In 2008, while I was working with the Canadian Forces at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, I was stopped one early November morning by a US Marine Corps Colonel. He asked what were these red flowers he saw all the Canadians and Commonwealth personnel wearing. So for 15 minutes, I was able to inform him of the meaning and background of the poppy. And included the poem as well. He did not know. He was glad he stopped me, shook my hand and gave me a salute. This poem is pretty pervasive up here in Canada. You see or hear it quite a bit, even more when we get close to Remembrance Day on 11 Nov. Even the Montreal Canadiens have had part of the words displayed in their dressing room in the old Montreal Forum and the Bell Centre when it was constructed: "To you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold high." Thank you History Guy for this video. Hopefully, like the Marine Colonel, someone has learned something this day.
When I was a kid in America everybody knew what the poppies were about. Ladies auxiliaries would sell them outside grocery stores. So sad this has been forgotten
As a German I never really learned about the Canadians and their contributions to the war when I was in school, and only learned a bit here and there about it later. Definitely learned something today, and I finally know the story behind this amazing poem.
The Colonel should have known. The DVA is always in front of our grocery store on Memorial Day and Veterans Day (Remembrance Day) handing out their version of the poppy.
The poppy tribute was started by an American woman Moina Micheal in 1918. She was inspired by McRae's poem. It was a tradition that Canada and other Commenwealth countries adopted while the Americans somehow didn't really run with it. It is almost sacrilegious here in Canada not to wear a poppy leading up to Remembrance day on November 11th.
When we were kids, back in the early sixties, we had to learn "In Flanders Fields". I think all Canadian kids did back then. In a recent survey, they found that 80% of all Canadian kids could still correctly identify that iconic poem. I'm glad.
As a first generation Canadian (English/Ukrainian parents) growing up in the sixties, learning this poem with other children, buying a poppy, and attending Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph is one of many shared experiences that formed me as a Canadian.
As a 13 year old in 1961, I joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. Prior to Remembrance Day, the Corps would go around our small community selling poppiues in respect for those brave men and women whom sacrifised so much for us. Yes, I remmeber Colonel McCraes pogiant poem. I always feel so saddened in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifise.
@@annteve My parents came from the Netherlands after the war. We feel the significance of the Canadian war effort a little more directly than the people of Ukraine would. Canadian soldiers stayed in my grandfather's farm and used it as a base to look for pockets of German soldiers. Many people of the Ukraine have their own reasons for remembering the fallen soldiers of that war. It was a terrible time in history. It's good to hear that those Remembrance services helped to form your identity as a Canadian. What's sad is that Don Cherry wants new immigrants to learn the history that we both honour and he was fired for it. It's sad that there are people in this country don't feel the same way that you and I do. A country without a history can't be a nation. It becomes a region of disparate people, without a feeling of a bond or unity. It becomes a source of division. What's amazing is that 2 people, from such different backgrounds, Ukraine and the Netherlands can come to this country and become as one people. That's what this poem means to me and I'm feeling that you believe the same.
@@JackHaveman52 in retirement, history has become an increasing interest. With age, I have passed through the stages of life of both my parents. It’s looking back that gives meaning to our lives. Late in his life, I asked my father if he had any wish to return to England-even if only to be buried. “‘No”, he said, ‘“This my home.” His was the first burial of our family tree in Canada. His was the first cemetery in Canada that I could visit or say “I have family buried here. There is a Canadian legacy greater than my own life in Canada. And as I read on the headstones surrounding his, names from every corner of the globe, I know that my sense of being Canadian is shared by so many-and that is a wonderful thought.
I hadn't even watched the video yet and I was writing the poem in the comments and had to delete it i didn't realize the video would be about him. This definitely deserves to be remembered
His brother was chief surgeoun at the 16th Ontario Military Hospital Orpington , Kent.Where Ilive. The people of Canada raised funds to build the Maple Leaf Block on the site , which still serves the localcommunity.
When Paul Harvey passed away, it was saddening to think that the world may never again have such a great story teller. Lance, I believe you are filling the great void left by Paul Harvey's passing and are faithfully telling the rest of the story because history deserves to be remembered.
WW1 was definitely the conflict in which the Canadians became well known for their combat ferocity. Their role like the Battle of Passchendaele became legendary.
If there's one thing us Germans have learned it's that the Canadians might be super nice to you, but if you piss them off you better run fast and far or you're completely screwed
Greetings from the US. I’ve worn a poppy(had to go to an artificial flower store to find one) to work the last work day before 11/11, and none knew what it was for. The American effort in the Great War was relatively short compared to the other Allies and was soon forgotten. None are now alive who served. God bless them all.
Fittingly, the last surviving WWI veteran was Florence Green. Whose name could be interpreted to mean "blossoming field". A bitter sweet coincidence in homage of the poppies of Flanders Fields.
I’m Canadian; I wear both a red poppy to remember Commonwealth/Allied veterans, and a white peace poppy for all those who suffer from war. We wear them prior to Remembrance/Armistice Day, November 11. www.ppu.org.uk/remembrance-white-poppies
The poppy worn on Nov 11, Remembrance Day is so common here in Canada I forget many nations might not do the same. Thank you for remembering Canada's contribution.
It's done down here in the States, But it's done on Memorial Day (As that day is for remembering those lost in war). November 11 here is "Veteran's Day" which honors all Veterans. We remember Canada's contributions as an ally in all conflicts. If you ask the average American who our best Allies are the answer is almost always Canada and England. 👍😊👍
One of the few poems that I know by heart. Each year, about 2 weeks before Armistice day, I don my plastic poppy, A new one each as the donations go to the War Amps of Canada. On remembrance day, I go to the small cenotaph in Kew Garden in Toronto where there is a local ceremony complete with soldiers in period uniform and pipers and a bugler for the Last Post and Flanders field is read. Theer is also a beautiful choral rendition of Flanders Field. At the end of the ceremony I take my poppy and place it on the now bewreathed cenotaph wich becomes covered in poppies. This is a cerimony that is repeated in towns and villages across Canada. On the visor of my car I have St. Chistopher on one side and on the other, a poppy. Lest I forget. Thank you History Guy.
Canada’s involvement in wars around the world to this day should not be underestimated or unappreciated. They really have had no dog in the fight yet they have willingly made themselves available. It show a profound love of themselves and for others. I wish the ‘war to end all wars’ could have been just that. Non-Canadian
Over 600000 served overseas, many more served at home. With a total population of only 8 million one has only to divide by 2, and then by 2 again, to account for fighting age, to really calculate the extent of Canadian participation. It is no wonder every small town in Canada to this day contains a neatly manicured cenotaph not yet forgotten to time.
@@scottmccambley764 I too was struck by the extent of the participation and also initially divided by two to get 4MM males. But then thought, probably a good number of women served too. Nevertheless, however calculated, it's still an impressive ratio. Good on Canada!
My broken record continues, Sir, your ability to stop me, and force gratitude from within me knows no bounds, I am a mere 58 years on this plane, and have had many a poppy from veterans in my hand, after. Hearing their story, I’ve often hung it in my car, but never knew why they choose the poppy...Now that I know, thanks to you...I’ll never look at it the same. Peace to the good men and women from our nation to the north....Canada, the best neighbor any nation could ask for.
I'm a veteran and my grandfather and great grandfather were. My great grandfather served as a medic in WW1 in the Canadian army. This video was very moving. I've lost a lot of friends and I think it's very important for people to understand the cost of war. Thank you
I as well. My maternal Grandfather was 15 when he signed up against the German's, his mother served as a Nurse in Britain and his father from Malta served many campaigns. I am a decorated Medic Veteran for Canada.
I grew up in the American Legion hall here in small town Iowa. As a kid I was thrilled to see my Dad marching with the colors at the front of every 4th of July parade. To this day my heart warms when I go to the store and see the VFW ladies at their little card table selling paper poppies. I have a bouquet of them hanging from my truck's mirror.
🤔 Colonel McRae was just one of so many lost to humanity and civilised society through war. His poem is so moving it is almost impossible to hear without becoming tearful. Never Forget💐.
I've visted the Essex Farm ADS where he was posted. Think of a slightly oversized Concrete coal shed, about fifteen feet deep , seven or eight high and about four wide. Three of them side by side dug into a bank . On once side the Yeser canal, the other is now the road.In front about another four to six feet a bank about ten feet high. Behind you what is now Essex Farm CWWG cemetery. Now add darknes cold, and enemy shells .
@@51WCDodge 😢 How anyone could treat casualties under such conditions is beyond my understanding. I am for ever humbled by these men and women. Their courage in the face of appalling violence is magnificent.There is no honour sufficient to represent what they endured. Never Forget💐.
@@sirmeowthelibrarycat It was extremes , on a good day you could be wounded on the Western Front at 8 am and be back in a UK base hospital by 6 pm. The Royal Army Medical Corp have the majority of VC and Bar holders. There was a very organised evacuation system, One odd fact: In The Commonwealth forces the Stretcher Beares were often the Regimental bandsman, not RAMC personnel so had arm bands marked SB. The German's however the stretcher beares had Red Cross arm bands. According to the Usage Of War, the Red Cross was only dispalyed by Medical Personnel. There was also Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corp, who were posted to feild and base hospitals in France along with the FANY First Aid Nursing Yeomanary.
@@51WCDodge 🤔 Thank you for your reply. I am well aware of all that you describe, as I have studied the Great War for fifty years. I am also a member of the Western Front Association. There is little that has escaped my attention about that calamitous period of history.
@@sirmeowthelibrarycat That's the problem! I got started on the Great War by a certain AR. Don't know wether to thank him or curse him :-) I'm from the Channel Island's so grew up around the results of the WW2 Occupation and the people who taught and influenced me ,a lot experinced it first hand.
Thank you for presenting this. Some of my relatives from my paternal grandmother's family served in the Black Watch of Canada during WW I. All seven (great-grandfather and six great uncles) served throughout the war, and came home safe.
My Grandfather served in the Austrian army on the Eastern front and then the Italian front. At the end of the war he said he asked some Canadians where Canada was ,they said head west and he did. He then fought in the Canadian army in WW2 and came home from that one .
We do. It is a beautiful monument and it I the only example ever of Canada being assigned a gender (Motherland, Fatherland, etc). The statue of Mother Canada weeping for her lost sons and daughters is poignant and heartbreaking. At the going down of the Sun, And in Morning, We shall remember Them.
From one U.S. Army Vet to those of Canada. Cherish deep, and remember long those that have gone before, and those yet to depart. Deepest respects to all, this day in May.
I can remember on a cold November evening in 2003 when my unit was performing some training at Nellis AFB in preparation for an upcoming deployment to Iraq, my commander recited to me "In Flanders Fields". He did so with such eloquence and feeling - I could tell that John McCrae's poem meant a great deal to my commander. "In Flanders Field" is truly one of the most beautiful written works ever penned by a military man. Several months before that my commander had selected me as his First Sergeant. We served together on a two Iraqi deployments, as well as back at home for six years. Today we are dear friends, and I consider the moment when he recited In Flanders Field as a very special moment.
My father, rest his soul, a U.S. NAVY veteran, would always display one of those little paper Poppys on the car rearview mirror and sometimes in his lapel on Veterans Day. I miss you and love you Dad. You're always on my mind and in my heart 💗
The last surviving veteran of WWI was Florence Green. Whose name means "blossoming field". A bittersweet example of the universe paying its own homage to Flanders Fields.
Essex Farm ADS (Advanced Dressing Station ) where Mc Crae served is on the west side of the canal that runs north from Ipere (Modern Spelling) . Alongside Essex Farm Cemetery. The town is also the site of the Menin Gate.Canadian troops often participate in the Last Post Ceremony there. Mc Crae's brother was surgeoun in charge at the 16th Ontario Military Hospital Orpington Kent. The hospital is still active. The People of Canada donated for the Maple Leaf block, which still serves the local area. There is also a CWWG cemetry at All Saints Church Orpington,and St Mary Cray Cemetery, about one and halfmiles away. One group not mentioned here , as they were not Canadian at the time, is the Newfoundland Regiment. There maginifecnt memorial is at Beaumont Hamel, on the Somme near Thiepval. For those whose intrest has ben piqued.Try the Western Front Assocoation CZcams channel.
Dutch spelling is Ieper, as this is in Flanders, in the North of Belgium, where Dutch is the main language. While far from the only battle front of WWI, as a Belgian, it was always tangibly close. There was a French military cemetary in my village, and Ieper is only a relatively short drive away. This meant the area was a natural destination for school trips. When seeing the many graves, it really hits home how gruesome war is. The area is still laden with unexploded ordinance from the time, farmers just line the rural roads with old ammo after ploughing their fields. And yes, sometimes there are gas canisters, too...
Thank you for the history guy. As an American with both great-grandparents from Canada and Son living in Toronto and married to a Canadian, I did not realize how many Canadians served in World War 1. I know they have always been our staunchest Ally. I sure wish we could send them 80 million doses of the vaccine so that my son and daughter-in-law could come here to visit. I think we owe them that at the very least for all of their service and Goodwill. God bless Canada and God bless America
@@stuartmcpherson1921 Wondefully sited , next door to a stinking canal. But hey! Easy acess over the top to the cemetery. A place to give you the shivvers.
It is worth a visit to Guelph, Ontario to visit John McCrae's home and memorial. My grandfather (Canadian Expeditionary Force) fought in that terrible battle depicted receiving shrapnel wounds as a mounted Signal man laying cables between trenches. Thank you for this excellent summary.
I kept thinking, “please, please don’t let this poet, doctor, warrior die!” And yet, he did, far too young, and very changed by all he’d been through. I’d never heard the brilliant poem before, but it made an impact on me today. Thank you again, THG, for a morning touched with meaningful history.
My paternal Grandfather served in the trenches before being called up for service in WWII. He never spoke a word to me of his service. On a lighter note, I have noticed your attention to the correct pronunciation of place names. Well done History Guy!
indeed - but I do wish that Lance would get the pronunciation of Commonwealth ranks correct: "leftenant" - not "lootenant" - but it is a small price to pay.
Thanks for the Share. I am a Canadian living in California. I served briefly in the Lorne Scots Militia. This poem was memorized by us all in grade school and I recite what I can a couple times a year. Every November I make and wear a construction paper poppy for my self and my family. On November 11, at 11:11 am I listen to a Version of Flanders field and spend what time I can in thankfulness to those who fought for my freedoms. I vow to research any action under consideration and voice my Opinions heeded or not to ease my mind about those we send into harms way. Thank you for lifting into the American Phyche this powerful tool of rememberance and refection born out of the first hand experiences of the horrors or war.
One of the greatest gifts that I ever received was to NOT have to send my sons off to war. . . and I say that as a Canadian who was born in The Netherlands during the German Occupation
Canadian parents never had to send their children off to war because we’ve basically never had a draft. Apart from maybe 50,000 or so in 120+ years, every Canadian who ever went into harm’s way from the Boer War to Afghanistan has been a volunteer. Including the ones that liberated NW Europe. Nobody sent them, they went willingly.
@@reccecs4 That is not Quite true. The vast majority of Canadian forces were volunteer but much like other culturally distasteful things, while less than others, it still existed here. www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/life-at-home-during-the-war/recruitment-and-conscription/conscription-1917/
@Henry Luka yeah and get a virus like you thats posting in random comments about the second word war. And someone that had a gift of not sending his kid to war. Weirdo 😂
Regarding Fred Hall VC. He lived on Pine Street in Winnipeg. On that street two more Victoria Cross recipients lived; Leo Clarke and Robert Shankland. Renamed Valour Road in 1925 it is the only street that hosted three of it's nations highest military award holders. I don't believe that there is another place in the world that can claim such an honor. History that deserves to be remembered (apologies).
My Grandfather was from Malta but had come to the U.S. as a young man. During WW1, he left the U.S. and went to Canada and served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France and Belgium. After the war, he returned to the U.S. where he started a family and lived the rest of his life.
At the annual meeting of the United States Cavalry Association one of the members reads "In Flanders Fields" followed by the names of the members who have passed since the last meeting. It never fails to move me to tears.
Thank you for this. My great uncle was killed in the Battle of Amiens in August, 1918. He was 20 years old. We visited his grave in France, 100 years later, to the very day. It was a very moving experience. This Canuck salutes you.
My great granduncle also fought and died in the Battle of Amiens. He was serving in the British 4th Hussars (The Queen's Own) Cavalry Regiment when he was killed in action on 10 Aug 1918. He's buried there in France. I actually have another great granduncle who fought with the South Staffordshire Regiment and was killed in action on 03 Oct 1917. He's buried in Flanders Fields.
The story of when and how this epic poem was written is something that I never knew, but it sharpens the edge of the meaning behind the words and deepens my understanding of John McCrae's thoughts, that I for one shall never forget. Thank you.
Loook up Essex Farm ADS, which is where he was based, The story of how the Poppy came to symbolise Remeberance is also a story worth telling. Started in US, went to Canada thgen back to England in 1921. In France the flower is the ForgetMe Not.Often on the Western Front you will find clumps of both planted together, and a lot of Maple Trees. Blue being the National Colour and the coats of the Poilu (Hairy) ones, as French soldiers were known at the time.
My Seventh Grade English teacher, Mrs Phelps, introduced me to poetry with Flanders Field and The Highwayman and The Raven in quoting these passionately to the class. I still enjoy those memories 50 years later! God bless you Mrs. Phelps, wherever you are! Good vid. Keep at it!
I learned this poem in primary school back in the 60's when Canada's flag was still the union jack and our daily morning anthem was God Save the Queen. We were required to recite this poem by heart every year on Nov 11. Your recitation was excellent. Thank you for those memories. 🇨🇦
Canada's flag was never the Union Jack. The Red Ensign was a just a British Navy flag that had different coats of arms on it at different times. The flag that Canadian soldiers fought under during the First World War was different from the flag that their sons fought under during the Second World War and that in turn was different from the ensign that was finally replaced with a truly Canadian flag in 1965. None of the various Red Ensigns was ever the de jure flag of Canada, it was just the de facto flag. I went to primary school here in Ontario in the 1960s and I'm very proud that we adopted our own flag when I was four years old.
@@PaulRudd1941 I get where it's coming from too. I'm a sixth-generation Canadian and I'm very glad that we finally adopted a flag that represents us and not the Brits. Interestingly enough, the idea of Canadians redesigning a flag for ourselves originally appeared in the 1920s after the First World War. It got bogged down in Parliament and then came the Dirty Thirties, another world war, Korea, the Suez Crisis (which played a role in adopting a Canadian flag) and then finally we did it, a flag designed by Canadians!
My dad was VFW (Philippines WWII, Army) Post Commander for a few years in my Kentucky hometown in the 50s. I remember the "poppy drives". He'd make a donation in each family member's name for the red crepe paper green wire stem poppy. Mother would pin them on our good clothes for church every Sunday for one month. We were taught the significance so we kept them in our personal treasure shoebox. Now long ago with lost treasures but not lost memories. I remember the "wheelchair" basketball games at the local armory. "Every" player had to be in a wheelchair. The physically impaired always won when playing the physically fit.
You might be from Kentucky, but you were following a Canadian tradition, and those boys in wheelchairs were playing a Canadian game! In some sense, I guess you're a little more Canadian at heart then you might have realized ;)
@@K1ddkanuck : No part of me is Canadian, don't want to be and never will be Canadian. I was born 1950. When my dad was in the VFW I was a child. I now know the history of WWI and WWII. The United States gave many lives and resources in both wars to keep Britain (Canada), France, Italy, Germany and all of Europe from the fate of Socialism. At the time Canada was a separate country but obliged to the British Crown until 1982 (two countries, one rule). Without the USA you would not now be Canadian. Canada cannot defend itself to this day. The celebration of "remembrance day" and the symbolic "poppy" is therefore universal no matter the beginnings. You probably support Trudeau (socialism). I support Donald Trump and the United States of America. Stuff your dumb reply.
As a Canadian, I am proud that you so eloquently told the story of Lt Col McRae and of the circumstances surrounding the writing of this powerful, beautiful and sad poem. Every time I see a documentary about the Great War, I am saddened by the sacrifice of so many, including members of my own family... and proud of how brave their sacrifice was. Thank you.
In Flanders Fields and John McCrae make me proud to be Canadian, I have so much to be thankful for knowing that I live in a country that is as safe as Canada. Canada may not be as perfect as so many try to paint it to be, but there are few other places in the world that I would rather be from. Thank you for this video.
@Walter King Given your use of Americanisms I'm beginning to wonder if you even are British. Anyway, you're definitely a child. When you're older you'll realize what a fool you've made of yourself on this and many other occasions. Stay safe, son, and try not to say anything _too_ embarrassing. P.S. Work on your use of punctuation, this is important in English.
I have two great uncles buried in Europe. One in Villers, France and another in Ypres, Belgium. My grandparents talked about their lost siblings often.
Here in Kansas City, we have the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial. One week in June, they do a program called "Taps at the Tower". At sundown, a color guard is presented, along with a wreath presentation in front of the Memorial, and then a reading of either "Flanders' Fields" or Binyon's "For the Fallen". Then a bugler plays Taps in the twilight. "Flanders' Fields" is also printed in one of the hand outs that the musuem gives visitors everytime they enter, along with a short description of Lt. Col. McRae's life.
A topic that's always been close to my heart. On my wall hangs my great grandfather's discharge certificate from post WW1. He was a railway engineer his whole life and was deemed essential until the draft finally caught up with him in August of 1918. By the time he was on the troop ship at sea to France the war had ended and he spent his tour as an occupying and engineering force. Once he got back home to North Bay, Ontario, it was back to the rails.
Every Canadian schoolchild learned "In Flander's Fields" by heart. Don't know if they still do, part of the process of collectively forgetting, I think.
Thanks so much for sharing Lt.Col. McCrae's touching poem. Every Canadian school kid hears it each year on November 11 which we call Remembrance Day. It is great to hear it once again and learn more about its history on the anniversary of the day it was written. One can never remember the sacrifices of our forefathers (and mothers) too often, in my view. I must tell you all that if you ever get an opportunity to visit Ypres or the French city of Arras which is very close to Vimy Ridge, you will find numerous Commonwealth War Cemeteries dotting the area. You will no doubt be stunned by the hundreds of neat graves - all listing men who died on the same day - and you will likely be alone when you visit them as these places are quiet and lonely now. ....and you will likely cry.
Thank you. Canada's contributions, and those of its sons and daughters, is often overlooked. That was then but our loyalty to our friends and there causes extends to now as well.
Thank you for that history I never knew. I am 52 year old veteran, while I did know the poppy was token of remembrance. When I was young I could never get anyone to tell me why, my teachers just said it had to do with war.
My mother’s father left his wife and 2 young daughters behind to join the American Ambulance Corps (same one as Hemingway, but no evidence they ever met) during WWI. He came back after the war and rejoined the volunteer fire department. I never knew him as he died before I was born. His eldest son, my uncle, went on to be a combat medic in WWII. I later became a volunteer EMT. I guess it runs in the family.
Your story brought me to tears. Although i know the verse well, I was unaware of its provenance. I would ask, therefore, for you to turn your sympathetic and insightful eye on Charles Upham, VC and Bar.. A man reputed to have deserved the VC ‘six times over’.
We learned this wonderful poem, "In Flanders Field", in High School. Our English teacher was unique, especially for a small Southern town like Kinston, NC. She influenced the Boy and Girl Scout troops to give out red poppies with the VFW volunteers each year. No one ever mentioned the Canadian connection...this is a great memory for me as well as continued learning. She would have loved you, History Guy.
Excellent! The artificial poppies planted under the glass bridge at the entrance of the WWI Museum in Kansas City are very moving as is the poem. Thank you!
My MacKenzie Grandparents met during the Great War. George MacKenzie was a soldier in the Canadian army, and Cecile McKibben was a nurse in the field. Their son Hugh was lost in a RCAF bomber in WWII, and my Mum got to go to university and med school, because of her WWII RCAF service.
Was just talking about this with my grandfather yesterday; my great grandfather was an artillery gunner in WW1, he survived a mustard gas attack and stayed in the war, between my great grandmothers and great grandfathers siblings, 7 men went to war, all 7 survived and made it back to Canada. Nice to see Canadians getting some love ❤️
John McCrae was from my city, Guelph, Ontario. His childhood home is a heritage site and small museum, been there many times as a kid on field trips in elementary school. Unfortunately as far as I'm aware kids don't go there very often anymore. For sure deserves to be remembered!
My Grandfather, James Baird Thorneycroft Montgomerie, survived Ypres, Vimy Ridge and other battles while serving with the 42nd Battalion of the CEF in the Canadian Black Watch. He received a bar to his MC (amongst his other citations) for leading a platoon into Mons, Belgium on the night of November 10th, 1918 just hours before the armistice was signed. Taking heavy casualties, they secured the bridgeheads into Mons for the liberating forces following. He survived that one too. Thanks History Guy for remembering this bit of history. It and he certainly deserve remembering.
It’s nice to have a clear understanding of the red poppies that dress the ribbon ties that are handed out for donations for our Vet’s. Thank you History Guy because it’s sad to think it’s taken so long to be brought this poetic information that holds such relevance.
@@gatekeeper65 - no one wants to teach the horrors of war because then you will have demonstrations against war as with the Vietnam war. Then countries will need to implement draft’s and we all know who gets stuck being drafted?
@@MrWATCHthisWAY someone once said "he who forgets his past is doomed to repeat them" gatekeeper has a point... the whole point of teaching kids of the war is to show HEY this was a HUGE mistake dont forget. dont repeat. now you have kids who have NO idea the freedoms they have are from those people... please critical thinking is a lost thing it seems
@@fatesDeath - critical thinking is paramount for a society to progress and that’s why I believe history should be taught even the history ones society would rather forget it ever happened. These are the lessons that young minds should know, as you mentioned to avoid making again. But that is not always the case. Just look at us in the US. Eyes wide shut.
@@MrWATCHthisWAY depends how you look at the US..."critical race theory" all the race baiting, the sjw's calling everyone natzis... what used to be the repubicians trying to shut people down because of religion ... its now flipped and you have the far leftys. who are shutting people down and ignoring the past "antifa" ones who helped cause alot of strife in the last 15 years... prod boys were made BECAUSE of the groups antifa but there IS antifa groups and they go arround being the fascists and yes they are is the militia side of the democrat party.... sorry not sorry. you can claim that about the proud boys.. though i can show you 900 more times antifa caused a fight or decided to break something or hurt someone or try to shut someone down LIKE A FACIST because they can .... cover thier face and f punch people you disagree with .. NOT OK the religion of WOKE says do as the mob says or face the music.... i dont agree with those movments or ideas and yes the woke mob wants to destroy what IS, the usa/canada to stand on top of a rubble pile and claim they won.. won what a heap of chaos and whats left of us? usa isnt perfect but compared to a shit ton of other countrys its farrr better by miles.... if it was the worst thing to exist you wouldnt have millions of people crossing illegally into the usa..... because you do not see people dying to enter africia....... or some other war/drug fueled place... yes usa has alot to do with those issues.... but thats for another time hope you have a good day =)
Hey History Guy! You should do a story of the “Battle of Medak Pocket” where Canadian peace keeping troops in Western Croatia held off overwhelming Croatian forces who where bent on movin into their positions and continuing their genocide of the Serbian people. We said “not today your not!”. They had artillery, mortars,20 mm chain guns, Sager anti tank missiles and rifles light and heavy. We had rifles, Ma Deuce and some TOW missiles on a few M113apc’s. There were 900 Canadians standing against 6000 Croatians. Its a forgotten battle in Canadian military history. Post script: majority of the Canadian troops were just reservists supporting a minority of professional soldiers. Yup our B Team is pretty bad ass too.
Having grown up in Canada, the poem was taught to us in our literature books in school. For some reason I remembered the author as being Siegfried Sassoon. Thank you for reminding me.
My grandparents were Canadian and moved to the states in the 20s. I would not be surprised if my mother's cousins and their children knew "In Flanders Field" as we knew the Pledge of Allegiance.
I am British but I have Canadian relatives and having visited the battlefields of the Great War and WEII I can honestly say that the sacrifice of so many brave Canadians can never be underestimated - whilst they came from a sparsely populated land they fought with the courage of armies much larger. Canada The Brave, ever more
"In Flanders Fields" was recited at every Remembrance Day ceremony in every school in every year of my educational life in Canada. It is an icon of Canadian Remembrance. My father-in-law was an Army General assigned to NATO headquarters in Belgium and every year, he led the troops of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in the Nation's Capital, Ottawa to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His eyes would tear up at the recitation of the poem. Having seen the fields of poppies still in Flanders, it is a powerful moving poem for me. Thank you Lance.
Thank you. A good piece and a first-rate recitation of Flanders Fields. If you'd like more on Canada's contribution to the Great War I refer you to Pierre Berton's Vimy. We don't often toot our own horn but Berton's book made me especially proud to be a Canadian.
Growing up I can only remember two poems and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address that I had to memorize in school. One was "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" and the other "On Flanders Fields." I never knew the back story until now.. Thank you for this video. After all of these years, to quote Paul Harvey, "I now know the rest of the story!"
When I was a child, my Grandma always bought use poppies from the local VFW for Memorial Day. It wasn't until I was thirteen and involved with our church's Bicentennial celebration that I first heard "In Flanders Fields" and understood the the symbolism. It has become my favorite poem, and the only one I ever memorized. I can't hear it without tearing up a little. Thank you so much for covering the story of Lt. Colonel John McCrae.
Not far from me, here in London Ontario, is a rock on Simcoe street ,where the old elementary school was. 28 names of kids who graduated and lost their lives in WWI. One school, in one small neighbourhood, in what was then a small town. And in so many small towns across Canada, there are memorials. I always try to search them out, read the names, count them, and think back to how small the population was at the time. It's hard not to get emotional. While many channels and sources like this are now recognizing the contributions of Canadian Forces in both World Wars, and a lesser extent Korea, little attention is paid to the deep scars on the Canadian psyche post WWI. I knew a writer, of some note, older than me and now passed on. She had an elderly Aunt from a small town in Saskatchewan who never married. She asked her Aunt why: "All the men my age had died in the war."
The sacrifice of the wounded and dead of WWI are immortalized by this poem. Everytime I hear or read it I weep. What greater memorial could be offered to the multitude of casualties cannot be found. It is a shame that the memory of the lost is fading.
I first memorized In Flanders Fields for a Remembrance Day recitation in sixth grade... I was 12. That was 42 years ago. I remember it as clearly today as I did then. I have recited it on many a Remembrance Day since. It reminds me of the sacrifices made by my own family members over the past hundred and seven years; my maternal grandfather (RFC, WW1) and step-grandfather (Seaforth Highlanders, 1st Bttn., WW1), my uncle Fred (RN, HMS Prince of Wales, WW2), and my dad (RCAF, Cold War) as well as family friend Johnny L. (1stSSF, WW2)... men who risked everything and, though all survived their respective conflicts, lost much.
Thank you for the rich Canadian history. I love and am very proud of my country ❤️ Have you done a video on Canada's efforts at Vimy Ridge? I should look. There are so many great and humble Canadian contributions in the two wars.
THANK YOU HISTORY GUY!!!! The greatest thing I've done in my life is to die knowing I "took up the quarrel with these men's foe." I'm proud to say I served in the military that these brave brothers AND sisters fought bleed and died for to create and forge our nations independence. (All be it they didn't know this at the time) I am PROUD to say I'm a "CANADIAN MILITARY VETERAN" A veteran of in my opinion the GREATEST military to exist to this day.
I knew the poem, I knew it had some connection to the war... But I didn't know of this story. Thank you once again for keeping history alive, and for helping us all remember
Thank you for this piece, it is a significant piece of Canadian content. On Remembrance Day when I was in school (here in Canada) that poem was always read at some point. It has also been part of many Remembrance Day ceremonies I have been to.
Thank you for showing this poem the reverence it deserves. Here in Canada, virtually any school - age child, and most adults, can recite that poem from memory. They say that The Great War was when Canada truly became a country. The Canadian Corps was often tasked with assignments that other armies had't been able to succeed with. The most famous of this was Vimy Ridge ( that would be another good one for to cover sometime. ). In the latter half of the war, the Germans began to recognize that if there were a build-up of Canadian troops somewhere in the line, they were about to get hit hard, and would strengthen their lines accordingly. The Canadians were thought of as " Shock Troops" by the Germans. They also referred to the as Storm Troopers. As far as I know, and I'm not a historian by any means, the Canadian Corps succeeded with every assignment they were given. Especially when Haig finally allowed the entire command structure to also be Canadian, and not commanded by British officers as it had been earlier in the war. I think you will also find that they were all volunteers. Including my Great Uncle, Cpl George Houghton. He was wounded twice before ( the 2nd one could have sent him home if he chose to do so - but he didn't ), but was still part of the Canadian forces at Vimy Ridge. He was wounded there a third time, but died in hospital a week later, of infection. I still have some of his personal belongings. We will remember them.
The soldier that suggested using urine-soaked handkerchiefs was also from Toronto, in civilian life he had worked at the RC Harris water treatment plant, which still stands in the same spot at the eastern end of Queen Street East in the Toronto neighbourhood of The Beaches. It was his knowledge of chlorine that came from working at the plant that led to that insight and allowed the Canadians to hold the line. One can still visit the plant which is a marvellous piece of art-deco architecture on the shores of Lake Ontario. Once things get back to normal there is an annual event in Toronto called Doors Open where you can actually tour the inner workings of the plant (but be warned, the place STINKS, so if you have a weak stomach don't go inside, but then you miss some beautiful art-deco architecture).
Thank you Sir for an excellent retelling of this story. As a Canadian soldier the story is well known to us but it is heartening to see it reaches beyond Canada and still holds sway all these years later.
Thank you very much for this. Every day I go for a walk in the Woodlawn cemetery here in Guelph Ontario where I live and is the birthplace of John McRae. When I pass John McRae‘s grave and memorial which is there I have to stop and say thank you. You see my grandfather Corporal James McLeish was in Ypres when John McRae was serving there. Just want to say thank you to him for his poem which honours all the soldiers that served there
Thank you Sir for this post. Flanders and the poppy are part of the fabric of Canada. As a young Canadian I struggled with the concept of war memorials being too young to have known the experience of truly being witness to such events. In time I learned to understand and honour these souls and not to judge them from my time and place. It is said often here that Americans only know American history. Proof is here that that isn't so. May the souls of all of those who died for our freedoms rest forever in peace regardless of where they hailed from. May those younger than I learn to understand the sacrifices as well. This is an excellent telling of our story and I'll remember to share it next November with the younger ones in my life.
In Spring 2003, I was serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in northern Belgium. We are assigned a partner to be with us all the time. My partner during that time was a Canadian. We both had a lot of interest in visiting some of the World War I sites on our off day. There was an older Belgian man who was very kind and agreed to bring us to many of the memorials and graveyards, including Ypres. I had learned Flanders Fields poem in school, but had forgotten it long ago (I'm from the USA). My partner, being a wonderful Canadian, had not and taught it to me again. I learned a great deal from him and the Belgian gentleman. I developed a healthy and deep respect for Canadians and their proud heritage. It was a wonderful experience to be there with the poppies growing and to reflect on the sacrifices that were made. Thank you Canada for being our great ally and friend, even though we may not always appreciate or recognize it.
My great grandfather served as a Sergeant in the Canadian Army Expeditionary Force in World War One, prior to that he was a British Calvaryman in the Boer Wars, luckily he survived the war, and I have his effects that include his diary, paybook, will, dog tag, a few pictures from overseas, uniform parts, medals, and multiple papers and other items. Thanks for your story on them.
![In Flanders Fields - Sabaton History 062 [Official]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yc5FLG-4LhM/mqdefault.jpg)
In 2008, while I was working with the Canadian Forces at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, I was stopped one early November morning by a US Marine Corps Colonel. He asked what were these red flowers he saw all the Canadians and Commonwealth personnel wearing. So for 15 minutes, I was able to inform him of the meaning and background of the poppy. And included the poem as well. He did not know. He was glad he stopped me, shook my hand and gave me a salute. This poem is pretty pervasive up here in Canada. You see or hear it quite a bit, even more when we get close to Remembrance Day on 11 Nov. Even the Montreal Canadiens have had part of the words displayed in their dressing room in the old Montreal Forum and the Bell Centre when it was constructed: "To you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold high." Thank you History Guy for this video. Hopefully, like the Marine Colonel, someone has learned something this day.
When I was a kid in America everybody knew what the poppies were about. Ladies auxiliaries would sell them outside grocery stores. So sad this has been forgotten
As a German I never really learned about the Canadians and their contributions to the war when I was in school, and only learned a bit here and there about it later. Definitely learned something today, and I finally know the story behind this amazing poem.
The Colonel should have known. The DVA is always in front of our grocery store on Memorial Day and Veterans Day (Remembrance Day) handing out their version of the poppy.
The poppy tribute was started by an American woman Moina Micheal in 1918. She was inspired by McRae's poem. It was a tradition that Canada and other Commenwealth countries adopted while the Americans somehow didn't really run with it. It is almost sacrilegious here in Canada not to wear a poppy leading up to Remembrance day on November 11th.
@@adenkyramud5005 During ww2 Hitler posted a guard at the canadian vimy ridge memorial ordering it to not be touched or defaced, and to be protected
When we were kids, back in the early sixties, we had to learn "In Flanders Fields". I think all Canadian kids did back then. In a recent survey, they found that 80% of all Canadian kids could still correctly identify that iconic poem. I'm glad.
yup and I'm one who memorized the poem and still remember a lot of it to this day
As a first generation Canadian (English/Ukrainian parents) growing up in the sixties, learning this poem with other children, buying a poppy, and attending Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph is one of many shared experiences that formed me as a Canadian.
As a 13 year old in 1961, I joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. Prior to Remembrance Day, the Corps would go around our small community selling poppiues in respect for those brave men and women whom sacrifised so much for us. Yes, I remmeber Colonel McCraes pogiant poem. I always feel so saddened in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifise.
@@annteve
My parents came from the Netherlands after the war. We feel the significance of the Canadian war effort a little more directly than the people of Ukraine would. Canadian soldiers stayed in my grandfather's farm and used it as a base to look for pockets of German soldiers. Many people of the Ukraine have their own reasons for remembering the fallen soldiers of that war. It was a terrible time in history. It's good to hear that those Remembrance services helped to form your identity as a Canadian.
What's sad is that Don Cherry wants new immigrants to learn the history that we both honour and he was fired for it. It's sad that there are people in this country don't feel the same way that you and I do. A country without a history can't be a nation. It becomes a region of disparate people, without a feeling of a bond or unity. It becomes a source of division.
What's amazing is that 2 people, from such different backgrounds, Ukraine and the Netherlands can come to this country and become as one people. That's what this poem means to me and I'm feeling that you believe the same.
@@JackHaveman52 in retirement, history has become an increasing interest. With age, I have passed through the stages of life of both my parents. It’s looking back that gives meaning to our lives. Late in his life, I asked my father if he had any wish to return to England-even if only to be buried. “‘No”, he said, ‘“This my home.” His was the first burial of our family tree in Canada. His was the first cemetery in Canada that I could visit or say “I have family buried here. There is a Canadian legacy greater than my own life in Canada. And as I read on the headstones surrounding his, names from every corner of the globe, I know that my sense of being Canadian is shared by so many-and that is a wonderful thought.
Had to click on this right away, as John McCrae is from my home town! Favourite son of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
I hadn't even watched the video yet and I was writing the poem in the comments and had to delete it i didn't realize the video would be about him. This definitely deserves to be remembered
His brother was chief surgeoun at the 16th Ontario Military Hospital Orpington , Kent.Where Ilive. The people of Canada raised funds to build the Maple Leaf Block on the site , which still serves the localcommunity.
I had the honour of visiting the McCrae home during a visit to Guelph. It was so many years ago I feel inspired to visit again.
@@accidentaltourist7101 You should add Ipere and the Essex Farm ADS to your bucket list.
Viewer from Kitchener here!
When Paul Harvey passed away, it was saddening to think that the world may never again have such a great story teller. Lance, I believe you are filling the great void left by Paul Harvey's passing and are faithfully telling the rest of the story because history deserves to be remembered.
Well said. THG is our present day's Paul Harvey.
There will never be another Paul Harvey but THG sure makes his own niche! Great videos, all of them.
Hear hear!
Paul Harvey was wrong about basically everything and held some pretty disgusting opinions.
I agree!!!
WW1 was definitely the conflict in which the Canadians became well known for their combat ferocity. Their role like the Battle of Passchendaele became legendary.
Canadians also torched the American's White House in the 1812 War.
Retribution was swift and decisive when a library was torched in a boarder town.
@@pegtooth2006 Then again, we Americans failed at "liberating" Canada twice.
If there's one thing us Germans have learned it's that the Canadians might be super nice to you, but if you piss them off you better run fast and far or you're completely screwed
@@BHuang92 We aren’t liberated.
We still pay England tribute.
@@whereswaldo5740 we dont want, nor need liberation
Greetings from the US. I’ve worn a poppy(had to go to an artificial flower store to find one) to work the last work day before 11/11, and none knew what it was for.
The American effort in the Great War was relatively short compared to the other Allies and was soon forgotten. None are now alive who served.
God bless them all.
It's ironic because the custom began in the States by Moina Michael.
Fittingly, the last surviving WWI veteran was Florence Green. Whose name could be interpreted to mean "blossoming field". A bitter sweet coincidence in homage of the poppies of Flanders Fields.
I’m Canadian; I wear both a red poppy to remember Commonwealth/Allied veterans, and a white peace poppy for all those who suffer from war. We wear them prior to Remembrance/Armistice Day, November 11. www.ppu.org.uk/remembrance-white-poppies
In Franc ethe flower is the Forget Me Not. Blue is the French National Colour , and the colour of the French Armies coats at the time.
@@51WCDodge -Thank you. Very interesting. Forget-me-not closest to the horizon blue of the uniform.
The poppy worn on Nov 11, Remembrance Day is so common here in Canada I forget many nations might not do the same. Thank you for remembering Canada's contribution.
It's done down here in the States, But it's done on Memorial Day (As that day is for remembering those lost in war). November 11 here is "Veteran's Day" which honors all Veterans. We remember Canada's contributions as an ally in all conflicts. If you ask the average American who our best Allies are the answer is almost always Canada and England. 👍😊👍
One of the few poems that I know by heart. Each year, about 2 weeks before Armistice day, I don my plastic poppy, A new one each as the donations go to the War Amps of Canada. On remembrance day, I go to the small cenotaph in Kew Garden in Toronto where there is a local ceremony complete with soldiers in period uniform and pipers and a bugler for the Last Post and Flanders field is read. Theer is also a beautiful choral rendition of Flanders Field. At the end of the ceremony I take my poppy and place it on the now bewreathed cenotaph wich becomes covered in poppies. This is a cerimony that is repeated in towns and villages across Canada. On the visor of my car I have St. Chistopher on one side and on the other, a poppy. Lest I forget. Thank you History Guy.
Great video, Canada's involvement in WW1 definitely shouldn't be understated
Canada’s involvement in wars around the world to this day should not be underestimated or unappreciated. They really have had no dog in the fight yet they have willingly made themselves available. It show a profound love of themselves and for others.
I wish the ‘war to end all wars’ could have been just that.
Non-Canadian
@@piltdownman2151 Thank you for your kind comments.
Over 600000 served overseas, many more served at home. With a total population of only 8 million one has only to divide by 2, and then by 2 again, to account for fighting age, to really calculate the extent of Canadian participation. It is no wonder every small town in Canada to this day contains a neatly manicured cenotaph not yet forgotten to time.
@@scottmccambley764 I too was struck by the extent of the participation and also initially divided by two to get 4MM males. But then thought, probably a good number of women served too. Nevertheless, however calculated, it's still an impressive ratio. Good on Canada!
From an old but very proud Canadian; Thankyou! Brian 80
I see The History Guy, and Flanders Fields. I know Lance is going to make me cry, again. I click instantly. Thank you for doing what you do my friend.
Same.
Hear, hear!
😢 you and me both
got me on flanders fields
He makes me cry more than I wish to admit.
My broken record continues, Sir, your ability to stop me, and force gratitude from within me knows no bounds, I am a mere 58 years on this plane, and have had many a poppy from veterans in my hand, after. Hearing their story, I’ve often hung it in my car, but never knew why they choose the poppy...Now that I know, thanks to you...I’ll never look at it the same. Peace to the good men and women from our nation to the north....Canada, the best neighbor any nation could ask for.
We love our neighbours South of the border, too!
I'm a veteran and my grandfather and great grandfather were. My great grandfather served as a medic in WW1 in the Canadian army. This video was very moving. I've lost a lot of friends and I think it's very important for people to understand the cost of war. Thank you
I as well. My maternal Grandfather was 15 when he signed up against the German's, his mother served as a Nurse in Britain and his father from Malta served many campaigns. I am a decorated Medic Veteran for Canada.
I grew up in the American Legion hall here in small town Iowa. As a kid I was thrilled to see my Dad marching with the colors at the front of every 4th of July parade. To this day my heart warms when I go to the store and see the VFW ladies at their little card table selling paper poppies. I have a bouquet of them hanging from my truck's mirror.
Funny enough, it all started in the US. Didn't get to Britian till about 1921, so thise year is the Centenary.
🤔 Colonel McRae was just one of so many lost to humanity and civilised society through war. His poem is so moving it is almost impossible to hear without becoming tearful. Never Forget💐.
I've visted the Essex Farm ADS where he was posted. Think of a slightly oversized Concrete coal shed, about fifteen feet deep , seven or eight high and about four wide. Three of them side by side dug into a bank . On once side the Yeser canal, the other is now the road.In front about another four to six feet a bank about ten feet high. Behind you what is now Essex Farm CWWG cemetery. Now add darknes cold, and enemy shells .
@@51WCDodge 😢 How anyone could treat casualties under such conditions is beyond my understanding. I am for ever humbled by these men and women. Their courage in the face of appalling violence is magnificent.There is no honour sufficient to represent what they endured. Never Forget💐.
@@sirmeowthelibrarycat It was extremes , on a good day you could be wounded on the Western Front at 8 am and be back in a UK base hospital by 6 pm. The Royal Army Medical Corp have the majority of VC and Bar holders. There was a very organised evacuation system, One odd fact: In The Commonwealth forces the Stretcher Beares were often the Regimental bandsman, not RAMC personnel so had arm bands marked SB. The German's however the stretcher beares had Red Cross arm bands. According to the Usage Of War, the Red Cross was only dispalyed by Medical Personnel. There was also Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corp, who were posted to feild and base hospitals in France along with the FANY First Aid Nursing Yeomanary.
@@51WCDodge 🤔 Thank you for your reply. I am well aware of all that you describe, as I have studied the Great War for fifty years. I am also a member of the Western Front Association. There is little that has escaped my attention about that calamitous period of history.
@@sirmeowthelibrarycat That's the problem! I got started on the Great War by a certain AR. Don't know wether to thank him or curse him :-) I'm from the Channel Island's so grew up around the results of the WW2 Occupation and the people who taught and influenced me ,a lot experinced it first hand.
Thank you for presenting this. Some of my relatives from my paternal grandmother's family served in the Black Watch of Canada during WW I. All seven (great-grandfather and six great uncles) served throughout the war, and came home safe.
My Grandfather served in the Austrian army on the Eastern front and then the Italian front. At the end of the war he said he asked some Canadians where Canada was ,they said head west and he did.
He then fought in the Canadian army in WW2 and came home from that one .
Congratulations on reciting the poem with the correct rhythm. It seldom gets that treatment, with people reading it line by line.
Yes, beautifully and correctly read. So well done.
Canadians have a war memorial in France near Vimy. They fought bravely at Vimy ridge
We do. It is a beautiful monument and it I the only example ever of Canada being assigned a gender (Motherland, Fatherland, etc). The statue of Mother Canada weeping for her lost sons and daughters is poignant and heartbreaking.
At the going down of the Sun,
And in Morning,
We shall remember Them.
We did indeed - and we took it.
The Vimy memorial alone could have its own episode of THG
Canadians fought bravely where ever they happened to fight; in both world wars.
Never forget that the Vimy War Memorial is not a memorial to those who fell, nor is it a memorial to glory.
It is a Memorial to Grief.
Thank you history guy. I have grown up in Canada and know this story well, however nobody ever presented it to me like you did. Well done mate .
From one U.S. Army Vet to those of Canada. Cherish deep, and remember long those that have gone before, and those yet to depart. Deepest respects to all, this day in May.
I can remember on a cold November evening in 2003 when my unit was performing some training at Nellis AFB in preparation for an upcoming deployment to Iraq, my commander recited to me "In Flanders Fields". He did so with such eloquence and feeling - I could tell that John McCrae's poem meant a great deal to my commander. "In Flanders Field" is truly one of the most beautiful written works ever penned by a military man. Several months before that my commander had selected me as his First Sergeant. We served together on a two Iraqi deployments, as well as back at home for six years. Today we are dear friends, and I consider the moment when he recited In Flanders Field as a very special moment.
My father, rest his soul, a U.S. NAVY veteran, would always display one of those little paper Poppys on the car rearview mirror and sometimes in his lapel on Veterans Day. I miss you and love you Dad.
You're always on my mind and in my heart 💗
Thank you, from a proud Canadian
My late Mom’s favorite poem. I can’t hear it or read it without shedding a tear.
My mother to even until her late 70s and fighting dementia could still recite that poem she had learned as a child
My mother as well. Funny, I grew up in Canada and never realized it was a Canadian author!
Same. I cry everytime
The last surviving veteran of WWI was Florence Green. Whose name means "blossoming field". A bittersweet example of the universe paying its own homage to Flanders Fields.
Essex Farm ADS (Advanced Dressing Station ) where Mc Crae served is on the west side of the canal that runs north from Ipere (Modern Spelling) . Alongside Essex Farm Cemetery. The town is also the site of the Menin Gate.Canadian troops often participate in the Last Post Ceremony there. Mc Crae's brother was surgeoun in charge at the 16th Ontario Military Hospital Orpington Kent. The hospital is still active. The People of Canada donated for the Maple Leaf block, which still serves the local area. There is also a CWWG cemetry at All Saints Church Orpington,and St Mary Cray Cemetery, about one and halfmiles away. One group not mentioned here , as they were not Canadian at the time, is the Newfoundland Regiment. There maginifecnt memorial is at Beaumont Hamel, on the Somme near Thiepval. For those whose intrest has ben piqued.Try the Western Front Assocoation CZcams channel.
Dutch spelling is Ieper, as this is in Flanders, in the North of Belgium, where Dutch is the main language.
While far from the only battle front of WWI, as a Belgian, it was always tangibly close. There was a French military cemetary in my village, and Ieper is only a relatively short drive away. This meant the area was a natural destination for school trips. When seeing the many graves, it really hits home how gruesome war is. The area is still laden with unexploded ordinance from the time, farmers just line the rural roads with old ammo after ploughing their fields. And yes, sometimes there are gas canisters, too...
Thank you for the history guy. As an American with both great-grandparents from Canada and Son living in Toronto and married to a Canadian, I did not realize how many Canadians served in World War 1. I know they have always been our staunchest Ally. I sure wish we could send them 80 million doses of the vaccine so that my son and daughter-in-law could come here to visit. I think we owe them that at the very least for all of their service and Goodwill. God bless Canada and God bless America
If in the area visit the "hospital" that was used during WW1. Very basic hollow concrete blocks would have been the scene of many horrors.
@@stuartmcpherson1921 Wondefully sited , next door to a stinking canal. But hey! Easy acess over the top to the cemetery. A place to give you the shivvers.
My grandfather was in the 10th Battalion CEF having enlisted in 1914, coming home in 1919. He made it through the war unwounded.
It is worth a visit to Guelph, Ontario to visit John McCrae's home and memorial. My grandfather (Canadian Expeditionary Force) fought in that terrible battle depicted receiving shrapnel wounds as a mounted Signal man laying cables between trenches. Thank you for this excellent summary.
I kept thinking, “please, please don’t let this poet, doctor, warrior die!” And yet, he did, far too young, and very changed by all he’d been through. I’d never heard the brilliant poem before, but it made an impact on me today. Thank you again, THG, for a morning touched with meaningful history.
My paternal Grandfather served in the trenches before being called up for service in WWII. He never spoke a word to me of his service.
On a lighter note, I have noticed your attention to the correct pronunciation of place names. Well done History Guy!
indeed - but I do wish that Lance would get the pronunciation of Commonwealth ranks correct: "leftenant" - not "lootenant" - but it is a small price to pay.
Thanks for the Share. I am a Canadian living in California. I served briefly in the Lorne Scots Militia. This poem was memorized by us all in grade school and I recite what I can a couple times a year. Every November I make and wear a construction paper poppy for my self and my family. On November 11, at 11:11 am I listen to a Version of Flanders field and spend what time I can in thankfulness to those who fought for my freedoms. I vow to research any action under consideration and voice my Opinions heeded or not to ease my mind about those we send into harms way. Thank you for lifting into the American Phyche this powerful tool of rememberance and refection born out of the first hand experiences of the horrors or war.
One of the greatest gifts that I ever received was to NOT have to send my sons off to war. . . and I say that as a Canadian who was born in The Netherlands during the German Occupation
Well said
Canadian parents never had to send their children off to war because we’ve basically never had a draft. Apart from maybe 50,000 or so in 120+ years, every Canadian who ever went into harm’s way from the Boer War to Afghanistan has been a volunteer. Including the ones that liberated NW Europe. Nobody sent them, they went willingly.
today its remembrance day in the netherlands. and we remember those who are fallen. 76 years ago it ended kinda weird to think how quick time goes
@@reccecs4 That is not Quite true. The vast majority of Canadian forces were volunteer but much like other culturally distasteful things, while less than others, it still existed here. www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/life-at-home-during-the-war/recruitment-and-conscription/conscription-1917/
@Henry Luka yeah and get a virus like you thats posting in random comments about the second word war. And someone that had a gift of not sending his kid to war.
Weirdo 😂
Regarding Fred Hall VC. He lived on Pine Street in Winnipeg. On that street two more Victoria Cross recipients lived; Leo Clarke and Robert Shankland. Renamed Valour Road in 1925 it is the only street that hosted three of it's nations highest military award holders. I don't believe that there is another place in the world that can claim such an honor. History that deserves to be remembered (apologies).
The short video tribute: czcams.com/video/Tao7ma4jxUQ/video.html
My Grandfather was from Malta but had come to the U.S. as a young man. During WW1, he left the U.S. and went to Canada and served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France and Belgium. After the war, he returned to the U.S. where he started a family and lived the rest of his life.
At the annual meeting of the United States Cavalry Association one of the members reads "In Flanders Fields" followed by the names of the members who have passed since the last meeting. It never fails to move me to tears.
Hello to all the history buffs out there from Guelph, Ontario in Canada. Come visit John McCrae's house if you ever find yourselves in the area.
My Mom and her family came from Elora, not far away.
Thank you for this. My great uncle was killed in the Battle of Amiens in August, 1918. He was 20 years old. We visited his grave in France, 100 years later, to the very day. It was a very moving experience. This Canuck salutes you.
My great granduncle also fought and died in the Battle of Amiens. He was serving in the British 4th Hussars (The Queen's Own) Cavalry Regiment when he was killed in action on 10 Aug 1918. He's buried there in France. I actually have another great granduncle who fought with the South Staffordshire Regiment and was killed in action on 03 Oct 1917. He's buried in Flanders Fields.
The story of when and how this epic poem was written is something that I never knew, but it sharpens the edge of the meaning behind the words and deepens my understanding of John McCrae's thoughts, that I for one shall never forget. Thank you.
Loook up Essex Farm ADS, which is where he was based, The story of how the Poppy came to symbolise Remeberance is also a story worth telling. Started in US, went to Canada thgen back to England in 1921. In France the flower is the ForgetMe Not.Often on the Western Front you will find clumps of both planted together, and a lot of Maple Trees. Blue being the National Colour and the coats of the Poilu (Hairy) ones, as French soldiers were known at the time.
My Seventh Grade English teacher, Mrs
Phelps, introduced me to poetry with Flanders Field and The Highwayman and The Raven in quoting these passionately to the class. I still enjoy those memories 50 years later! God bless you Mrs. Phelps, wherever you are! Good vid. Keep at it!
I was just at the WWI museum in Kansas City. Highly recommended. I could have spent 3 days in there and not seen everything.
I learned this poem in primary school back in the 60's when Canada's flag was still the union jack and our daily morning anthem was God Save the Queen. We were required to recite this poem by heart every year on Nov 11. Your recitation was excellent. Thank you for those memories. 🇨🇦
Canada's flag was never the Union Jack. The Red Ensign was a just a British Navy flag that had different coats of arms on it at different times. The flag that Canadian soldiers fought under during the First World War was different from the flag that their sons fought under during the Second World War and that in turn was different from the ensign that was finally replaced with a truly Canadian flag in 1965. None of the various Red Ensigns was ever the de jure flag of Canada, it was just the de facto flag. I went to primary school here in Ontario in the 1960s and I'm very proud that we adopted our own flag when I was four years old.
@@Richard-on7xk Chances are she didn't know exactly what the Ensign was called. Though it is ignorant to a degree I get where it's coming from.
@@PaulRudd1941
I get where it's coming from too.
I'm a sixth-generation Canadian and I'm very glad that we finally adopted a flag that represents us and not the Brits.
Interestingly enough, the idea of Canadians redesigning a flag for ourselves originally appeared in the 1920s after the First World War. It got bogged down in Parliament and then came the Dirty Thirties, another world war, Korea, the Suez Crisis (which played a role in adopting a Canadian flag) and then finally we did it, a flag designed by Canadians!
My dad was VFW (Philippines WWII, Army) Post Commander for a few years in my Kentucky hometown in the 50s. I remember the "poppy drives". He'd make a donation in each family member's name for the red crepe paper green wire stem poppy. Mother would pin them on our good clothes for church every Sunday for one month. We were taught the significance so we kept them in our personal treasure shoebox. Now long ago with lost treasures but not lost memories. I remember the "wheelchair" basketball games at the local armory. "Every" player had to be in a wheelchair. The physically impaired always won when playing the physically fit.
You might be from Kentucky, but you were following a Canadian tradition, and those boys in wheelchairs were playing a Canadian game! In some sense, I guess you're a little more Canadian at heart then you might have realized ;)
@@K1ddkanuck : No part of me is Canadian, don't want to be and never will be Canadian. I was born 1950. When my dad was in the VFW I was a child. I now know the history of WWI and WWII. The United States gave many lives and resources in both wars to keep Britain (Canada), France, Italy, Germany and all of Europe from the fate of Socialism. At the time Canada was a separate country but obliged to the British Crown until 1982 (two countries, one rule). Without the USA you would not now be Canadian. Canada cannot defend itself to this day. The celebration of "remembrance day" and the symbolic "poppy" is therefore universal no matter the beginnings. You probably support Trudeau (socialism). I support Donald Trump and the United States of America. Stuff your dumb reply.
As a Canadian, I am proud that you so eloquently told the story of Lt Col McRae and of the circumstances surrounding the writing of this powerful, beautiful and sad poem. Every time I see a documentary about the Great War, I am saddened by the sacrifice of so many, including members of my own family... and proud of how brave their sacrifice was. Thank you.
@David Single Would have been nice to stay on topic, and nowhere was China mentioned . Your comments are ill advised.
Wonderful video. I'm from Col. McCrae's home town and served in the same militia unit in my youth. Thank you.
In Flanders Fields and John McCrae make me proud to be Canadian, I have so much to be thankful for knowing that I live in a country that is as safe as Canada. Canada may not be as perfect as so many try to paint it to be, but there are few other places in the world that I would rather be from. Thank you for this video.
Very well said Jayson Taylor , I wholeheartedly agree !!
@Walter King You, my friend, are an embarrassment to Great Britain.
P.S. I hope that someday you'll learn to write proper English.
@Walter King
Given your use of Americanisms I'm beginning to wonder if you even are British. Anyway, you're definitely a child. When you're older you'll realize what a fool you've made of yourself on this and many other occasions. Stay safe, son, and try not to say anything _too_ embarrassing.
P.S. Work on your use of punctuation, this is important in English.
I have two great uncles buried in Europe. One in Villers, France and another in Ypres, Belgium. My grandparents talked about their lost siblings often.
I can assure you that the cemetries and memeorials are revered by those who live there.
Here in Kansas City, we have the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial. One week in June, they do a program called "Taps at the Tower". At sundown, a color guard is presented, along with a wreath presentation in front of the Memorial, and then a reading of either "Flanders' Fields" or Binyon's "For the Fallen". Then a bugler plays Taps in the twilight.
"Flanders' Fields" is also printed in one of the hand outs that the musuem gives visitors everytime they enter, along with a short description of Lt. Col. McRae's life.
A topic that's always been close to my heart. On my wall hangs my great grandfather's discharge certificate from post WW1.
He was a railway engineer his whole life and was deemed essential until the draft finally caught up with him in August of 1918. By the time he was on the troop ship at sea to France the war had ended and he spent his tour as an occupying and engineering force. Once he got back home to North Bay, Ontario, it was back to the rails.
You may find this intresting. czcams.com/video/fu_VBDDcLFY/video.html
There is an excellent Great War film done by wonderful Canadian actor and director and producer, Paul Gross: Passchendaele
Every Canadian schoolchild learned "In Flander's Fields" by heart. Don't know if they still do, part of the process of collectively forgetting, I think.
To our Deprament!
Thanks so much for sharing Lt.Col. McCrae's touching poem. Every Canadian school kid hears it each year on November 11 which we call Remembrance Day. It is great to hear it once again and learn more about its history on the anniversary of the day it was written.
One can never remember the sacrifices of our forefathers (and mothers) too often, in my view.
I must tell you all that if you ever get an opportunity to visit Ypres or the French city of Arras which is very close to Vimy Ridge, you will find numerous Commonwealth War Cemeteries dotting the area. You will no doubt be stunned by the hundreds of neat graves - all listing men who died on the same day - and you will likely be alone when you visit them as these places are quiet and lonely now.
....and you will likely cry.
Thank you. Canada's contributions, and those of its sons and daughters, is often overlooked. That was then but our loyalty to our friends and there causes extends to now as well.
You aint a real Canadian if you can't read this poem along from memory. I know I can. What a masterpiece.
Thank you for that history I never knew. I am 52 year old veteran, while I did know the poppy was token of remembrance. When I was young I could never get anyone to tell me why, my teachers just said it had to do with war.
The Corn Poppy is a weed. It grows on brocken disturbed land. It was about the only thing that could grow.
My mother’s father left his wife and 2 young daughters behind to join the American Ambulance Corps (same one as Hemingway, but no evidence they ever met) during WWI. He came back after the war and rejoined the volunteer fire department. I never knew him as he died before I was born. His eldest son, my uncle, went on to be a combat medic in WWII. I later became a volunteer EMT. I guess it runs in the family.
Your story brought me to tears.
Although i know the verse well, I was unaware of its provenance.
I would ask, therefore, for you to turn your sympathetic and insightful eye on Charles Upham, VC and Bar..
A man reputed to have deserved the VC ‘six times over’.
I’d love to hear about “Camp X” in Canada.
Shhhhh
ExPFC Wintergreen v2.0 Ah yes! “Loose lips..,” and all that.
@@howdyahworkthisthing1520 THE GOOSE FLIES SOUTH AT MIDNIGHT 😉
You had me immediately at Flanders Fields... Thank you
Same here.
We learned this wonderful poem, "In Flanders Field", in High School. Our English teacher was unique, especially for a small Southern town like Kinston, NC. She influenced the Boy and Girl Scout troops to give out red poppies with the VFW volunteers each year. No one ever mentioned the Canadian connection...this is a great memory for me as well as continued learning. She would have loved you, History Guy.
Excellent! The artificial poppies planted under the glass bridge at the entrance of the WWI Museum in Kansas City are very moving as is the poem. Thank you!
My MacKenzie Grandparents met during the Great War. George MacKenzie was a soldier in the Canadian army, and Cecile McKibben was a nurse in the field. Their son Hugh was lost in a RCAF bomber in WWII, and my Mum got to go to university and med school, because of her WWII RCAF service.
Was just talking about this with my grandfather yesterday; my great grandfather was an artillery gunner in WW1, he survived a mustard gas attack and stayed in the war, between my great grandmothers and great grandfathers siblings, 7 men went to war, all 7 survived and made it back to Canada.
Nice to see Canadians getting some love ❤️
John McCrae was from my city, Guelph, Ontario. His childhood home is a heritage site and small museum, been there many times as a kid on field trips in elementary school. Unfortunately as far as I'm aware kids don't go there very often anymore. For sure deserves to be remembered!
Great episode. Thanks for telling the story of this Canadian hero.
🇨🇦Thanks
Thank you very kindly for this Canadian segment. I also appreciated your passionate reading of In Flanders Field by a member of my family John McRare
My Grandfather, James Baird Thorneycroft Montgomerie, survived Ypres, Vimy Ridge and other battles while serving with the 42nd Battalion of the CEF in the Canadian Black Watch. He received a bar to his MC (amongst his other citations) for leading a platoon into Mons, Belgium on the night of November 10th, 1918 just hours before the armistice was signed. Taking heavy casualties, they secured the bridgeheads into Mons for the liberating forces following. He survived that one too. Thanks History Guy for remembering this bit of history. It and he certainly deserve remembering.
It’s nice to have a clear understanding of the red poppies that dress the ribbon ties that are handed out for donations for our Vet’s. Thank you History Guy because it’s sad to think it’s taken so long to be brought this poetic information that holds such relevance.
This history used to be taught in Canadian schools, but isn't so much any more, because teachers these days suck for the most part.
@@gatekeeper65 - no one wants to teach the horrors of war because then you will have demonstrations against war as with the Vietnam war. Then countries will need to implement draft’s and we all know who gets stuck being drafted?
@@MrWATCHthisWAY someone once said "he who forgets his past is doomed to repeat them"
gatekeeper has a point... the whole point of teaching kids of the war is to show HEY this was a HUGE mistake dont forget. dont repeat.
now you have kids who have NO idea the freedoms they have are from those people...
please critical thinking is a lost thing it seems
@@fatesDeath - critical thinking is paramount for a society to progress and that’s why I believe history should be taught even the history ones society would rather forget it ever happened. These are the lessons that young minds should know, as you mentioned to avoid making again. But that is not always the case. Just look at us in the US. Eyes wide shut.
@@MrWATCHthisWAY depends how you look at the US..."critical race theory" all the race baiting, the sjw's calling everyone natzis...
what used to be the repubicians trying to shut people down because of religion ...
its now flipped and you have the far leftys. who are shutting people down and ignoring the past "antifa" ones who helped cause alot of strife in the last 15 years... prod boys were made BECAUSE of the groups antifa
but there IS antifa groups and they go arround being the fascists and yes they are
is the militia side of the democrat party.... sorry not sorry. you can claim that about the proud boys.. though i can show you 900 more times antifa caused a fight or decided to break something or hurt someone or try to shut someone down LIKE A FACIST
because they can .... cover thier face and f punch people you disagree with .. NOT OK
the religion of WOKE says do as the mob says or face the music.... i dont agree with those movments or ideas
and yes the woke mob wants to destroy what IS, the usa/canada to stand on top of a rubble pile and claim they won.. won what a heap of chaos and whats left of us?
usa isnt perfect but compared to a shit ton of other countrys its farrr better by miles.... if it was the worst thing to exist you wouldnt have millions of people crossing illegally into the usa..... because you do not see people dying to enter africia....... or some other war/drug fueled place... yes usa has alot to do with those issues.... but thats for another time
hope you have a good day =)
Hey History Guy! You should do a story of the “Battle of Medak Pocket” where Canadian peace keeping troops in Western Croatia held off overwhelming Croatian forces who where bent on movin into their positions and continuing their genocide of the Serbian people. We said “not today your not!”. They had artillery, mortars,20 mm chain guns, Sager anti tank missiles and rifles light and heavy. We had rifles, Ma Deuce and some TOW missiles on a few M113apc’s. There were 900 Canadians standing against 6000 Croatians. Its a forgotten battle in Canadian military history. Post script: majority of the Canadian troops were just reservists supporting a minority of professional soldiers. Yup our B Team is pretty bad ass too.
Having grown up in Canada, the poem was taught to us in our literature books in school. For some reason I remembered the author as being Siegfried Sassoon. Thank you for reminding me.
My grandparents were Canadian and moved to the states in the 20s. I would not be surprised if my mother's cousins and their children knew "In Flanders Field" as we knew the Pledge of Allegiance.
There are more than a few great war poets that deserve reading, including Seigfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke and Winfield Owen...
@@orno8906
Sassoon wrote some very angry poems about the British press and politicians.
I am British but I have Canadian relatives and having visited the battlefields of the Great War and WEII I can honestly say that the sacrifice of so many brave Canadians can never be underestimated - whilst they came from a sparsely populated land they fought with the courage of armies much larger. Canada The Brave, ever more
"In Flanders Fields" was recited at every Remembrance Day ceremony in every school in every year of my educational life in Canada. It is an icon of Canadian Remembrance. My father-in-law was an Army General assigned to NATO headquarters in Belgium and every year, he led the troops of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in the Nation's Capital, Ottawa to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His eyes would tear up at the recitation of the poem. Having seen the fields of poppies still in Flanders, it is a powerful moving poem for me. Thank you Lance.
Had to memorize it back in high school in 1980... Back when history mattered.
Thank you. This is a thoughtful presentation delivered with respect, care and detail.
Thank you. A good piece and a first-rate recitation of Flanders Fields. If you'd like more on Canada's contribution to the Great War I refer you to Pierre Berton's Vimy. We don't often toot our own horn but Berton's book made me especially proud to be a Canadian.
Growing up I can only remember two poems and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address that I had to memorize in school. One was "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" and the other "On Flanders Fields." I never knew the back story until now.. Thank you for this video. After all of these years, to quote Paul Harvey, "I now know the rest of the story!"
least we forget those who have fallen that have gone before us in the great struggle. Thank you for Remembering
Proud Canadian serviceman right here.
When I was a child, my Grandma always bought use poppies from the local VFW for Memorial Day. It wasn't until I was thirteen and involved with our church's Bicentennial celebration that I first heard "In Flanders Fields" and understood the the symbolism. It has become my favorite poem, and the only one I ever memorized. I can't hear it without tearing up a little. Thank you so much for covering the story of Lt. Colonel John McCrae.
Not far from me, here in London Ontario, is a rock on Simcoe street ,where the old elementary school was. 28 names of kids who graduated and lost their lives in WWI. One school, in one small neighbourhood, in what was then a small town. And in so many small towns across Canada, there are memorials. I always try to search them out, read the names, count them, and think back to how small the population was at the time. It's hard not to get emotional. While many channels and sources like this are now recognizing the contributions of Canadian Forces in both World Wars, and a lesser extent Korea, little attention is paid to the deep scars on the Canadian psyche post WWI. I knew a writer, of some note, older than me and now passed on. She had an elderly Aunt from a small town in Saskatchewan who never married. She asked her Aunt why: "All the men my age had died in the war."
Sadness of war. Great video
The sacrifice of the wounded and dead of WWI are immortalized by this poem. Everytime I hear or read it I weep. What greater memorial could be offered to the multitude of casualties cannot be found. It is a shame that the memory of the lost is fading.
I first memorized In Flanders Fields for a Remembrance Day recitation in sixth grade... I was 12. That was 42 years ago. I remember it as clearly today as I did then. I have recited it on many a Remembrance Day since. It reminds me of the sacrifices made by my own family members over the past hundred and seven years; my maternal grandfather (RFC, WW1) and step-grandfather (Seaforth Highlanders, 1st Bttn., WW1), my uncle Fred (RN, HMS Prince of Wales, WW2), and my dad (RCAF, Cold War) as well as family friend Johnny L. (1stSSF, WW2)... men who risked everything and, though all survived their respective conflicts, lost much.
The Great War was the greatest folly in human history.
Thank-you, History Guy, thank you.
Love them Canadians
Thank you for the rich Canadian history. I love and am very proud of my country ❤️
Have you done a video on Canada's efforts at Vimy Ridge? I should look. There are so many great and humble Canadian contributions in the two wars.
THANK YOU HISTORY GUY!!!!
The greatest thing I've done in my life is to die knowing I "took up the quarrel with these men's foe."
I'm proud to say I served in the military that these brave brothers AND sisters fought bleed and died for to create and forge our nations independence. (All be it they didn't know this at the time)
I am PROUD to say I'm a "CANADIAN MILITARY VETERAN" A veteran of in my opinion the GREATEST military to exist to this day.
Dr. Osler, a founder of Johns Hopkins university, is also worthy of an episode. His son was following in his big steps when he died in the Great War.
I knew the poem, I knew it had some connection to the war... But I didn't know of this story. Thank you once again for keeping history alive, and for helping us all remember
Thank you for this piece, it is a significant piece of Canadian content. On Remembrance Day when I was in school (here in Canada) that poem was always read at some point. It has also been part of many Remembrance Day ceremonies I have been to.
Thank you for showing this poem the reverence it deserves.
Here in Canada, virtually any school - age child, and most adults, can recite that poem from memory.
They say that The Great War was when Canada truly became a country. The Canadian Corps was often tasked with assignments that other armies had't been able to succeed with. The most famous of this was Vimy Ridge ( that would be another good one for to cover sometime. ).
In the latter half of the war, the Germans began to recognize that if there were a build-up of Canadian troops somewhere in the line, they were about to get hit hard, and would strengthen their lines accordingly. The Canadians were thought of as " Shock Troops" by the Germans.
They also referred to the as Storm Troopers.
As far as I know, and I'm not a historian by any means, the Canadian Corps succeeded with every assignment they were given. Especially when Haig finally allowed the entire command structure to also be Canadian, and not commanded by British officers as it had been earlier in the war.
I think you will also find that they were all volunteers.
Including my Great Uncle, Cpl George Houghton. He was wounded twice before ( the 2nd one could have sent him home if he chose to do so - but he didn't ), but was still part of the Canadian forces at Vimy Ridge.
He was wounded there a third time, but died in hospital a week later, of infection. I still have some of his personal belongings.
We will remember them.
The soldier that suggested using urine-soaked handkerchiefs was also from Toronto, in civilian life he had worked at the RC Harris water treatment plant, which still stands in the same spot at the eastern end of Queen Street East in the Toronto neighbourhood of The Beaches. It was his knowledge of chlorine that came from working at the plant that led to that insight and allowed the Canadians to hold the line.
One can still visit the plant which is a marvellous piece of art-deco architecture on the shores of Lake Ontario. Once things get back to normal there is an annual event in Toronto called Doors Open where you can actually tour the inner workings of the plant (but be warned, the place STINKS, so if you have a weak stomach don't go inside, but then you miss some beautiful art-deco architecture).
I am Canadian we had to memorize that poem in school. Still remember it.
Then I was right. All my Canadian aunts, uncles and cousins knew this like I knew the Pledge of Alleigance.
Thank you Sir for an excellent retelling of this story. As a Canadian soldier the story is well known to us but it is heartening to see it reaches beyond Canada and still holds sway all these years later.
Thank you very much for this. Every day I go for a walk in the Woodlawn cemetery here in Guelph Ontario where I live and is the birthplace of John McRae. When I pass John McRae‘s grave and memorial which is there I have to stop and say thank you. You see my grandfather Corporal James McLeish was in Ypres when John McRae was serving there. Just want to say thank you to him for his poem which honours all the soldiers that served there
Thank you Sir for this post. Flanders and the poppy are part of the fabric of Canada.
As a young Canadian I struggled with the concept of war memorials being too young to have known the experience of truly being witness to such events. In time I learned to understand and honour these souls and not to judge them from my time and place.
It is said often here that Americans only know American history. Proof is here that that isn't so. May the souls of all of those who died for our freedoms rest forever in peace regardless of where they hailed from.
May those younger than I learn to understand the sacrifices as well.
This is an excellent telling of our story and I'll remember to share it next November with the younger ones in my life.
Thank you.
Thank you!
In Spring 2003, I was serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in northern Belgium. We are assigned a partner to be with us all the time. My partner during that time was a Canadian. We both had a lot of interest in visiting some of the World War I sites on our off day. There was an older Belgian man who was very kind and agreed to bring us to many of the memorials and graveyards, including Ypres. I had learned Flanders Fields poem in school, but had forgotten it long ago (I'm from the USA). My partner, being a wonderful Canadian, had not and taught it to me again. I learned a great deal from him and the Belgian gentleman. I developed a healthy and deep respect for Canadians and their proud heritage. It was a wonderful experience to be there with the poppies growing and to reflect on the sacrifices that were made. Thank you Canada for being our great ally and friend, even though we may not always appreciate or recognize it.
My great grandfather served as a Sergeant in the Canadian Army Expeditionary Force in World War One, prior to that he was a British Calvaryman in the Boer Wars, luckily he survived the war, and I have his effects that include his diary, paybook, will, dog tag, a few pictures from overseas, uniform parts, medals, and multiple papers and other items.
Thanks for your story on them.