Bombs and Barbed Wire: Stories of Acadian Airmen and Prisoners of War, 1939-1945

During the Second World War, Acadians in Canada actively participated in the war effort, despite prevailing notions that they refused to support the war. Bombs and Barbed Wire, based on extensive interviews with eleven surviving Acadian veterans, provides a new perspective on their commitment and bravery, highlighting their struggles against language barriers and cultural exclusion while fighting for the freedom of their country.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Goose Lane Editions

Little has been written about the Acadians who served in Canada's armed forces during the Second World War. In fact, the prevailing notion suggested that Acadians refused to support the war effort. However, Bombs and Barbed Wire provides an alternative point of view, revealing the commitment and bravery displayed by the approximately 24,000 Acadians who voluntarily joined the war effort. Battling both language barriers and a culture of exclusion, they overcame frustrations and prejudice to fight for the freedom of the country they loved.

Based on extensive, in-depth interviews conducted in 1990 with eleven surviving Acadian veterans, Bombs & Barbed Wire brings to life the experience of Acadian soldiers for English-language readers for the first time. This book is a valuable addition to the New Brunswick Military Heritage Series, shedding light on the contributions of Acadians to Canada's military history.

The Acadians' decision to join the war effort was driven by a strong sense of nationalism and a desire to protect their homeland from the threat of invasion. Despite facing discrimination and exclusion within the Canadian military, they persevered and made significant contributions to the war effort.

One of the key challenges that Acadians faced was the language barrier. Many Acadians spoke French as their first language, which posed a communication challenge when working alongside English-speaking soldiers. However, they were determined to overcome this obstacle and learn the English language to better serve their country.

Another challenge was the culture of exclusion that existed within the Canadian military. Acadians were often viewed as outsiders and were not fully integrated into the military hierarchy. However, they refused to be marginalized and worked hard to prove their worth and earn the respect of their fellow soldiers.

Despite these challenges, Acadians played a vital role in the war effort. They served in various units, including the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Canadian Army. They participated in battles on the European front, the Pacific front, and the home front, where they worked in factories, hospitals, and other support roles.

One of the most notable Acadian soldiers of the war was Joseph Jacques Bernier, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Bernier was born in the small community of Petit-Rocher-de-la-Pocatière in New Brunswick and joined the RCAF in 1940. He served in several different roles, including as a fighter pilot, a bomber pilot, and a ground crew member.

Bernier's bravery and skill as a pilot were recognized by his fellow soldiers and his superiors. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest award for valor in the Royal Canadian Air Force, for his actions in the Battle of Britain. He also served in the Battle of the Atlantic, where he flew numerous missions to supply Allied forces in Europe.

Another Acadian soldier who made significant contributions to the war effort was Joseph-Armand Landry. Landry was born in the small community of Saint-Louis-de-Kent in New Brunswick and joined the Canadian Army in 1940. He served in the 2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, which was deployed to Europe in 1944.

Landry's service to his country was recognized with several awards, including the Military Cross and the Bronze Star. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre, which is the highest award for bravery in France. Landry's bravery and leadership on the battlefield were instrumental in the success of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion.

In addition to their contributions to the war effort, Acadians also played a significant role in the post-war reconstruction of Canada. Many Acadians returned to their communities after the war and worked to rebuild their homes and businesses. They also played a role in the political and social movements that emerged in the post-war period, advocating for the recognition of Acadian culture and identity.

Bombs and Barbed Wire is a valuable contribution to the study of Canada's military history. It provides a fresh perspective on the Acadians' role in the Second World War and challenges the prevailing notion that they refused to support the war effort. The book is based on extensive research and interviews with eleven surviving Acadian veterans, and it brings to life the experiences of these soldiers for English-language readers for the first time.

In conclusion, the Acadians who served in Canada's armed forces during the Second World War were a diverse group of men and women who were driven by a strong sense of nationalism and a desire to protect their homeland. Despite facing language barriers and a culture of exclusion, they overcame these challenges and made significant contributions to the war effort. Bombs and Barbed Wire is a valuable addition to the study of Canada's military history, shedding light on the contributions of Acadians to the war effort and challenging the prevailing notion that they refused to support the war effort.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 141 x 197 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773102788