Nationally Acclaimed Military Author Captures Prestigious Prize at Governor General's History Awards

WINNIPEG, Sept. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War, which claimed the lives of more than 45,000 Canadians. One of Canada's most prominent military historians, Mark Zuehlke, is leading Canadians on a reflective journey by following the footsteps into battle by Canada's Army through the pages of his critically acclaimed Canadian Battle Series.  From gripping stories of our Army's disastrous raid on Dieppe (Tragedy at Dieppe: Operation Jubilee, August 19, 1942) to interviews with veterans who recreate the confusion and chaos of warfare in Breakout from Juno: First Canadian Army & the Normandy Campaign, July 4-August 21, 1944, Zuehlke masterfully pays tribute to Canada's veterans at a time when all Canadians are actively engaged in the act of remembrance.

Zuehlke's latest Canadian Battle book focuses on his participation in the commemorative Operation Husky 2013 march that retraces the courageous path of the 1^st Canadian Infantry Division through Sicily. 

For this invaluable perspective about Canada's role and experiences in the Second World War, Canada's History Society is awarding this year's Governor General's History Award for Popular Media: The Pierre Berton Award to Mark Zuehlke from Victoria, British Columbia. 

Joel Ralph, Director of Program at Canada's History Society remarked, "Mark Zuehlke has a talent for transporting readers to the front lines of war." He added, "His impressive contribution to our military history ensures that Canadians will remember both the horrors and human experiences of the Second World War."

Zuehlke will receive his prestigious award from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada on Monday, November 3rd in Ottawa at Rideau Hall.

Announcements continue throughout the coming weeks and profiles, photos, and video interviews of all the recipients will be available at: CanadasHistory.ca/Awards

The Governor General's History Awards brings together historians, students, teachers, museums and community organizations, writers and media producers to celebrate as well as learn from each other.  The day prior to the award ceremonies, recipients will participate in a public history forum at the Canadian War Museum.  This year's forum is open to the public to attend onsite or online by registering at CanadasHistory.ca/HistoryForum.

About Canada's History Society

Canada's History Society is a Winnipeg-based charitable organization devoted to popularizing Canadian history.  In addition to publishing Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) magazine, and Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids, the Society also produces the Governor General's History Awards to celebrate excellence in the field and encourage more discovery, celebrations and understanding about our rich history and culture.  More details can be found at CanadasHistory.ca.

SOURCE: Canada's History

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