Medicine Hat armed forces and residents alike joined together on Sunday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge.
Known as the ‘Birthplace of Canada,’ the battle began on April 9, 1917 in northern France and claimed the lives of almost 3,600 Canadians.
Despite this, all four Canadian divisions fought alongside for the first time and successfully defeated the Germans, something the French and British failed to accomplish.
South Alberta Light Horse Master Warrant Officer Scott Schall said Canadians defied expectations to win the battle at Vimy.
“To be blunt, they didn’t think we could do anything and we were suspected of being failed,” Schall said. “It’s the first time Canada had an opportunity to really do something on their own, and ended up achieving a huge success. And, it launched us into the second half of the war.”
Plenty of events were on hand Sunday in Medicine Hat, as a service and parade were held in the downtown core before a reception took place at the Patterson Armoury.
Lining the walls of the base included members of the 31st Battalion, which was comprised of local soldiers from southern Alberta.
Museum Curator Wes Krause said soldiers from the Medicine Hat area had to endure harsh conditions when they arrived in France.
“The 31st Battalion, their first 100 days that they served in the trenches, it rained 75 days,” Krause said. “Now imagine that, we get tired if it rains a half of an afternoon, they dealt with it for 75 days straight.”
Members of the public were treated to tours of the life size World War I bunker at the Armoury, along with marching presentations from the armed forces members inside.
Sunday’s service was also held at Robertson Park which is named in honour of Private Pete Robertson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in the line of fire.
Krause added Canadians are still treated like heroes in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands for what they accomplished during the first World War.
“We brought them freedom from oppression, Canadians are like that and that’s what we do,” he said. “By teaching that and instilling that in the young generation, that carries on for their lifetime. It’s not just, ‘Okay, after school we’re going to forget about this.’ No, they remember that for a lifetime.”
The Patterson Armoury is open on Wednesdays between 12:00 and 3:00 pm, and you can book tours by calling 403-310-2769.
