Rebuilding trust

Abstract

This MRP is a case study of the Algonquin Regiment’s capabilities to rapidly reconstruct their ranks during periods of extreme casualty loss, between late July and early October 1944. During this time, the Algonquin Regiment, like many other Canadian infantry battalions, experienced a continuous turnover of men due to high casualty rates resulting from the hard fighting in northwest Europe. Although the Algonquins suffered substantial losses from all ranks, they were able to reassemble their companies with new replacements in order to continue their offensive operations. This research argues that previous historical interpretations critical of both Canadian battle performance and the replacement system are challenged by the experiences of the Algonquin Regiment. The MRP calls into question long-standing notions concerning ‘primary group loyalty’ as the key to understanding both unit moral and battle performance. In doing so, this study reinforces the more recent interpretation centred on ‘swift trust’ as a more applicable lens through which to view the experiences, successes and failures of this single infantry battalion. The principal question that this MRP answers is how reinforcements in the Algonquin Regiment influenced overall battle performances during the late summer and early fall of 1944. Acknowledgments I would first like to begin by acknowledging the traditional Anishnaabeg territory that Nipissing University stands on today. Next, I would like to give my sincere appreciation and recognition to the faculty members of Nipissing University, especially those that I had the pleasure to learn from and get to know. I would like to thank you all for guiding me here with your much appreciated comments and recommendations. Also, I would like to acknowledge the support of my family, friends and peers. Their support and encouragement helped me get through the struggles of this past year. Furthermore, I would like to extend a kind thank you to my committee and examiners. Thank you Dr. Earl, Mr. Robert Catsburg, and Dr. Brian Thorn. I am very grateful of you all and I want to thank each of you for taking the time to review and assist me in the development of my research project. Finally, last but not least, I would like to give my greatest appreciation to my supervisor Dr. Stephen Connor. I want to thank you for everything that you have done for me over the past year. I will be forever grateful for all the help and advice that you have given me in order to make this project come to life. You have not only been a great supervisor, but also a great friend. This MRP is dedicated to all Second World War servicemen of the Algonquin Regiment, especially those replacements, who have not yet been fully recognized by Canadian military history, nor by our collective memories. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.