The Canadian Army Journal

D-DAY: JUNO BEACH, CANADA’S 24 HOURS OF DESTINY
GODDARD, Lance. Dundurn Press, 2004, 254 pages. Soft cover $29.99
Reviewed by Dr J. Craig Stone
D-Day: Juno Beach, Canada’s 24 hours
of Destiny is a well-written coffee table book
released at an important time in Canadian
military history. The book was part of a
broader project to celebrate the 60th
anniversary of Canadian participation in the
Allied landings at Normandy on June 6,
1944.
The book is structured around each
hour of June 6, 1944 and makes use of a
combination of introductory comments by
the author followed by individual veteran
input into what each of them were doing at
the hour in question. This approach
provides the reader with both general
knowledge about Canadian activity and the
more personal reflections from the veterans. This provides a much greater sense of
realism about the event for the reader.
The book begins with two chapters that lay the foundation for the subsequent hourly
narrative. First, Goddard provides the overall context of the importance of D-Day, why
the date was chosen and what the broad plan for the invasion included. The balance of
the first chapter covers the very general context of how Hitler rose to power, the early
attempts at diplomacy and then a very brief description of what happened prior to the
discussions leading to a decision on Normandy.
The second chapter provides more specific discussion on the activities leading up
to D-Day with emphasis on why the Normandy beaches were chosen. The chapter also
includes a discussion on the overall tactical plan and Canada’s critical role in the
invasion. Goddard makes the important point that Canada was one of only three
national invading forces in the initial assault.
With the basic context provided in these first two stage setting chapters, the book
then transitions into an hour-by-hour description of the events of D-Day. Chapters
provide short discussions or analysis by Goddard on a particular issue and then personal
context is provided by one or a number of the veterans who were involved in the event.
Goddard then moves on and introduces the next issue for the chapter repeating the
process of analysis and personal context from the veterans. This is the real strength and
appeal of the book. Goddard has found the ideal balance between historical analysis
and actual description by veterans who presented their stories in a meaningful and
interesting style that captures the reader.
More importantly, the hourly discussion does not depend on a few individuals rather
it provides a balance between different services and different elements within the
service. The storytelling begins with the activities of the parachute battalions who were
responsible for securing key gun emplacements that could threaten beach landings, to
securing bridges to prevent panzer units from counterattacking and to hold the right
flank. These early chapters include members of the parachute battalion and members
Canadian Army Journal Vol. 11.1 Spring 2008 139