. Tim Cook, “The Necessary War: Canadians Fighting the Second World War 1939-1943” (Vol. 1) and “Fight to the Finish: Canadians in the Second World War 1944-1945” (Vol. 2)
- Tim Cook’s two-volume set is a definitive account of Canada’s involvement in the Second World War. These books combine operational history with personal stories, offering a detailed look at the experiences of Canadian soldiers, airmen, and sailors.
2. C.P. Stacey, “Official History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War: Volume I, Six Years of War; Volume II, The Victory Campaign”
- Written by Canada’s official military historian, Charles Perry Stacey, this is the authoritative official account of Canada’s army during the Second World War. These volumes provide detailed operational history, maps, and insights into Canadian military leadership.
3. Terry Copp, “Fields of Fire: The Canadians in Normandy”
- Copp’s study focuses on the Canadian army’s role in the Normandy campaign after the D-Day landings in 1944. His work is well-researched and provides an in-depth look at the challenges faced by Canadian forces during the crucial battles of the campaign.
4. J.L. Granatstein and Desmond Morton, “Marching to Armageddon: Canadians and the Great War 1914-1919 and Canada and the Second World War”
- This book provides a detailed comparison of Canada’s experiences in both world wars, with a significant focus on the Second World War and how Canada’s military, political, and social fabric was transformed by the conflict.
5. Mark Zuehlke, “Terrible Victory: First Canadian Army and the Scheldt Estuary Campaign, September 13-November 6, 1944”
- Zuehlke’s work focuses on the Scheldt campaign, one of the most challenging battles faced by the First Canadian Army in 1944. It provides a detailed account of the campaign and highlights the strategic importance of Canadian forces in clearing the Scheldt Estuary.
6. Brereton Greenhous, Stephen J. Harris, William C. Johnston, and William G.P. Rawling, “The Crucible of War: The Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Volume III”
- This volume is part of the official history of the Royal Canadian Air Force and focuses on Canadian air operations during the Second World War. It covers the Battle of Britain, Bomber Command, and the important role of the RCAF in Europe and beyond.
7. J.L. Granatstein, “The Generals: The Canadian Army’s Senior Commanders in the Second World War”
- Granatstein examines the leadership of Canada’s army during the Second World War, profiling key figures such as Generals Harry Crerar, Guy Simonds, and others. The book delves into their decision-making and contributions to the success of Canadian forces.
8. David J. Bercuson, “Maple Leaf Against the Axis: Canada’s Second World War”
- Bercuson’s book provides a comprehensive look at Canada’s military contributions in all theaters of the Second World War, including the Atlantic, Italy, Normandy, and the Pacific. It also examines the home front and the industrial effort in support of the war.
9. Roger Sarty, “The Battle of the Atlantic: The Royal Canadian Navy’s Greatest Campaign, 1939-1945”
- This work offers a detailed account of Canada’s involvement in the longest continuous battle of the war, the Battle of the Atlantic. Sarty focuses on the role of the Royal Canadian Navy and Canada’s crucial contribution to securing Allied supply lines.
10. Pierre Berton, “Marching As to War: Canada’s Turbulent Years, 1899-1953”
- Berton’s book covers a broad sweep of Canadian military history, with significant attention to Canada’s role in the Second World War. It offers both military and social perspectives on the war’s impact on Canadian society.
11. Daniel Byers, “Zombie Army: The Canadian Army and Conscription in the Second World War”
- Byers explores the divisive issue of conscription during the Second World War and its effects on Canadian politics, society, and the military. The book looks at the so-called “Zombie soldiers” who were conscripted for home defense and later sent overseas.
12. Geoffrey Hayes, Mike Bechthold, and Matt Symes (eds.), “Canada and the Second World War: Essays in Honour of Terry Copp”
- This collection of essays by leading historians examines different aspects of Canada’s participation in the Second World War, from military operations to the home front, offering new perspectives and analyses on the Canadian experience.
13. Marc Milner, “D-Day to Carpiquet: The North Shore Regiment and the Liberation of Europe”
- Milner’s work provides an in-depth account of the role played by the North Shore Regiment in the D-Day landings and subsequent campaigns in Normandy. It offers a soldier’s-eye view of the war, focusing on one of Canada’s most distinguished infantry units.
14. Brereton Greenhous, “Courage and Fear: The Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War”
- Greenhous provides a detailed history of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s role in the war, focusing on its contributions to key campaigns, including the defense of Britain, strategic bombing in Europe, and air operations in the Pacific.
15. Matthew Barrett and Robert Engen, “Through Veterans’ Eyes: The First World War, the Second World War, and Canada’s Korean War”
- This work offers a unique perspective on the war through the eyes of Canadian veterans. It includes personal stories, interviews, and reflections on their experiences during and after the conflict.
16. W.A.B. Douglas, “A Blue Water Navy: The Official Operational History of the Royal Canadian Navy in the Second World War, 1939-1945, Volume II”
- This official history provides a detailed account of Canada’s naval operations during the war, with a focus on the growth of the Royal Canadian Navy and its role in protecting convoys and supporting Allied operations in Europe.
17. Nathan M. Greenfield, “The Battle of the St. Lawrence: The Second World War in Canada”
- Greenfield explores the little-known but crucial battle fought in Canadian waters, where German U-boats attacked Allied shipping in the St. Lawrence River. The book provides a vivid account of this often-overlooked aspect of the war on the home front.
18. Michael Whitby (ed.), “Commanding Canadians: The Second World War Diaries of A.F.C. Layard”
- This edited volume of the diaries of Admiral A.F.C. Layard, a senior officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, provides a firsthand account of naval operations and command during the Second World War.
19. Jack Granatstein and Desmond Morton, “A Nation Forged in Fire: Canadians and the Second World War, 1939-1945”
- Granatstein and Morton offer a concise yet comprehensive overview of Canada’s participation in the Second World War, examining the military campaigns, home front, and post-war consequences for Canada.
20. Paul Dickson, “A Thoroughly Canadian General: A Biography of General H.D.G. Crerar”
- This biography of General Harry Crerar, the commander of the First Canadian Army, provides a detailed look at his leadership during the war and the key decisions he made during the Normandy and Northwest Europe campaigns.
These references provide a wide range of perspectives on Canada’s role in the Second World War, from operational military history to the social and political impacts of the conflict, making them excellent resources for further study.