Book cover for Breakout From Juno: First Canadian Army and the Normandy Campaign, July 4-August 21, 1944 by Mark Zuehlke

Breakout From Juno

First Canadian Army and the Normandy Campaign, July 4-August 21, 1944

2011 Released
400 Pages
10-11 Hours
★ 4.24 94 ratings
Audiobook Unavailable
Hardback Unavailable
Douglas & McIntyreISBN 9781553659723

The ninth book in the Canadian Battle Series, Breakout from Juno, is the first dramatic chronicling of Canada's pivotal role throughout the entire Normandy Campaign following the D-Day landings.

On July 4, 1944, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division won the village of Carpiquet but not the adjacent airfield. Instead of a speedy victory, the men faced a bloody fight. The Canadians advanced relentlessly at a great cost in bloodshed. Within 2 weeks the 2nd Infantry and 4th Armoured divisions joined coming together as the First Canadian Army.

The soldiers fought within a narrow landscape extending a mere 21 miles from Caen to Falaise. They won a two-day battle for Verrières Ridge starting on July 21, after 1,500 casualties. More bloody battles followed, until finally, on August 21, the narrowing gap that had been developing at Falaise closed when American and Canadian troops shook hands. The German army in Normandy had been destroyed, only 18,000 of about 400,000 men escaping. The Allies suffered 206,000 casualties, of which 18,444 were Canadians.

Breakout from Juno is a story of uncommon heroism, endurance and sacrifice by Canada's World War II volunteer army and pays tribute to Canada's veterans.

Mark Zuehlke

Mark Zuehlke is the author of six critically acclaimed works on the Canadian Army in World War II. He has a reputation for bringing to life the story of young Canadians at war. Among his notable books are Holding Juno: Canada’s Heroic Defence of the D-Day Beaches, June 712, 1944; Juno Beach, Canada’s D-Day Victory, June 6, 1944; and his trilogy of the Italian theatre: The Gothic Line: Canada’s Month of Hell in World War II Italy; Ortona: Canada’s Epic World War II Battle; and The Liri Valley: Canadas World War II Breakthrough to Rome. His most recent book, For Honour’s Sake: The War of 1812 and the Brokering of an Uneasy Peace, received many positive reviews, including one from the Globe & Mail.

More by Mark Zuehlke

Why Readwise Books?

Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →