Shows
Rum RationEpisode 29 - The Poppy: Symbol of RemembranceRemembrance Day is more than a moment of silence—it’s a story, and the poppy is its narrator. In this episode of The Rum Ration, Colin and Rejoy trace the red flower from the churned mud of the Western Front to today’s lapels. We begin with Lt.-Col. John McCrae at Ypres and the poem that launched a symbol, move to American educator Moina Michael who vowed to “keep the faith,” and meet Anna Guérin—the French organizer who scaled the idea into an international movement. Along the way, we unpack how post-war veterans’ groups competed...
2025-11-2341 minRum RationEpisode 28 - War Poetry: Once More Unto the VerseEpisode 28 of The Rum Ration, “War Poetry – Once More Unto the Verse,” raises a glass to the verses that outlasted every battle. In this special Remembrance Day episode, Rejoy and Colin explore how poetry has captured the courage, chaos, and cost of war—from Homer’s Iliad and Shakespeare’s rousing Henry V to Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigade and McCrae’s immortal In Flanders Fields. Joined by celebrated poet George Elliott Clarke, former Parliamentary Poet Laureate of Canada, they trace how language became both a weapon and a memorial—giving voice to soldiers’ pain and defiance across...
2025-11-111h 16Rum RationEpisode 27: Armoury or Bust - A Century in WestmountIn this 27th episode of The Rum Ration, hosts Rejoy and Colin raise a glass to the century-old home of The Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) — and the extraordinary fight it took to build it. Joined by Assistant Curator of the RMR Museum, Amynte Eygun, they uncover how the RMR nearly vanished after the First World War, saved only by the determination of its veterans and the people of Westmount. Through civic votes, creative financing, and one indomitable general, Major-General Charles Basil Price, DSO, a memorial armoury rose from blueprints to copper-roofed reality in just 209 days. Dedicated in 1925 to...
2025-11-0244 minRum RationEpisode 26 - Submarine Gamble: Birth of Canada’s Silent ServiceOn the eve of the First World War, British Columbia’s Premier pulled off one of the boldest—and strangest—arms deals in Canadian history. Two submarines vanished from Seattle under cover of darkness and reappeared flying the White Ensign. Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Canada's senior submariner, joins The Rum Ration to reveal how those leaky little boats quietly launched Canada’s submarine service—and a century of undersea ingenuity.📬 Have Questions or Suggestions? Send us a message at info@rumration.ca.Support the Podcast - If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and...
2025-10-241h 09Rum RationEpisode 25 - Popcorn and Powder Smoke: Our Favourite War MoviesTo mark The Rum Ration’s 25th episode, Colin and Rejoy swap trenches for theatre seats in “Popcorn and Powder Smoke: Our Favourite War Movies.” They explore how films—from A Bridge Too Far and All Quiet on the Western Front to Three Kings—shape how generations remember courage, chaos, and sacrifice. Colin’s picks focus on the cost of bravery and the absurdity of war, while Rejoy’s choices—Journey’s End, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Charge of the Light Brigade—highlight quiet endurance amid despair. Between “fantasy sponsor” breaks from Trench Brew Ale and Foxhole Flicks, they...
2025-10-211h 00Rum RationEpisode 24 – Ugly, Cheap, Deadly: The Sten StoryIn this episode of the Rum Ration Podcast, Colin and Rejoy uncork the story of one of the Second World War’s most infamous weapons—the Sten submachine gun. Designed in desperation after Dunkirk, the Sten was Britain’s $10 answer to the $200 Thompson: ugly, unreliable, and dangerously simple. Yet for millions of Allied soldiers, including Canadians at Dieppe and beyond, it was the only tool they had for close combat. The hosts explore its creation, its rough production, and its deadly flaws—magazines that jammed, bolts that fired when dropped, and misfires that changed history. But despite its faults, the Sten armed r...
2025-10-1029 minRum RationEpisode 23 - Sir Arthur CurrieIn this episode of The Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin tackle one of Canada’s most complex military figures—General Sir Arthur Currie. Hailed as the finest general of the First World War, Currie rose from a humble Ontario schoolteacher to command the Canadian Corps, mastering the brutal learning curve of modern warfare. Yet behind his strategic brilliance lay controversy: a hidden financial scandal, bitter political enemies, and soldiers who branded him a “butcher.”From Vimy Ridge to the Last Hundred Days, Currie proved that meticulous planning could save lives—even if it cost him his reputation. The episode explores his triump...
2025-10-0553 minRum RationEpisode 22 - Nine Days of Hellfire: The Battle of Hill 70August 1917. The Western Front is bogged down in blood and mud. The French Army is reeling from mutiny, Passchendaele is already a quagmire, and German U-boats are choking Britain’s lifelines. Into this chaos steps a newly knighted Canadian commander, Sir Arthur Currie—already earning a reputation as one of the war’s finest tacticians—with the confidence to push back on his orders and suggest a smarter plan that would save lives.Instead of a costly frontal assault on the city of Lens, Currie proposed striking Hill 70, the high ground just north of it. The gamble worked...
2025-09-1236 minRum RationEpisode 21: Quebec 1775 - America's Worst Winter GetawayIn this episode of Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin unpack one of the boldest—and most disastrous—campaigns of the American Revolutionary War: the 1775 invasion of Quebec. It was a Hail Mary to make Quebec the 14th colony, complete with promises of liberty, a two-pronged winter assault, and a tragic march through the Maine wilderness led by none other than Benedict Arnold. What followed was a brutal cocktail of faulty maps, rotting food, mutinous soldiers, and snowstorms that turned ambition into agony.This isn’t just a tale of military failure—it’s a human drama mark...
2025-09-0634 minRum RationEpisode 19: The Battle of Cannae - the Day Rome BledOn August 2nd, 216 BCE, one of the bloodiest and most brilliant battles in history unfolded on the plains of Cannae—and in this episode of The Rum Ration, Colin and Rejoy break it down. With masterful storytelling and a hint of dark humour, they recount how Hannibal’s Carthaginian army—outnumbered nearly two to one—utterly destroyed a massive Roman force using a tactical maneuver still studied today: the double envelopment. The episode explores the psychological traps, battlefield innovations, and sheer brutality of the slaughter that left 50,000–70,000 Romans dead in a single day. But more than just...
2025-08-0833 minRum RationEpisode 20: Bomarc Bad, Avro Good - is that the truth?What if everything you thought you knew about the Avro Arrow’s cancellation was only half the story? In Episode 20 of The Rum Ration, we revisit Canada’s most controversial Cold War decision—but this time, through a different lens. Dr. Sean Maloney, military historian and Cold War expert, joins us to dig into the lesser-known truths behind the so-called “Arrow good, BOMARC bad” narrative.From classified weapons systems and Cold War strategy to misunderstood doctrines and public myths, Dr. Maloney dismantles the emotional nationalism surrounding the Arrow and reveals the BOMARC missile’s surprising sophisticati...
2025-08-0137 minRum RationEpisode 18: The Arrow and the ICBM - Cold War, Hot DecisionsIn this episode of Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin unpack the rise and fall of one of Canada’s most ambitious aerospace projects: the Avro Arrow. More than just a supersonic jet interceptor, the Arrow was a bold symbol of Canadian innovation during the Cold War—designed to fly at Mach 2 and counter Soviet bombers. But on February 20, 1959—“Black Friday”—the program was abruptly cancelled. Why would a government destroy such cutting-edge technology?Through gripping storytelling, the hosts explore how shifting intelligence assessments, escalating costs, and Cold War politics sealed the Arrow’s fate. They reveal the rol...
2025-08-0145 minRum RationEpisode 17: Maple Leaves and Mausers - The Battle of PaardebergIn this gripping episode of The Rum Ration, Colin and Rejoy revisit the Battle of Paardeberg—Canada’s bloody debut on a foreign battlefield. Set during the Second Anglo-Boer War in 1900, the episode explores how a young Canada, eager to prove itself, sent a small volunteer force to South Africa. What began as patriotic fervour soon turned into a harsh reality check. The hosts recount the disastrous “Bloody Sunday” assault led by the Royal Canadian Regiment, where 18 Canadians were killed and over 60 wounded in a matter of hours. Through vivid storytelling, including first-hand accounts, the episode...
2025-07-2037 minRum RationEpisode 16: The Ross Rifle – A Cautionary Tale for Canadian Military ProcurementIn this riveting episode of Rum Ration, Colin and Rejoy take aim at the Ross Rifle—a weapon born from patriotic zeal and political ambition, but ultimately forged into a symbol of failure on the Western Front. Meant to establish Canada’s self-sufficiency in arms production, the Ross was praised for its accuracy but doomed by its tight tolerances, poor trench reliability, and incompatibility with standard British ammunition. Through firsthand accounts, including soldiers discarding their Rosses for Lee-Enfields mid-battle, the hosts unpack how political pride and procurement shortcuts cost lives. From its early promise to its...
2025-07-0631 minRum Ration#15: How NOT to Invade Canada - Queenston Heights BattleIn this episode of The Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin journey back to the War of 1812 and the pivotal Battle of Queenston Heights. It’s a gripping tale of ambition, missteps, and extraordinary courage. It's also our special birthday present to the US Army, happy 250th birthday! In 1812, the United States, already annoyed by British naval blockades and the Royal Navy's maddening habit of pressing any American sailor they deemed 'British enough', was hungry to annex Upper Canada. So they launched a poorly coordinated invasion—only to be met with stiff resistance from a smaller but far more...
2025-06-1433 minRum Ration#14 - Remembering the Canadians at the Battle of Hong KongIn this gripping episode of The Rum Ration, Colin and Rejoy take listeners to the Pacific Theatre of World War II, focusing on the harrowing Battle of Hong Kong in December 1941. It was the first major land combat for Canadian troops in the Second World War—and a brutal introduction. Tasked with defending the British Crown Colony, nearly 2,000 Canadians, including the Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers, faced overwhelming Japanese forces in a battle marked by fierce resistance, devastating losses, and remarkable acts of courage.Listeners will hear the tragic yet inspiring stories of Brigadier J...
2025-06-1046 minRum Ration#13: The RMR at YpresIn this gripping episode of Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin take us deep into the Second Battle of Ypres—Canada’s brutal baptism by fire in the First World War. Focusing on The Royal Montreal Regiment (14th Battalion), they recount the horrors of April 1915, where untested Canadian troops held their ground against Germany’s first mass use of poison gas. The episode honours Captain Richard Steacie, the first RMR officer killed in action, whose remains were only recently identified. It also honours the quiet courage of unnamed stretcher-bearers and buglers, while telling the story of Captain Francis Scrimg...
2025-05-2126 minRum Ration#12: The History & Evolution of Gas WarfareIn this gripping episode of The Rum Ration, hosts Colin and Rejoy delve into one of the most terrifying chapters of modern warfare: gas. Kicking off with a powerful reading of Wilfred Owen’s haunting WWI poem Dulce Et Decorum Est by acclaimed poet Ayesha Chatterjee, the episode explores how chemical weapons evolved from ancient toxins used by the Greeks and the Romans to the industrial-scale horror of chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas during the First World War.Listeners will learn how Canadian troops—including the hosts beloved The Royal Montreal Regiment—endured these inhumane weapons with minima...
2025-05-1653 minRum Ration#11: Ypres - Gas, Panic, and Holding the LineIn Episode 11 of The Rum Ration, we dive into the Canadians’ baptism by fire at the Second Battle of Ypres. This is Part 1 of a special three-part series unpacking one of the most terrifying chapters of the First World War. Rejoy and Colin explore how a quiet stretch of Belgian countryside became a living hell in April 1915. The episode sets the scene: muddy trenches, exposed flanks, and the high-stakes importance of the Ypres Salient. With vivid storytelling, they chart the arrival of the fresh-faced First Canadian Division and explain why the Germans chose this place to unleash a...
2025-04-1839 minRum Ration#10: Vimy - Birth of a NationApril 9th, 1917 — the day Canada’s identity was forged in blood atop Vimy Ridge. In this episode of The Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin revisit the harrowing story of The Royal Montreal Regiment’s role in one of the Great War’s most iconic battles, an incredible feat of Canadian arms. From the brutal snowstorm at Zero Hour to the heartbreak of the West brothers’ shared grave, the episode brings Vimy’s human cost into sharp focus. The hosts speak with Caitlin Bailey, Executive Director of the Vimy Foundation, about the legacy and mythology surrounding the ridge — and how remembrance ef...
2025-04-091h 23Rum Ration#9: Into the Trenches - Canada Enters The Line (part 2)The second part of a two-part series about Canadians going into the trenches for the first time in the First World War, in this gripping episode of The Rum Ration Podcast, Rejoy and Colin guide listeners through the Royal Montreal Regiment’s harrowing first experiences in the trenches of 1915. Drawing on letters, regimental histories, and first-hand accounts, they paint a vivid picture of trench life—from the mud, rats, and disease to the psychological toll of constant danger. The episode also explores moments of resilience: the camaraderie forged under fire, improvised luxuries like a hot bath, and the...
2025-04-0334 minRum Ration#8: Into the Trenches - Canada Enters The Line (part 1)In this first installment of Into the Trenches, the Rum Ration Podcast delves into the experience of the Canadian Expeditionary Force’s progression into the front lines of the Western Front. Using The Royal Montreal Regiment as an example of a typical 1st Division unit, this episode recounts their journey from training in the UK to their arrival at the Western Front in early 1915. Hosts Rejoy and Colin explore the harsh training conditions on Salisbury Plain, the dangerous crossing of the English Channel, grueling marches, and the challenges of early trench warfare preparation.The episode highlights the ha...
2025-03-2132 minRum Ration#7: Canadians in VietnamCanada officially stayed out of the Vietnam War, but that didn’t stop 30,000 to 40,000 Canadians from fighting in it. In this episode of Rum Ration, we uncover the stories of these forgotten fighters—some seeking adventure, others drafted while living in the U.S., and many serving in combat roles, from infantry to elite units like the Green Berets.We highlight Peter C. Lemon, a Toronto-born Medal of Honor recipient who fought off hundreds of enemy soldiers despite being wounded. We also explore the unrecognized service of men like Daniel Cunningham, who enlisted in the U.S. Mari...
2025-03-0225 minRum Ration#6 - Maple MayhemDid you know Canada once had a plan to invade the United States? On this episode of Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin dig into Defence Scheme No. 1, a bold (and slightly absurd) military strategy from the 1920s. Designed as a hit-and-run attack, the plan involved Canadian troops storming into U.S. cities—Seattle, Portland, Fargo, and even Albany—before sabotaging key infrastructure and retreating north.Of course, America had its own War Plan Red in the 1930s, outlining a takeover of Canada’s major cities to preempt British intervention. While neither plan saw action, they highli...
2025-02-2518 minRum Ration#5: Bayonet Fighting - Myth or Reality?In Episode 5 of Rum Ration, hosts Rejoy and Colin dive into the fascinating history and enduring myths of bayonet fighting. From its 17th-century origins in France to its evolution as a tool of warfare and propaganda, the bayonet has left a lasting mark on military history.The hosts explore its practical use in battles like those fought by the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I, where bayonets became both a necessity in trench raids and a symbol of grit. They highlight the challenges of wielding these weapons in tight, muddy trenches and dispel popular misconceptions, revealing...
2025-02-1529 minRum RationEpisode 4: Heads Up - The Evolution of Military HelmetsWelcome to The Rum Ration, where history isn’t just dates and facts—it’s traditions, toasts, and the occasional tipple.
If you also would like to "cheers to history," drop us a like and hit subscribe! Also, we'd love to hear any and all feedback down in the comments, let us know your thoughts! 👇
Description
Helmets have been an essential part of military life for centuries, evolving alongside the needs of the battlefield. In Episode 4 of The Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin take listeners on a journey through time, uncovering the surprising history and versatility of military headgear.
Starting...
2025-01-2037 minRum Ration#3 - Levée DayWelcome to The Rum Ration, where history isn’t just dates and facts—it’s traditions, toasts, and the occasional tipple.
In this episode, Rejoy and Colin delve into the rich history of the New Year’s Levée, a distinctly Canadian celebration that blends royal pomp, military protocol, and community camaraderie.
Highlights from the Episode:
Origins of the Levée: From Louis XIV’s 17th-century “Levée du Soleil” in France to Britain’s courtly receptions, learn how this tradition made its way to Canada through fur traders and colonial governors.
Canada’s First Levée: The stor...
2024-12-3122 minRum RationThe Christmas TruceIn 1914, during World War I, something incredible happened—soldiers on opposite sides stopped fighting to celebrate Christmas. They sang songs, shared gifts, and even played soccer in no man’s land. In this episode, we explore how this truce happened, what it was like, and why it didn’t last. It’s a story of hope and humanity during one of the darkest times in history.
Cheers to history
2024-12-2121 minRum RationRum Ration PilotIn the first episode of The Rum Ration, we take you on a journey through the origins and legacy of the naval tradition that inspired our podcast’s name. As retired Army Reserve officers, we’ve always been fascinated by how a simple daily "tot" of rum brought warmth, camaraderie, and even a sense of safety to sailors starting in 1655.
We also explore how this tradition extended to the British and Canadian Armies during World War I. From freezing trenches to moments of respite amidst chaos, the rum ration wasn’t just a drink—it was a lifeline...
2024-12-1531 min