Empires

The War Museum's story carries on after the War of 1812, dealing with other military issues of the 19th century in Canada. I'm picking up with the second gallery, which moves into the idea of fighting for Queen (or King) and country in two different conflicts. The first is the South African War, otherwise called the Boer War. Thousands of Canadians went far from home to fight in what would become a guerrilla war as the 19th century gave way to the 20th, battling the forces of Boer states in South Africa. This conflict is covered extensively.

One of the panels here looks at Georgina Pope, a nurse who would serve with distinction during this war and the First World War. She is among the figures of Canadian military history featured in the Valiants statues downtown near the War Memorial.

Of course the other war in question was the so called War to End All Wars. In 1914, Canadians rallied for the cause, not knowing what was to come in the battlefields of Europe.

Art is featured extensively through the museum, including this large canvas. Canada's Answer is the title of this painting by Norman Wilkinson, depicting the country's First Contingent, 32 000 soldiers heading for Britain in October 1914.

The 18 pounder field gun was the most common type used by Canadian and British military forces during the war. An estimated 100 million shells were fired from guns like this over the course of the war. 

Another prized artifact. This is the personal Colt pistol of Lt.-Colonel John McCrae.

A walk through reproduction of a trench is found here.

Canadians took part in multiple battles throughout the First World War, developing a fierce reputation along the way. Vimy Ridge would be a watershed moment in the country's history, with Canadian soldiers emerging victorious against a tenacious German force. Vimy Ridge is covered extensively in this area.

The First World War was the first time aircraft were used in combat. Tactics were invented as pilots went along. Many of them died. Others survived. One of the Canadian aces is William Barker, whose medal set is displayed here.