On October 2, a new memorial, commemorating the August 1917 Canadian battle and victory at Hill 70, was unveiled in a park near the town of Loos-en-Gohelle, France. The previously overlooked WWI battle, where more than 9,000 causalities, including the loss of almost 2,000 Canadian soldiers, was a crucial moment in the First World War.
The Hill 70 battle was the first time a Canadian general, Sir Arthur Currie, commanded the entire operation. Previous attempts by the British and French armies were unsuccessful.
The victory was not only instrumental in securing an important Allied victory but a clear statement. Canada was now an independent nation and no longer fighting in battle under a British commanding officer. Six Victoria Crosses, the highest military decoration possible were awarded to Canadian soldiers in this battle.
Family of the deceased, dignitaries and volunteers attended the opening of the memorial, that was funded entirely by private donations.
CTV reported, “Poppies grow throughout the park surrounding the large white obelisk erected through donations of $8.5 million. Placards featuring the writings and drawings of soldiers who fought in the battle are also featured at the site, which CTV News London bureau chief Paul Workman said is likely the last memorial to be erected for the First World War in Europe.”
At the ceremony, Colonel Mark Hutchings, chairman of the Hill 70 Project board, said, “As a nation we may have overlooked this battle for almost a century. But the family of the thousands of men killed or wounded here have never forgotten Hill 70. For them erecting this monument and telling the Hill 70 story is deeply personal.”
An education campaign will be used to teach Canadian students about this WWI battle.
To learn more about the Battle of Hill 70 and the monument, visit www.hill70.ca.
The bagpipe theme from the Hill 70 website is very stirring!!