For three years during the Second World War, 12,000 Nazis were held in a prisoner-of-war camp at the edge of Medicine Hat, an isolated city of 12,000 people on the bald Canadian prairie. The camp and the townsfolk lived cheerfully side-by-side until two men were beaten and hanged by their fellow prisoners and no one on the scene would admit to knowing anything about the crimes. RCMP investigators infiltrated the camp and discovered the existence of a shadow Nazi government, complete with its own Gestapo responsible for enforcing discipline and loyalty to the Fuhrer. Suspects were identified. Charges were laid. A series of gripping trials resulted in the last mass hanging in Canadian history. Now, eighty years after the fact, acclaimed historian Nathan Greenfield presents stunning new evidence that raises grave questions about whether justice was served on either side of the wire in Medicine Hat.
Nathan Greenfield Books
Nathan M. Greenfield is the Canadian correspondent for The Times Educational Supplement and a contributor to Maclean’s, Canadian Geographic, and The Times Literary Supplement. His work is characterized by its deep dives into historical subjects, uncovering less-examined facets of significant events. Greenfield masterfully brings complex moments from the past to life through meticulous research and compelling narrative. His distinctive authorial voice is lauded for its precision and ability to connect factual accounts with the human experiences that shaped them, rendering history as a vivid and engaging story.


Anything But a Still Life
The Art and Lives of Molly Lamb and Bruno Bobak
- 392 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Exploring the lives of prominent war artists Molly Lamb and Bruno Bobak, this biography delves into their artistic evolution and tumultuous marriage lasting over fifty years. Molly's vibrant, dynamic paintings contrast with Bruno's near-abstract cityscapes and haunting landscapes, showcasing their unique contributions to Canadian art. Acclaimed author Nathan M. Greenfield combines archival research, personal diaries, and interviews to create an intimate portrait of their lives, artistic achievements, and the complexities of their relationship, including their experiences during World War II.