Crash Harrison

Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death

 by Deana J. Driver

 Reginald Harrison grew up on a farm near the hamlet of Finnie, Saskatchewan during the Dirty Thirties. His interest in flying was heightened as he watched fighter pilots do loops in the sky above his family’s farm, training for the Second World War. Seeking adventure, Reg became an RCAF bomber pilot in England. During his service, he survived four crashes – none of which were his fault – and several close calls.

Reginald Harrison became one of the few Canadians in the famed wartime “Guinea Pig Club” after receiving reconstructive skin graft surgery. He was named an “Honorary Snowbird” by the renowned Canadian Forces’ aerobatics display team. He is a celebrated war veteran whose stories will captivate and educate readers from teens to seniors.

This book, written in Reg’s voice, shares his experiences growing up on the dusty Prairies during the Great Depression, then going off to war and surviving crashes and intense combat. Nicknamed “Crash” by a fellow airman, Reg Harrison would take that name to heart, proving that he could skillfully pilot a bomber, complete his missions, and survive numerous crashes and close calls. He would also become a gentle yet strong leader and an inspiration to his crew, other service personnel, and all who hear his amazing story.

Don’t They Kick When You Do That? Vol. 2

More Stories of a Prairie Veterinarian

By Dr. Gary Hoium

This second volume of short stories by Dr. Gary Hoium shares more amusing anecdotes about the animals and humans he encountered over his 40 years as a veterinarian in a mixed-animal practice in southeastern Saskatchewan. Dr. Hoium’s wit and sense of humour are apparent as you read about more encounters, experiences, and adventures with animals and their human owners – all from his perspective as an “Animal Doc.” From his childhood days to his 2021 retirement, Dr. Hoium’s love of animals and humans is evident, endearing, and often downright hilarious. With a James Herriot-style of storytelling, Dr. Hoium spins even more tales of his work life while explaining, for example, why it is important to ask questions before buying a “used” rabbit; how a dog’s day is determined by smelly pants; and what a vet has to do when he runs out of dry clothes during a Prairie springtime snowstorm. No two days were ever the same. Whether they weighed ounces or over a tonne, each animal presented unique challenges, risks, and dangers. Some bite, some lick, some fight, and some kick. Heck, some of that is true of his human clients too!

Precarious landings, mid-air optical illusions, hidden airstrips, annoying passengers, and long-distance flights for the birds are among the true stories in this engaging third volume of the Flight series. In their own words or with the help of author-publisher Deana J. Driver or other writers, Canadian aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and other aviation personnel share stories of tense flights, perilous routes, historic achievements, and impressive flying adventures in this salute to Canada’s aviation industry and its people.