Legion branch remembers Vimy Ridge battle
Event on Wednesday will mark the 108th anniversary of the pivotal Canadian attack on April 9, 1917
Royal Canadian Branch 103 in Campbellford will be marking the 108th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge with a ceremony and a talk on Wednesday.
The event, which will start at 2 p.m., is part of the branch’s continuing efforts to reach out to the community, says Theresa Swelin, first vice-president of the organization.
At the Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought from April 9-12, 1917, the Canadian Corps, for the first time as a unified formation, captured the heavily defended ridge from the German army, suffering more than 10,600 casualties, including 3,598 deaths.
The ceremony, which will involve Mayor Bob Crate, a longtime member of the Hastings Legion Branch 106, will include lowering the Canadian flag to half mast, followed by a talk in the branch’s Vimy Room by Legion member Bob Murphy who will highlight some of the artifacts on display in the room and discuss the role of local soldiers.
Vimy Ridge was a strategically important, heavily fortified area in northern France during the First World War. The Canadian Corps, comprising all four of its divisions, launched an attack on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, at 5:30 a.m. The attack was preceded by an artillery barrage, including a "creeping barrage" that moved forward with the infantry.
Despite facing heavy fire and crossing difficult terrain, the Canadians captured most of the ridge on schedule that day, with the exception of "The Pimple," a high point at the north end of the ridge. It was taken on April 12, completing the capture of Vimy Ridge.
The battle was the first time the four Canadian divisions fought together and demonstrated the capabilities of the Canadian Corps.
Swelin says the Campbellford branch, which has 215 members, has been thriving in recent years as it has focused on reaching out to the community, an approach that has included a large dose of music.
“We have standing room only on Sunday afternoons for our music jams,” she said.
The large area upstairs is also often used for music events and weddings. In recent years, it’s also been used frequently for celebrations of life. The building also hosts pool players and euchre games during the week.
The next big community event will be a Mother’s Day brunch, Swelin says, that will provide a full breakfast and a gift basket for each mother for just $15.
Swelin says the branch is planning to increase its visibility this summer by opening a patio in its front yard on Bridge Street.
Anyone can join the Legion, since it has a variety of membership categories, and Swelin hopes the higher profile will attract new members. You can get more information about any of the local Legion branches online – Campbellford, Warkworth, and Hastings.
There is also a national join the Legion campaign that highlights many of the corporate partnerships the group has that offer members discounts on services and products.
Nationally there are 256,000 members and more than 1,350 branches. The Legion helps veterans and advocates on their behalf.
Given the current focus on boosting our military in a troubled world it seems likely the Legion will play a continuing and growing role in years to come.
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