Matthew Halton: Canada's Voice at War

His was the voice that brought Canadians the stories and sounds of the second World War. Matthew Halton was the most celebrated Canadian journalist of his era. A talented, tireless war correspondent who wore a uniform to cover battles and recorded the sounds of battle for CBC radio. Today we speak with Matthew's son, former CBC correspondent David Halton on his father's great talents, personal flaws and lessons for a new generation still covering war.

Matthew Halton broadcasting for the CBC, in the late 1940s. (Courtesy of CBC / Library and Archives Canada)

This is Matthew Halton of the CBC. The German war is over. No more Canadians will die.

Matthew Halton witnessed many battlefields as a reporter for the CBC and the Toronto Star. Even before the war ended, Matthew Halton was a star, soon to become a legend. He warned of Nazi plans in the Toronto Star before the Holocaust and took part in bond drives for the government.

Many of you know his son, David Halton, as an accomplished CBC correspondent. He writes about his father in Dispatches from the Front: Matthew Halton, Canada's Voice at War. It hits bookstores today. David Halton was in our Toronto studio.

This segment was produced by The Current's Howard Goldenthal.