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bowerswrites.bsky.social
Staff writer for Legion Magazine | Telling Canada's wartime stories | Brit living in N.S., Canada | Married to Annie | http://buymeacoffee.com/alexbowers πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ
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On Feb. 25-26, 1945, 23-year-old Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, serving in The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, seized three enemy-held buildings in Mooshof, Germany, killing 22 and capturing the rest. Unfortunately, he, too, was killed shortly after his exploits. Cosens earned the posthumous Victoria Cross.

On Nov. 11, 2024, I had the honour of attending Canada's national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa. It was one of the most moving experiences of my entire life. My Legion Magazine story is now out: legionmagazine.com/dedication-t... πŸ“Έ Melody Maloney/Metropolis Studio

Two years. Two years since #movingtoCanada. Two years since finding our home, our hearts, in Nova Scotia. Two years since my childhood dream was realized. Two years since being accepted by our now-community with open arms. Two years since our journey began. Long may it continue.

I was honoured to attend 2024’s Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) conference. Some of the world's leading scientists and academic researchers were there to discuss veterans' health and wellness. You can read the story here: legionmagazine.com/exercise-ai-...

I recently sat down with two members of The Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club in St. John’s, N.L., first opened in 1942 and still going strong. Brimming with evocative artifacts, the site has maintained its wartime charm. You can read my interview here: legionmagazine.com/where-the-wa...

Missed it last week? I'm incredibly pleased with how my interview with former defence chief Walter Natynczyk turned out. You can read it here: legionmagazine.com/former-defen...

Jetlag could've been worse, could've been better, but it matters not when one has a long weekend to relax and recover. Now is the time to dip into Ted Barris' latest book.

Annie made prawn linguine and caesar salad, opened a bottle of Cornish sparkling wine, and, together, we celebrated being accepted for (at least) another year in Canada. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ P.S. She da best.

There's still plenty of time to pick up my new Legion Magazine special issue on the 1944-45 liberation of the Netherlands. I remain immensely proud of having written it from cover to cover, but I'm just as much proud of the incredible efforts of my team.

On Dec. 18, 2024, 88 individuals were appointed to the Order of Canada. Among them was Gen. (ret'd) Walter Natynczyk, who previously served as the head of the Canadian Armed Forces. I interviewed the former defence chief for Legion Magazine. πŸ“Έ Wikipedia. legionmagazine.com/former-defen...

On Feb. 5, my Legion Magazine interview with Major Jayson Geroux, a Royal Canadian Regiment infantry officer, urban operations instructor and urban warfare historian, was published. We spoke about his career and the 1943 Battle of Ortona. πŸ“Έ CAF legionmagazine.com/bullets-bean...

Officially re-entered Canada to kick-start our new visas! Immeasurably happy to be back home in Nova Scotia. #movingtoCanada #movingtoNovaScotia πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦

#OTD in 1945. Five divisions took part in the opening stage of operation Veritable. These are men from Canadian 3 "Water rats" Infantry Division boarding Buffaloes. #WW2 #HISTORY

Almost two years since #movingtoCanada, we thought we'd pop home and surprise my mum.

This weekend, I was mad enough to put on a dress, go out into -11Β°C, and ask @bowerswrites.bsky.social to take some up-to-date photos of me for my website. I was thrilled with the photos, but I also discovered a lot more. Read more bellow πŸ‘‡

Just finished reading Michael Petrou's "Renegades: Canadians in the Spanish Civil War," and it's reminded me of my visit to the memorial in Ottawa. It's time these brave individuals reentered public discourse on a far larger scale.

The Mace of Upper Canada was seized by American forces after the 1813 Battle of York during the War of 1812. Over a century later, in 1934, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt returned it as a gesture of friendship between the two countries. I hope we renew that bond again soon.

IT'S OFFICIALLY ON THE SHELVES! Words cannot describe how pleased I am to see my Legion Magazine special issue on the liberation of the Netherlands now available in stores. This Brit tells the largely Canadian story through the seasons, including the "sweetest of springs."

That story again: Adopted Brit Historian Tells Canada's Story πŸ™‚β€πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ #SecondWorldWarHistory

I was pleased to see that my latest Breathe Magazine article, "Art in Adversity," has been published. Here, I tell the story of four Second World War prisoners of war (POWs) who sought comfort and courage in creative expression. Credit goes to my dear friend Jenny for the inspiration.

IT'S OFFICIALLY ON THE SHELVES! Words cannot describe how pleased I am to see my Legion Magazine special issue on the liberation of the Netherlands now available in stores. This Brit tells the largely Canadian story through the seasons, including the "sweetest of springs."

Just come back from my first drag show and loved it!! The "punch Nazis" sign particularly resonated with me.

The Canadian War Museum has unveiled a new exhibit marking 80 years since Canada's leading role in the Dutch liberation. I spoke with the facility's WW II historian Jeff Noakes about the upcoming anniversary and its enduring importance. legionmagazine.com/exhibit-on-w... πŸ“Έ CWM 0077-0009-Dm

IT'S ARRIVED! I tell the story through the seasons. The Battle of the Scheldt took place in a Flooded Fall. The Rhineland battles raged amid the Bitter Winter. The Dutch liberation was the Sweetest of Springs. Post-war was time to Rejoice for Summer. We're now in a New Fall.

I hope you enjoyed it! It was a fascinating story to research and write.

@bowerswrites.bsky.social Came across your "Sisters Act" article in Sept/Oct issue of Legion.

You can soon pick up a copy of my Legion Magazine special issue on the liberation of the Netherlands! I put the words on the pages, but so much else goes into making one of these. I'm indeed blessed to have an amazing team behind me. Pre-order here: shop.legionmagazine.com/product/libe...

You can soon pick up a copy of my Legion Magazine special issue on the liberation of the Netherlands! I put the words on the pages, but so much else goes into making one of these. I'm indeed blessed to have an amazing team behind me. Pre-order here: shop.legionmagazine.com/product/libe...

Miraculously still committed to dry January.

To everyone who, over the weekend, pre-ordered a copy of my Legion Magazine special issue on the liberation of the Netherlands, THANK YOU! As many will know, this is a dream come true, so your support means the world to me. You can buy it here: shop.legionmagazine.com/product/libe...

It's always a pleasure talking to award-winning author Ted Barris, whose work in Canadian military history is incredible. "Battle of Britain: Canadian Airmen in Their Finest Hour" is his latest book. Read my Legion Magazine interview with him here: legionmagazine.com/ted-barris-t...

It was great interviewing Canadian military historian David Borys for my new Legion Magazine article, which details his recent book release. "Punching Above Their Weight" charts the evolution of the Canadian armed forces. It's a terrific read. Learn more here: legionmagazine.com/punching-abo...

To everyone who, over the weekend, pre-ordered a copy of my Legion Magazine special issue on the liberation of the Netherlands, THANK YOU! As many will know, this is a dream come true, so your support means the world to me. You can buy it here: shop.legionmagazine.com/product/libe...

I'm immensely proud of myself and the Legion Magazine team for our upcoming special issue, written by yours truly from cover to cover. Seeing it in print is genuinely a dream come true, especially since I poured my heart and soul onto every page. shop.legionmagazine.com/product/libe...

I'm immensely proud of myself and the Legion Magazine team for our upcoming special issue, written by yours truly from cover to cover. Seeing it in print is genuinely a dream come true, especially since I poured my heart and soul onto every page. shop.legionmagazine.com/product/libe...

Check out my latest Legion Magazine article, "Ripples of Service." The piece details a new Canadian War Museum oral history project focused primarily on the post-military transition back to civilian life. legionmagazine.com/ripples-of-s...

Yes, I know the Christmas tree is still up, but January requires cheer. That and a good book.