CENTURY OF SERVICE

Century of Service is the story of Alberta's senior militia regiment, which celebrated its centennial in 2005. Although officially authorised in 1905, the South Alberta Light Horse traces its origins back to the 1880s when units of cavalry were raised to protect Alberta during the North-west Rebellion. This fascinating study of a proud regiment takes "Her Majesty's Cowboys" from the 1880s to the 21st Century. It describes how the predecessor units of the modern Light Horse fought for their nation in times of war and struggled to stay alive in cheese-paring times of peace. The reader will accompany the Light Horse as they fight in the Rebellion of 1885, South Africa in 1899-1901, the Western Front in the First World War and Northwest Europe in the Second World War. Theirs is a chronicle of gallantry, sacrifice, patriotism and endurance (and not a little humour) as they carve out a magnificent fighting record at the Somme in 1916, Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele in 1917, the Normandy beaches in 1944, the Rhineland in 1945 ­ and many places in between. This is also a history of the province of Alberta from the time of aboriginal peoples to the modern day. As we follow the fortunes of Alberta's senior militia regiment, we also follow the fortunes of the province itself over more than a century ­ warriors and buffalo, cattle and cowboys, dust bowls and depressions, booms and busts. In doing so, we learn that many of the traits of the Light Horse ­ independence, individuality, ruggedness, enthusiasm and self-reliance ­ are drawn from their Albertan background. With more than 550 photographs, drawings, cartoons and paintings, including specially-commissioned artwork by Ron Volstad, Century of Service will attract a broad audience as a beautiful commemoration and an invaluable reference.Written for the general reader, Century of Service will appeal to all who are interested in the heritage of Canada and Alberta, military history, and the meaning of service to one's country. Features of Century of Service Honour roll of the SALH and predecessor units Battle Honours of the SALH Major awards and decorations Lineage of the SALH Commanding officers and regimental sergeants-major Units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force raised in Alberta Glossary of military terms Colour paintings by Ron Volstad of uniforms of the SALH and predecessor units Badges and insignia Diagrams of tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles by noted expert Chris Johnson Maps of all major actions Picture essays on such topics as trench warfare, military medicine, the padres, training, and many others.