Boys of the Clouds

An Oral History of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion
1942 - 1945

by Gary C. Boegel

Follow the epic tale of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion during the Second World War as told by the men who were there. “Boys of the Clouds” tells the fascinating stories of over seventy veterans of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. These are their stories, in their own words.

Discover why they volunteered for airborne service, and what their rigorous parachute training was like. Follow along as they jump into action for the first time in Normandy and learn of the reasons for the infamous hunger strike when they returned to England. Relive the awful conditions experienced during the Battle of the Bulge and the final jump as they crossed the Rhine. Experience first hand the incredible pace on the momentous trek to Wismar to end the war. It’s all here, in their own words.