The Breed of Manly Men

This is the history of the Cape Breton Highlanders, mobilised in late 1939 and an important part of the 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade. It covers mobilisation, early training, the voyage to England and further training, military exercises and leave, the voyage to the Italian front, the first battles in January 1944, further battles at Monte Cassino and other places, the crossing of the Melfa, attacks on the Gothic Line and Coriano Ridge, the crossing of the Lamone, the removal of the Highlanders to Holland and further action there, and the final transition to peacetime and disbanding of the Highlanders in February 1946. The final chapter covers the Second Reserve Battalion, which assumed the Highlanders' title. Lists of war dead and biographies of Highlanders that received honours and awards are included.