Annual Report 2017–2018

Vimy: 100 Years After the Battle

Commemorating the Canadian Troops 100 Years Ago, the Canadian War Museum Produced a Suite of Evocative Tributes

In April 1917, Canadians captured Vimy Ridge in one of the First World War’s most costly battles. One hundred years later, the Canadian War Museum explored the battle itself and the many ways it has been commemorated, through compelling upgrades to its existing section on the Battle of Vimy Ridge, as well as two exciting temporary exhibitions.

Together, these initiatives explored the grit and determination of Canadian troops, and the national reputation they helped forge.

An International Impact

Opening on the eve of the anniversary of the battle, the Museum’s outstanding art exhibition, Witness – Fields of Battle Through Canadian Eyes, was presented at the Musée des beaux-arts in Arras, France. The exhibition was originally presented at the Canadian War Museum in 2014 as Witness – Canadian Art of the First World War, and featured more than 50 works of art, including masterpieces by artists such as A.Y. Jackson and Frederick Varley, who later became members of the Group of Seven. It also included poignant personal works made by soldiers for their families back home.

Arras was the site of a pitched battle fought by Canadians, and it was an honour to present the exhibition there. The exhibition was opened on April 7 by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada; Dr. James Fleck, Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Mark O’Neill, President and CEO, the mayor of Arras and 300 guests. Also in attendance was the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson. It was the kick-off event to Canada’s commemoration of the battle, 100 years later.

During its presentation in Arras, the exhibition welcomed 11,880 visitors.

Telling a More Complete Story in Our Galleries

While the Museum’s existing module on the Battle of Vimy Ridge paid due homage to Canadian courage in this seminal battle, the First World War Centenary provided an ideal opportunity review and enhance its content. The revised module goes into greater depth as it explores all aspects of the battle, while also examining the importance of training and aerial reconnaissance, and the battle’s ultimate importance within the broader context of the War in 1917.

Vimy – Beyond the Battle

Over the past century, Canadians have remembered and commemorated the Battle of Vimy Ridge in many different ways, and for many different reasons. Developed by the War Museum with the generous support of John and Elizabeth Irving, Vimy – Beyond the Battle used the Battle of Vimy Ridge to shed light on how and why we commemorate. The exhibition explored private and collective memories of the battle itself, the First World War, and more recent conflicts.

A resounding success and moving experience, the exhibition also offered educational programming in the Eaton Activity Hub, where visitors were invited to sculpt a memorial in clay and contribute to a commemorative work of art. Visitors could also write a message to a loved one on a paper containing poppy seeds. The messages were later planted in a commemorative garden.

The Power of Partnerships and Donations

Each of the Vimy initiatives benefitted considerably from the many contributions of individuals and organizations. Witness – Fields of Battle Through Canadian Eyes was made possible, in part, through TD Bank Group.

The newly enhanced Vimy module in the Museum’s gallery, and the exhibition, Vimy – Beyond the Battle enjoyed the support of the Canadian War Museum’s Official Partners of the First World War Centenary: John and Pattie Cleghorn and Family; HCol (Ret’d) John C. Eaton, O.Ont., K.St.J., D.Com. and HCol (Ret’d) Sally Horsfall Eaton, S.S.St.J., C.D., R.N., LL.D.; The Friends of the Canadian War Museum; TD Bank Group; VISITFLANDERS and the R. Howard Webster Foundation.

For many Canadians, the Battle of Vimy Ridge helped shape and define the ethos of our young nation. Occurring a mere 50 years after Confederation, Vimy demonstrated to the world that Canadians were ready, willing and able to make important contributions on the world stage, making this a valuable legacy initiative for Canada 150.