Pros: Specific
subject matter little-known outside of Canada; text, photos, & color
illustrations very good.
Cons: Subject-matter may be a bit narrow
This latest member of the Osprey Men-At-Arms series is one near & dear to my heart. For some time, we have needed a general publication that focused on Canadian uniforms in WW2. An earlier Osprey, #164, The Canadian Army at War, published in 1985, helped, as well as other Osprey publications on the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and British Army. But this one targets what was a large & critical military force.
The text is the usual Osprey style, containing brief but accurate accounts of Canada’s military background prior to Sept., 1939, a chronology of the major actions of the Canadian military in WW2, and reviews of the major Canadian WW2 forces–Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy, women’s units, and home service units. The equipment & uniforms of the various services are thoroughly described.
While the Canadian Forces in WW2 had uniforms based on the British military, there were numerous Canadian touches that set those uniforms apart. Also, some Canadian units in British Columbia were equipped with US Army-style uniforms. Volstad’s color plates give a lot of food for thought. For example, an interesting diorama could be made of the Hong Kong defense in December, 1941, with British 8th Army figures adapted for the Canadian units involved.