Victoria at War

By David Suatac

This prosperous and cultured city attracted many Canadians at the turn of the century. One of them, a schoolteacher from Ontario named Arthur Currie, arrived in 1894. Soon thereafter Currie joined the local artillery as a gunner, and enjoyed equal success as businessman and militiaman. At the outbreak of war, he was given command of the 50th (Gordon Highlanders of Canada) Regiment, one of two First World War-era Victorian regiments. In four short years, Currie rose to become commander of the entire Canadian Corps.  A grateful city renamed the street on which he lived Arthur Currie Lane in recognition of his contribution to the country.

Canadian Troops Marching - Victoria, BC, circa 1914. Credit: University of Victoria, WWI and Victoria/

During the Second World War, the city once again rose to the occasion. Victoria Harbour played an important role in safeguarding the Canadian Pacific coast from enemy attack, and the Victoria Machinery Depot launched 25 ships over six years of war, including in 1942 the HMCS Quesnel. Throughout all of these years of turmoil, the Royal British Colombia Museum continued to grow by leaps and bounds and to professionalize its staff. Today, hundreds of thousands of visitors explore the museum every year and enjoy the many permanent and temporary exhibits on display.

Sources:

1. http://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/about/museum-history/ 

2. "WWI and Victoria: A city goes to war," University of Victoria.

Featured Image: Credit: University of Victoria/

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