New from Knockabout: Rocket War episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 26, 2026 · 25 MIN

New from Knockabout: Rocket War

from Story Girl

In the early hours of August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, setting off a chain of events that would draw Canada into the first Gulf War. In this opening episode of Rocket War, we explore how Canada went from peacekeeping posture to active military engagement in the Persian Gulf.Featuring firsthand accounts from sailors, air force personnel, and military historians, we trace Canada’s early response to the crisis, the political calculations of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and the rapid deployment of Canadian naval and air assets under Operation Friction. From Halifax Harbour to the Strait of Hormuz, listeners hear what it was like to prepare for war, enforce the UN embargo, and confront the reality of a modern conflict unfolding on live television.Thirty-five years later, Rocket War revisits the decisions, risks, and human experiences that defined Canada’s role in the Gulf War—beginning with the moment everything changed.DOWNLOAD OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS HEREWritten by William PattersonHost/Executive Producer Ryan BarnettThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program.Featuring original interviews with Tim Courtney, Harold Davis, David Deere, Chris Linford, Donald MacPherson, Dr. Sean Maloney, Nathasha Mohr, Paul Molnar, Jean Morin, Claude St.Onge, and the Honorable Rebecca Patterson Voice direction by Sonia Gemmiti Series consultant is Jean MorinAn original production of Knockabout Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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New from Knockabout: Rocket War

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This episode was published on January 26, 2026.

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In the early hours of August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, setting off a chain of events that would draw Canada into the first Gulf War. In this opening episode of Rocket War, we explore how Canada went from peacekeeping posture to active military...

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