Rum Ration

April 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 h...

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...

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 co...

Canada 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 h...

Did 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 ...

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 i...

Welcome 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 batt...

Welcome 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 Britai...

In 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. ...