H.C. Chadderton, OC, O.Ont. DCL, LLD
Except for Denny Whitaker's Rhineland and, of course, a number of regimental histories, little has been written about the end of the Northwest European Campaign. You have brought the entire campaign to light by the concept of isolating and writing about the acts of gallantry. An outstanding feature of the book is the decision to use quotations from Army Orders of the day and Briefing Notes extracted from various sources, including intelligence summaries. This gives official recognition to what was taking place on the battlefield as the gallantry medals were earned. You have done the 3rd Division a great service.
G.D. Corry, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's)
I particularly like your summaries of events preceding each phase of the Division's operations, which set the stage for the individual citations. These give in graphic detail the tactical obstacles facing sharp end units during the slogging battles of February and March 1945 and the last resistance in April by a determined and fanatical enemy. How these obstacles were overcome are the stories of individual acts of courage by Canadian soldiers who were prepared to take the ultimate risk, and to read of their extraordinary feats makes one feel humble and immensely proud of being a Canadian.
Colonel, the Honourable Jack Marshall, CD. Senator, retired.
These citations offer the reader a fascinating glimpse into the individual heroism and courage of the Canadian soldier during the Battle of the Rhineland and the liberation of Holland. The skill, bravery and perseverance of the Canadian soldier in the dying months of the war leap off these pages. Mr. Fowler has performed a valuable service in confirming once again the proud military tradition enjoyed by Canada.
Hugh M. Greene, Dominion President, The Royal Canadian Legion
In this volume you have managed to capture the essence of bravery as exhibited by members of the units chronicled. The wrapping of the individual citations for gallantry in explanatory notes provides a very comprehensive insight as to what these brave men were asked to accomplish and how they went about it. It could be said that without these brave individuals, many of the objectives of the battles covered would not have been taken. The book is bound to bring forward emotions from its readers, despite the dry text used in the official citations. This is due to your careful research and literary expertise in connecting them to tell a most interesting story.
Captain C.D. MacGregor, in Sitrep, the Newsmagazine of the Royal Canadian Military Institute
This follow-up book to Fowler's Valour on Juno Beach is another most interesting record of many - but not all - of the decorations awarded for gallantry in the battles in Northwest Europe ... Those with regimental association will be inclined to first seek out the stories concerning awards to members of their own units, as I did, but all readers will find these well-presented records to be of great interest ... Books such as this serve to remind those of us who have lived in relative peace for the last 50 years that we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all those who served - whether they received a medal or not.
Sidney Allinson, The Canadian Book Review Annual 1995, Volume 21
The official citations make for compelling reading. Each brief account provides a snapshot of combat incidents that together constitute a mural of battlefield conditions. The bibliography offers useful guidance to those readers who wish to learn more about the gallantry of Canadian soldiers who fought in Northwest Europe in 1945.