Salute To The Canadian Army - The Big Picture

National Archives and Records Administration
ARC Identifier 2569680 / Local Identifier 111-TV-414
Big Picture: Salute to the Canadian Army
DVD Copied by Timothy Vollmer. This episode in the current THE BIG PICTURE series, filmed in Canada by U.S. Army Signal Corps cameramen, had its world premiere on October 28 at 9:30 P.M. over the coast-to-coast facilities of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Tracing the history of the Canadian Army from the middle of the 18th century to present, the film examines the historic relations of Canada and the United States. The fruitfulness of Canadian-American solidarity is nowhere more evident than in the shoulder-to-shoulder fighting shared by Canadian and American soldiers on the battlefields of Europe and Korea. Evident throughout the story is the vigorous neighborly spirit which has contributed so mightily to the strength of Canada and the United States alike. As presented on THE BIG PICTURE, Canada's modern Army embodies a living tradition begun long ago and nourished by the many soldiers who contributed service and sacrifice, who led its regiments and filled its ranks on the battlegrounds of the world.

[@deborahwilliamson7056]

That's MY DAD!!!!!! The handsome man in a Canadian Uniform at the end of the film. GO DADDY!! I love you! Thank you for your service.

[@tallion23]

And my grandfather 😊

[@xxcanadanumero1xx879]

It's nice to see nobody bashing each others country. May our friendship grow even stronger.

[@terfle1106]

Did basic training with them in 1963, tough regiment, started with 53 guys, ended up with 20. I'm 70 now, still reaping the good health the regiment put in me way back when !!

[@helenemontreuil3417]

My grandfather was lieutenant-colonel in Canadian army during WW I, my Father was lieutenant in Canadian army during WW II, two of my uncles were also in Canadian army during WW II and myself, I was second lieutenant in Canadian army during peace time. Fortunately, none of us dies during our years of service. We have done our job to the best of our habilities. I am the only one alive and I keep the sabre of my grandfather as a precious souvenir. I will always keep a good memory of the Canadian Forces. We do not like the war, but we are always ready when we have to do it.

[@changmoyang3157]

.

[@johnarmstrong472]

Wow what regiment was your father in?

[@razor6888]

A time when Canadian drill and parade looked worthy of the country they represent.

[@rocksandforestquiver959]

And even better, there aren't berets slapped on literally every uniform

[@archlich4489]

Hello Canada!! Respect from North Carolina.

[@13thBear]

Up the Canadians! Greetings from The United States, Michigan across from Ontario!

[@mapearce1]

+13thBear Greetings back! Canada, way over west north of Montana in Alberta

[@ChimkenNuggers]

+13thBear Greetings as well from Canada, out west north of Washington State in British Columbia!

[@chrisstix9903]

Salute to both our countries , always

[@thenobleandmightybeaver4411]

I grew up on the Ontario/Michigan border.

[@konstantinosnikolakakis8125]

Greetings from Québec, north of Vermont

[@mcaddicts]

Canada is so great at war because they are professionally trained to amazing standards and will always have an in depth battle plan. The single reason why we pulled off Vimy was making models of the battlefield and maps were given to all men. Which was a risk but proved it was worth it. Canada again has been one of the most respected military in Afghanistan.

[@kamiskenaw4340]

@CAVKING19DELTA TEXAS Cause we don't poke our nose in places we don't need to be.

[@mcaddicts]

@TexasPROUD But we beat the US when it counts. Every attempt at an invasion we sent you boys packing.

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

"In depth battle plan" I once read a quote from a Russian General, it goes something like this, when asked about the difficulties in formulating a counter doctrine to the Canadian military doctrine, he replied, in effect,"It is difficult to formulate a counter doctrine to the Canadian military doctrine because you don't always follow it... assuming that you have even read it" I think that is a sincere compliment.

[@jlmadill]

Canadians generally seem nice and polite but I guess underneath that, you don't want to mess with them.

[@henrywardell6785]

THANKYOU.CANADIANARMY;VANGUARDOFFREEDOM.[GUARD-YOUR-FREEDOM.]

[@MelioraCogito]

'Warrior like her people are not, though sometimes warriors her people have been forced to become.' -- Pierre Burton

[@johnkidd1226]

Theres a reason Canadians dominate in ice hockey, the fastest, toughest sport in the world.

[@razor6888]

We do our best... Today I don my uniform for another memorial service to my service member in arms that served at this time.This happens alot .... But duty first... To my last breath I will do my duty, If the cause is right and just we shall do our duty and serve. Royal Canadian Legion 295... Proud Member and I serve as I am able.with honor and pride.My thanks to all that serve, May I represent you all with the pride and honor you hold.

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

Thank God they "Stand on Guard for Thee". Our freedom is not a right. It was purchased with blood,sweat and tears from loyal Canadians such as this.

[@carbidejones5076]

Thank You, brave , honorable Canadian allies.

[@mapearce1]

+Carbide Jones The thanks and feelings are mutual!

[@razor6888]

@@mapearce1 May we always be friends and allies.

[@jamesscott7944]

Salute to the Canadian Forces greetings from Alaska.

[@MrAwsomenoob]

we Americans take pride in the story of the minutemen, citizen soldiers. but that begin said it's really interesting how Canada's army really got it's start as privately raised, funded, and trained militias O7 i salute my Canadian neighbors and there heroic armed forces

[@henrywardell6785]

THANK YOU. CANADIAN ARMY;VANGUARD OF FREEDOM.[ BRAVO.]

[@TerreSeche213]

0:30 Citadelle de Québec 1:58 Royal 22e Régiment, French Canadian Regiment 2:51 Batisse! 4:06 Vive la Canadienne 25:33 Citadelle de Québec

[@douglapointe6810]

Canadians were in the Crimean war before the Boer war, fighting in British regiments. Canadian Alexander Dunn was awarded the VC in the Charge of the Light Brigade.

[@mapearce1]

Canada seeks only peace. But if we must fight, it is until the end, without fear, without malice, just sheer determination. We may not win, but you will know that you have fought a tenacious group who hold freedom and respect for our fellow man in the highest regard,...but we fight only if necessary, for we hold peace in the highest regard. Threaten our nation, threaten our allies, we shall fight, but always with the ultimate goal of peace. The ONLY time we fight BEYOND reasonable measures of peace is when you have the PUCK! Signed - an old Black Watch fart

[@KillerKane0]

+mapearce1 Uh, so does every other western country.

[@mapearce1]

+KillerKane0 I agree. I only spoke from a Canadian perspective as this video is/was related to the Canadian military/army.

[@patsyking8616]

mapearce1 Amen to that!

[@deriter64]

I remember The Big Picture, an American propaganda show we found entertaining when we were boys. But I must admit this episode offers a too often forgotten glimpse at Canadian military history. Usually Canada's troops are portrayed as Highlanders or French Canadians but at least this show remembered the Princess Pats.

[@RPMZ11]

I'm Highland and was a 2 Patricia.

[@PartyChicken407]

One more person here wishing to thank you for uploading this. Breakfast at tim hortons never made me feel this proud before.

[@woodntop1]

Colonel Strome Galloway, who commanded the Guards' 4th Battalion from 1955 to 1957 and was the first and last regimental lieutenant-colonel, believed that the disbanding of the Guards was a "political decision" by powerful "francophone" elements. "Our crime," Galloway wrote, "was that we were 'too British' in uniform and character to pass muster with the Francophone hierarchy which dominated the Defence Department at the time. The Unification program was the official excuse, but the program itself was partly a gimmick to 'Americanize' the Canadian forces and eliminate, as far as possible, the British traditions of the past. Makes me sick.

[@stevestruthers6180]

Colonel Galloway was right, unfortunately. British traditions are still strong within the Canadian Forces, they haven't completely withered away - yet. And I hope they never do. Any country that forgets its history, or sweeps it under the rug to be politically correct, is doomed.

[@jlmadill]

Unfortunately, Canada rarely gets the respect it deserves, aside from the Dutch. The Canadians fought hard and unusually successfully for their low population at the time. The Canadians were in the War long before the Americans, and proportionately lost lives. Why are there not more movies or historical memorabilia about the Canadians? Perhaps it's their modesty. "The chance to relax over a glass of Ale was always welcome. " Beer diplomacy. Hard to hate a Canadian if you drink with them.

[@peggyt1243]

Hollywood takes Canadian stories and turns them into American stories. www.ctvnews.ca/w5/argo-iran-hostage-crisis-film-fiddles-with-the-facts-1.1167994 Watching D Day movies you would not even know that Canadians took Juno Beach and were major players on D Day.

[@xxcanadanumero1xx879]

That is very true.

[@mapearce1]

+jlmadill Maybe it is because we do not have a "Hollywood" or maybe its simply because we do not seek applause (until it comes to hockey!)

[@terfle1106]

Hahaha, yeah, you got that right. Canadians are sober (in general), they don't much like blowhards.

[@jamesduncan1459]

For the simple reason that the historians view Canadian troops as being British forces and they made lots of British war movies and Canadian troops were in them only they were called British forces. In a Bridge too far, american and British troops take and hold a bridge. The only reference to Canada is the showing of a PPCLI officer being told he will not be going on the raid as he has to stay in hospital for another month. If you go to Holland today and go to Grossbeck or Apeldorn and go to the war cemeteries there have a look at where the majority of the graves come from. It is NOT British or American, The vast majority are from Canada and the Dutch will tell you Canadians were the liberators of Holland, not the British and NOT the Americans..

[@fredbazoo]

The old uniforms look great...

[@andrelafond9491]

j ai encore la mienne 64 67

[@andrewbergeron2427]

my uncle William Anderson was in black watch ,thank very much for posting!!1

[@Lonewolfpack]

Canada army Reserve Medic thank you my Us Brothers and sisters

[@Katmando376]

A great insight into a magnificent Army with such a rich history. Canada we salute you.

[@itrthho]

The Big Picture was an American documentary television program which ran on ABC-TV from 1951 to 1964. The series consisted of documentary films produced by the United States Army Signal Corps Army Pictorial Service, showing weaponry, battles, and biographies of famous soldiers. After The Big Picture’s run on ABC ended, it aired in syndication for several more years on some local television stations well into the early 1970s.

[@mapearce1]

BEWARE THE CANADIAN WAR GOAT! (Before you flame me...I am a Canadian and totally understand the war goat....and the goat is DAMN good at drill!)

[@ChimkenNuggers]

+mapearce1 It burps fire and shits nukes ;)

[@zachary159]

thanks for uploading this

[@thundernado]

gotta love those patricia's at 16:30sec Sharp

[@kenc9236]

My dad was in the Queen's own rifles of Canada.

[@andrelafond9491]

j etais avec royal canadien army service corps 1964 67 a winipeg

[@Bonjourallo]

Wow r22r ici a Quebec , super vue , fantastic

[@normlor]

A GREAT FILM BUT SADLY IN THAT ICONIC MOVIE "THE LONGEST DAY" NOT ONE WORD OF CANADIAN PARTICIPATION AND I BELIEVE WE WERE THERE AS WELL!!

[@RPMZ11]

They were in the book by Cornelius Ryan...but omitted in the movie. The killer is when we saw Canadian singer, Paul Anka play the role of some shaky GI.

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

Why don't modern Americans have the same level of diction as this guy?

[@tomryan914]

Thought he was British until I saw his stripes.

[@nolancummings9590]

the uniforms were so much better...

[@jocolope]

Police looking, the cap and its badge...

[@gymbo230970]

thanks for uploading video really enjoyed it

[@oldesarge]

When we had an army..thanks to PET and unification/integration all that has been lost.

[@rpm1796]

I was there...where young ladies would come up to me in, in PPCLI uniform, in Toronto ...and ask when the next Queen Car was due....they had no idea.

[@gregcraven984]

no mention of canadas aid to Hong Kong? in ww2 1941.. where is the credit due to the guys that fought the japanese , and were killed or taken prisoners??

[@mapearce1]

+Greg Craven Hey...Canadians are not a people that seek adulation or accreditation for a job done. Doing what has to be done as best as we can is all we seek . But yes, a bit of applause would be nice!

[@DeNihility]

Anyone else agree we should go back to 18th/19th century bright colored coats with the golden bits for a traditional/standard non-combat uniform? Those were best

[@MrAwesomal]

yes they look nice but you havent stood for 2 hrs on black pavement in the sun in the uniform lol

[@DeNihility]

***** I have; back when I was a cadet. Almost triggered a domino effect. x-x

[@MrAwesomal]

But I agree it would look great but so does the current uniform

[@azazil72]

The Unity Of the United States and Canada,. Let we Be Proud for Generations of Oneness between Canada and the United Common Wealth, United States Of America and Israel be United with Love so Help Us God. Amen.

[@nolancummings9590]

the grenadier guard sounds like superman

[@conradhuhn3659]

He isn't a Grenadier Guard, he is regular force, we do have Grenadier Guards in our reserve Force

[@bobjoe5214]

Back then the Americans exactly respected our military

[@bobjoe5214]

People like you make me laugh.. Have a good day

[@BlackLotus30]

it is funny that this was filmed before the Canadian got the maple flag and flew the red ensign.

[@chrisstix9903]

Check out who the devils brigade were , a Canadian and American unit from ww2, they were so well known they made a movie about the unit also thats the unit terintino go his inpspiration for the inglorious bastards film

[@tomryan914]

With British actors playing Canadians(laughable). Cliff Robertson trying to sound ...Canadian?!?! Pip, Pip

[@jamesduncan1459]

had an argument one time with an Australian vet glider tow pilot who claimed Canada never went o Holland, it was all British forces and never landed on D Day, again all British forces only. Looked at a number of war history books here in Australia and Canada hardly gets a mention. ALL BRITISH FORCES, so in both British and American history books Canadian forces were in their facts BRITISH FORCES that is the main reason Canada rarely gets a mention. Just finished a series of books on Korean war and Canada got a mention for some medical staff doing some complicated surgery. I guess Canada wasn't there either according to the History books

[@mapearce1]

+james duncan Do not let it bother you. Those who know what really happened...well,...they know.

[@kcenneckennek]

Canada was still under British rule during WWII and Korea. We didn't become a nation until the '60s.

[@terrywhelan6651]

+ValtonGamers we became a nation April of 1917 when we got to the top of Vimy Ridge and pissed on the retreating Germany Army.

[@kcenneckennek]

+Terry Whelan We went up as Albertans and Saskatchewans. We came down as Canadians.

[@Kevin-np3sx]

+james duncan lol, what a slap in the face eh, my grandfather fought and put his life on the line in WW2 and cuz of a bunch of snobby historians he doesn't get the credit for fighting. We mobilized as a nation like never before contributed so much and they cant even acknowledge it. There aren't even enough characters to permit me to write how much we've done for the world in contributing to its safety and security, that is a fact.

[@flyop312]

remember 1812

[@BlackLotus30]

more in the sense that now you can't really separate the Maple Leaf Flag from Canada. Like it was done with the Red Ensign. I mean when people think of Canada what it is the FIRST thing they think of? the Maple Leaf Flag. I mean up until 1965 It was the Red Ensign and alot in the newer generation of Canadian have no idea what the Red Ensign is... I hope that made sense to you what I was trying to say.

[@rpm1796]

Loud & Clear 30.... We all loved that flag, and Dominion Day....I was just a kid that rotten day they tore down our Ensign at our school, ....They even let her fall on the ground...I refused to salute the new one....Feb, 65'...that's when it all began.....most Canadians were against it...You tell an always independent, and patriotic 'ANZAC' they are just little colonials because they retain the historic Jack in their field... they'll give you a good quick punch.

[@mapearce1]

Lest not only focus on our under-funded army - our under-funded navy and air force are just as admirable! Do not get me wrong. as a Canadian I realize we could lose any war we enter into. Despite our HEU radio-isotope medical program and our reactor-grade Plutonium disposal capability we are not a nuclear nation. We can lose - but realize you will know that you were in one HELL of a fight! Even though my military days are well over four decades ago, as my buddy says....we would be real annoying lying in the muskegs as old fart snipers!

[@jamesduncan1459]

OH YES

[@terfle1106]

Did basic training with them in 1963 (Vimy platoon), tough regiment, started with 53 guys, ended up with 20. I'm 70 now, still reaping the good health the regiment put in me way back when !!

[@brandonb9978]

Let no man put us under.

[@BlueHooloovoo]

I love watching these old public service films. Nice of the Americans to make this.

[@geordiewishart1683]

The Canadian RSM looks very daper and with a good military baring, much more so than the American master sgt whose uniform looks a little more casual. Words fail ref the Frog.

[@DavidStanleymusic]

If you mess with our friends and allies you can count on us being there making hell for you

[@rjacob1857]

Very nice 😊

[@pietroboggio8353]

Still nowdays canads are considered among the best soldiers of the world..especially for peace keaping missions.

[@freakyflow]

Germans referred to the Canadians as storm troopers

[@michellearmstrong7903]

That was because they were wet behind the ears

[@freakyflow]

@@michellearmstrong7903 You might want to fully understand the meaning of "Storm troopers" As they took ground where no other Countries could ..In both world wars AKA Passchendaele / Juno beach / Holland / Italy

[@WeeeWriter]

i wish I could find some info on my grandpa, who was killed on base in Ontario in 1960 :(

[@andrelafond9491]

en 1965 j etais a borden ontario 2 fois j ai etea des funerailes 1 fois rifle party 2 fois je portais le cerceuil avec 7camarades

[@MapleBalls]

Im Glad They Didn't Use Actors. Nice Video.

[@1joshjosh1]

A little bit dorky but pretty awesome

[@itrthho]

Yep, Canadians got the short end of that deal!

[@Panzer_ze_tank]

The new Canadian Victoria Cross has Pro Valore instead of For Valour.

[@mapearce1]

+Frank Alviar Have any been awarded yet? I do easily remember when Pierre Trudeau wanted to Canadianize a version of the VC, and then Mulroney got involved afterwards. I also remember when Her Majesty wanted to award a VC to the Canadian unknown soldier and vets said please do not....do not elevate him above other fallen comrades. So only 1358 awarded....and if and when another is awarded to a Canadian it will be the "new" Canadian version - which I personally find a bit sad....I have only met one Canadian recipient of the VC - Sgt. Ernie Smith - when I was taking basic OCTP training at CFB Chilliwack. We were having a uniformed function in the mess with a Major-General in attendance and in strolled Ernie. The entire mess, including the General, stood and came to attention...and contrary to Canadian protocol, saluted the Sgt indoors! (I sure as hell wasn't going to question protocol when it was breached by a General!) Part of me truly wishes we had NOT created a Canadian version of this most distinguished medal!

[@RPMZ11]

@@mapearce1 No Canadian VC has been awarded...yet.

[@JohnSmith-zf1lq]

What year is this? '60s?

[@nicflatterie7772]

It is before February 15 1965, because you can see the old flag, with the British flag in the top corner. The current flag (with the maple leaf) was that date.

[@judgedredd8657]

I'm guessing between 1959 and 1962.

[@RPMZ11]

Good question: The PPCLI Honourary Colonel we see at 17:38, Brig. General Hamilton Gault, DSO, died in 1958. The thing that is curious here is they don't feature the two other Regular Infantry Regts that were active during this time. The Canadian Guards, and The Queen's Own Rifles.

[@yeneracay2368]

Canada Newfoundland 1915 Gallipoli war campaign 19 september suvla bay extraction they withdrew peninsula coribou hill 🇨🇦

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

They neglect to mention that of the four beaches targeted on D-Day, only the Canadian assault on Juno beach was able to reach all of their planned objectives.

[@michellearmstrong7903]

It was the easiest beech to land on no cliffs or walls

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

@@michellearmstrong7903 However there were those uncouth Huns always getting in the way. To say nothing of their habit of knocking down any Commonwealth chap who was just trying to walk up and present himself in a proper manner. It wasn't until total darkness that we ate those Hun brains. It was corporal Fitznudgebudget of C company who discovered that with oat flakes in the mix you could, with minimal heating, end up with a very thick mass that could be shaped into, for example, meatloaf. Meatloaf! Its subtle scent still fills the mind's eye with a row of hollow skulls. And as for the beeches, we left those to the Yanks to deal with. We were NOT going to take part in an extension of the already dead tired lumberjack stereotype.

[@RPMZ11]

5 beaches.

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

@@RPMZ11 Pardon me. And thank you.

[@RPMZ11]

@@ThisTrainIsLost Denada V.S The best I've read...is Marc Milner's ''Stopping the Panzers''.

[@happy543210]

Why does the American officer sound British and the Canadian officers sound American and French?

[@nicflatterie7772]

happy543210 the second sergeant was from the 22s in Quebec. It is the only French speaking regiment in the Canadian army. His English was not too bad, but the accent is hard to get rid of (trust me I know!)

[@Crombo]

You can be proud. But what time ? 26:58 ?

[@bernicekling6336]

02:57 26:24 14:04

[@ReelLifeCanada]

Not Baptiste the mascot... Batisse... sheesh...

[@clintongrandy7640]

Praise the Lord! Jesus is the Son of God!

[@MikeGreenwood51]

To Clinton Grady He was a reject anarchist. Rejected by the Sanhedrin. The High Priest (Chaiphas) as well as the Pharisees. So what was his mission? To get himself crucified? His stated mission in Mathew 10: 'Make no mistake about the reason I came. It was not to bring peace. But a sword. To set son against father, daughter against mother and daughter in law against mother in law. 10:36 A person's enermies will be those of his own household. 10:21 Brother will deliever brother over to death. And the father his child and children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. 10.22 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake.

[@jocolope]

Woof woof! @ 0:03 its Alouette 1 and its 2016 hehehehe!

[@glen6945]

we lost to many------LEST WE FORGET

[@cdnparatrooper]

Why is it funny, exactly?

[@williamdukes8036]

I was i Korea

[@stephenjackson4392]

LOL. Why did they have to introduce them to the Quebec division. Tall beaver skin hat's and a goat 🐐. He probably laughed and went back to the U.S to tell them what weirdos we are 🤣

[@Pre114]

WOW, these guys' accents are so weird by today's standards.

[@keneth231742]

people talked like that on audio because old equipment could not pick up base so those speaking had to change there voice to be heard.

[@SidneyAnderson36]

I believe its called "the trans-atlantic Accent"

[@richardbuxton3546]

oakern Absolute rubbish - *they had to change their voices* - do you make it up yourself or is somebody feeding it to you?

[@SidneyAnderson36]

Richard Buxton its the trans atlantic accent. It is for the low quality microphones and recording materials

[@RU-zm7wj]

Our grand-parents did talk like that in Central Canada, yes, the "Trans-Atlantic Accent".

[@johnarmstrong472]

More Canadians were killed in WWI than WWll... In 1945, with such a small population, we were one of the top 5 militaries in the whole bloody world. Unfortunately, most who cared about that kind of thing still identified strongly with the Brits...

[@JeffLeChefski]

Funny how they don't mention the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812 with those pesky Republicans to the south. Gotta laugh at that one. ;)

[@anatole72400]

Ce ne sont pas des canadiens mais des anglais !

[@shimavitz47]

+anatole72400 Les Canadiens utilise les uniform rouge comme les soldats britique pour les parades. La film commence avec une scene a la Ville du Quebeque.

[@nicflatterie7772]

Ces uniformes rouges sont portés par les troupes en cérémonie à Ottawa et Québec. Les élèves-officiers au collège militaire aussi.

[@glen6945]

OHHHHHHHH BONE SPURS WHAT A AZZHOLE

[@coriegerong3050]

I love looking at the Canadian soldiers marching all together.they. all look so smart.

[@glen6945]

canada is fkin 400,000 years old

[@kyodairiker]

Canada isn't even 200 years old

[@93Enthusiast]

I’d rather kiss a toilet seat, than do what title suggests.

[@WoahYeah1984]

Why