It was the longest kill shot in military history at the time, and broke a record set just days prior by teammate and comrade Master Cpl.
READ MORE: Canadian sniper in Iraq makes longest confirmed kill shot in military history.
Indeed as far back as the early 20th century, Canadian snipers were being lauded for their exceptional sharpshooting skills.
“The Canadian sniper instructors were ruthless in their selection – of 39 applicants on one course, 11 were swiftly returned to their units.”.
Historical records indicate that Canada could claim eight of the top dozen snipers from all countries involved in the fighting during the war.
A backwoods upbringing probably has a lot to do with Canada’s history of sniping excellence, fellow military historian Mark Zuehlke posits.
“So they were comfortable around guns and they were probably already good shots when they got to the army.”. »