Colour of War: The American Story

Canada's War in Colour 3: Victory and Beyond (1x18)

Udgivelsesdato: Jan 01, 2004

In downtown Ottawa, behind an unassuming brick building, Canadian firefighters from across the country have come together for a special mission, to serve in war-town England. Once over there, Senior Fireman Denis Posten writes home, describing a "horrible night on duty". Victory and Beyond, the third and final episode of Canada's War in Colour, celebrates the role of Canadians in the eventual defeat of the Nazis. Colour film footage shows Canadians in the Italian campaign, punctuated by letters home from none other than author Farley Mowat, who offers his first-hand observations of battle. Also featured is home movie footage shot by nursing sister Maxine Slemon, of a field hospital in Italy. Percy Jacobson, a Montreal businessman whose observations have been included throughout Canada's War in Colour. Percy's son Joe becomes an airman, who participates in the bombing raids over Germany. Colour film footage shows what it was like to partake in the air raids, and the devastation that followed, eventually leading to the defeat of the Nazis. Back home, many Canadians continue to do their part, buying War Savings Stamps and holding fundraisers. In Whitby and Oshawa, society ladies gather for a picnic to raise funds for the war, and to listen to the musical styling of the local RCAF band. In "cottage country" across Canada, POWs are whisked away into hidden camps that will remain throughout the war. A handful of German prisoners will escape – never to be found. On June 6, 1944, the Allies head towards France's Normandy Coast. It is D-Day. Amazingly, colour film footage of the operation exists – and shows Canadians in action. Percy Jacobson notes in his diary, "I wonder if I am dreaming", as the Allies defeat the Germans in this pivotal battle. Two months later, Paris is liberated, then Holland, in April 1945. Canadian troops make their way into Germany, and find that not much is left of the Third Reich. Horrific colour film footage shows not only the