Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) was formed in August 1914 from the rapid volunteer enlistment of 1,098 veteran soldiers and policeman. The ‘Patricias’ fought magnificently throughout the First World War and subsequently earned a place as one of three permanent regular force infantry regiments in the Canadian Army. Theirs is a famous story; one replete with gallantry and dedication to duty.
The PPCLI published the first two volumes of its history in 1923, covering the experience of war 1914-1919. In 1958, the regiment published a third volume covering the years 1919-1957. Volumes IV and V will be addendums to that work and present the Regiment’s Roll of Honour for the Second World War and Korea respectively.
Robert Engen now brings us Volume VI of the PPCLI history, 1958-2000. Covering the Cold War and post-Cold War era, Engen presents a rich and detailed study of a Regiment ever adapting in order to balance operational commitments to NATO, to United Nations peacekeeping and to myriad domestic challenges and social change.
Using extensive primary documentary sources and personal interviews, Engen presents the Regiment’s activities and achievements during these turbulent times. The multiple battalions, training depots and headquarters of the Regiment moved frequently throughout Western Canada and to and from the Federal Republic of Germany during this period. Service on internal security operations and deployments on peace support missions in war zones such as Cyprus and the Middle East all occurred against the backdrop of the need for continued readiness to fight in what would have been a third and apocalyptic world war.
Adjustments continued when the Cold War ended, with intense operations as witnessed in the Medak Pocket in Croatia in 1993; with the experimental 10/90 composite Regular and Reserve battalions that same year; and with the reinstitution of parachute companies after the Canadian Airborne Regiment’s disbandment in 1995. Yet throughout such turbulence the Regiment sustained its unflinching commitment to duty.
Its story is told here in Volume VI.
Double Dagger Books 