Our Fathers' Footsteps is about four average men among the millions of people who volunteered to serve their countries during World War II. These men had one thing in common. They all landed on Normandy's beaches on June 6, 1944. Using family history books, letters, telegrams, journals, and Regimental War Diaries, Don Levers tells the stories of these four ordinary men who were caught in the extraordinary circumstances of a World at War and survived their "What If" moments.
From the foreword by Honorary Lt. Col. Gord Steinke:
Our Fathers' Footsteps is an amazing collection of family war stories compiled from letters, photos, military documents and medal citations, many of which were tucked away for years in drawers and old trunks in attics. Author Don Levers' exhaustive research involved interviewing families of veterans involved in one of the bloodiest and most pivotal battles our nation has ever seen.
On June 6, 1944, the Allies launched the largest seaborne invasion in history on the beaches of Normandy, France. It was known as Operation Overlord. Over 14,000 Canadians were amongst the 150,000 who took part in the D-Day invasion against the fortified defenses of Hitler's Atlantic Wall.
Through Don's intense attention to detail, battle logistics, dates, times and places, the reader is taken on a spine-tingling journey through the horror, chaos, and confusion of D-Day. One can almost smell the gunpowder and hear the cries of the wounded and dying.
These profoundly personal recollections paint a picture of the young and not-so-young. Canadian and British soldiers going off to war and ending up in one of the most horrific and critical battles in history. Don tells the gripping story of his father, Gerry, who was wounded during the invasion. He then goes on to recount the horrific story of the men in his father's company being executed by the 12th Waffen SS at Le Chateau d’Audrieu.
Praise for the book:
Personal memories and photos of participants in the stark reality of war allow the reader to become engaged with each individual and their experiences. A fine example of my favourite kind of history.
- Dolores Hatch, Royal Regina Rifles Association member, Director and regimental researcher
Our Fathers' Footsteps is a poignant chronicle. Don's book is unique. It examines history from a different perspective, as the author states: What if? Immensely readable and thoroughly researched, Don's pursuit of Veteran's next of kin in Normandy during the 75th Anniversary of D-Day is what makes this chronicle diverse.
- Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) J. Brian Batter, M.M.M., C.D. The Royal Winnipeg Rifles
[Our Fathers' footsteps] evoked a range of emotions. It was eerie reading about places we have so recently been to, including the account of the Carpiquet airport. It was sad to read the fate of those killed in action. You have done a remarkable job of telling the story. Your account of dad's life before, during & after the war fits with who he was, how I think of him. I believe he would be very pleased with your handling of his material. I'm wondering if, perhaps, his record-keeping, writing & retelling were all therapy, a catharsis for him. To have his story retold & to live on is heart-warming. Thank you for what you have researched, imagined & told.
- Anne Hamilton, Daughter of Jack Hamilton, The Royal Winnipeg Rifles
Don Levers was born and raised in the Fraserview area of Vancouver in 1954. This neighbourhood was filled with the children of veterans from World War II. After his daughters were born, Don would make stories for them. Then, in 1985 he self-published his children's book, "Ogopogo the Misunderstood Lake Monster." It has since sold more than 30,000 copies.In 1987 Don began work on Loot for the Taking, a novel inspired by actual events. Life got in the way, and in 2016, Don returned to his writing passion and completed Loot for the Taking. Don has been married for 45 years. He and his wife currently live in Sturgeon County, Alberta.Don was honoured by the Vancouver Public Library as an upcoming Indie author and was featured in the library's 2017 annual report. "Self-publishing is a challenge, but a program like this (Vancouver Indie Authors collection) helps to give indie authors a feeling of legitimacy. It helps us realize that we are indeed real authors"
