Mr. MacLeod describes finding an obviously assassinated civilian in a ditch, and speculates on the reasons for his death.
Marksmanship and Rifle Training
Mr. MacLeod discusses the difference between a good and expert marksman, and describes a particularly difficult training drill using a bolt-action rifle.
Body Armour
Mr. MacLeod describes using body armour and feeling more secure because of it.
“Losing it” and Self-inflicted Wounds
Mr. MacLeod describes reactions to battle stress such as what the troops called “losing it” and causing self-inflicted wounds which would necessitate hospitalization and avoid combat.
An Accident at Caen
Mr. MacLeod describes being wounded while disposing of a German grenade, and after two weeks medical leave returning to his platoon and only finding one original member left.
D-Eay +30
Mr. MacLeod describes the ease of landing in Normandy thirty days after the invasion, and not seeing any substantial consequences of war until he reached Carpiquet Airport.
Buzz Bombs and Panic
Mr. MacLeod describes buzz bombs and the RAF's attempts to shoot them down. He also describes his terror at being immobilized in a hospital after being wounded, and hearing a buzz bomb stop over his hospital.
Joining the Queen's Own Camerons
Mr. MacLeod describes joining the army instead of the air force because they would correct a hernia from which he was suffering. He discusses his training pathway, and joining the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders upon his arrival in England.
Encounter at Beny-sur-Mer
Mr. Bruce describes a touching encounter with a child survivor of the Allied advance through Beny-sur-Mer, during a post-war pilgrimage.
Starving Children in Holland
Mr. Bruce offers a sombre reflection about the starvation he witnessed in Holland, particularly its effect on children.
Germany’s Defiance of Military Convention
Mr. Bruce describes Germany’s use of captured American uniforms and jeeps, an illegal act in wartime, and how the Canadians became much more vigilant as a result.
Dead Livestock and Dysentery
Mr. Bruce describes the impact of dead livestock on local water supplies, and speculates that this carnage was responsible to some extent for the dysentery experienced by many of the troops.