History
Despite commitment to war effort, Black soldiers faced racism at home, overseas
July 13, 2023
On July 5, 1916, the Department of Defence and Militia authorized the formation of No. 2 Construction Battalion. It was the largest Black unit in Canadian history. Its members continued the proud tradition of service to king and country that went back to the American Revolution and continued through the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1837–38 to the start of the First World War.
Italian Campaign starts — Defence, Veterans Affairs Ministers mark the 80th anniversary of invasion of Sicily
July 12, 2023
Eighty years ago, the Allied invasion of Sicily marked the start of the Italian Campaign in the Second World War. Code named Op Husky, the invasion of Sicily marked one of the largest seaborne operations in military history. Canadians were critical to its success.
1RCHA’s history started 125 years ago
July 11, 2023
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the establishment what is now known as 1RCHA, originally based on A and B Batteries – the first “full-time” or “regular” elements of the post-Confederation Canadian Army. This is a significant Canadian military and Gunner milestone.
GREAT WAR IN JULY — Pte Cecil Minary writes home to family in Manitoba
July 5, 2023
During the First World War, Pte Cecil Minary served in the CEF, beginning his military training at Camp Hughes prior to being shipped to England for additional training. He saw his first action in France soon after Canada’s involvement in the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917.
Three Canadian Great War soldiers laid to rest in France
June 13, 2023
Three Canadian Great War soldiers — Pte Harry Atherton, Cpl Percy Howarth and Sgt Richard Musgrave — were laid to rest with military honours at Loos British Cemetery, Loos-en-Gohelle, France.
Post card from Great War cherished by family military researcher
June 7, 2023
Holding something that was once held by my great-great uncle 105 years ago is pretty crazy. This post card was sent home by Pte Cecil Edmund Minary to his father, Andrew Minary — my great-great-grandfather) while he was in England for a short time before being drafted over to France during the First World War.
Pte Cecil Minary learns about classmate being wounded during Battle of Vimy Ridge — died of his wounds three days later
May 11, 2023
Canada Post in May 1917, 1918 — Cousin Edna, father in Nesbitt receive letters from Pte Cecil Minary written in French trenches during breaks from his duties serving in the CEF during Great War.
RCN commemorates Battle of Atlantic 78th anniversary
May 8, 2023
Canadians from coast to coast to coast commemorated the 78th anniversary of the end of action in the Battle of Atlantic and the sacrifices of thousands of Canadians who fought valiantly from 1939 to 1945 during the longest campaign of the Second World War.
Park across from CANEX memorial to 17 soldiers killed in train collision near Canoe River, BC
May 4, 2023
New to the Base, and wondering what the park why the the green space there is called Canoe River Memorial Park? It was the height of the Korean War.
1970 — BComd plays host to Queen Elizabeth II, plus family
May 2, 2023
The Queen is coming to Shilo! The Queen is coming to Shilo! The news spread like wildfire among the 4,000 inhabitants of this military community on the old Yellow Quill Trail, a westward bound wagon route in the middle of nowhere.
