Zuehlke, Mark

Holding Juno: Canada's Heroic Defense of the D-Day Beaches: June 7-12, 1944

Average customer rating:

Still reading it, but I love it
An Important Contribution to D-Day Literature

Holding Juno: Canada's Heroic Defense of the D-Day Beaches: June 7-12, 1944
Mark Zuehlke
Manufacturer: Douglas & McIntyre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Canada | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Juno Beach: Canada's D-Day Victory ¿ June 6, 1944
The Gothic Line: Canada's Month of Hell in World War II Italy
No Holding Back: Operation Totalize, Normandy, August 1944
The Liri Valley: Canada's World War II Breakthrough to Rome
Ortona: Canada's Epic World War II Battle

ASIN: 1553651022

Book Description

At D-Day's end, the Canadians, who had landed on Juno Beach, were six miles inland — the deepest penetration achieved by Allied forces on this infamous day. But every soldier on this front line knew worse was yet to come. For in the darkness the Germans were massing, intent on throwing them back to sea. With dramatic intensity, Holding Juno re-creates the ensuing battle and ultimate Canadian triumph and includes fascinating first-person soldier accounts as well as photos and maps.

Customer Reviews:

Still reading it, but I love it.......2006-11-10

On par with Mark Z's other books, particularly Juno. A very, very important addition to any WWII history collection, especially since this subject is overlooked in so many ways. Very refreshing.

An Important Contribution to D-Day Literature.......2006-01-11

It is well known that the invasion at Omaha beach was the worst. What isn't nearly as well known or perhaps appreciated is that the Canadians going ashore at Juno suffered almost as high a percentage of casualties as did the Americans at Omaha (relatively speaking Sword, Gold, and Utah) were pretty mild. Further, the Canadians even reached their assigned targets for D-day in some places (the only ones to do so). The story of the Canadians landing at Juno is told in Mr. Zuehlke's 'Juno Beach' (still available).

'Holding Juno' picks up at midnight, the morning of June 7th where the Germans are massing for an attack to throw the invaders back into the sea, and the Canadians are fighting to work further inland and to consolidate the invasion beaches (at midnight there was still a gap between Juno and Sword).

This book ends on June 12. By then neither the Canadians or any of the other divisions that assaulted the beaches on June 6th were capable of more than holding actions. But by then 326,547 men had landed and the battle to hold the beaches was done.

This book is an important contribution to the story of D-Day.

Ortona: Canada's Epic World War II Battle

Average customer rating:

Great account of an interesting battle
See my review on Liri Valley
A strange place and time in World War II Italy
Very Good
Nothing new here

Ortona: Canada's Epic World War II Battle
Mark Zuehlke
Manufacturer: Douglas & McIntyre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Canada | Military | History | Subjects | Books

The Liri Valley: Canada's World War II Breakthrough to Rome
The Gothic Line: Canada's Month of Hell in World War II Italy
Juno Beach: Canada's D-Day Victory ¿ June 6, 1944
Holding Juno: Canada's Heroic Defense of the D-Day Beaches: June 7-12, 1944
No Holding Back: Operation Totalize, Normandy, August 1944

ASIN: 1550545574

Book Description

In one furious week of fighting in December 1943, the First Canadian Infantry Division took Ortona, Italy, from elite German paratroopers ordered to hold the medieval port at all costs. When the battle was over, the Canadians emerged victorious despite heavy losses. Over 2,500 Canadians died or were wounded there. Military historian Mark Zuehlke blends reminiscences of the Canadians, Germans, and Italians who were there together with a blow-by-blow account of the fighting to create a harrowing, ultimately hopeful rendering of one of World War II's defining moments.

Customer Reviews:

Great account of an interesting battle.......2007-05-12

This is really a great read. Zuehlke does a good job of focusing on small unit actions and tying them into an overall account. A great resource for wargamers also as most of the actions are desrcibed down to the platoon level.

See my review on Liri Valley.......2005-06-24

The first in the series that end with the Gothic Line.

A strange place and time in World War II Italy.......2004-01-17

Mark Zuehlke's "Ortona" is a detailed account of the 1st Canadian Divisions attempt to achieve what Montgomery called "A Colossal Crack" against the German 10th army defencive lines along the Adriatic.

History shows us it was a naive, almost impulsive and possibly vain attempt by Montgomery to achieve a breakthrough along the eastern coast of Italy allowing the 8th Army to spearhead an assault against Rome before winter weather shut down the allies armoured support.

That being said "Ortona" is

Very Good.......2004-01-15

The book is an easy and fast read, very informative and MORE than adequate for the casual reader of world war II material. The blend of veteran testemonies and factual account is interesting and the formula works. It is not the most detailled military account around - and like a previous reviewer mentionned, Ortona is only covered at the end of the book. Still, I highly recommend this book to anyone intrested in the subject.

Nothing new here.......2004-01-02

Mike Dorosh's review is accurate. Writing military history is about solid research and pinning down the facts, something that is continually missed in this series of books. While they could have made a solid contribution to the literature on the Canadian Army in the Second World War and on the Italian Campaign, these books offer nothing new - which is not really a problem on its own - but given the numerous errors, it is simply not worth reading.

The Gothic Line: Canada's Month of Hell in World War II Italy

Average customer rating:

Good book, some annoying errors.
Good, but...

The Gothic Line: Canada's Month of Hell in World War II Italy
Mark Zuehlke
Manufacturer: Douglas & McIntyre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Canada | Military | History | Subjects | Books

The Liri Valley: Canada's World War II Breakthrough to Rome
Ortona: Canada's Epic World War II Battle
Holding Juno: Canada's Heroic Defense of the D-Day Beaches: June 7-12, 1944
Juno Beach: Canada's D-Day Victory ¿ June 6, 1944
No Holding Back: Operation Totalize, Normandy, August 1944

ASIN: 1553650689

Book Description

Stretching like an armor-toothed belt across Italy’s upper thigh, the Gothic Line was the most fiercely defended position of Hitler's army, but a bloody 28-day offensive led by Canada's first Infantry Division ruptured the German defenses and opened the way for an Allied advance. Through the vivid stories of the soldiers who fought there, this dramatic book recounts a forgotten part of Canadian history and captures the horror and glory Canadians found on the remote battlefield of a far-off land.

Customer Reviews:

Good book, some annoying errors........2004-07-27

I enjoyed all three books (Ortona, Liri Valley being the others) in the series, however there are some sloppy errors such as refering to the Carleton and York Regiment as "English-speaking Nova Scotians" (pg. 232) when the regiment was from New Brunswick (In Ortona, pg. 363, Zuehlke even states that the regiment "hailed from New Brunswick"). Another occurs on pg.182 where talking about Cape Breton Highlanders Private Alphonse Hickey "of Whitney Pier, New Brunswick". Whitney Pier is a neighbourhood in Sydney, Nova Scotia. In Liri Valley there are numeous references to ".75 millimetre" and ".88 millimetre" guns. Overall, I enjoyed the books and would recommend them, as I think they give a fairly comprehensive look at the major Canadian operations in Italy, which is what I wanted when I bought them.

Good, but..........2004-01-16

Another good, solid book by Mark Zuehlke. Like the two other books in this series, it consists in a mix between anecdotes and factual research, which makes for a pleasing read. However, "Ortona" was slightly better than this one. By the last 100 pages,it gets tiresome to read endless combat reports at platoon or company level - no matter how well written they are. Still, I higly recommend the book and salute Mr. Zuehlke for his overall GREAT work.

The Liri Valley: Canada's World War II Breakthrough to Rome

Average customer rating:

Good introduction
book reviev
A wonderful approach to Canadian military history
A Good "Popular" History
Reviewer should check his facts first

The Liri Valley: Canada's World War II Breakthrough to Rome
Mark Zuehlke
Manufacturer: Douglas & McIntyre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Canada | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Ortona: Canada's Epic World War II Battle
The Gothic Line: Canada's Month of Hell in World War II Italy
Juno Beach: Canada's D-Day Victory ¿ June 6, 1944
Holding Juno: Canada's Heroic Defense of the D-Day Beaches: June 7-12, 1944
No Holding Back: Operation Totalize, Normandy, August 1944

ASIN: 1553650131

Book Description

For the Allied armies fighting their way up the Italian boot in early 1944, Rome was the prize that could only be won through a massive offensive. Military historian Mark Zuehlke returns to the Mediterranean theater of World War II with this gripping tribute to the Canadians who opened the way for the Allies to take Rome. The book is a fitting testament to the bravery of soldiers like the badly wounded Captain Pierre Potvin, who survived more than 30 hours alone on the battlefield.

Customer Reviews:

Good introduction.......2005-06-24

This series was an excellent introduction to Canada's contribution in Italy. I highly recommend it and especially enjoyed the quotes from veterans who were there as their stories are now preserved.

book reviev.......2004-08-30

Liri Valley, by Mark Zuehlke provides a balanced and comprehensive overview of the canadians role in the Italian campaign specifically re: Monte Cassino as part of the 8th British army push. This particular battle was one of the hardest fought during WW2. Mr Zuelke deserves credit in the work he does re: canadian history. If mistakes have occured re: facts then hopefully he can acknowledge and correct them. Maybe a forum on the authors part would be helpful re: correspondance with fans,facts and feedback etc. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and currently I'm reading his most recent work, Juno Beach, also excellent. Life is not perfect and errors etc. do happen if so let the readers know if none occured then fine. I believe Mark's work is only getting better and the awareness he is bringing to our generation re: these Canadian soldiers is commendable. Continue the good work, hope to see more material on the Canadian's in North Western Europe WW2 especially something pertaining to "Operation Varsity".

A wonderful approach to Canadian military history.......2004-08-09

I purchased this book the same day I finished "Ortona". Zuehlke's writing style is very story-like, while not glazing over important historical facts and details. He does an excellent job of placing the reader at the scene. I was happy to find that I enjoyed this book as much as Ortona, and that it was more of what I liked about the first book. I really enjoyed this book and I don't understand the negative reviews left previously. I've read a lot of military history and I no longer have any use for a dry, history text type approach that so many authors seem to be married to.

A Good "Popular" History.......2002-03-25

While I'm exceptionally pleased to see a resurgence of interest in WW2 subjects, particularly as they apply to the experiences of our veterans, I remain a trifle dismayed at the lack of depth of much of the historical writing which has flourished in the wake of this renaissance. THE LIRI VALLEY is no exception.

In contrast to superb works such as Donald Graves' SOUTH ALBERTAS, this book seems to try to cross a non-man's land between history and tale, accomplishing neither very well. While I will be the first to say that Zuehlke's style of writing is very easy to read and flows well, in this case, the substance contained therein seems suspect. I'm afraid I have to agree with the prior reviews in that credibility with respect to attention to detail is lost pretty much from the beginning; although I suspect the fault lies more with an incompetent editor than with Mr. Zuehlke himself, his puzzling attack on Mr. Dorosh unfortunately tends to diminish his own credibility as a historian, rather than to support his case. This day and age, there are simply too many well-read people out here, and neither technical nor typographical errors can be easily excused.

I would recommend this book for someone who is already familiar with the Liri Valley campaigns - it is indeed easily read and understood, and complements other noted works on the subject - but am hesitant to do so as a primer on the campaign.

One would hope that Mr. Zuehlke will have the services of a 'knowledgeable' editor for his next volume in the series.

Reviewer should check his facts first.......2002-01-29

Please note that I've only filled in the book rating because it's required to post this message. [An author shouldn't rate his own book.] As an author, I generally don't respond to reviews. Michael Dorosh's review, however, requires a respons--notably because it is, as his title infers, "riddled with stupid errors." I do not, for example, mis-identify "Patton's 7th Army as the 5th." Neither Patton nor the 7th saw action in Italy proper. They left that theatre after Sicily, as any military historian worth his salt would know. The Perth Regiment's badge was as described during World War II, a fact thoroughly noted by Brigadier George Kitching at the time under whom the regiment served. The RCR's pipe and drum band is described in detail in the regiment's war diaries for 1944. In fact the band's instruments were smuggled to Italy against orders by the band members, a fact recorded at the time by the regiment's long-standing 2 i/c Major Strome Galloway. It would behoove Dorosh to get his own facts correct before he starts slinging mud.

Juno Beach: Canada's D-Day Victory ¿ June 6, 1944

Average customer rating:

As good as the Canadian troops it is about
Interesting read

Juno Beach: Canada's D-Day Victory ¿ June 6, 1944
Mark Zuehlke
Manufacturer: Douglas & McIntyre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Canada | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Holding Juno: Canada's Heroic Defense of the D-Day Beaches: June 7-12, 1944
Ortona: Canada's Epic World War II Battle
The Gothic Line: Canada's Month of Hell in World War II Italy
The Liri Valley: Canada's World War II Breakthrough to Rome
Cinderella Army: The Canadians in Northwest Europe, 19441945

ASIN: 1553650913

Book Description

On June 6, 1944, the greatest armada in history stood off Normandy and the largest amphibious invasion ever began as 107,000 men aboard 6,000 ships pressed toward the coast. Among them were 14,500 Canadians, who were to land on a five-mile-long stretch of rocky ledges fronted by a dangerously exposed beach. Drawing on personal diaries as well as military records, Juno Beach: Canada's D-Day Victory — June 6, 1944 dramatically depicts Canada's pivotal contribution to the critical Allied battle of World War II.

Customer Reviews:

As good as the Canadian troops it is about.......2006-11-10

Excellent account of the most impressive effort of D-Day. Enough of this Omaha Beach chatter! Here is the real story of D-Day, told in detail heretofore unseen.

Interesting read.......2004-09-09

Juno is a highly detailed account of the Normandy invasion, on all three fronts, air, land, and sea. Its focus is on the Canadian participation of units and their actions on June 6th. Normally, Canadian participation in this pivotal World War 2 battle is usually glossed over by other historians, if mentioned at all.

Leading up to the invasion, there are chapters on how different units trained and prepared, from the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and its role with the British 6th Airborne Division, to the minesweepers that swept lanes into the beaches for the assault craft, to the fighter and bomber units that blasted the beach defences on Juno beach.

By the mid-point of the book, units of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are steaming for the beaches. The battle for all 5 sectors of the beach are pretty interesting and filled with moments of courage and bravado, as men struggle up the sand and rush machinegun nests and bunkers.

There are several sections detailing German response and the opinions of the commanders of the 716th Infantry, the 21st Panzer, and other units facing the Canadians. These were interesting but I would have liked more detail.

There are also interviews with veterans who actually fought there as well as information from government archives. The only thing I found lacking in this book that I had enjoyed in Zuehlke's Ortona book was the anecdotes and quirky little stories that punctuated that volume.

Customer Reviews:

Rich source for facts and history of a haunting land.......1999-07-15

A treasure of information about a remote unpopulated space. Extremely helpful economic, demographic and cultural facts intertwined with folklore and culture.

The Gothic Line: Canada's Climactic World War II Triumph in Italy

Average customer rating:

The Gothic Line: Canada's Climactic World War II Triumph in Italy
Mark Zuehlke
Manufacturer: Stoddart Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Canada | Military | History | Subjects | Books

The politics of the barricade. (tactics used by Native Americans to gain rights and political influence)(Native People - Politics): An article from: Canada and the World Backgrounder

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The politics of the barricade. (tactics used by Native Americans to gain rights and political influence)(Native People - Politics): An article from: Canada and the World Backgrounder
Mark Zuehlke
Manufacturer: Taylor Publishing Consultants Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Canada | Military | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00093QNOA
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Canada and the World Backgrounder, published by Taylor Publishing Consultants Ltd. on September 1, 1995. The length of the article is 1773 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser. Citation Details
Title: The politics of the barricade. (tactics used by Native Americans to gain rights and political influence)(Native People - Politics)
Author: Mark Zuehlke
Publication: Canada and the World Backgrounder (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 1995
Publisher: Taylor Publishing Consultants Ltd.
Volume: v61 Issue: n1 Page: p12(4) Distributed by Thomson Gale

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