Construction

The construction of Canadian National Vimy Memorial began in 1925. Completed just after the intended unveiling of 1 July 1936. 15,000 tonnes of concrete, hundreds of tons of steel, and 6,000 tonnes of specially selected limestone from Croatia were used. Walter S. Allward designed the most magnificent war memorial in the world.

Described by some as too difficult to work with, truth be Allward was extremely demanding. He refuses to compromise, and his vision, dedication, and hard work are the reason why Canada has such a beautiful monument to our Missing of the Great War.

The design for Vimy is the work of Toronto-based architect Walter S. Allward. From an original field of 162 designs, eight were selected. One for each of the specially designated sites. The runner-up chosen as Canada’s memorial to the Fallen in Belgium. The St. Julien Memorial (The Brooding Soldier Monument) stands at Vancouver Corner in Sint-Juliaan, Belgium. The remaining sites are chosen for what are known as the Battlefield Memorials.

The necessary road building and landscaping was carried out by French and British veterans employed by the Imperial War Graves Commission, later the CWGC. In 1925, Allward moved to Paris to supervise the construction of the monument.

Change

During the fifteen years between Allward’s design of the monument, and the installation of the last dramatic sculptures, the world had changed. And, so did the design. Allward agreed to inscribe the names of The Missing on the base of the monument. This was not a compromise, from a very uncompromising man. This was true understanding.

Inauguration

The intended unveiling of Dominion Day, 1 July 1936, cannot be met – the memorial is not yet finished. The date is pushed to 26 July 1936. The choice for who was to represent Canada, and unveil the monument, meant much to Canadian Veterans. For British Veterans too. Many of them fought with the CEF, and for Canada. They too, are here in the thousands.

It would have been a huge mistake to have the Canadian Prime Minister unveil the monument. Not because he was the political leader of the country, but because he was MacKenzie King. And it was not so much about his lack of a military background. Worse, King was despised by the Veterans. They felt King had disrespected their former commander, General Julian Byng (Baron Byng of Vimy).

Byng-King Affair

There was a great scandal during Byng’s tenure as Governor-General of Canada, 1921 – 1926. So scandalous, it became known as the King-Byng Affair. Byng would have made a perfect choice, had he been the current Governor-General. Alas, the current man in the role was John Buchan. Though well versed in Canadian history, he was also not from a military background.

Sir Arthur Currie had passed away in 1933. He also would have been a perfect choice, as their former commander. However, Currie had not chosen a political career, that is, he had not become Governor-General. Finally, the most suitable person for the role, and the correct one, was chosen. But would he accept the invitation?

King Edward VIII

King George V had passed away earlier on 26 January 1936. Now, his son, the former Prince of Wales reigned. His Majesty graciously accepted Canada’s request to unveil the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. It would be the King of Canada’s first engagement since the death of his father. It would also be his last and only public engagement. King Edward VIII would abdicate in December of 1936.

Edward was the perfect choice, especially to the Veterans. They knew him, and they liked him. Many had met the former Prince of Wales on the battlefields of the Western Front. King George V and the Prince of Wales visited the front many times during the war. They went out of their way to visit the soldiers of all Commonwealth Nations. Edward was not comfortable in the role of King. However, photos of him during the Great War, reveal he was always comfortable among the soldiers. And again, he will be among the Veterans at Vimy.

Embarkation

In mid-July 1936, the Vimy Pilgrims left on five ships departing from Montreal. Canadian Pacific Steamships provided the Duchess of Bedford, S.S. MONTROSE, and S.S. MONTCALM. Two ships, S.S. ASCANIA, and S.S. ANTONIA, came from the Cunard-White Star Line.

All of the ships arrive barely in time for the unveiling. Already rescheduled to 26 July 1936. S.S. ANTONIA arrived at Le Havre on the morning of 25 July 1936. And now, 6,200 Pilgrims were now on their way by rail, and bus to the ceremony. Everyone makes it, but just in time. When they arrive at the memorial, they are surrounded by 20,000 French civilians.

Ceremony

The event is broadcast worldwide by the BBC, and in Canada by the CBC. King Edward arrived at 2:15 pm. The day is sunny, and beautiful. The programme of the ceremony is so well-planned, and orchestrated. However, it comes with much relief to the organizers, as the event appeared in jeopardy that very morning. Would everyone arrive in time?

Unveiling

Flypast

The ceremony is solemn and dignified. King Edward is most impressed. Thousands are impressed by the King, and the words he chose to say. The flypast certainly brings back the past for many a soldier. It is the image of the familiar planes, and their unmistakable sound, that brings the reality of the trenches back to the men.

Note thousands of people in areas which are today restricted. Signs indicate ordinance from the Great War still remain in these sections now grazed by sheep. Nevertheless, an impatient, corralled crowd, broke through these areas following the ceremony on 9 April 2017.

Meeting the Pilgrims

Following the unveiling, the King spent some time with the Vimy Pilgrims. Especially, with a group of disabled Veterans. First, he walked down into the amphitheater to meet the Veterans. It was at this point the crowd could not contain their serenity any longer. Upon his appearance, the veterans, offered “such a roar you never heard in war or peace.” After speaking with many Veterans, the King also had a very pleasant conversation with Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Charlotte Susan (nee Fullman) Wood.

Silver Cross Mother Charlotte Susan Wood

On 24 August 1914, Mrs. Wood’s son, Private Frederick Francis Wood, was killed at Mons, Belgium. Frederick serving with the Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment). Then, less than three years later, on 5 May 1917, a second son, Private Peter Percy Wood was killed at Vimy Ridge. Peter serving with the Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment). His body was never recovered. Mrs. Wood saw his name for the first time on the Vimy Memorial.

Before she returned to Canada, Mrs. Wood placed a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Westminster Abbey in London, England. On behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a child in military service to their country.

Charlotte Susan Wood was Canada’s first Silver Cross Mother.

More

This is CEFRG‘s first post about a Great War memorial. Like the selection of the monument, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial was the perfect choice.

The second most appropriate choice, must be the Menin Gate Memorial. Though, not a Canadian memorial, the Menin Gate, is much like Vimy. It also names The Missing who have Fallen, but in the country of Belgium, during the Great War.

However, the memorials, like the cemeteries, and battles, are chosen at random. Next memorial to be featured, will be the Canadian Field Artillery Memorial in Thélus, which was shown in a photograph above, and here below.