[HistTeach]

Eyebrock pardon my spelink. Mostly type-write mistakes. If you read into what I was stating you would not be so affronted. Yes, you have an Irish vein; well mine is Scottish. When you come from a Scottish background and you earned your name from the manor/castle your family scrubbed the floors, rather than by noble birth, yes, you sometimes tend to see things through a social lens. Yes I am a social historian. I have background in economic history as well as military. As you, I have had family who fought in both wars however none were lost. Fortunately, they returned home to loved ones. I can also appreciate the Newfie point of view as well, being the grandchild of a Newfound lander. Assume not what falls under the skin to be the same as the surface.
My proof to your question on "name the hot spots" read the battle honours of the colonial forces and the dates they fought. Canadians were continuously thrown into situations against all odds. However, to the surprise of most they managed, innovated and they persevered. As well you can appreciate that I stated that the Brits weren't the only ones who lacked appreciation towards their underlings (Fr. and Gr. did the same). And yes, on the whole and throughout the ranks there were intelligent Brits in command. Nowhere did I comment on the inept nature of the British command, I spoke of their reactive nature, inexperience and possible lack of innovation on the modern field of battle. As well, I to profess that Canadian success was founded on the fact that Canadians had less to unlearn.

[1964-D-Peace]

$1:

How do you get those little things to appear in the text folks. the beer one looks really cool Canadian.

When you select Post Reply, you'll see about 20 Emoticons to your left. The beer one can be accessed through the View more Emoticons link. Click on a face to add it to your text, although after a while I'm sure you'll feel comfortable just typing the code in manually:



I myself would like to know how you can add more emoticons to the list, but I figure a forum veteran can better answer that. Linking web images is helpful but just a tad clunky.

BTW, HistTeach, congratulations on your star! ^_-

And thanks to everyone for keeping the discussion lively and engaging, and for courteously arbitrating any misunderstandings. Shining civility is a welcome respite from some of the first,.... colorful CKA threads I've visited.... ¯v¯

[dgthe3]

I've noticed that things have calmed down a bit here in the last week or so, thankfully. This is how forum discussions should take place. If you have a problem with what someone says, ask them about it. Don't call them an idiot for saying what they said. And if you are questioned, explain and don't say that the other person is an idiot. Things are much more interesting to read this way, and discussions progress too!

[EyeBrock]

Ok Hist, I do take your point of view and it does have merit, in parts. I apologize for being a bit of a knob.
Sometimes my passion for history does take over!
I still maintain that Colonial or Dominion troops were not unfairly targeted by the Imperial Command for slaughter or tough jobs.. Both the CEF and the ANZAC Corps had reputations for being very effective and tough fighters. That is why they were used by the Staff in "shock troop" roles, with the approval of their own leadership. The CEF and ANZAC corps were not the only armies to take huge losses. Both Corps also were very closely knit, probably more so than the huge British armies that were raised overnight to fill the massive losses. Never forget the 8% figures.

I think you over state the social downtrodden aspects of the Brit psyche a tad. I lived there for 16 years and served in their military. I know what they are like and I know aspects of the history from living it. The social history books I have read are somewhat left leaning and many have agendas underlying the analysis they espouse. I've done several "sosh history" courses recently so I'm relating a fresh point of view.

I will try to keep my points civil ……but hey, I’m a frigging Paddy! I usually call it as I see it!

Keep posting Hist, you have some good points.

[HistTeach]

I thank you for your words. And I can merit you on your Celtic sensibilities. I soothe mine with fine single malt scotch (far too much sometimes for my head’s likings).
“I think you over state the social downtrodden aspects of the Brit psyche a tad. I lived there for 16 years and served in their military.”
Just a comment here, I refer to the British Imperial/Nationalistic movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There would be much social upheaval that would alter the balances of rank and order in Britain and around the world, post WWI, when nations took to task their governments and the industrialists who made their names and fortunes on the lives of others in WWI (hence the decline of the arms purchases and military dominance throughout the 1920s).

[canadian1971]

$1:

Canadians were continuously thrown into situations against all odds. However, to the surprise of most they managed, innovated and they persevered.

Here's how I see that. The Canadians were given the tough jobs, BECAUSE they always persevered.

$1:

I've noticed that things have calmed down a bit here in the last week or so, thankfully. This is how forum discussions should take place. If you have a problem with what someone says, ask them about it. Don't call them an idiot for saying what they said. And if you are questioned, explain and don't say that the other person is an idiot. Things are much more interesting to read this way, and discussions progress too

Well, we can't have that! ....Shut the F*** up!!

Sorry brother, couldn't resist!

[dgthe3]

$1:

Well, we can't have that! ....Shut the F*** up!!

Well, in that case, you are an idiot.

[canadian1971]

Hehe.... .....I would take offense to that ....if I didn't hear it so often!

[EyeBrock]

History,

Things have obviously changed over there. The Brits no longer lord it over a quarter of the planet. Nationalism is alive and well there still though.
The Brits are a very patriotic bunch, and they stick together. The pack mentality that they have is finely tuned at international soccer games.

It’s the same guys who Wellington said of:

“'We have in the service the scum of the earth as common soldiers'

Now they throw bricks at the cops instead of shooting at the French.

They were scum but bloody good soldiers.

[AdamNF]

$1:

“Newfoundland's political affairs were in disarray after the 1932 election. Beset by a crippling public debt and a high rate of unemployment, the island's government appealed to Britain for assistance. Britain responded by appointing a Royal Commission to investigate the matter. The members conducted their study during 1933 and presented their findings in a report to the British government later that year. They strongly recommended that responsible government be suspended in Newfoundland in favour of a Commission of Government, which would oversee the island's affairs until such time as it could again be self-supporting. The Newfoundland government agreed to the suggestion, and the Commission took office on February 16, 1934.”

Did you quote that from the National Post? I think i read that in the National Post yesterday.

[EyeBrock]

No Adam its from the Canadian govt website.