Ted Barris, C.M., is an acclaimed Canadian journalist, broadcaster, author, and professor who has made significant contributions to Canadian literature and historical writing. Ted provided a fascinating talk on the Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory to the Whiff in November 2022. We welcome him back in January to recount stories from his latest book, Battle of Britain: Canadian Airmen in Their Finest Hour.
He is a member of the Order of Canada (2024) and a winner of both the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. He has worked in journalism and broadcasting since the 1960s, regularly contributing to CBC Radio and CTV News, and teaching at Centennial College. Barris is best known for his wartime histories, including several national bestsellers such as Behind the Glory: Canada’s Role in the Allied Air War, and Deadlock in Korea: Canadian Soldiers in the Korean War. His books are recognized for bringing Canadian military stories and personal experiences to life, earning him awards like the 2014 Libris Award for Non-Fiction Book of the Year for his widely acclaimed: The Great Escape: A Canadian Story.
His 22nd and latest book, Battle of Britain: Canadian Airmen in Their Finest Hour, vividly chronicles the critical 113 days in 1940 during which Royal Air Force pilots, including over 100 Canadians, defended Britain against relentless Nazi air attacks. Barris describes how these Canadians played a pivotal role in achieving aerial victory, accounting for more than 130 German aircraft destroyed and earning several Distinguished Flying Crosses, while risking and sacrificing their lives for the cause.
Ted gave the Whiff a second fascinating talk on the 27th. It was a most excellent presentation introducing us to his 22nd book, giving us a version of a widely covered topic from a different and a uniquely Canadian perspective of those who helped secure victory in the “first last-stand” of WWII. Through his skillful character portrayals of some of the key Canadians involved, our understanding about the Battle of Britain was deepened through some of the many people whose previously unknown stories he has diligently captured over years of research.
His well coordinated slideshow and narrative blended together seamlessly. It kept us all captivated throughout and served to whet our desire to learn more while reading the book. The Whiff was pleased to make a donation to Ted’s charity of choice, Home for Heroes, whose goal is to end Veteran homelessness in Canada.
Couldn’t attend? You can get a sense of Ted’s talk by watching this interview with Ted by Steve Paikin on the Agenda.