The True North Strong and Free

| April 10, 2017

They did not waiver. This was Canada at its best. The Canadians at Vimy embodied the true north, strong and free. Extract from Prince Charles’ speech, Vimy, April 9, 2017 Within these few lines some words from Canada’s national anthem, …the true north, strong and free. Words to ponder upon a ridge or to feel […]

Vimy Pilgrimage 1936 and the 16th Battalion CEF

| April 9, 2017

The Torch Be Yours to Hold it High Pilgrimages to the Western Front especially by family members in search of their fallen sons and daughters was discouraged during the Great War. However, with the end of the war in November 1918, many families, friends and fellow veterans returned to these places of conflict to seek […]

The Cambusnethan VC

| April 8, 2017

W.J. Milne 16th Battalion CEF (Canadian Scottish) William Milne came to Canada in 1910 from his native Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland settling near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where he worked as a farmer. On 11 September 1915 Milne joined the 46th Canadian Infantry Battalion but transferred on 16 June 1916 to the 16th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Canadian […]

Vimy Ridge – Expression in Stone

| April 8, 2017

How many eyes have seen these names… and whispered voices read them softly? (P. Ferguson, © September 1999) ————————-o————————- Part One The Battle for Vimy Ridge Vimy Ridge, a northern French landscape helped establish Canada’s identity as a nation unto itself. Heavily fortified along a seven kilometer front the Ridge, occupied by German forces, held a […]

Vimy Ridge Aerial Photographs April 1917

| April 8, 2017

The Royal Flying Corps at Work Aerial reconnaissance images taken by Royal Flying Corps (RFC) personnel. Printed and carefully assembled by the RFC for the four Canadian Divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, April 1917. Click on images for larger versions. Compare the images above with the map illustration below to learn where Canadian units […]