Canadian War Museum commemorates Hill 70

As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, many institutions around the country are celebrating our country's history by scheduling a variety of events.

The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa has mounted many interesting shows over the years to commemorate Canada's military history.  In keeping with this, the museum has opened a new show to mark the centenary of the Battle of Hill 70, which took place in August 1917 near Lens, France.

The exhibition features portraits of the six Canadians who received the Victoria Cross, as well as the medal sets of two of the men: Sergeant Frederick Hobson and Corporal Filip Konowal.

The Canadian Corps, under the command of Sir Arthur Currie, launched an attack on the German-held city of Lens in northern France on August 15, 1917. His strategy was to capture the high ground overlooking the town, forcing the enemy to counterattack. This prevented German units from reinforcing formations facing Allied troops struggling to gain ground at Passchendaele in Flanders. By August 25, the Canadians had withstood 21 failed counterattacks and suffered 9,000 casualties at Hill 70, but they had killed, wounded or taken as prisoner about 12,000 Germans. It was a significant and costly tactical victory for the Allies.

 “Sir Arthur Currie described the Battle of Hill 70 in August 1917 as ‘altogether the hardest battle in which the Corps has participated,’” said Stephen Quick, director general of the Canadian War Museum. “It’s remarkable that this 11-day battle, fought four months after Vimy Ridge, resulted in six Canadian soldiers of varying backgrounds and ranks being awarded the highest honour for military valour in the British Empire.”

Only two of the six Victoria Cross medals are on display. The medal belonging to Private Harry Brown is currently on loan to the Calgary Highlanders Museum and Archives. Acting Major Okill Massey Learmonth’s medal is held by the Governor General’s Foot Guards Museum in Ottawa. Private Michael James O’Rourke’s medal has been listed as missing since the 1920s. The Victoria Cross awarded to Sergeant-Major Robert Hill Hanna is believed to be with his family.

The exhibition continues until Remembrance Day.