Airmen and Authors: an evening of history and dialogue
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
7:00pm to 10:00pm
5
Discover the research and writing process employed by two noteworthy war historians and hear from their latest books.
Norman S. Leach has researched and written a dozen books including Sam Steele: An Officer and A Gentleman, Canadian Peacekeepers, and Passchendaele: An Illustrated History.Passchendaele was written after Norman served as a military advisor to Paul Gross’s 2008 film Passchendaele. He also played a role in this movie and will wear the uniform he wore as amovie extra.
Roger Gunn has published three books about First World War Canadian pilots including Masters of the Air and Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight. His most recent publication,Four of Our Finest, follows the journey of four young men from their Canadian homes to the fiercely contested air over the Western Front. Roger’s contact with the son of one of the pilots led to a treasure trove of material never before revealed.
Each author will outline how they decided on a topic for a book, their research process, and who they contacted for information during their research. They have also agreed to provide helpfulwriting tips and to discuss the publishing process. A Q&A will follow the presentations. Their books will be available for purchase and both authors have agreed to meet members of the audience after their presentations while refreshments are being served.
The LERM Museum, located in the Prince of Wales Armoury, will be open for the public to view their collection prior to and after the presentations.
About the Edmonton United Services Institute: Founded in February of 1912, the Edmonton United Service Institute was established to promote the men and women serving our country in uniform, and the various services in which they served. Its mission: to promote the welfare of veterans and all those who serve Canada; to help raise awareness about national defence topics among ALL Canadians by conducting educational presentations, events, and symposiums; to preserve and commemorate awareness of significant and historic national military events and their impact on Canada and Canadians.
About the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum: The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum is dedicated to preserving the military heritage of the regiment through the collection and display of related artefacts and archival materials. Since 1997, LERM has been located at the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, the building where the regiment was based from 1920 to 1965.
Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre
10440 108 Avenue
Edmonton, AB, T5H 3Z9