Planning a trip to 'trace the path' of father-in-law, a Canadian Grenadier Guard, who arrived in Normandy in late July, 1944, until his capture around Essen in October of 1944; fought at Falaise, Chambois, Scheldt. We are very interested in any information about the travels, battles, experiences of this group. One question in particular as well has to do with the Channel Ports, the Breskens Pocket. We know from Mark Zeuhkle's book that the 4th Armoured Division was in the area, but see no reference to the CGG - can anyone tell me what their role was there? Were they involved? Some reading indicates that the tanks could not be supplied, nor could they travel in much of the terrain of the Breskens Pocket. Any information about this group from the time of landing to the Battle of the Scheldt would be much appreciated.
I suggest you get a copy of 'Soldiers of the Queen - The Canadian Grenadier Guards 1859-2009' by William J. Patterson, an excellent regimental history with a large number of illustrations. I have attached a map showing the unit's movements from 8 Sept to 12 Oct. The book describes these in more detail. Sorry about the seam blur to the left.
SC Not sure of your location...There is a museum located in Montreal at 4171 Esplanade Avenue, H2W 1S9. Telephone is 514 496 1984. In addition to dryan67's post, I have used a researcher based in Ottawa who should be able to obtain the War Diary for the period in question. If you want to contact the researcher by email, please send me a PM.
Also, if you want the pages for the 8 Sept to 12 Oct scanned from the history, let me know. I can probably get to it later today.
Hi Sapperschild, I am from Esschen and would gladly show you around here! You can contact me via pm if you're interested. best regards, Jakke
Thanks very much. I will definitely order that book. We have ordered the war diaries, but they are taking quite awhile to come in - am hoping that when they do, we'll be able to track the day-to-day movements of the CGG. If we don't receive them in time to plan our trip, I may take you up on your offer. Cheers!
Thanks 17thDYRCH. As I mentioned to DRYAN67, we are awaiting the war diaries - but if it takes too much longer - I may go the route you suggest. Thanks for the info.
I have searched online for the book 'Soldiers of the Queen The Canadian Grenadier Guards 1859 - 2009', at Amazon, Chapters, novid@kingston.net, as well as just a general search, however it is showing as 'Unavailable'. Does anyone know where I can get a copy?
Might be worth looking at one too? Quite expensive, maybe see if it at a library rather than buy it. HISTORY OF THE CANADIAN GRENADIER GUARDS 1760-1964 by DUGUID. Colonel A. Fortescue: Gazette Printing Company, Montréal Couverture rigide - Librairie Montréal
This is the place I purchased 'Soldiers of the Queen'. » Local Books Given the fact that at average "Dummy" book is about $50, this is a bargain for one of the best Canadian regimental histories.
Have you tried abebooks.com? They are good for obscure regimental histories. Thanks TTH. Located that site - but unfortunately, the book is not available there, but I was able to log a 'request', so that if the book does become available, I will be notified. Thanks for the info!
This is the place I purchased 'Soldiers of the Queen'. » Local Books Given the fact that at average "Dummy" book is about $50, this is a bargain for one of the best Canadian regimental histories. Gave it a try - but it came up 'Not Found'. Thanks anyway, will definitely keep trying, and will look as well for the one recommended by stolpi. I submitted a request to the CGG headquarters itself, in Montreal, for any information - am waiting to hear back. Doin' a lot of waitin' but well worth ANY result. Cheers!
Might be worth looking at one too? Quite expensive, maybe see if it at a library rather than buy it. HISTORY OF THE CANADIAN GRENADIER GUARDS 1760-1964 by DUGUID. Colonel A. Fortescue: Gazette Printing Company, Montréal Couverture rigide - Librairie Montréal Will check it out. Thanks muchly!
The link to Novel Idea works for me. The bookstore is located in Kingston, Ontario. Phone is (613) 546-9799 and the email is novid@kingston.net. The book appears to be listed at $64.95. Again 'Soldiers of the Queen' is probably the book you need, profusely illustrated with great detail on the moves of the regiment. I own hundreds of regimental histories and most pale compared to this one.
Sorry to take so long in getting back to this site - thanks to dryan67, have managed to acquire two copies of 'Soldiers of the Queen the Canadian Grenadier Guards of Montreal, 1859 - 2009' from novelideabooks.ca in Kingston Ontario. As dryan67 indicates, it is a beautifully illustrated book, with excellent information - a real keepsake for family members. Plan to purchase more copies for our children as mementos of their grandfather. Thanks again dryan67 and to other responders for your help.
Your welcome. I am glad that you liked the history. It is a bit pricey but it is one of the best regimental histories around. Good luck on your quest. Get back to us when you complete your trip and take some pictures.
