The Allies had originally planned to cross from the island of Sicily into the "arch" area (Taranto) of the Italian mainland, envisioning a limited invasion of the Italian "boot". Anticipating a strong defence by both German and Italian forces, they would advance up the Adriatic Coast. The success of Op Husky as anticipated led to … Continue reading Allied Landings in Italy
Mental Health
Breaking News – The Okanagan Chain Gang Rides Again
On my first Battlefield Bike Ride with Wounded Warriors Canada in 2019, four of us from Lake Country, BC got together to form the Okanagan Chain Gang. Together, we raised over $25,000 for the work that WWC does for our veterans and first responders suffering with mental disorders as a result of their work to … Continue reading Breaking News – The Okanagan Chain Gang Rides Again
Deception in the Mediterranean
Following the defeat of the German Afrika Corps the leading Allied powers looked ahead to the invasion of occupied Europe and the final defeat of Nazi Germany. At the Casablanca Conference in January 1943, the decision was made that the move would be against Italy. It was hoped that an Allied invasion of Italy would deliver three objectives: First, to remove … Continue reading Deception in the Mediterranean
Thank you to Oyama Zipline Adventure Park
On 10 February 2023, at the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards of Excellence night, I had the privilege of presenting Jennifer and Peter Madsen of Oyama Zipline Adventure Park with the Wounded Warriors Canada Mental Health Leadership Award for their ongoing efforts to raise funds for and bring awareness to the mental health struggles of … Continue reading Thank you to Oyama Zipline Adventure Park
Canada and the Italian Campaign – A Brief Synopsis
Often overshadowed by Operation Overlord, the Normandy invasion and the operation to liberate the Netherlands, the liberation of Italy was Canada's longest military campaign during World War 2. In my posts leading up to BBR23 - Ortona 80, I will explore the Canadian involvement in the Italian Campaign from the landing of Allied Forces in … Continue reading Canada and the Italian Campaign – A Brief Synopsis
Battlefield Bike Ride 2022 – Let’s Get Started!
The riders from all corners of Canada are starting to arrive in Amiens, France, to start the ride - The Battlefield Bike Ride 2022 - 100 Days to Victory. The Somme River as it looks today. Tomorrow we start with the first ride, but today we all meet at the ride hotel in Amiens for … Continue reading Battlefield Bike Ride 2022 – Let’s Get Started!
Wounded Warriors Day – After Action Report
After weeks of worry and concern about weather, Wounded Warriors Day at Oyama Zipline and Adventure Park dawned sunny and welcoming. And welcoming it was. And thanks to all of the preparation and planning by Jenn Madsen, we were ready for whatever came our way. Of course, there was the concern that nobody would come, … Continue reading Wounded Warriors Day – After Action Report
Heroism in the Presence of the Enemy
The Victoria Cross is the highest decoration for valour in the armed forces of Great Britain and the British Empire. It is awarded for extreme bravery in the face of the enemy. So great is the prestige of the Victoria Cross that it takes precedence over all other orders and medals in Britain and recipients are entitled to add V.C. … Continue reading Heroism in the Presence of the Enemy
MORE BREAKING NEWS – Wounded Warrior Day
With the Battlefield Bike Ride 2022 (BBR22) – 100 Days to Victory, just over one month away, I really excited to share some special news. Wounded Warriors Day at Oyama Zipline and Adventure Park has just just secured a new sponsor. Welcome to the Canadian Blood Services, Kelowna Plasma Centre (CBS Kelowna)! Win Passes to … Continue reading MORE BREAKING NEWS – Wounded Warrior Day
My Military Family Tree
My Military Family Tree. This is my opportunity to talk about the impact that the Canadian military has had on my life, and, I suppose, a chance to brag a bit about the heritage.
BBR23 - 80RTONA 