Family of Albert James Tinkess, 10th Battalion CEF
"In September of 2023 I travelled with my husband, 6 family members and 15 other largely retired veterans on a once in a lifetime trip to explore Holland, Belgium and France and immerse ourselves in WW1.
Joe MacDonald acted as our Historian and Guide and led us on an unforgettable adventure into the past, exploring our own family ties to the war, the battles that defined it and an understanding of what those young men and women must have felt as they left their homes and lives to fight for all the generations that came after them.
Prior to our trip, Joe had asked us if we had a family member or family connection who had served. He then asked if we were interested in exploring this person further on the trip, and if so to provide him with their information. He researched each member, the battles they fought in, provided records and pictures and locations where they were and fought, customized the tour to include actual site visits - every detail was anticipated and covered. He
Sheila McGowan - Great Niece
incorporated those stories on our trip which gave all of us a deeper understanding of the experiences that they must have undergone. He brought my Great Grandfathers war experience to life, and completed my own journey with an emotional trip to my Great Uncles gravesite. To say this trip was life changing would be an understatement - Joe’s immense knowledge of the war and his passion for all things WW1 gave us an elevated experience, and brought all of us together over that 16 day trip. He is professional and approachable with a healthy sense of humour - the perfect combination to lead tours that may include individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Words can’t express my gratitude for all he did to bring the Great War to life and a deeper connection to my own family."
At the grave of her Great Uncle at Loos British Cemetery
Family of Albert James Tinkess, 10th Battalion CEF
"In September of 2023 I travelled with my husband, 6 family members and 15 other largely retired veterans on a once in a lifetime trip to explore Holland, Belgium and France and immerse ourselves in WW1.
Joe MacDonald acted as our Historian and Guide and led us on an unforgettable adventure into the past, exploring our own family ties to the war, the battles that defined it and an understanding of what those young men and women must have felt as they left their homes and lives to fight for all the generations that came after them.
Prior to our trip, Joe had asked us if we had a family member or family connection who had served. He then asked if we were interested in exploring this person further on the trip, and if so to provide him with their information. He researched each member, the battles they fought in, provided records and pictures and locations where they were and fought, customized the tour to include actual site visits - every detail was anticipated and covered. He incorporated those stories on our trip which gave all of us a deeper understanding of the experiences that they must have undergone. He brought my Great Grandfathers war experience to life, and completed my own journey with an emotional trip to my Great Uncles gravesite. To say this trip was life changing would be an understatement - Joe’s immense knowledge of the war and his passion for all things WW1 gave us an elevated experience, and brought all of us together over that 16 day trip. He is professional and approachable with a healthy sense of humour - the perfect combination to lead tours that may include individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Words can’t express my gratitude for all he did to bring the Great War to life and a deeper connection to my own family."
Sheila McGowan - Great Niece
Brigadier General (Retd.) Nic Stanton OMM, MSM, CD.
"I had the privilege of meeting Joe as I made a personal pilgrimage to Vimy Ridge and the surrounding area where I followed the footsteps of the Canadian Corps, and the formations and units that I would serve with many generations later. Joe is passionate and very enthusiastic about imparting his impressive knowledge and understanding of Canadians during the First World War. He is excited to engage in conversation and make those personal connections with your experiences while enhancing your own knowledge, thus preserving our Canadian military legacy and heritage. Whether for personal legacy or simple interest, I would highly recommend linking up with Joe and experiencing a unique and fascinating perspective of our Canadian history on the First World War battlefields."
"I have always had an interest in WW1 and trying to find out as much as I could about the battles and what my relatives went through. My grandfather Chester was a WW1 soldier and served for 3 years overseas. Chester never spoke much about what happened and Grandma always told us not to ask too many questions. He came back home with shrapnel in his head from one of the battles that could not be removed and with the curiosity of a child I wondered where he was when he was wounded and what happened? I sent away to Ottawa for his service file and tried on my own to decipher and trace where he was and what battles he was in. It was a disappointing endeavor, but I felt I learned a little more.
In Sept 2023 I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to go on a Battlefield tour to France, Belgium, and Holland with my grandfather’s regiment from Edmonton, Alberta. Our guide Joe MacDonald studied the regiment and my grandfather’s participation specifically. This trip was very much personalized to the “footsteps” of my grandfather, and I truly felt that I walked in his footsteps and could imagine what he had witnessed. Joe showed us the places where Grandpa was as well as explained what battles that were going on at the time. Names I had heard from childhood such as Hill 62, Regina Trench, the Somme, and Vimy that I could now see and imagine him being there. Towns such as Arras, Ypres, Courcelette. Grandpa sent beautiful lace postcards to my grandma from these places and now I was seeing these places for myself. We found out so much more about Grandpa from this trip and felt that we had truly walked in his footsteps. We got to see the place and hear the story of where he was when he won his Military Medal and Joe even showed us where he was wounded one month before the end of the war. My question as a child was answered. I knew the battles that led up to this and laid a flag where he was wounded. What an amazing experience and I was so lucky to share this with amazing family members. We all felt we learned so much more about Grandpa. Thank you, Joe, for helping us to understand those years that Grandpa spent overseas. Your knowledge and expertise about WW1 is truly remarkable and you have left us with a lasting memory of where our loved ones once were."
Karen Campbell - Granddaughter
Family of Chester Owen McGowan MM, 49th Battalion CEF
Dale McGowan - Grandson and Deputy Commissioner (Retd.), Royal Canadian Mounted Police
"My Grandfather fought in the First World War with the Loyal Edmonton 49th Regiment. As a family we moved his pristine uniform from an Alberta Legion branch to the LER Museum in Edmonton. At that time we learned that there was a LER battlefield tour being planned for the fall of 2023. Joe MacDonald was designated as the tour historian/guide and co-organizer. Eight of my grandfather’s descendants signed up for this tour along with 15 others with direct ties and interests to the LER and the participation in both the first and second world wars. Joe was provided my Grandfathers military file and records and learned that he was involved in many of the most famous Canadian military battles of the war that included The Somme, Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge and others. He conducted a significant amount of research and background from a variety of sources and records and in his own words said “I will create this European Battlefield tour through the eyes and experiences of Sgt. Chester McGowan who was with the 49rs throughout the campaign”. The multi country European tour was customized and completely enveloped the 49r’s experience. Attendance to multiple military cemeteries, battle sites, trench lines, museums and significant military
locations were visited. At each one Joe provided a wealth of information and background derived from official military records, daily battlefield logs and military tactics and techniques that were present at the time. He interspersed this with a very personal touch from private records and personal accounts from those who were in the trenches and those who sent letters back to families and news articles at the time. This included actual locations wherein military medals were earned, injuries and even casualties were experienced. It was an amazing experience to know you walked the same roads my Grandfather marched on, stood on the same battlefields he fought in and through Joe’s articulate narratives could actually visualize being there with him. As a family this tour gave us all a much deeper appreciation and more meaningful understanding of what my Grandfather, and many others like him experienced. I can honestly say on behalf of my entire family that Joe made this a once in a lifetime experience and a life changing one for us all. Many smiles were had, tears were shed and times of deep reflection and individual contemplation were experienced. Although not an overly spiritual person there were occasions when Joe provided never before known facts about my grandfather while in the deep tunnels of Vimy or in one of the many trenches and cemeteries that we visited that simply overwhelmed us and were inexplicable to say the least.
Without question Joe MacDonald is a world class historian and battlefield tour guide who has carried on his childhood passion in military history specializing in Canadian experiences. Joe is a young and vibrant individual that has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. He is quite energetic and worked very hard at making our experience the best. While on this tour I had occasion to speak with several other independent battlefield tour guides, both of whom indicated that Joe is recognized as one of the best in the business and is highly regarded by his peers in this field."
Stood at the same spot their grandfather lay severely wounded on the battlefield more than a century before.
Karen Campbell stood beside her grandfather's - Chester Owen McGowan - First World War uniform
"I have always had an interest in WW1 and trying to find out as much as I could about the battles and what my relatives went through. My grandfather Chester was a WW1 soldier and served for 3 years overseas. Chester never spoke much about what happened and Grandma always told us not to ask too many questions. He came back home with shrapnel in his head from one of the battles that could not be removed and with the curiosity of a child I wondered where he was when he was wounded and what happened? I sent away to Ottawa for his service file and tried on my own to decipher and trace where he was and what battles he was in. It was a disappointing endeavor, but I felt I learned a little more.
In Sept 2023 I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to go on a Battlefield tour to France, Belgium, and Holland with my grandfather’s regiment from Edmonton, Alberta. Our guide Joe MacDonald studied the regiment and my grandfather’s participation specifically. This trip was very much personalized to the “footsteps” of my grandfather, and I truly felt that I walked in his footsteps and could imagine what he had witnessed. Joe showed us the places where Grandpa was as well as explained what battles that were going on at the time. Names I had heard from childhood such as Hill 62, Regina Trench, the Somme, and Vimy that I could now see and imagine him being there. Towns such as Arras, Ypres, Courcelette. Grandpa sent beautiful lace postcards to my grandma from these places and now I was seeing these places for myself. We found out so much more about Grandpa from this trip and felt that we had truly walked in his footsteps. We got to see the place and hear the story of where he was when he won his Military Medal and Joe even showed us where he was wounded one month before the end of the war. My question as a child was answered. I knew the battles that led up to this and laid a flag where he was wounded. What an amazing experience and I was so lucky to share this with amazing family members. We all felt we learned so much more about Grandpa. Thank you, Joe, for helping us to understand those years that Grandpa spent overseas. Your knowledge and expertise about WW1 is truly remarkable and you have left us with a lasting memory of where our loved ones once were."
Karen Campbell - Granddaughter
Family of Chester Owen McGowan MM, 49th Battalion CEF
Dale McGowan - Grandson and Deputy Commissioner (Retd.), Royal Canadian Mounted Police
"My Grandfather fought in the First World War with the Loyal Edmonton 49th Regiment. As a family we moved his pristine uniform from an Alberta Legion branch to the LER Museum in Edmonton. At that time we learned that there was a LER battlefield tour being planned for the fall of 2023. Joe MacDonald was designated as the tour historian/guide and co-organizer. Eight of my grandfather’s descendants signed up for this tour along with 15 others with direct ties and interests to the LER and the participation in both the first and second world wars. Joe was provided my Grandfathers military file and records and learned that he was involved in many of the most famous Canadian military battles of the war that included The Somme, Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge and others. He conducted a significant amount of research and background from a variety of sources and records and in his own words said “I will create this European Battlefield tour through the eyes and experiences of Sgt. Chester McGowan who was with the 49rs throughout the campaign”. The multi country European tour was customized and completely enveloped the 49r’s experience. Attendance to multiple military cemeteries, battle sites, trench lines, museums and significant military locations were visited. At each one Joe provided a wealth of information and background derived from official military records, daily battlefield logs and military tactics and techniques that were present at the time. He interspersed this with a very personal touch from private records and personal accounts from those who were in the trenches and those who sent letters back to families and news articles at the time. This included actual locations wherein military medals were earned, injuries and even casualties were experienced. It was an amazing experience to know you walked the same roads my Grandfather marched on, stood on the same battlefields he fought in and through Joe’s articulate narratives could actually visualize being there with him. As a family this tour gave us all a much deeper appreciation and more meaningful understanding of what my Grandfather, and many others like him experienced. I can honestly say on behalf of my entire family that Joe made this a once in a lifetime experience and a life changing one for us all. Many smiles were had, tears were shed and times of deep reflection and individual contemplation were experienced. Although not an overly spiritual person there were occasions when Joe provided never before known facts about my grandfather while in the deep tunnels of Vimy or in one of the many trenches and cemeteries that we visited that simply overwhelmed us and were inexplicable to say the least.
Without question Joe MacDonald is a world class historian and battlefield tour guide who has carried on his childhood passion in military history specializing in Canadian experiences. Joe is a young and vibrant individual that has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. He is quite energetic and worked very hard at making our experience the best. While on this tour I had occasion to speak with several other independent battlefield tour guides, both of whom indicated that Joe is recognized as one of the best in the business and is highly regarded by his peers in this field."
"I joined Joe MacDonald on a visit to the Vimy Ridge battlefield and it was amazing! He took us through the woods and as a Canadian it was truly remarkable, he made the tour so personalized and special! He was down to earth, easy to get along with and humorous, but at all times respectful and professional to the subject matter at hand. He has a natural gift at story telling and conveying complex and profound research into a history understood by all. He found personal connections to soldiers and gave us an interpretive tour, which was truly amazing, thank you again Joe for your amazing dedication and commitment!"
In the words of two young Canadians on the battlefields
Katie Mackie - University of Windsor. Aged 24.
Walking through the German reserve trench system on Vimy Ridge
Grace Tittley - University of Ottawa. Aged 22.
"Joe MacDonald is an incredible person to know and travel with. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but he also has a wonderful rapport with people in general. Throughout our tour, Joe shared fascinating and detailed stories about soldiers who fought there, uncovering incredible information about them that I can now hold dear and pass down through my family. Joe MacDonald is a hardworking individual with exceptional expertise and strong interpersonal skills that makes him easy to connect with. His passion on top of all for the First World War and his talent in articulating the events and battles that took place thoroughly enhances the overall experience. I highly recommend his tours for anyone interested in history and the First World War. You will be amazed and it will be a 'vacation' unlike any other."
Two Brothers's Story: One Family's Pilgrimage
Although only teenagers in 1915, Orville Palmer and his brother Duke volunteered to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force. By the end of the year, both found brothers themselves on the frontlines of the Western Front. During the Battle of the Somme in 1916, their Infantry Battalion was to launch an attack on a heavily defended trench. It was a failure and heavy casualties were sustained.
Amongst those wounded during the attack was Duke, who laid immobilized for several hours on the active battlefield. Just before the attack was to be abandoned and the order to retreat issued, Orville received permission to attempt to carry his wounded brother off the battlefield and through ground swept by artillery and machine gun fire in an attempt to reach the Regimental Aid Post some two kilometres away where Duke could get the much needed medical attention he required. It was a matter of life or death but in doing so Orville too would be putting himself in serious life threatening risk.
Remarkably, Orville was able to reach the Regimental Aid Post, saving his brother's life. Duke's wounds proved so serious that he would spend over a year in hospital before being medical discharged from the army before wars end. He would sadly die of the Spanish Flu before Orville returned home in the spring of 1919. For many years, the story of marked bravery and cunning heroism had been known within the family but what was not known was where exactly it had happened. In 2024, three granddaughters came to France search of answers. Along with visiting Ypres, Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele and Mons the granddaughters made a special visit to a special spot near Courcelette on the Somme.
Earla Ford - Granddaughter
Janet Stewart - Granddaughter
"With our very capable tour guide Joe MacDonald at the helm, my two sisters and I had the chance to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget! We visited the WWI battlefields where my grandfather had fought during his four year stint with the 49th Battalion of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and walked down some of the same cobblestone roads where he had marched on his way to the trenches, which gave me the chills! Joe's knowledge of events and ability to recall names and facts, supplied us with a real connection to our grandfather's day to day life and near death experiences during his time in Europe away from the comforts of his family and the conveniences of back home in Edmonton. Although there were many memorable moments during Joe's guided tour through Belgium and France including visiting the well known Vimy Ridge Memorial, it was visiting some of the cemeteries where our grandfather's friends and acquaintances were laid to rest that really struck a chord with me. Joe's knowledge of some of the personal stories that were connected to our grandfather made us realize that we were very fortunate that our grandfather's life was spared.
Our hope and wish is that others take the opportunity to investigate their WWI ancestors and acknowledge the sacrifices they made so that we can enjoy our many freedoms that we sometimes take for granted in Canada today!"
Maureen Fithen - Granddaughter
"Joe MacDonald brought my grandfather's diary to life as we stood in his footsteps. Joe talked about the specific times and places from over a hundred years ago. He related many of the tragic events my grandfather spent in the trenches but also the more lighthearted times he spent on leave. Not only is Joe knowledgeable about WW I but he is a great navigator of the past and present. You can tell he has a passion for the history, it shows, it beats in his heart and it lives in his tours."
The Regimental Aid Post their grandfather had brought his wounded brother to.
Orville and Duke Palmer 1915
Orville Palmer stood on the far left in a photo taken in Lières, France. May 1918.
"Joe MacDonald was able to take me to the exact field where my grandfather found his wounded brother in Regina Trench and showed me where he was able to carry him to the field hospital where he received help. This field is now a farmer’s field and the hospital is covered over with soil but, if you can believe it, we were able to peer down a rabbit hole and see the roof and the hollow below of the exact field hospital. They would be wise to choose you Joe as a very capable and caring guide if they would wish to tour the battlefields as I have had the pleasure of doing."
Dr Matthew Leonard - University of London
"Joe’s knowledge and passion for history is second to none, and his understanding of the 1917 battle for Vimy Ridge is both rich and detailed. Most impressive is his familiarity with the ground, a battlefield today largely hidden in plain sight. Joe supplements his extensive knowledge with a deep comprehension of the people who fought, bringing the past vividly into the present through personal and official testimony."
Family of Charles Weaver, 25th Battalion CEF
Willis McCullough-Messom - Great Grandson & Sub Lieutenant, Royal Canadian Navy
"Having arrived a few days early for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day I was pleased to discover Joe was in the area. Having a lifelong interest in Canadian Military History I was delighted to have the opportunity to bring a fellow Naval Officer for a battlefield tour during which I was able to trace the footsteps of my Great-Grandfather Charles Weaver who served with the 25th Nova Scotia Rifles. Joe took the time and effort to cater the tour, not only to our interests but also to locations relevant to our family members service. This was amplified by the effort he put in prior to our tour researching our relatives and providing us with information I didn’t even know existed, despite my lifelong interest. There wasn’t a dull moment for the 3 days we spent with Joe, in that short time frame he was able to show me more than I could have ever expected at greater detailed than much longer tours I had attended in the past. Joe's passion and knowledge is admirable and makes for a truly unique and memorable experience. Without hesitation I would recommend Joe to anyone wishing to see the Battlefields of Europe."
Personal effects of Charles Weaver from the Great War
Family of Charles Douglas Richardson, PPCLI CEF
Kristin Roberts - Great Niece
"We had the great fortune to meet Joe when we visited the Vimy Ridge Memorial in France where he was working as a guide for the Canadian government. I had a great uncle that I knew had died during WW1 and that he was buried at a cemetery in France but not much else.
While waiting to go on a tour of the trenches, I mentioned it to another guide and she said, “I’ll give the information you have to Joe, he’ll find you more!” By the time our 30 minute tour was done, Joe was waiting for us and had discovered where my uncle was killed, showed us the footsteps he walked, where he waited for battle orders, his medical history during his deployment and so much more. It was an incredible and emotional discovery that brought a part of our family history to light that we never knew and got us started learning more about what happened to him.
Our family is so grateful to Joe and we are very lucky our paths crossed! He is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate historian who cares about families learning more and that those who fought are remembered in their sacrifice."
Charles Douglas Richardson. He would be killed on the opening day of the battle of Vimy Ridge
At the grave of her great uncle Lievin Communal Cemetery
"I have had the pleasure of participating in three First World War Battlefield tours with Joe, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Each tour covered different areas of the Western Front, and Joe's extensive knowledge of the Great War never ceases to amaze me.
The first tour took us through the Somme and Ypres regions, focusing on the actions of Scottish units, particularly the 51st Highland Division, and the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Joe provided invaluable background information about each area we visited, including the historical significance and the forces involved. His insights enhanced my understanding of the war far beyond what any book or documentary could offer. It was such an fantastic experience that I returned for another tour just a few months later!
The second tour, held in November, centered on the Armistice and further exploration of the Somme. Although shorter, this tour was equally engaging. Joe’s ability to recount personal stories of soldiers' gallantry and heroism, especially at CWGC cemeteries and memorials, added a deeply personal touch to the experience.
The third tour focused on the 1915 battles, such as Neuve Chapelle and Loos. We planned this tour together, given the significant losses suffered by Scottish regiments during these battles. Despite Joe's usual Canadian focus, he expertly guided me through these historic sites, offering detailed insights into the events.
What makes Joe’s tours truly exceptional is his ability to tailor them to your interests. Whether you want to focus on specific regiments or soldiers, or if you have little to no prior knowledge of the Great War, Joe is the perfect guide. His years of exploring the battlefields mean he knows every significant site, from the well-known landmarks to the hidden gems off the beaten track. Joe is the person you want to lead you through this remarkable period in history."
